The Signal spring '12 No. 2

A Debating ‘Thrilla in Manila’

Students debate at championship in the Phillipines See Features page 11

tcnjsignal.net

‘The Simpsons’ writer Mike Reiss speaks at the College

Read about his lecture on the award-winning show!

See A&E page 15

The College of New Jersey Student Newspaper since 1885

Vol. CXXXVI.

January 25, 2012

No. 2

KatManDu will close

By Brianna Gunter Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy of Andrew Bak

Chiddy Bang tear up Kendall

By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor

In this year’s highly-anticipated Welcome Back Concert sponsored by the College Union Board, Chiddy Bang brought it like few rap groups can with an interactive fan experience and a fresh sound.

The event was held on Kendall Hall Main Stage to a near-capacity crowd, and although the venue was small, it created an electric atmosphere while Chiddy and Xaphoon Jones — the members of Chiddy Bang — rocked the stage.

The duo brought its upbeat, energetic brand of hip-hop to Kendall, complete with Xaphoon playing the drums live for the band’s set. Chiddy, the band’s lyricist, kept the crowd engaged, frequently getting everyone to put their hands up and get into the infectious lyrics and beats.

Popular nightclub and restaurant KatManDu was packed last Thursday night, as its younger patrons gathered to celebrate the last “college night” for a while. The Trenton club came under new ownership late last year, and officials announced on Jan. 13 that it is closing for renovations. When it reopens, the beloved nighttime hotspot will have a new look and a new name.

“KatManDu transformed and changed with the times, but, like everything else, all good things come to an end,” an announcement on the club’s website read.

The announcement also extends an open invitation to its farewell party tomorrow night on Thursday, Jan. 26. Despite rumors of a large cover charge, a post on KatManDu’s Facebook page Jan. 20 said that there will be no cover until 8 p.m., from which there will be an admittance charge of $10. However, those with a college ID card will only have to pay $5 after 8 p.m. The

post also said that the cover “might increase after 11:30 p.m.”

“The new concept will still be a restaurant, bar and nightclub along with a banquet facility, and we will have a complete upgraded facility,” said Joe Surdo, the club’s director of marketing.

Patrons who attend the farewell party tomorrow night will be given a preview of the new concept, according to the website.

Surdo also said the club was bought out in November. An article from Nov. 14 on NJ.com said a sale was imminent as KatManDu has faced financial troubles since 2004, and had run up $100,000 in unpaid rent.

While the Trenton/Ewing area is not without other nightclubs, restaurants and bars, KatManDu has been unique since its opening in 1997. According to the club’s initial real estate developer’s website (silverandharting.com), KatManDu was constructed for $3.5 million from Trenton’s abandoned Copper Iron Works building on the Delaware River. see CLUB page 13

see CHIDDY page 15

Seth Meyers to bring laughs

At the Chiddy Bang concert, the College Union Board announced that Seth Meyers, best known for his work as head writer for “Saturday Night Live,” will be headlining CUB’s spring comedy show.

Seth Meyers has also appeared in major motion pictures, including “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist.

Further information about CUB’s comedy show has yet to be announced.

AP Photo

Kelly Johnson / News Editor

KatManDu is scheduled to close down for renovations on Jan. 13.

The Trenton club was bought out in November.

The College receives ‘AA’ rating for financial management

By Tom Ciccone New Editor

Like many of its students, the College is getting some good grades.

Fitch Ratings, an international rating agency that provides independent financial rating opinions, recently affirmed a “AA” rating on New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority revenue bonds that were issued on behalf of the College.

The $363.3 million dollars in NJEFA bonds were given a “Rating Outlook” of “Stable,” noting that they are payable “from legally available funds.”

According to the Fitch Ratings report that was originally issued on Dec. 14, the “AA” rating is essentially a positive one, reflecting the College’s consistently positive operating

margin, strong demand and moderating financial leverage.

The report not only comments on the College’s prudent financial management and resulting stability, but also on how solid demand for enrollment has given the College financial flexibility.

Freshman applications grew 7.2 percent for the fall 2010 class, allowing the College to increase its incoming class size by 11 percent, or just over 1,400 students, without a serious impact on selectivity, the report said.

The increase in revenue from a higher rate of student enrollment allowed the College to respond to a 6 percent cut in base state appropriations for the fiscal 2011 year. The report also said the College administrators had planned for a decrease in the size of the incoming fall 2011 class, yet at 1,371 it

remains above those of previous years.

Despite the increase in incoming class sizes, the College is still considered one of the most selective public universities in N.J., having an acceptance rate just below 50 percent of applicants, the report said.

The report also mentions the average SAT scores of incoming classes exceed all other four-year public colleges in New Jersey.

Commenting on the College’s siginificant debt burden, the report noted that it is the highest among public colleges and universities that Fitch has given the “AA” rating to. However, the report also said that the College has generated a sufficient net income to manage its debt obligations.

The College has generated a 4.3 percent margin for the fiscal 2011 year, and while this margin has declined for four years in a row,

the margin remains strong, the report said.

The resulting surpluses have also allowed the College to establish solid reserve levels of available funds that cover 51.2 percent of the fiscal 2011 year’s operating expenses, and while coverage of the College’s long-term debt was weaker at 25.4 percent, this is still an improvement from prior years.

“Fitch expects the cushion will continue to grow as TCNJ generates annual surpluses and limits its future debt financings,” the report said.

The report also mentioned Campus Town, a recent project resulting from a public-private partnership between the College and PRC Group, a private company. According to Fitch Ratings’s report, the project is not expected to have significant credit effects.

Cop Shop is back!

N.J. governor uses proposal

by College professor

Take a look at some fresh stories of alcohol abuse and petty theft See News page 2

Learn about Governor Chris Christie’s new initiative See News page 3

INSIDE Nation & World Editorial Opinions Features Arts & Entertainment Fun Stuff Sports

5 7 9 11 15 20 24

page 2 The Signal January 25, 2012

SFB funds Black History Month celebrations

By Andrew Miller Nation & World Editor

The Student Finance Board granted a total of $12,510.80 to the Black Student Union for three separate events, each of which furthers BSU’s goal to advertise and celebrate Black History Month.

The main event, a Gossip and Retro-Funk fashion show, will include performances by three dance groups.

“The theme of this event is to be yourself,” Stevenson Demorcy, senior mathematics and secondary education double major and BSU’s vice president for special event, said. “One of the dance groups — Vogue Evolutions — is entirely LBGT, which we think will draw more people to the show and further our message.”

Rachel Leva, an international business major and SFB freshman representative said, “I think that the dance crews will really draw people because this fashion show is so different from the typical fashion show.”

SFB allocated $6,360.80 to BSU for this event.

SFB also granted $4,050 to bring Robert Moses to the College. Moses is a renowned civil rights activist, educator and speaker, according to Demorcy.

“He was the former leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee’s (SNCC) Mississippi Project in the 1960s,” Demorcy said. “He also created the Algebra Project, which emphasizes math skills and pedagogy for kids.”

The education and mathematics deans supported bringing Moses to the College, and SFB primarily debated the weight to assign to the deans’ endorsement of the event.

“It’s frustrating when the deans push for

Ashley Long / Photo Editor

SFB Executive Director Alexa Kaminsky, right, and Operations Director Milana Lazareva, left, debated funding BSU’s three-part event. something, but when it’s a good idea, does it matter where the idea came from?” asked Kaminsky, SFB executive director and senior accounting major.

BSU also received $2,100 to bring two actors to the College to perform “Soul of Langston.” “The play describes the life and accomplishments of the poet Langston Hughes,” Demorcy said. “The actors will read his poems, and ultimately demonstrate that he was the person who got African Americans into the media.”

Demorcy argued that the play accurately describes the daily struggles that African Americans have faced, and still face. “This play will be an asset to our Black History Month program,” he said.

Kelsey Norton, a senior accounting major and SFB financial director, expressed her

support for the event. “This event seems really cool. I don’t think that we’ve ever had a oneman play on campus before,” she said.

The Senior Class Council was granted full funding in the amount of $3,265 to bring Tyrese Gibson, an actor known for his performance in “2 Fast 2 Furious,” to the College for a motivational lecture during Senior Week.

Last year, Gibson was supposed to come to the College for Senior Week, but he canceled four days prior to his arrival. Because Gibson breached his contract with the College, he is required to speak for free. The Senior Class Council still needs to pay for his transportation and other miscellaneous fees.

“Originally, Gibson charged $25,000 just to speak, so $3,265 is a great deal,” Bryana Bonfanti, senior class president and

psychology and special education double major, said.

SFB asked the Senior Class Council whether or not the day of the week and time of the event — Monday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. — would affect the number of attendees.

“We are opening up the event to all classes, not just seniors, so we are confident that people will come,” Robert Poss, senior vice president and economics and political science double major, said.

Russian Club asked SFB for $2,000 to bring Timothy Snyder, a history professor at Yale University, to the College to speak about his new book, “Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin.”

“Snyder will talk about a new kind of European history, presenting the mass murders committed by Hitler and Stalin as two aspects of as single history,” Igor Ponomarev, senior international business major and president of Russian Club, said. “Students will be educated about the genocides, and specifically about the quality of life during that time.”

Russian Club estimated the total cost of the event to be $3,400. However, the club raised the remaining cost of $1,400 on its own, making the request to SFB only $2,000.

“I’m really impressed that the club raised that much money on their own,” said Warren Samlin, SFB’s administrative director and senior finance and political science double major.

The expenses included food for a reception, which SFB deemed unnecessary for the event, but still awarded the amount requested.

Kaminsky explained this by saying, “Our money is going to cover some of the cost of bringing the speaker here (a total of $3,000), and so we’re not really paying for the food.”

Drunk student covered in mud, property stolen

By Brendan McGrath Features Editor

A male student whose pants were covered in mud and sweatshirt had pine needles on it was observed stumbling on the sidewalk outside New Residence Hall at 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, according to police records. A Campus Police officer on patrol observed the student and approached him to ask his name. Upon speaking to him, the officer noticed that the student’s eyes were glazy and smelled a strong alcoholic odor emanating from the student’s breath. After evaluating him, Lawrence Township EMS transported him to Hopewell Medical Center. He was issued a summons for underage consumption of alcoholic beverages. …

A female student was found vomiting in the women’s bathroom on the first floor of Eickhoff Hall at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. Lions EMS evaluated the student, and Campus Police issued her a summons for consumption of alcoholic beverages while being underage.

According to reports, the accused student stated that she had consumed two glasses of wine and a shot of rum, and then

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decided that she wanted to go to Eickhoff to have something to eat. …

A door alarm was activated in Decker Hall at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7 and Campus Police dispatched two officers in response. As they were entering the building, the officers observed two men in hooded sweatshirts in the basement, through a window. The officers searched the basement, but the men were no longer there, officers said.

During an exterior search of Decker, the officers saw the men exiting from the front of the building. Both were taken in, and one man was arrested and charged with trespassing. …

Two pairs of Skullcandy headphones, one pair of Bose headphones, a gray Cannon Power Shot digital camera and an electronic charger were reported stolen from a male student’s room in Cromwell Hall between Dec. 15 and Jan. 17, while he was away on winter break, according to Campus Police. Campus Police advised the victim of his rights and

issued him a victim notification form. There are no suspects. …

After losing her iPhone 4 in Lot 4, a female student used her GPS tracking system to locate the phone. After determining that its location was an off-campus residence, the student notified Campus Police at 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Police recovered the phone using this information and returned it to the student, who then observed that it had been wiped clean of its contents. Campus Police returned to the residence and were directed to the College’s track to find the male accused of wiping the phone. Police arrested him and served him a summons for theft. …

A student residing in a house on Pennington Road reported that her black Cannon EOS Rebel XS camera with a telephoto lens was stolen from her house on Wednesday, Jan. 18, according to Campus Police. The student told police that the side door of the residence was unlocked at the time. The camera was last seen during the daytime and upon returning around dinnertime it was missing.

SG plans for semester ahead

By Kelly Johnson News Editor

Student Government announced that it will be taking a look at the key priorities for this semester and will also be analyzing the success of this past year during its meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

SG members went on a retreat this past weekend and identified “ideas and initiatives … for this semester and next semester,” said Olaniyi Solebo, SG president and senior political science major. Solebo will also give a formal State of the Government address on Feb. 1 where he will talk about SG’s goals for the semester, as well as give

an overview of the last calendar year.

SG also announced details of the Senior Real Life series, which will consist of several events for soon-tobe graduating seniors.

A free cooking class will be held on Jan. 30 for seniors. A $5 deposit is required to reserve a spot in the limited class. The class will be football themed and students will learn classic Super Bowl dishes.

On Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, at least two speakers will appear at the College to inform seniors about postgraduation scenarios like managing personal assets, buying and renting an apartment and purchasing an

engagement ring.

Junior history and secondary education double major and vice president for academic affairs, Katie Cugliotta, will be participating in interviews of Provost Candidates as the College works to fill the position.

SG is also actively engaging with College administrators as they are still deciding about housing availability for next year. SG is making sure that students will be informed promptly after a decision is made, according to vice president for advancement and junior marketing and Spanish double major Christina Kopka.

Maymester a practical option for students January 25, 2012 The Signal page 3

By Tom Ciccone News Editor

Photo courtesy of Courtney Polidori

Professor Michele Tarter and her Maymester students pose in front of a landmark in Salem, Mass. during their course last May.

It may seem like a strange time of the year to take another class, but many members of the College community insist Maymester courses are a valuable and convenient option for students.

The College’s 2012 Maymester program will run from May 7 to 24 this year, featuring a wide variety of classes in communication studies, psychology, history, literature and statistics.

Assistant professor of communication studies Susan Ryan will be teaching Languages of Film & Television during the 2012 Maymester. Ryan explained the appeal of Maymester classes.

“It allows students to take classes that fill quickly during the regular semesters,” she said in an email. “It is also good for students who may have had to drop a course during the regular semester and need to make up units in order to graduate on time.”

Jason J. Dahling, assistant professor of psychology, plans to teach PSY 374, an Industrial and Organizational Seminar during the Maymester.

“The Maymester is only

three weeks long, so the course material must be covered faster. However, students generally take only that one course, as opposed to four courses during a regular semester. So things balance out,” Dahling said via email.

While intensive, Maymester classes are a strategic option for upperclass students who wish to spend time abroad but are in need of more credits, Dahling said.

“Another benefit is that the class size is smaller,” he said. “This allows me to interact with students in a more personal manner, as well as to tailor lectures to the needs of individual students. It also permits me to include class activities that I cannot do in a big group.”

“I love teaching (during the) Maymester,” said Michele Tarter, associate professor of English in an email interview. Tarter is scheduled to teach LIT 317, The Witch in Literature, a course focusing on the archetypes of witches and witchcraft in American historical documents and literature.

For graduate student Courtney Polidori, her Maymester course with Tarter was initially intimidating upon first

glance at the syllabus.

“Maymester functions like bootcamp for the brain,” condensing a semester’s worth of work into three weeks, she said.

Polidori also added that any student who “is looking to immerse themselves in a subject, think critically, push themselves academically and meet other students who share their passion for a subject will excel in Maymester.”

Tarter pointed out the benefits of participating in such an intense semester.

“What is particularly wonderful about the Maymester schedule is that this is the only class students are taking,” Tarter said. “As a result, they devote their time and energy to this course — and we get to travel together as well.”

Tarter’s course includes a trip to Salem, Mass., where students spend multiple days researching archives for original documents, visiting museums and taking commercial tours based on the course’s subject material.

“This four-day trip adds so much to our overall syllabus. It is experiential learning at its best, and it wouldn’t be possible without the Maymester opportunity,” Tarter said.

Students advised Gov. uses professor’s idea on rehab to exercise caution

By Kelly Johnson News Editor

By Jamie Primeau Managing Editor Two recently reported instances of suspicious activity at residences on Pennington Road resulted in Campus Police Services sending out a campus-wide alert on Thursday, Jan. 19, encouraging members of the College community to be aware of their surroundings.

An email from College Relations arrived in inboxes at approximately 2:50 p.m. and was shortly followed by an “emergency alert” text message at 2:55 p.m.

The first incident occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 18, according to Stacy Schuster, executive director of college relations.

As explained in the email alert, an unknown male entered a Trenton State College Corporation residence, and when encountered by someone who lived there, he asked about the need for lawn-care services. After being asked if he was affiliated with TSCC, the man left.

According to the College’s website, TSCC “offers rental housing to eligible full-time faculty and staff members of The College of New Jersey. Both singlefamily homes and apartments are available within the housing program.”

Property was reported missing at a residence, also belonging to TSCC, where the side-door had been unlocked, the email said. Schuster confirmed in an email that the property was reported missing on Jan. 19.

“It was the combination of a suspicious entry and the later report of missing property that made us want to alert the community,” Schuster said.

Police are unsure whether the two incidents are related, but concluded the email alert by reminding everyone to lock the doors and windows of vehicles and homes.

Anyone who has further information or becomes aware of any suspicious activity should immediately contact Campus Police at 609-771-2345.

Governor Chris Christie’s conservative notions and stances have caught the attention of many, but he seems to be changing his tone as he is now pushing for mandatory rehabilitation for all non-violent drug offenders instead of jail time, a proposal that emerged from a report written by associate professor of criminology at the College, Bruce Stout.

In his State of the State address last Tuesday, Gov. Christie AP Photo announced, “Every one of God’s creations can be redeemed. N.J. Governor Christie pushed Everyone deserves a second for a new proposal written by chance,” according to an article in Professor Stout last week. the Wall Street Journal on Jan 20.

Specific details of the proposal second chances as long as they have not yet been released, but the haven’t hurt anyone, he said. original report was written by Stout in According to Stout, one out of 2009 while working as senior adviser four N.J. prisoners and non-violent for former Gov. Jon Corzine. offenders and majority of them Stout said have serious that he had addictions. hoped that “Every one of God’s creations The topic Corzine would can be redeemed. Everyone also hits close adopt the idea, home for the deserves a second chance.” to but he had his governor, as “focus and he and his wife — Governor Chris Christie have worked attention on other things.” extensively “ ( G o v. with Daytop Christie) believes in the Village, a drug treatment program effectiveness of treatment … He for teenagers near their home is very supportive of providing in Mendham, according to the treatment to addicts,” Stout said in a professor. phone interview. The governor very One of the advertised benefits of much believes in giving everyone the proposal is the cost effectiveness

of rehabilitating rather than incarcerating. An average of $250 million is spent per year locking up non-violent offenders, Stout said, contesting that treatment would be cheaper and will break the cycle of crime.

Gov. Christie has combined Stout’s proposal with another, more conservative plan. He is pushing to change New Jersey bail laws to keep violent drug offenders off the street while awaiting trial to see if they are determined to be a danger to society or a flight risk, according to the article.

Nevertheless, this new idea could potentially require an amendment in the state’s Constitution, according to Edward Harnett, a constitutional law professor at Seton Hall University of Law in South Orange, N.J. If enacted, the proposal could violate the section of the constitution that gives all defendants the right to post bail.

The proposal is being seen as a reach across the aisle and a step toward bipartisanship as the idea is supported by both Republicans and Democrats.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat who has found himself at odds with Gov. Christie in the past, said, “I’m personally happy he’s talking about second chances,” in the article.

Stout said that he is happy with Gov. Christie’s decision. The new mandate will “save lives, cut crime and reduce costs,” he said, “and that’s a win, win, win.”

page 4 The Signal January 25, 2012

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January 25, 2012 The Signal page 5

Nation & W rld

Rights group asks West to end ‘Arab exception’ N.J. News CAIRO (AP) — Popular uprisings sweeping the Arab world exposed biases by Western governments that supported Arab autocratic rulers for the sake of “stability” while turning a blind eye to their repressive policies, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Sunday.

The New York based group urged democratic governments to adopt persistent and consistent support for peaceful protesters and to press both autocratic rulers and newly emerging democracies to avoid intolerance and seeking revenge.

“The events of the past year show that the forced silence of people living under autocrats should never have been mistaken for popular complacency,” HRW’s executive director Kenneth Roth said. “It is time to end the ‘Arab exception.’”

The Arab Spring revolts began in Tunisia in late 2010 and quickly spread to Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Syria and Bahrain, deposing or challenging authoritarian rulers as citizens who long seemed incapable or unwilling to rise against decades of repression took to the streets in a stunning awakening.

In some ways, the unexpected uprisings amounted to a slap to the United States and other Western governments, which had supported autocratic regimes that served as bulwarks against Islamists hostile to the West and appeared to offer stability in a volatile region.

Western governments also have been accused of being selective in supporting the protesters, with NATO airstrikes proving key to the ouster of slain Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi. Meanwhile, the West has stood largely on the sidelines amid continued crackdowns in Bahrain, Yemen and Syria.

“The people driving the Arab Spring deserve strong international support to realize their rights and to build genuine democracies,” Roth said in the group’s annual report, which covers some 90 countries. He added

Head count on homeless

AP Photo

Protesters chant at a rally honoring those killed in clashes with security forces in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. that the Arab world is in a “transformative moment,” and it will not be an easy one.

HRW pointed to five main issues that dominated the relationship between Western governments and their Arab autocratic friends: the threat of political Islam, the fight against terrorism, support for Israel, protection of the oil flow and cooperation in stemming immigration.

Even after the leaders of Egypt, Libya and Tunisia were toppled, Western governments remained hesitant to lean too hard on other shaky authoritarian leaders, the group said.

As an example, the watchdog group singled out the United States, saying it has been reluctant to “press Egypt’s ruling military council to subject itself to elected civilian rule,” nearly a year after the country’s longtime leader was ousted following an 18-day uprising.

Roth acknowledged Western governments were re-evaluating their policies as new governments emerge in the region, but said changes have been selective.

News Bits

Caving to public pressure, Beijing’s environmental authorities started releasing more detailed air quality data on Saturday that may better reflect how bad the Chinese capital’s air pollution is. But according to one expert, measurements from the first day were low compared with data U.S. officials have been collecting for years. ...

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich came from behind in the South Carolina primaries on Saturday to overtake Mitt Romney in a state that for decades has chosen the eventual Republican nominee. ...

Vilified by the Republicans who want his job, President Barack Obama stood before the nation Tuesday night determined to frame the election-year debate on his terms. He used his State of the Union address to outline a lasting economic recovery plan that will “work for everyone, not just a wealthy few.” ...

A European agency is investigating a multiple sclerosis treatment drug, Gilenya, made by industry giant Novartis to determine whether the medicine played any role in the deaths at least 11 patients.

Courtesy of the Associated Press

“The West has not put Bahrain under pressure, and other monarchs, to carry out reforms,” he told The Associated Press in an interview ahead of the report’s release in Cairo.

The organization also blamed the Western hesitation in part on the ascendence of political Islam in most of the countries that witnessed the fall of their autocratic rulers like Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.

The popular uprisings also have alarmed other repressive regimes such as China, Zimbabwe, North Korea, Ethiopia, Vietnam and Uzbekistan, where rulers were worried about facing similar fates. The group said that China and Russia in particular acted as “obstructionists,” using their veto power at the U.N. security council to halt pressure on Syria to stop killings of protesters.

The group also claimed that even member states of the European Union have violated human rights through restrictive asylum and migration policies.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Social workers and volunteers will fan out across New Jersey this week to survey the homeless and provide them with food, clothes, personal items and social services in what has become an annual winter drive.

The census being conducted Wednesday will not be as robust as last year’s count, which was a biannual survey required by the federal government.

But officials say information gathered in the “point-in-time” look will help them develop plans to provide the homeless with shelter and permanent housing.

Experts say there were about 14,000 homeless people in New Jersey last year — a figure that includes those who were living in temporary housing but still fell under the definition of homeless. In 2009, the state’s homeless population totaled about 13,000.

Christie defends tax cut plan TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie continues to defend his proposal to cut state income taxes by 10 percent across-the-board.

Christie discussed the plan on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday.

Host David Gregory asked Christie how the state could afford the tax cut, noting that Christie scrapped a planned New Jersey-to-Manhattan rail tunnel in 2010 because the state was “broke” and couldn’t afford to pay its share of the $8.7 billion project.

Christie said he was able to deliver balanced budgets — without tax increases — through “very difficult, aggressive” spending cuts.

No Wikipedia? What if the Internet crashed?

WASHINGTON (AP) — If a day without Wikipedia was a bother, think bigger. In this plugged-in world, we would barely be able to cope if the entire Internet went down in a city, state or country for a day or a week.

Sure, we’d survive. People have done it. Countries have, as Egypt did last year during the anti-government protests.

And most of civilization went along until the 1990s without the Internet. But now we’re so intertwined socially, financially and industrially that suddenly going back to the 1980s would hit the world as hard as a natural disaster, experts say.

No email, Twitter or Facebook. No buying online. No stock trades. No justin-time industrial shipping. No real-time tracking of diseases. It’s gotten so that not just the entire Internet but individual websites such as Google are considered critical infrastructure, experts said.

“Nobody would die, but there would be a major hassle,” said computer security expert Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure in Helsinki, Finland.

If an Internet outage lasted more than a day or two, the financial hit would be huge, with mass unemployment, said Ken Mayland, a former chief bank economist and president of ClearView Economics.

Eugene Spafford, director of Purdue University’s Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security, worries about bank runs and general panic.

Psychologically, too, it could be wrenching. “I think it’s easier to get off heroin,” said Lisa Welter of

AP Photo

This image represents the day that Wikipedia shut down to protest the passing of SOPA. New York City, who weaned herself for a month last year from just the social aspects of the Internet — she still paid bills online — and felt as if she was “living in a cave.”

“There would be a sense of loss: What would I do with my time?” said Kimberly Young, a psychologist who directs the Center for Internet Addiction and Recovery.

On Wednesday, certain websites, most prominently Wikipedia, went dark to protest legislation in Congress that would crack down on pirated movies and TV shows. It was a one-day stunt. But it raises questions about our connectedness.

It is possible that hackers, terrorists, accidents or even sunspots could take down the Internet and cause areas to become cut off, said Spafford, one of the foremost experts on computer security.

The U.S. and other developed nations

have multiple and robust routing systems that make it unlikely large areas would be affected, but smaller countries could be vulnerable to nationwide outages, Hypponen said.

The world only has to look back one year to Egypt to see what a sudden unplugging could spawn.

The government of Hosni Mubarak tried to stop protests in January 2011 by switching off the Internet. The shutdown halted businesses, banking operations and — at the height of the demonstrations — the ability of the protest leaders to organize and communicate with one another.

With the shutdown, the protests swelled as people unable to follow minute-by-minute what was going on took to the streets.

“No Internet meant that more people went down and realized that this was for real. The protests grew, and so did the anger against the government domestically and internationally,” Saleh said.

He said that the lack of Internet also allowed him to “live the moment” because he was not distracted with tweeting and posting on Facebook or analyzing the situation. This, he said, strengthened real face-toface connections between people.

Nicholas Christin, associate director of the Information Networking Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, said that while a prolonged Internet outage would be uncomfortable, it might also bring out the best in people.

“I think you would find that people are very resilient,” he said. “We would go back to the libraries.”

page 6 The Signal January 25, 2012

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 7

Editorial

The reality of working retail

In retail, something doesn’t always register between customer and employee, whether that actually is at the register or on the sales floor. There is an unspoken disconnect in the form of common courtesy.

Anyone who works retail, and that is a lot of college students, knows just how mean customers can get. No one is perfect — not an employee and not a customer. However, at times, it feels like customers take advantage, belittle and argue with employees over things that are out of the employee’s control.

Even the nicest of associates have gotten their fair share of glitter short shorts literally thrown in their faces (or maybe that’s just me). Why did this happen? Because AP Photo I asked what size they wanted.

It’s our job to make sure that the customers’ shopping expe- Arts & Entertainment Editor Julia Corbett relays her tales of retails and advice rience is rewarding and that they, in turn, reward us with big on how to make shopping experiences pleasant for all involved. profits and store credit cards by the end of the day. Or at the very least, give us enough revenue to make our managers happy.

Not all customers are mean. A lot of them are nice and willing to, at the very least, tolerate us. Some invite our opinWhat was your first job? ions and advice, but others truly are downright awful.

Here’s the lowdown for all mean customers out there — • Babysitting. employees really don’t care what size you are and we really • Retail. don’t feel like getting on our knees to pull out those size 6 • Working at a restaurant.

“We generally just jeans that you could easily get on your own.

• An office job. seek fun, or I guess My all-time favorite is when customers try to argue with the • I’ve never been employed. fun seeks us.” register, telling employees that we are wrong, when in fact, we are just relaying the information that the system is telling us. cast your vote @ tcnjsignal.net !

— Xaphoon, of hipBasically, when you treat us rudely and whip past us as we hop duo Chiddy try to tell you the deals, we will purposely trail you until you Bang, from CUB’s Previous poll’s results hear every word we have to say. We do what we do because Welcome Back Concert we have to. It is what gets us more hours each week.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

And this bitterness is all coming from a rather nonargumentative person.

• Stress less. 44% The fact of the matter is that we all have to work at some “Whatever this • Find a new hobby. 38% point and most of us wind up in retail at one time or an• Exercise more. 13% ‘new concept’ other. Most people can relate to enduring this conduct.

• I don’t make resolutions. 5% is, it has a lot to No one likes this kind of treatment, but we have to suck it up • Oops! Too late, I already broke mine. 0% and deal with it, unless, of course, the conduct is totally unaclive up to.” ceptable (i.e. screaming customer bitching out the manager).

— Diana Bubser, ‘11 If you treat us nicely, with just an ounce of decency, alumna, on the closing we are glad to return the favor. We’ll probably make your of KatManDu and its shopping experience even more rewarding. future renovation plans I’m not going to lie, before working retail, I hated when tcnjsignal.net an associate pounced on me the minute I walked into a store. I didn’t want to tell her how I was — “Good, thank Mailing Address: Telephone: The Signal Production Rm - (609) 771-2424 you,” was too much talking — and I didn’t want to give c/o Brower Student Center Business Office - (609) 771-2499 “Maymester my email, that also required me to speak too much at the The College of New Jersey Fax: (609) 771-3433 functions like P.O. Box 7718 Email: signal@tcnj.edu register. Now, I sympathize.

Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu bootcamp for The truth is, as many people say, you do not understand retail until you work it. Or at least maybe read this editorial. the brain.”

Editorial Staff So, throw the employee a bone and make up a fake email, Brianna Gunter Ashley Long — graduate student if nothing else. “I don’t have an email address” might be Editor-in-Chief Photo Editor Courtney Polidori the biggest lie of the century. gunter2@tcnj.edu longa1@tcnj.edu Jamie Primeau Sydnee Weinbaum Be courteous and respectful, as I’m sure most of you Managing Editor Production Manager are. And to those select individuals who lack all common primeau2@tcnj.edu Andrew Miller courtesy for the workingman, well, I feel bad for you.

Tom Ciccone Nation & World Editor “Defense is our News Editor Melissa Easaw You never know, your next job could be at the mall bread and butter. tomcasey@live.com Copy Editor this summer.

Kelly Johnson Chris Molicki Our defense has Happy shopping!

News Editor Sports Assistant

The Weekly Poll:

– Julia Corbett, Arts & Entertainment 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.

johns244@tcnj.edu Alex Wolfe Sports Editor wolfea1@tcnj.edu Brendan McGrath Features Editor mcgrat28@tcnj.edu Julia Corbett Arts & Entertainment Editor corbetj3@tcnj.edu Frank Orlich Opinions Editor orlichf1@tcnj.edu

Emilie Lounsberry Advisor Business Staff Dan Lisi Business/Ad Manager Natalie Schiavi Business Assitant

Quotes of the Week

been instrumental this year for our success.”

—senior Kelsey Kutch, who scored her 1,000th point on the women’s basketball team

page 8 The Signal January 25, 2012

You talked. We listened.

Online appointment scheduling has arrived. www.tcnj.edu/healthservices

TCNJ Student Health Services and TCNJ Planned Parenthood Eickhoff 107

GRADUATE PROGRAM IN GENDER STUDIES Announcing a new graduate certificate program in Gender Studies at TCNJ

STRENGTHEN YOUR CAREER POTENTIAL IN A LABOR MARKET INCREASINGLY ORIENTED TOWARD MANAGING ISSUES OF GENDER AND DIVERSITY. The Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies is designed to serve both working professionals and students preparing for further graduate study. It will be especially useful for teachers, who will gain strategies for navigating the gendered terrain of the classroom. The Certificate can be completed on its own or combined with a Masters of Arts in English.

The deadlines to apply for Fall 2012 matriculation are February 1 (priority) and August 1 (final). For further program information, contact Ann Marie Nicolosi, Chair, Women’s and Gender Studies Department, nicolosi@tcnj.edu. An application can be obtained by visiting the Office of Graduate Studies website at http://graduate.pages.tcnj.edu/apply.

http://graduate.pages.tcnj.edu/apply

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 9

Opinions The Signal says ...

Stop: saying Joe Flacco isn’t that good, biting your nails, quoting the discount double check commercial, forgetting your umbrella in the rain.

Caution: overconfident Giants fans thinking it’s 2007, colds going around, a very crowded Eickhoff.

Go: watch Ben Stein speak on campus, console a sad Ravens fan, follow more people on Twitter.

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.

The unintended consequences of SOPA

By Frank Orlich Anyone trying to look up who starred in “Pulp Fiction” or the winner of Super Bowl X last week was disappointed to learn their favorite website for finding that type of information, Wikipedia, was blacked out for the day. Protesting against The Stop Online Privacy Act, Wikipedia prompted its users to think about a world without the popular websites we use regularly.

It’s a troubling thought. a censored web. The most transformative innovation of the last 30 years blocking access to content. Could SOPA really do all that?

SOPA expands the government’s ability to fight online trafficking of copyrighted property and counterfeit goods. SOPA intends to protect the intellectual property rights of content creators, an admirable goal. Intellectual property has been a staple of the American economy since our country’s inception. It has led to the creation of numerous jobs and its innovations have created a more competitive marketplace. Furthermore, protecting intellectual property ensures profits go to innovators, rather than other websites stealing content.

However it is not the goals, but the unintended consequences of the act that have people worried. The law would enable courts to order internet companies, online payment processors, and online advertising networks to block the access of sites merely suspected of allowing the trade of pirated goods.

The fear is that by putting so much power into the court’s hands, by letting them decide what constitutes a rogue site, many legitimate website could be blacked out. In a society that promote free speech and civil liberties above all else, it’s

AP Photo

Last week, Wikipedia blacked its website out in protest of SOPA.

concerning to watch our legislators give judges the authority to arbitrarily stop the flow of information.

This idea of act first and ask questions later is a direct violation of our First Amendment rights. The courts have repeatedly ruled that prior restraint, which is censoring material before it is published, is unconstitutional. Other than in matters affecting national security, it is better for the content to be published and available to society, then censored if need be. And while I do think it is morally wrong and illegal, I do not think it is a threat to our national security to pirate episodes of “How I Met Your Mother.”

Many tech companies, search engines and advertising agencies have spoken out against the bill. “The Internet is the most powerful tool we have for creating a more open and connected world. We can’t let poorly thought out laws get in the way of the Internet’s development,” Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post. Google also showed its disapproval of the act by blacking out its famous logo.

This bill seems very much a battle

between two familiar foes — music and movie producers versus tech websites.

And while the general populous seems to side with tech websites, they still may have something very troubling to worry about. Those websites, including Facebook, Google and Yahoo, spent $14.2 million in 2010 on lobbyists. On the other side of the debate, the Entertainment Industry, including Time Warner, Disney and Comcast spent $185.5 million in 2010 on lobbyists. That stark contrast in funds has many worried about not only SOPA, but future conflicts between these two groups.

SOPA may be well intentioned, and there’s no debate that piracy is an issue that needs reconciling. But limiting free speech and putting more power in the hands of copyright holders is clearly not the answer. The dissemination of information and ideas is at the crux of what the internet is all about. SOPA undermines these intentions. Fortunately, the House Judiciary Committee postponed plans to draft the bill. However, they remain committed to finding a solution to online piracy.

Signal What are your goals for the semester?

Spotlight

“To get good grades” —Andrew Mound, sophomore chemistry major

“To save a puppy from a burning building” —Matt Dwyer, sophomore international business major

“To do well in my classes and get a summer internship” —Matt Vulcz, sophomore finance major

“To have a super fun time living life” —Erin McNaught, sophomore English and special education double major

Test your mental strength and write for The Signal!

Email your opinions to Orlichf1@tcnj.edu AP Photo

AP Photo

page 10 The Signal January 25, 2012

The College of New Jersey Honors Program is pleased to recognize

Laurie Delatour

· Easy to create a team or register as a free agent · View schedules and league standings · Manage team rosters · Schedule team prac�ces · Stay up-to-date with game cancella�ons via team text messages ·Much more!

Recipient of the Honors Program’s Outstanding Scholar Award Fall 2011

www.imleagues.com/tcnj Contact Deborah Simpson at 609-771-2190 or dsimpson@tcnj.edu or Ed Dean at 609-771-2190 or deane@tcnj.edu with any ques�ons.

It’s YOUR TUTORING CENTER For that challenging course… get help from a tutor in…

Raymond Pettibon early drawings

january 25–february 29

reception

Wednesday, January 25, 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Art Gallery, 115 Art & IMM Building

gallery info Tue, Wed, Thu 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Sun 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

609.771.2633 tcag@tcnj.edu www.tcnj.edu/~tcag

101 Roscoe West Hall.

Weekly sessions

Single Session Writing Conferences

Study Groups

Tutoring begins Monday 1/30.

Sign ups MUST be done IN-PERSON starting Monday 1/23 at these times: Mon-Thurs 11 am-1 pm 2-4 pm 5-7pm Fri 11 am-1 pm 2-4 pm For more information, contact us at www.tcnj.edu/~tutoring 609-771-3325

R:\\Tutoring\OUTREACH\SignalAds\Spring Start-up & Sign-up Times

tutoring@tcnj.edu

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 11

Features

Debaters represent College on world stage

By Brendan McGrath Features Editor

The College’s debate team is making its voice heard around the world with a relentless pursuit of success that kept some of its members busy throughout winter break.

Ashley Vogt, junior English major, and Morgan McElroy, junior nursing major, flew to the Philippines to compete in the World University Debate Championship (Worlds) from Dec. 27 – Jan. 4.

“Worlds is the Olympics of debate,” said McElroy, the club’s executive adviser and recording secretary.

“It’s the most competitive international tournament for college debate,” Vogt, the president, added.

TCNJ Debate is starting to establish

itself as a force on the national debate scene even though it is only in its fifth year of existence. After turning in a strong performance on this trip to De La Salle University in Manila, the club has shown it is capable of debating with premier teams from around the world as well.

Approximately 1,400 debaters from 40 different countries participate in Worlds — competing in the tournament is not something that either of these students would take on lightly.

“It’s such a competitive tournament,” Vogt said. “The last thing you want to do is go and embarrass yourself, your school and your country on an international scale.”

The club held its own , however, arguing topics from immigration to nationalism, and pulling out 13 points in the

Photo courtesy of Morgan McElroy

The top collegiate debaters from around the world gathered in Manila for the World University Debate championships.

nine-round tournament.

“I’m really proud of how well we did given that it was our first Worlds,” McElroy said.

Moving beyond this successful venture, the club is seeking to establish itself as a more permanent fixture, both in the collegiate debate world and on campus.

“We’ve been at a little bit of a disadvantage because we’ve sort of been pulling ourselves along in the dark, trying to feel our way,” Vogt said. “But we have been getting more competitive.”

TCNJ Debate suffered from the graduation of many of its founding members last year, but Vogt and Morgan have stepped up to take leadership in the organization. An influx of new members, however, has provided a challenging yet bright future.

“I love all of our freshman and they’re learning so fast and they’re doing so well already, that I feel like they’re going to be in a really good position to be competitive.” Vogt said. “They’ll do a really good job of drawing people in and keeping them there because they’re so passionate about it.”

With the encouragement and aid of the Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben Rifkin, as well as many others at the College, TCNJ Debate is competing with schools that have significantly larger budgets and longer legacies.

“Debate at TCNJ is a champion for the values and goals we hold most dear in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences,” Rifkin said. “I am particularly proud of how debaters work to read and think analytically and communicate effectively in speech.”

Rifkin is working with the club as it

British Invasion: The Signal crosses the Atlantic

De a r S h

Photo courtesy of Morgan McElroy

College juniors Ashley Vogt (left) and Morgan McElroy travel to the Philippines for debate. prepares for its next big step toward national prominence and personal achievement — a debate tournament hosted here at the College.

Despite the protest of some members of their governing organization, the American Parliamentary Debate Association, the club was granted the right to host its own competition on Feb. 10-11. Proponents argued that TCNJ Debate had done more than anyone else in preparing a bid and deserved this tournament.

Upwards of 100 debaters from many different schools will participate, and the final rounds will be open to public viewing in the Brower Student Center.

aun,

Glad to hea (and not r you ’ve made it ju s far from st because we b afely. I know rig Shaun Fitzpatrick and Emily Brill, two of last semester’s editors, ht wher oth flew a s m oo t ey h p ro c e s o have just landed in England. Follow them and see where their s for me ut of Philadelph ou ’re coming fr om , ia t ) – g e tt o o N . o w that travels can take you. ing here I’m begin was English n ing to ge to w n , a n t settle d I ke e p d , I’m s running into two tarting to explo England things: h r se istory a e my mid-size cannot b ems to have an n y, d il d u b s te p m ar un es ly D ea r E . in g, I’ ve fi n al embrace aid for its rela easy relationsh k ac p d an e g th tionship ip with it it fully is te re d w or ry in en g, I n ti at ai w th s w im it t y h of o sa h is s perialism shoulde A ft er m on th e. I’ d li k e to m ys te ry r respon dubstep – more tory. (The same , b u t to every wh le u p on T yn th at au ra of s d st o ib in e n that la ca n il ed ew y it d N u e t y w ro in h e re fo e e, sh w h at ter.) To ri ve d ment wo , from the build presence of the r thousands of au se th at ’s n it y an d gr ac ec ig B d . h er it el w e y ar av y in u “o o tr e ld h g a ld ld w s r co u n tr h or s of en t a w w o v or a e sound m a n y pe d w om kno w th fr om b ei n g ed far-f ople’s at ld ” is impossible g S op h is ti ca te e in s. n er ym h el rh o th at co m es av e w er tr t h titudes c h e d to much ef e n ce o f ai n s an d ot k n ow : w or ld . This st – it’s fe c t fo r a monar p la n es an d tr ar e n ow, yo u at tified 1 me a few weeks n ow n . on k n g u c in s h p re y m tu ju h n 6 a a t h ce n t u d on a pla go, but I eea se f to ad ve of g in d p er fe ct ly at d r ee c y idn’t e sp castles ’s atmos This has sp or ta ti on , and the p h e re . ly be e n t h e ld or w fo rm s of tr an p or re s d strange the U.S., ti ca te s t pa r t ve ry so p h is at I y g o th in t u h en a yt d r fi an e n o n’t conf co the “old e w as n ’t ronted w f the U.K. to me , I’ m fa ir ly ” world, E x ce p t th er ti re 14 -h ou r it s n ce . A ct u al ly a en ie n e er im d p th I’ ex g p n m el o ri r tant he av still adju h the past. It’s o far. Walking t se a d u d au an n , w of ab ou t m y tr ro h ro u g h t r s n a e th t oi . “n ea ing to th This can o n a rc a n at H ie d to th e p at. Trad ew ” place. This occasio e to P ol an d f e rules. n el la ys p m a lo ok ed te rr if on an n is it p a th io lly trans er os t en d ed u late to s n and formality it ca se s h ea vi I su f, g of lu l or d ea l. I al m al to it g t a re uffiness to p Bu t no t u lo u s tr yi n A ir p or t. To and relia al sn u a io t lw h at lo ok ed ri d ic ig rn a n te e y n s. I’ve m ce ing that an d sp en t th N ew ca st le In et a lot like all c th ro u gh ou t of people g th e fi rs t d ay a p il lo w. in as d ed ax it b y or c ie u L a b s thedrals ed to , who buc w as n ’t ab le an d m y st u ff . I bet yo Oxford has a co k th as a b la n k et u ’ll find lo et r ful side. at trend, and I’ ck ja y m t h W in g e m fin h It’s . s d ic a h brings me is tr so p h is ti ca te ue about not all grey skie dm e ba c k In h .

N ot ex ac tl y e re u a r t ch s and Newcas o the du it playin b ro tle. bstep: It g on the m il ar to th e si O ry m S ve E il C e A ok s s L is very m treet, in P , and oe sn ’t lo H Y IS T H IS uch a th s t o re s , N ew ca st le d Stay sa I can’t escape t of it w as “W b u il d ing in th in g n io in cafes. I’ k ss oo re h f -l p e e al , im n d a e U.K. I t io r n rs it o fi d v ad p y e travele k tr . m e ( , ly B e

al p u fa ct re t m of , e r e ix eally, wa d thous u pd a te d It ’s li k od d m s. an on ’s ti ands of s It ap .

I ?” tr Y lo n co oking to GRE or Be s t , st ee l, b lo ck y ?) e P it ts b u rg h om b d n to ra ts d an an w in gs Emily et h er it of u n h ol y gu re ou t w h e so m e so rt om ec b it co u ld n ’t fi e to or m ed it so it d ec id p lo ri n g it a b H og sm ea d e, I’ ve b ee n ex t er e. u h B t o. go t tw e rs fi th h en I w as w offs p ri n g of I as as h or ri fi ed an d I’ m n ot C h ee rs , S h au n

page 12 The Signal January 25, 2012

Politics Forum spring 2012 Thursdays, 11:30-12:30

Jan.26: Pierre Le Morvan (Phil), "Corporate Interests and the Manufacture of Unhealthy Skepticism" [223 SSB]

Feb.9: Sharon Weiner (American Uni.), "Bureaucratic Politics and Nuclear Proliferation" [223 SSB]

March 22: Jesse Bucher (Hist.), “Care, Recovery, and the History of Political Transition in South Africa� [223 SSB]

Come out to the New Pre-Vet Club!

We are meeting this Wednesday, Jan. 25 @ 2 p.m. in the Bio Building 209.

This week we are doing a school spotlight: The University of Pennsylvania!

This club is welcome for all majors!

There will be free snacks & drinks, too.

April 12: Mark Kiselica et.al. (Ed.), "Teacher Tenure in New Jersey Public Schools: Historical and Political Perspectives" [library auditorium]

Try something new this semester

Write for The Signal!

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 13

Club / As Kat changes, memories remain continued from page 1

The club has since become a hotspot with a wide radius, and has even hosted a wide range of celebrities over its 14-year span.

In a sense the building is a variety of different places grouped together. Upon entering KatManDu, patrons maneuver between a variety of bar areas, a main dance floor and stage, a separate pub (the Cooper Iron Works Pub) and another stage and dance floor outside. KatManDu’s main dance floor does have a giant disco ball, but the club itself currently boasts a colorful and amusingly tasteless mixture of tropical designs and southwestern facades.

“Honestly, senior nights were the best because all your friends were there which is what made it epic,” said Lizbeth Veliz, ’10. “I was not that fond of it on a regular Thursday College Night, but I did like the décor.”

Still, College Night has been popular with many students of the College and nearby Rider University for some time. According to Surdo, these discounted nights were started a year or two after the club first opened.

Held every Thursday night, female students needed only their college ID cards for free admission before 11 p.m., while male students received a discounted price. Inside, all students enjoyed $1 bottles of beer and $4 mixed drinks. For the average stressed-out

Brianna Gunter / Editor-in-Chief

As the lights go down on KatManDu, College students create some final memories at the club that has been a fixture since 1997. and cash-strapped college student, spending only a few bucks on a night at Kat has been a more than welcome way to blow off steam.

“After freshman year, everyone basically hung out in their own groups, and Kat was a great place for these different cliques to con-

verge into one happy, drunken family,” said Diana Bubser, ’11. “Kat was also the catalyst for stereotypical college shenanigans.

A few years ago, my friend walked back to campus from Kat at 3 a.m. Dangerous and irrevocably idiotic, yes, but also an incident

If you can’t beat the odds, change the game

Campus Style

Take a walk down the men’s aisle a formal territory. A “school boy” blazer with a colorful pocket square and pair of khaki’s is menswear inspired, yet can be both classy and fun when paired with neutral wedges.

But when raiding any guy’s closet in attempts of creating a menswear look, remember these simple tips:

alterationsneeded.com

Maintain a feminine edge while sporting menswear.

By Victoria Moorhouse and Albert Matlock Columnists Next time you’re seeking some ensemble inspiration, you may just want to take a stroll around the men’s clothing section. No, you’re not finding a rather thoughtful gift for your grandpa or brother — you’re shopping for yourself.

A quick way for a woman to change up her look is incorporating menswear into her closet. The best part? You potentially have the male members of the College population to borrow from. Who doesn’t like a day of lax jeans, roomy button downs and v-neck sweaters?

Just because clothing is considered menswear doesn’t necessarily mean it has to look masculine.

For instance, a well-fitted oxford or chambray shirt paired with pearls can be elegant without crossing into

Know the Difference There is a difference between wearing men’s inspired clothing and actually wearing men’s clothing.

Some things out of the men’s section just won’t work on a woman.

(Like those gym shorts or his baggy jeans — a big no-no.) Want some boyfriend jeans? Don’t borrow your boyfriend’s. Run over to the Gap and buy your own. Others items like that spacious men’s pullover worn with leggings and boots will draw positive attention.

…

Bring in a Feminine Edge Keep in mind when wearing menswear to try to bring in feminine items such as heels, skirts and jewelry to the mix. Makeup and hair are easy areas to add a womanly touch as well. More importantly, wear them with confidence and a feminine edge.

…

Size it Up Conquering the look requires some thought on sizing. Menswear pieces are often larger, making it ideal for layering. But be careful of pairing more than one large article of clothing together. Loose-fitting sweats and a large, chunky knit won’t exactly complement your figure, and in the end, you’ll end up drowning in your clothes.

…

that will be talked about for years to come.

Whatever this ‘new concept’ is, it has a lot to live up to.”

In fact, students of the College have enjoyed the club so much that they have been holding senior nights there for the past several years.

“I was not the biggest frequenter of KatManDu, but that place, mainly due to its size and proximity to campus. was the best senior night venue by far. I feel very bad for the seniors who won’t get to experience a place that was for the most part, clean, wellkept and fun,” said Bobby Olivier, ’11.

Indeed, students who have yet to turn the legal age are feeling the letdown of this change.

“I feel like I’ve been cheated out of my Kat memories,” said Erin Ehrola, junior English and secondary education double major.

Nevertheless, KatManDu officials are looking forward what the future will bring.

“We are excited for the change, and we realize that the college students have been great customers of ours and we will see them back when we reopen,” Surdo said.

Fortunately for the students of the College and Rider, Surdo also said they will be bringing back College Night.

In the meantime, students will simply have to find another place as wild, fun and wonderfully tacky as KatManDu.

Don’t Forget the Accessories If you’re not into wearing large sweaters, varsity tees or business blazers, hit up the accessories. Thickbanded watches in neutral colors, aviators and oxford shoes all have a bit of masculine edge. For headwear, think newsboy caps and fedoras.

…

Fabrics and Patterns Herringbone, plaid, tweed, varsity stripes and pinstripes all give off a strong, sturdy vibe. These fabrics can stand alone without any glitz and glamour. Your best bet is to try to find well-built pieces like jackets and pants in these fabrics and patterns.

Remember to keep it classic. Try channeling brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. In the end, think clean lines and structure. You’ll be sure to add a little male flair without any added testosterone.

mistercrew.com

A bit of men’s clothing can go a long way.

By Katie Occhipinti Columnist Let’s face it, the odds may be against us. According to the American Council on Exercise, 40-65 percent of new exercisers will quit within three to six months. The Association for Applied Sport Psychology say that as much as 80 percent of people who begin an exercise program don’t stick with it.

Like clockwork, busy gyms die down in the months following January, a representation of fitness resolutions gone awry.

That time is approaching. With the start of the semester, excuses come easy and exercising becomes hard. One month into 2012 are you still going strong and getting strong?

Have some precautionary measures in place to help you stay on track. Here are some ways to avoid the burn out of your workout: • Find an activity that you enjoy. If you hate running, don’t run! Try swimming, biking or Zumba-ing. Hit up the T/W Fitness Center for some fun exercise classes. Boot camp, extreme yoga and kick boxing … yes, we have those here and they are free!

• Learn a new way of being active. Look into joining TCNJ Crossfit for a fresh, new and intense workout and to make some fit new friends or inquire about a personal trainer at the Physical Enhancement Center.

• Start slow and gradually increase your workout intensity, frequency or duration. It’s a marathon not a sprint! A common mistake for new exercisers

is to set unrealistic expectations for their workouts and expect unsustainable regimens.

• Schedule your workouts ahead of time. Sit down and map out your week to make yourself a priority in your busy life. Pencil in your workout like you would a meeting with a professor.

• Track your progress. Invest in a journal and jot down small changes that you notice in energy, strength and how well your jeans fit. Every small improvement will help keep you motivated.

•Work out with a buddy, but choose wisely. A work out buddy can help add accountability to your program, if it is not a friend that you are likely to skip with for Happy Hour. One study published by the Journal of Social Science found that we tend to mimic the exercise behavior and intensity of our partner during a workout.

• Most importantly, get out the door. If you start talking yourself out of going to the gym, decide on a shorter workout instead of none at all. Your something is better than your nothing.

See you at the gym!

page 14 The Signal January 25, 2012

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRAMURALS AND RECREATION SERVICES

INTRAMURALS AND RECREATION SERVICES

INTRAMURALS AND RECREATION SERVICES

BOWLING SPRING 2012

CO-REC VOLLEYBALL SPRING 2012

FLOOR HOCKEY SPRING 2012 (MEN’S & CO-REC)

ENTRY CARDS:

MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK OR TEAM MAY REGISTER ON LINE AT IMLEAGUES.COM

ENTRY DEADLINE:

ENTRY CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012 BY 6:00PM.

ACTION STARTS:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

DAYS AND TIMES:

WEDNESDAY 1:00PM-4:00PM

LEAGUES:

A MAXIMUM OF THREE PLAYERS PER TEAM

RULES:

MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTRAMURAL WEB SITEWWW.TCNJ.EDU/~INTRAMUR. IT IS THE CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

ENTRY CARDS:

MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK OR TEAM CAN REGISTER ON LINE AT IMLEAGUES.COM

ENTRY CARDS:

MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK OR TEAMS MAY REGISTER ON LINE AT IMLEAGUES.COM

ENTRY DEADLINE:

ENTRY CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012 BY 6:00PM. ALL CARDS MUST INCLUDE A $30.00 ENTRY/FORFEIT FEE. IF TEAM DOES NOT FORFEIT THEY WILL RECEIVE $15.00 BACK AT END OF THE SEASON. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! NO EXCEPTIONS!

ENTRY DEADLINE:

ENTRY CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012 BY 6:00PM. ALL CARDS MUST INCLUDE A $30.00 ENTRY/FORFEIT FEE. TEAMS WHO DO NOT FORFEIT WILL RECEIVE $15.00 AT END OF SEASON. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! NO EXCEPTIONS!

ACTION STARTS:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012

ACTION STARTS:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012

DAYS AND TIMES:

MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 6:00PM-10:00PM

DAYS AND TIMES:

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 5:00PM-10:00PM

LEAGUES:

CO-REC AND MEN’S

LEAGUES:

MEN’S A & B LEAGUE, CO-REC

RULES:

MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTRAMURAL WEB SITEWWW.TCNJ.EDU/~INTRAMUR. IT IS THE CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

RULES:

MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTRAMURAL WEB SITEWWW.TCNJ.EDU/~INTRAMUR. IT IS THE CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

ANY INDIVIDUAL SEEKING PLACEMENT ON A TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING TEAM CAPTAINS. CAPTAIN’S PHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE GIVEN BY INTRAMURAL STAFF MEMBERS ONLY. ELIGIBILITY:

ALL THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY ARE ELIGIBLE. ALUMNI ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

ANY INDIVIDUAL SEEKING PLACEMENT ON A TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING TEAM CAPTAINS. CAPTAIN’S PHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE GIVEN BY INTRAMURAL STAFF MEMBERS ONLY. ELIGIBILITY:

ALL THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY ARE ELIGIBLE. ALUMNI ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

DEBORAH SIMPSON, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, 771-2190

DEBORAH SIMPSON, INTRAMURAL AND SPORT CLUB DIRECTOR, 771-2190 DSIMPSON@TCNJ.EDU

DANNY ZANE, BOWLING SUPERVISOR, ZANE6@TCNJ.EDU

ED DEAN, INTRAMURAL AND SPORT CLUB ASSISTANT, 771-2190 DEANE@TCNJ.EDU

ANY INDIVIDUAL SEEKING PLACEMENT ON A TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING TEAM CAPTAINS. CAPTAIN’S PHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE GIVEN BY INTRAMURAL STAFF MEMBERS ONLY. ELIGIBILITY:

ALL THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY ARE ELIGIBLE. ALUMNI ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

DEBORAH SIMPSON, INTRAMURAL AND SPORT CLUB DIRECTOR, 771-2190 DSIMPSON@TCNJ.EDU ED DEAN, INTRAMURAL AND SPORT CLUB ASSISTANT, DEANE@TCNJ.EDU

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRAMURALS AND RECREATION SERVICES

INTRAMURALS AND RECREATION SERVICES

INTRAMURALS AND RECREATION SERVICES

INDOOR SOCCER SPRING 2012

SOFTBALL SPRING 2012

TENNIS SPRING 2012

(MEN’S, WOMEN’S & CO-REC)

(MEN’S, WOMEN’S & CO-REC) ENTRY CARDS:

MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK OR TEAMS MAY REGISTER ON LINE AT IMLEAGUES.COM.

ENTRY DEADLINE:

ENTRY CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012 BY 6:00PM. ALL CARDS MUST INCLUDE A $30.00 ENTRY/FORFEIT FEE. TEAMS WHO DO NOT FORFEIT WILL RECEIVE $15.00 AT END OF SEASON. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! NO EXCEPTIONS!

ACTION STARTS:

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

DAYS AND TIMES:

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, & THURSDAY 5:00PM-10:00PM

LEAGUES:

MEN’S A & B LEAGUE, WOMEN’S, CO-REC

RULES:

MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTRAMURAL WEB SITEWWW.TCNJ.EDU/~INTRAMUR. IT IS THE CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

ENTRY CARDS:

MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK OR YOU MAY REGISTER ON LINE THROUGH IMLEAGUES.COM

ENTRY DEADLINE:

ENTRY CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012 BY 6:00PM. ALL CARDS MUST INCLUDE A $30.00 ENTRY/FORFEIT FEE. TEAMS WHO DO NOT FORFEIT WILL RECEIVE $15.00 AT END OF SEASON. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! NO EXCEPTIONS!

ALL THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY ARE ELIGIBLE. ALUMNI ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

ENTRY CARDS:

MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK OR PARTICIPANTS MAY REGISTER ON LINE AT IMLEAGUES.COM

ENTRY DEADLINE:

ENTRY CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012 @ 6:00PM

DAYS AND TIMES:

DAYS AND TIMES VARY

ACTION STARTS:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012

LEAGUES:

MEN’S, WOMEN’S, & CO-REC

DAYS AND TIMES:

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 6:00PM10:00PM

RULES:

MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTRAMURAL WEB SITEWWW.TCNJ.EDU/~INTRAMUR. IT IS THE CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

LEAGUES:

MEN’S A & B LEAGUE, WOMEN’S, CO-REC

ELIGIBILITY:

RULES:

MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTRAMURAL WEB SITEWWW.TCNJ.EDU/~INTRAMUR. IT IS THE CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

ALL THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY ARE ELIGIBLE.

ANY INDIVIDUAL SEEKING PLACEMENT ON A TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING TEAM CAPTAINS. CAPTAIN’S PHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE GIVEN BY INTRAMURAL STAFF MEMBERS ONLY. ELIGIBILITY:

(MEN’S, WOMEN’S, & CO-REC)

ANY INDIVIDUAL SEEKING PLACEMENT ON A TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING TEAM CAPTAINS. CAPTAIN’S PHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE GIVEN BY INTRAMURAL STAFF MEMBERS ONLY. ELIGIBILITY:

ALL THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY ARE ELIGIBLE. ALUMNI ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

DEBORAH SIMPSON, INTRAMURALS AND SPORT CLUB DIRECTOR, 771-2190 DSIMPSON@TCNJ.EDU

DEBORAH SIMPSON, INTRAMURAL AND SPORT CLUB DIRECTOR, 771-2190 DSIMPSON@TCNJ.EDU

MATT KARSH, INTRAMURAL SOCCER ASSISTANT, 771-2190 KARSH5@TCNJ.EDU

ED DEAN, INTRAMURAL AND SPORT CLUB ASSISTANT, 771-2190 DEANE@TCNJ.EDU

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DEBORAH SIMPSON, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, 771-2190 DSIMPSON@TCNJ.EDU EMILY PETERSACK, PROGRAM SUPERVISOR, 771-3021

Arts & Entertainment

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 15

Semester kicks off with a ‘banging’ start Reiss proves to be quite the character at ‘Simpsons’ lecture

Matthew Mance / Photo Assistant

Writer and producer of ‘The Simpsons,’ Mike Reiss,

discusses his background, work on the show and other humorous, animated endeavors.

By Julia Corbett Arts & Entertainment Editor What exactly does a spider-pig do?

Even Mike Reiss, writer and producer for “The Simpsons” and contributor to “The Simpsons Movie” could not answer that.

He could, however, take blame for contributing to the increase of couch potatoes in the world today.

Reiss visited the College on Thursday, Jan. 19 for the College Union Board’s Welcome Back Lecture. He spoke

about his Harvard University background, his short-lived deformity. animated show “The Critic,” the 20- episode “Queer Duck” “The deformity was they made him look like me,” he and, of course, his work on “The Simpsons.” revealed. The audience instantly started laughing as they Reiss showed clips throughout the lecture, providing recognized the episode. anecdotes of each situation, including one of his first-ever Reiss eventually left “The Simpsons” (not for that incident) “Simpsons” clips featuring a cameo from Mary Poppins. Reiss and made his own show, “The Critic.” claimed that he took the episode to Julie Andrews herself and He showed a clip from “The Critic” where a Howard Stern she allegedly cursed him out. reincarnated cockroach received the same birthing rituals Little did she know, “The Simpsons” would end up shaping as Simba. The clip caused many people to question why the both American and international cultures. show was ever canceled to begin with. Despite this rather In 1989, Reiss and his fellow writers forecasted that “The entertaining clip, the show did not receive much praise and Simpsons” would only last for six weeks, as most new shows was canceled. The clip caused many people to question why often do. This year, Fox will air the show’s 500th episode on the show was ever canceled to begin with.

Feb. 16.

Reiss went on to write 17 children’s books, including, Now of course, if “The Simpsons” actually aged, Reiss ironically, Christmas books. predicted that Marge would be collecting social security and “For those of you who haven’t seen a Jew before, this is a Homer would have already been dead for five years.

Jew,” he said, referring to himself.

The 23-year-old show has no end in sight, however, and Next up for Reiss was a return to “The Simpsons” and a continues to evolve. Lisa, for example, has gone from a new venture “Queer Duck,” a rather self-explanatory animated vegetarian to a Buddhist, and Reiss said that if the show keeps series. The show is extremely popular, Reiss said, especially going, “We will make her a cannibal, or go to Rutgers.” in Britain.

Another example of the evolution of a character is Reiss was also one of the writers behind “The Simpsons Smithers. After the first season, Movie.”

Smithers’ race and sexual As for this, he cannot believe that one of the most orientation completely changed. memorable moments for moviegoers was spider“Smithers is the first man in pig. According to Reiss, the joke was written history to go from black and straight randomly for no reason and thrown in at the end of to white and gay,” Reiss announced, to the creation process. which audience members laughed.

A single episode of “The Simpsons” takes Aside from his writing, “Simpsons” from eight months to a year to produce, so it was coolspotters.com fans may recognize Reiss from an actual understandable that Reiss was flabbergasted as to why a episode. random joke put in at the end would be such a hit.

The writer showed a clip of an episode from 1991, when But perhaps lightning really does strike when least Lisa developed a crush on her substitute teacher. Reiss based expected. Reiss knows this firsthand. the character off of one of his own teachers and kept telling the artists that he wanted the substitute to have some sort of a Watch the interview with Mike Reiss on tcnjsignal.net!

Chiddy/ Hip-hop group lays down beats on Kendall stage continued from page 1

Gaga, Rihanna and others during their set.

Jane Doze started the show off with some more obscure tunes, which led to many in the crowd staying in their seats.

However, by the time the group hit the end of their set, the pair was mashing some more prominent songs, which got the crowd up and going. The crowd went even crazier when the duo came down from the stage and danced through the crowd.

While it might not have been the best venue for a mash-up artist because it was a little cramped for dancing, the group did a good job and did not take away the

essence of the songs they were mixing.

Overall, at the Welcome Back Concert, Jane Doze set the scene, and then Chiddy Bang tore it up.

Listen to the full interview with Chiddy Bang on tcnjsignal.net!

For more exclusive coverage on Welcome Back events, check out our website.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Bak

One of the highlights of the show came when Xaphoon put down the drumsticks and picked up the mic, asking the audience to give Chiddy anything they could think of to rap about.

The chosen subjects ranged from Rosie O’Donnell to the College to gorillas on Mars (a topic Xaphoon himself admitted he had never heard requested before).

Xaphoon then dropped a beat on his drums as Chiddy rapped about the topics given to him.

Chiddy used his freestyling prowess to incorporate all of the subjects into his rap, including saying something was fat like Rosie O’Donnell, and referring to the members of the crowd when he said he was “chillin’ with my gorillas on Mars.”

Chiddy Bang’s debut album “Breakfast” is coming out on Feb. 28, and the group played a couple of their tracks — “Ray Charles” and “Mind Your Manners”— during the show. They also debuted a brand new track off the album.

The group has big plans for the record.

“We’re pushing a lot of boundaries,” Xaphoon said in an interview prior to the show. “And we’ve got a couple more high-profile features, but we wanted to definitely make a statement with the album and not do any, huge samples.

‘Opposite of Adults’ is a big song, but we also sampled a big song. And with this album, we wanted to definitely step away from that.”

The band is also looking to reinvent hip-hop, shooting for a fresh sound on the album and some “deeper meanings,” the members said.

“Just layers of sound” Xaphoon explained. “It’s a very international album, it’s very futuristic. It’s kind of us with a budget. Before we just had a laptop and a mic, now we have a laptop and a mic and a piano and a string section and crazy synth. We just have more tools at our availability. And we’re also older, so our mind works in different ways now and we’ve just been sitting on some of our best material for almost a year and a half.”

The biggest factor that made the show a success was that the group really seemed to have fun on the stage, from Xaphoon slamming on the drums in an exaggerated fashion to Chiddy constantly prompting the crowd to get on their feet and sing along.

The band thinks that fun is an important concept for everyone, not just in music.

“If you’re not having fun, what are you doing?” Xaphoon said.

“You’re probably in the wrong line of work.”

“We generally just seek fun, or I guess fun seeks us,” Chiddy said.

“You know what I’m sayin’? In a lot of situations.”

The crowd definitely had fun as well, especially when the pair played its smash hit “Opposite of Adults.” Chiddy got the audience jumping and the roof was rocking in Kendall as seemingly every person in attendance sang along.

The Jane Doze, an all-female DJ group consisting of Claire Schlissel and Jen Mozenter, started off the show. They mashed up popular songs from Drake, Lady

page 16 The Signal January 25, 2012

Performances bring new atmosphere to Rat

By Gary Kehoe Staff Writer

Vicki Wang / Staff Photographer

River City Extension and Accidental Seabirds evoke new energy at the Rat.

The Rathskeller was full of dancing students on Friday thanks to performances by River City Extension and opener Accidental Seabirds.

The College Union Board brought the famed folk/rock headliner to the Rat, and as the small bar quickly exceeded its maximum seating, the night promised to be exceptional.

River City Extension brought everyone to their feet with their thrash/ folk/alternative rock sound.

The band had a full, wild sound.

The formidable compilation of guitars, horns, banjo, keys, vocals and percussion extended all the way to the back of the Rat, where students who could not find tables stood and enjoyed.

“I have been to a lot of Rat shows at TCNJ and this was one of the best,” said junior communications major Brianna O’Connor. “I love the shows where the place is packed and people actually get to dance.”

River City Extension lead man Joe Michelini made sure to communicate intimately with the audience.

“There are really great things that come out of traveling,” said Michelini, recalling a long road stint, which had

kept the band from its N.J. home. “One is a little something called perspective.

Your whole life is perception, and regardless of politics or religion or ideology, we all see the world from a narrow point of view. We need to realize on a daily basis that good can be found in the world with a little more understanding.”

The band previewed songs from their new album, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger,” which had been completed just a day before.

The Toms River natives tour around the world. After coming to the College, they will visit The Fire in West Philadelphia on Feb. 16 before flying to Australia.

“No matter where we go or what we see, I want the music to remain true and honest,” Michelini said.

The Accidental Seabirds, an alternative band from Lakewood, N.J. opened the show and warmed the crowd with friendly individualism.

The group played numerous songs from their album “The Snow and the Full Moon,” which was composed entirely in Herdman’s Brooklyn apartment.

Lead guitarist Jimmy James Cutrera

Reviews of the new and old

By Nick Elliot Book Critic

It’s not often that a book leaves me with such mixed feelings as Cara Hoffman’s debut, “So Much Pretty.”

The novel takes place in Haeden, a local town in upstate N.Y., and revolves around the disappearance of Wendy White, a young local waitress.

Stacy Flynn, a reporter from Cleveland moves to town to investigate the environmental impact of the town’s dairy farm, instead becoming consumed with cracking Wendy’s case. Wendy’s story is told alongside that of Alice Piper, an intelligent and mature high school student who has always been cast as a bit of an “outsider.” Alice’s parents move from New York City to Haeden to escape the chaos of the city and raise their family in a more nurturing environment, but are never able to fully acclimate to the town’s tight-knit culture.

After Wendy’s body is found in a ditch on the side of the road five months after her disappearance, tension in the town escalates. The lives of the three women — Wendy, Flynn and Alice — all drive the novel’s exploration of violence against their gender.

Frustrated with Haeden’s small-town mentality, Alice decides to take matters into her own hands.

You’ll have to find out for yourself how the novel ends, but I certainly closed the book feeling conflicted.

“So Much Pretty” moves slowly at first and takes time to settle into, but once Hoffman establishes her method of adopting multiple character perspectives and points of view, the story becomes a page-turner.

A former investigative reporter, Hoffman’s style is exact and specific, but also stylish and engaging.

Whether you love the book or not — and I do think the ending is polarizing — Hoffman ensures her story will linger in the heads of her readers for some time.

“While Mortals Sleep” “While Mortals Sleep” is a collection of previously unpublished short stories by Kurt Vonnegut. These works were likely written when Vonnegut was just

Black Keys collaborate with black sheep

By Matthew Jannetti WTSR Music Director

“So Much Pretty”

By Chris Delaney Book Critic

worked the foot pedals while front-man Jesse Lee Herdman grooved across the stage.

After their last number, Herdman encouraged the now jam-packed Rathskellar “not to feel obligated to sit down, but get up and dance.”

In an interview after his set, Herdman insisted, “It’s not about money — we will play anywhere: museums, parties, coffee shops. We just want people.”

The band hits Asbury Park next at Trinity and the Pope restaurant, but they expressed a deep desire to branch out of Monmouth and Ocean County and spread their sound.

Once River City Extension took the stage, an increasing amount of musical energy emerged.

It turns out, audience members listened to Herdman’s advice as people emerged from their seats to dance — something not common for the Rat. After the last twang from River City’s guitars, an impression was noticeably made on the crowd.

Friday night was an exchange of appreciation and energy between audience and artist, something the College would certainly welcome again.

The Black Keys “El Camino”

carahoffman.com , vonnegut.com

While late writer Kurt Vonnegut’s formerly unreleased works are published, new author Cara Hoffman releases her first novel. starting out and honing his craft. All together there are 16 stories with topics ranging from Christmas lights to model trains.

For those familiar with Vonnegut’s work, these stories are more optimistic and cheery than his later work. However, they do not lack the moral instructions that are such an integral part of his prose. For instance, the story “Ruth” exemplifies the timeless Vonnegut theme of caring for others and foreshadows Vonnegut’s novel “God Bless You Mr. Rosewater.”

You can see the seeds of Vonnegut’s later work in the lessons he tries to teach and the types of characters he uses in these early stories. To be honest, I was pessimistic about reading this book and I put it off for a year, but I really wish I hadn’t.

This is not just a collection of stale stories published to make money — this is something you will really enjoy. It is not equal to the caliber of “Cat’s Cradle” or “Breakfast of Champions,” but it is quality — think “Welcome to the Monkeyhouse” without the science fiction.

The book also includes some of Vonnegut’s artwork. The first page includes a black background with white stars dancing in the sky and a caption that says, “Some Of These Are Galaxies.”

Looking at this artwork makes me wonder if any of those galaxies light-years away have their own Kurt Vonnegut. I doubt it.

LIT CORNER

The Black Keys’ last album, “Brothers,” was very successful. Most people will probably remember the band’s hit single “Tighten Up.” However, the Black Keys have been around since 2001, and their seventh album, “El Camino,” brings back a little more of a blues influence.

On this album, the Black Keys turned back to legendary indie producer Danger Mouse.

Some Black Keys fans might not have been happy with this announcement, however. Danger Mouse produced their 2008 album, “Attack & Release,” which is often considered to be the black sheep of the band’s discography. However, this time around the collaboration was a success.

Plenty of newer fans will find some great singles, like the fast-paced “Lonely Boy” or catchy “Gold on the Ceiling.” The album really shines on tracks like “Run Right Back” and “Nova Baby” and these most definitely bring back the bluesy feel of early Black Keys, albeit with more production.

Also, the slower, more melodic, “Stop Stop” shows the depth of the Black Keys. The Black Keys have been steadily evolving since they released their first album.

They adjust and make changes to their sound as they see fit and don’t seem to be too affected by pressure from fans or the music industry. Since they have consistently dropped good albums for 10 years, it is nice to see them continuing to get the attention that they deserve.

Focus Tracks: “Run Right Back,” “Nova Baby,” “Stop Stop” Additional Info: Release Number: 7th Hailing From: Akron, Ohio Genre: Bluesy Rock Label: Nonesuch

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 17 Wrestling

Wrestling gets ready for big meet Delaware Valley looms in showdown at home

By Peter Fiorilla Staff Writer

Over the weekend 11 members of the wrestling team competed at the Messiah College Open to help determine who will help the Lions finish their season, which continues on Wednesday when the College hosts its first home dual meet in more than two months against No. 20 Delaware Valley College (7-7).

There was no team scoring at the Messiah event, a meet which helped the Lions “figure out what roles certain members of our team will player from here on (out),” head coach Joe Galante said.

A handful of the 27th-ranked Lions at the event made deep runs into the tournament. Freshman Josh Garzio (149) earned second in his weight class after going 3-1, junior Jason Ecklof (149) also took three

wins for fourth place, and sophomores John Palsi (141), Justin DeAndrea (165), Rich Cordero (174) and freshman Michael Larcamp (285) each won two bouts.

The meet came just days before the Lions hope to improve to 8-4 on the season — and 2-3 against ranked teams — against a hot Delaware Valley team in

Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Although it wasn’t scored, the College took high marks at Messiah.

a potentially pivotal event for the College’s wrestling team, which can significantly improve its conference and national standing with a victory. “(The meet against Delaware is) very important because they are conference match ups and they are ranked above us,” Galante said. “The team needs to and can step up to the challenge.”

Delaware Valley has gone 4-1 since starting the season 3-6, most recently picking up an impressive 18-15 win against No. 19 Messiah College during a 4-0 tear before falling, 24-13, to Centenary College last Friday.

The meet will be played in Packer Hall tonight at 7 p.m. This weekend, the College will compete at the NEWA-Metro Conference Duals, held at Roger Williams University, and play a road dual meet at Springfield College.

Cheap Seats

Remembering Joe Paterno, the coach

By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor

Let me preface this article by saying that I am not a Penn State fan. I never have been, and I never will be. I used to be a Notre Dame fan, but in the past few years I’ve become more of a broad-scale college football fan.

That being said, I just want to set something straight. I want to make sure everyone remembers who Joe Paterno was.

Paterno, the head coach of Penn State football for 44 years before his ousting midway through last season, passed away this past Sunday, Jan. 23.

He left behind a legacy that, to some, is tainted by the assumption that he didn’t do enough to stop former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky from molesting young boys, charges that Sandusky is currently being tried on. Paterno, for the record, was never charged with anything in the case and was only asked to make one court appearance in the time before his death.

However, I want to remind everyone about the other part of Joe Paterno’s legacy — the football part. The part that made him arguably the greatest college football coach of all time, let alone one of the greatest coaches of all time, period.

Paterno played college ball for Brown University, in one average season at quarterback in 1949. He threw for 337 yards, rushed for 140 and even returned kicks, taking one back for a touchdown. Not all-star numbers, but he wasn’t awful either.

Paterno’s college playing career is hardly remembered, however, because his coaching résumé is not comparable to any other coach in the history of football. Or, again, in sports in general.

He started his career with the Nittany Lions in 1950 as an assistant coach. Paterno served under coach Rip Engle during Engle’s entire time with the team from 1950-1965, and took over the team in 1966.

Paterno coached the Nittany Lions for 44 years and part of a 45th, a single-team number that is the biggest in Division I history. Only one coach, John Gagliardi of Division

III St. John’s University in Minnesota, has coached one team for a longer tenure in college sports. But in a constantly-revolving coaching carousel in Division I football that sees coaches ousted for one losing season at times, Paterno’s tenure is made even more impressive.

Paterno coached the most games in Division I history with 548. He won the most games as well, posting a number of 409 that is eons higher than the next coach on the list, retired Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, with 346.

He has 37 bowl appearances, again considerably ahead of the next best coach on the list (Bowden again with 33). He posted 24 wins in those tries, also the best in history.

He was Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year in 1986, an award given to the sports personality who conducts himself the best on and off the field in any given year. He won 26 various Coach of the Year awards during his time at Penn State, eight of those coming during Penn State’s Orange Bowl run in 2005, when they prevailed over Florida State.

Paterno was also not one to hold onto his job if he wasn’t deserving of it. At one point in the 2004-05 offseason, Paterno conceded that he would leave his post if the team wasn’t having success under him anymore. The previous four years had resulted in a 26-33 record for Paterno — well below his usual standards. People were calling for his job, saying that his age had caught up to him and he wasn’t capable of coaching anymore. Paterno gave himself a one-year ultimatum, that if he didn’t win that season he would call it quits. Well, he did the former, finishing with an 11-1 overall record and besting Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

Paterno’s efforts off the field can’t be overlooked either.

He was a strong proponent of student athletes getting their degrees and being prepared for a life after football, and Penn State’s above-average grades for its football players was a testament to that.

He also donated over $4 million to the school, including contributions toward the Penn State All-Sports Museum, which opened in 2002, and the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, opened in 2003. Paterno also helped raise and gave funds for a wing of Penn State’s library, which was named Paterno Library after the legendary coach.

I guess my main point in all of this is, try to remember JoePa for what he was, not what he has been turned into.

He wasn’t the one raping the boys. He was a man who made a mistake. But that one mistake shouldn’t overshadow a lifetime of sports greatness and humanitarianism.

So, I ask this. Remember Joe Paterno, the coach, the humanitarian, the cheery, resilient old man. Try not to remember him as this cover-up artist that he has been painted as in recent months. He is a man that made one mistake in a lifetime of good. Let’s try to remember the good, and forgive him for some of the bad. Everyone makes mistakes, and Paterno was no different.

You think our writing sucks?

Do something about it!

Join The Signal.

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Email signal@tcnj.edu for more info.

AP Photos

Paterno shouldn’t be criticized in death.

page 18 The Signal January 25, 2012

Add some spice into your schedule

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Write for The Signal!

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 19 Track and Field

Track leaves its mark at Haverford

Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

D’Aiutolo won the long jump.

By Chris Molicki Sports Assistant

The College’s track and field teams traveled to Haverford College and took their opponents by storm on Friday night, Jan. 20, capturing several top finishes in all different areas. The schools they competed against were Haverford, New York University and Widener University.

The story of the day for the women was top freshman performances, starting with

freshman Michelle Cascio, who made her mark on the meet. She won the 200-meters with a blazing time of 27.41 and also finished second in the 60-meter dash at 8.36 seconds.

Freshman Liz Johnson matched her with a first and second place as well, pacing a win in the mile at 5:17.21 and taking second in the 800-meters with a time of 2:24. 75.

“The team and I have been training really hard since October so it feels really good seeing the rewards of it play out,” Cascio said. “So far, I guess I’ve been pretty successful, but there is definitely room for improvement and I’m hoping that with even more training this season will continue to be a really good one.”

The bonanza of top freshman finishes did not stop there. Freshman Ketelyn Ary was the winner of that same 800 race, finishing just a step ahead at 2:23.64. Another freshman, Katie Johnston, won the 400-meters with a time of 1:02.53.

“The other freshmen have been doing so well and it’s awesome to watch each other’s successes, because we all understand how nerve-racking it was to make the transition from high school competition to collegiate competition,” Cascio said.

Junior Brielle Doremus and sophomore Katie Knight were top-two in the 60-meter dash at 9.95 and 10.42, respectively.

Five out of seven running events were won by the Lions.

Senior Steven D’Aiutolo led the College’s winning ways for the men as he cruised to a victory in the long jump, leaping 6.45 meters. He finished almost a foot farther than the second-place jumper, who was from Widener.

“I did not expect to win by that much, but every time I go out and compete, I attempt to win the event,” D’Aiutolo said. “This was my season opener in the long jump, so it’s a good way to start the season.”

Receiving a personal best and dipping under seven seconds, senior Christopher Medina rocketed to a second-place finish in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.97. He only lost to the College’s assistant coach, Ashhad Agayapong, who ran unattached.

Freshman Louis Fisher added to his stellar rookie season by winning the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9.12 seconds.

“We’re really close as a team and we all knew that Chris was working real hard to get under seven seconds,” D’Aiutolo said about the race. “Having him start off the meet with a big PR (personal record) like that really does fire up the rest of the team and sets the whole tone for the meet.”

Second-place finishes were also aplenty for the Lions. Senior Andrew Herschman

grabbed the No. 2 spot in the mile with a time of 4:22.31. Sophomore Michael Spekhardt got second in the 200-meters with 23.50. In the field events, two freshmen showed their stuff with second place finishes as James O’Connor got 1.77 meters in the high jump and Jamie LeRoy launched the shot put 12.03 meters.

The meet was a dominant showing for the Lions, who had at least a second-place finisher in the majority of the events. It is a promising sign for what’s to come this season.

The College will run again on Saturday when they travel to the University of Delaware to compete in the Thompson Invitational.

Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Both teams had many top finishers.

Swimming and Diving

Both swim teams take down the Pioneers

the winning relay teams for the 200-medley and 200freestyle events.

Other seniors with first-place finishes were Amanda Waldner, who won the 100-freestyle event with a time of 51.37; Kelsey Herchenrider, who took first in the 100-breaststroke (1:12.47) and Danielle Morrone, who won the 100-butterfly event (1:01.46). Waldner also competed on the first-place 200-medley and 200freestyle teams.

To cap off the victory, sophomore Sabrina Lucchesi, the NJAC Diver of the Week, prevailed in two diving events, with final scores of 286.65 in the 1-meter dive and 301.35 in the 3-meter dive.

The men’s swimming and diving team also topped the Pioneers with a decisive score, posting a 183-99 Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk final. The Lions won all events but one (the 200-meter The men are one win from the NJAC title. backstroke), and like the women’s team, the men also

By Mike Pietroforte received a big push from their seniors.

Staff Writer Lions (women) 195 Senior Jesse Taylor took part in the Pioneers 92 200-free relay team that won with a fin The College’s women’s swimming and ishing time of 1:30.27 and finished first diving team pulled out a victory against the Lions (men) 183 in the 50-freestyle, and senior Jeff Capone 99 finished first in the 200-fly with a winning William Paterson Pioneers on Saturday, Jan. Pioneers 21. The Lions’ seniors led the way, winning time of 2:10.96. Fellow senior and four-time NJAC every event they competed in, and finishing the meet Diver of the Week, T.J. Burns, won both diving events with a final score of 195-92. with final scores of 327.45 and 347.92 in the 1-meter Senior Traci Hofer continued her successful season, and 3-meter events. finishing first in the 100-yard backstroke with a fin- This will be the Lions’ last weekend of competition ishing time of 1:03.32. On top of that, she swam on before they compete in the Metropolitan Conference

Championships. The Lions’ next meet will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. against Rowan in Packer Hall, where they will look to lock up the NJAC title.

“We are starting our taper in a couple weeks, so we will be well rested and ready to go for our final meet (METS) at the end of February,” Taylor said. “Going into our meet against Rowan this weekend we are trying to keep the same mindset that has carried us through our season so far. We’re going to be focused on our final goals for the season and ready to race.”

Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The women took every event against Paterson.

Football

Brown takes home D-III Player of the Year hardware

Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

All-American Lions safety Shawn Brown accepted his Division III Football Player of the Year award this past Sunday from the New Jersey Sports Writers Association in front of a crowd of more than 500 people. Brown was one of 24 people honored at the event, which had a star-studded lineup including former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand (who was deemed likely paralyzed after an in-game accident and is now making steps toward walking again) and Al Leiter, former Mets and Yankees pitcher.

Brown had a stellar season this past year, posting 56 total tackles, five interceptions and two sacks on the year. Brown’s totals this season accounted for more than half of his career totals.

“This is such a tremendous honor,” Brown said at the event. “I would also like to thank my family and the coaching staff at TCNJ.”

page 20 The Signal January 25, 2012

Fun Stuff

I’ve got two pages this week, so here’s some standard newspaper fun stuff.

Crossword Puzzle... Don’t ask why the words are already checked off. I dunno.

http://www.onlinecrosswords.net/

Sudoku Easy

Hard

Heathcliff.

He’s like Garfield, but probably less likely to sue me for copyright infringement.

Be happy with the Heathcliff.

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 21

And here’s some Signal-style Fun Stuff

Check out deez monkeys!

Confucius say: In this (Chinese) New Year, you make your own fortune!

It was just Chinese New Year, or so I’m told.

So here’s a dragon to color in celebration of the Year of the Dragon.

It’s not just any dragon.

It’s Charizard.

The coolest dragon ever.

Enjoy, and be sure to hug a dragon this year.

page 22 The Signal January 25, 2012

4 6

LIONS

AROUND THE

DORM 5 3

Brandon Gould “The Ref”

Kevin Lee Staff Writer

Bryan Bellanca Correspondent

Johnny Sisto Correspondent

In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Brandon Gould, challenges Staff Writer Kevin Lee, Correspondent Bryan Bellanca and Correspondent Johnny Sisto to answer questions about what the Colts should do with Peyton Manning, whether this year’s freshman class at Kentucky is the best in John Calipari’s tenure and whether alleged steroid user Ryan Braun should give the NL MVP award back. drew Luck from the draft, having Peyton Manning on the team to coach him will create a lot of media buzz and ultimately put more asses in the seats.

BG: Bryan gets the 3 for pointing out how bad the Colts were without Manning and how Andrew Luck could benefit from sitting behind him. Kevin gets 2 for saying there’s no better time than now to make a quarterback change. Johnny gets 1 for going with the economic angle.

AP Photo

1. The Colts fired head coach Jim Caldwell just a couple of weeks after Bill and Chris Polian were shown the door. If Peyton Manning is the next to go, would the Indianapolis Colts be making a mistake?

KL: Long-term, I can’t see how this would be a mistake. The Colts have the opportunity to draft the best quarterback prospect in the last 25 years in Andrew Luck. Luck has the chance to be the face of the franchise, and the Colts need to give Luck every opportunity to start next season. All teams have to go through this at some point, and the Colts will have to let go of Manning eventually, so why not do it now when there’s at least a justifiable reason — that being Andrew Luck? The better question is does Peyton Manning even want to be part of the Colts next season? There are going to be new coaches and the roster is essentially a rebuilding project. It may be best for both parties to cut ties with Manning and this would be the perfect time to do so.

BB: Considering the fact that the Colts went from perennial Super Bowl contender every year to the worst football team in the NFL, I believe it would be a huge mistake to let Peyton Manning go. Even though the Colts plan to draft quarterback-of-the-future Andrew Luck, there is no guarantee that he will become an elite quarterback, especially to the level that Peyton Manning is. Drafting a quarterback with the first pick in the draft is a crapshoot. For every successful quarterback drafted first overall (Eli Manning), there are twice as many unsuccessful (JaMarcus Russell and David Carr). The best thing the Colts could do is draft Luck and let him sit for a few years — the Aaron Rodgers route — and let Manning continue to be your quarterback. It certainly worked out pretty well for the Packers.

JS: Absolutely yes! There are several reasons why the Colts would be making a mistake to let Peyton Manning go.

Manning has arguably the best on-field awareness of any quarterback in the NFL. The Colts need a quarterback like Peyton to run their complicated offense.

Also, from a business standpoint, when the Colts acquire rookie sensation An-

2. Freshman center Anthony Davis already has set the University of Kentucky’s single-season record for blocked shots, forward Michael Gilchrist is averaging 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds and guard Marquis Teague is averaging double-digit points on top of dishing out nearly five assists a game. Is this class of one-and-dones, I mean freshmen, head coach John Calapari’s best since coming to the Wildcats?

KL: I’m going to say the John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins’ class was better.

Both classes are extremely high profile, where Wall and Cousins were the number one and number two recruits, while Davis, Gilchrist and Teague were all top10 recruits. With that said, the only reason why I think that the Wall and Cousins’ class was better is because Wall and Cousins were the two that were the leaders of that squad. At such a young age, the two freshmen were able to lead the Wildcats to an impressive 35-3 record and an Elite Eight appearance, which is very impressive. With the current squad, it’s tough to single out who the star player is. In fact, sophomore Doron Lamb is leading the Wildcats in scoring.

This team might be more balanced and have more depth, and for that reason Wall and Cousins’ class was better since they didn’t have as much help.

BB: While this class of freshmen is pretty solid, I do not believe this is the best class Calapari has had in his three years at Kentucky. I believe his best recruiting class is the one he had in his first year at Kentucky, which featured the likes of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric

Bledsoe and Daniel Orton. That class produced four first round picks, including the No. 1 and 5 pick in their draft year. Both of these classes had high end talent, but Calapari’s first recruiting class I believe had a little bit more depth than his current class, even though both classes are outstanding. I give the edge to his first class because Wall and Cousins have already shown they are good NBA players and it’s hard to predict how players will transition into the NBA. JS: Yes. Once again the University of Kentucky basketball team is made up of some amazing freshman talent. The 2009-2010 Wildcats freshmen were also a very impressive bunch and included John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. However, with Kentucky still undefeated in their conference and suffering only one loss in their overall schedule so far this season, this young team is a force to be reckoned with, and, in my opinion, the best group of freshmen that the team has seen under head coach John Calapari.

BG: Kevin gets 3 for stating that Wall and Cousins led the team their freshman year, whereas this year’s freshmen have a couple of sophomores to lean on.

Bryan gets 2 for referencing the fact that Calapari’s first class included four first-round draft picks. Johnny gets 1 for supplying us with Kentucky’s impressive record so far this season.

3. Ryan Braun officially received the NL MVP Award this past weekend. Since tests have shown elevated levels of testosterone in Braun’s system, which led to a suspension for next season, should the outfielder give the award back and let the voters select another candidate?

KL: Braun should absolutely not give the MVP award back. Yes, steroids are bad, and as an athlete you are supposed to be a good influence on younger kids, but the effect of steroids as performance enhancing drugs is still relatively vague. Who’s to say that steroids really give you an advantage in the first place?

There haven’t been any scientific studies to suggest that you hit the ball infinitely farther or increase hand-eye coordination by taking them. With the exception of stolen bases, Braun’s power numbers this season fall right in line with his career stats. There’s absolutely no clear correlation as to how much steroids affect performance on the field. We also don’t know when he first started using them or when he stopped. There’s just so much gray area in this matter that it’s completely unfair to strip Braun of the title. Previous high-profile steroid users have tested positive, yet not a single

Bryan wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 6 - 3.

“Cundiff, why do you have to suck?”

— Bryan AP Photo

AP Photo

one has had to return an award. Braun should be no exception.

BB: If Braun’s appeal of his failed PED test does not prove that he is innocent, then I believe he should return his NL MVP award. Baseball was finally starting to take a turn for the positive after the dark years of the steroid era, and Braun was supposed to be one of the bright young faces that were helping lead baseball in the right direction of young talented players who did not use PEDs. Unfortunately, that appeared to not be the case when it was announced last year that Braun had failed a PED test. Baseball was plagued with previous MVP award winners who had taken steroids with the likes of Bonds, Sosa and Giambi, but the past few winners have all supposedly been clean, and I do not think baseball can afford to have another black mark on the MVP award.

JS: Since Braun in maintaining his innocence in the allegation against him, I feel that if would not be in his best interest if he returns the NL MVP Award. Braun is in the process of appealing the results of the drug test with Major League Baseball. Braun is innocent until proven guilty, and since he is so firmly standing for his innocence, he believes that his MVP award is rightfully his. However, if the MLB deems that he was in fact on steroids, they may take it away from him whether he likes it or not.

BG: Bryan gets 3 for his argument that if Braun is guilty, then this new era of baseball needs him to give the award back. Kevin gets 2 for saying that performance-enhancing drugs don’t necessarily make a player great. Johnny gets 1 for going with the trademark “innocent until proven guilty” argument.

January 25, 2012 The Signal page 23

LIONS ROUNDUP Lion of the Week

This Week’s Picks Chris Molicki (2-2)

Celtics vs.

Magic

Knicks vs.

Heat

Mississippi St. vs. Florida

Michigan vs.

Ohio St.

Christopher Medina

Alex Wolfe (1-3)

Track & Field

Brandon Gould (0-4) Joe Caputo (1-3)

Christopher Medina, sprinter for the men’s track & field team, dropped under seven seconds for the first time in the 60-meter dash by posting a time of 6.97 at Haverford College on Friday.

Medina was the first college student to finish in the race, besting all runners from NYU, Haverford and Widener.

Men’s Basketball

—Chris Molicki, Sports Assistant

This Week In Sports Men’s Basketball Jan. 26 vs. Eastern Connecticut State University, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 Montclair State University, 3 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball Jan. 28 vs. Montclair State University, 1 p.m.

Track & Field Jan. 28 @ Thompson Invitational (hosted by University of Delaware), TBA

Swimming and Diving Jan. 28 vs. Rowan University, 1 p.m.

Trivia Question

Jan. 29 @ Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 p.m.

Last Week’s Answer: Cowboys, Redskins, Lions, Vikings and Falcons The consensus No. 1 overall pick is Andrew Luck. Luck is expected to be one of the best QB prospects of the past decade or so, which means he will most likely need to win a Super Bowl to live up to the expectations. How many quarterbacks were picked No. 1 overall, and have started and won a Super Bowl?

Wrestling Jan. 25 vs. Delaware Valley College, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 @ NEWA-Metro Conference Duals (hosted by Roger Williams), 12 p.m.

AP Photo

Jan. 29 @ Springfield College, 12 p.m.

Signal

Sports

Kutch scores 1,000th point as a Lion

Senior drops 15 as Lions take down NJCU on the road

By Brandon Gould Staff Writer

Lions’ 67-39 victory.

“It is all very surreal scoring my 1,000th point in college,” Kutch said. “I think it’s an honor to be a part of a group of basketball players who are so talented.”

With 2:50 left in the game, Kutch, who was stuck on point 999, received a pass from sophomore forward/center Liz West in the paint and shot herself into a realm that only 13 other Lions have ever reached.

“I am just humbled at how special my teammates and family made the accomplishment for me,” Kutch said. “The team was so genuinely happy for me that it made the milestone that much more special. There would be no other group of girls I would have wanted to experience this accomplishment with.”

Her teammates rallied around Kutch in celebration as if they had all scored their 1,000th point, according to senior point guard Katie Occhipinti.

“We were so excited to have Kelsey reach her milestone,” Occhipinti said. “Although it is an individual accomplishment, to us it felt like a team accomplishment.”

Kutch led the Lions with a season-high 15 points and also recorded seven assists, while West also played a major role in the Lions’ win with 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

The Lions recorded another conference win earlier in the week on Wednesday, Jan. 18, against Rutgers-University-Camden. The

Lions Scarlet Raptors Senior Kelsey Kutch re- Lions alized she had scored a ton Gothic Knights of points since recording her first basket as a Lion on November 16, 2007 against Kings College, but she didn’t quite know exactly how many until a teammate pointed it out to her last Thursday.

Kutch was informed that she had recorded 986 points during her tenure at the College and that a performance of at least 14 points on Saturday, Jan. 21, against New Jersey City University would bring her to the 1,000-point plateau — a feat that Kutch put away in the

Courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Kutch is one of 13 Lions to score 1,000.

56 48 67 39

Lions came out on top 56-48 in a game that saw some impressive defensive efforts.

“Defense is our bread and butter,” Kutch said. “Our defense has been instrumental this year for our success because when our offense isn’t running the way we would like it to run, our defense picks us up and we end up winning tight games.”

Occhipinti credits the coaching staff and their preparation for the Lions’ ability to settle down and play strong defense in tight games.

“Our coaching staff has done a really great job of knowing which style of defense will be the most effective against which team,” said Occhipinti, who had four steals in the win. “In practice we spend a considerable amount of time making sure that we have the X’s and O’s of the defense down, that way during the game we don’t have to think about it, we just have to work our butts off.”

Junior center/forward Candice Vigo was instrumental for the Lions’ defensive effort, coming off the bench to register eight rebounds, four blocks and a steal. Vigo also added to the offensive effort by scoring 10 points.

Senior guard Jessica Imhof was also effective on both sides of the ball as she racked up 11 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block.

Fellow senior Hannah Tait led the Lions with 12 points, making a couple of threepoint attempts. Occhipinti played her part as the Lions main facilitator during the night, dishing out six assists.

“Having a team full of solid shooters makes my job easy,” Occhipinti said. “I just try to find who is hot and get them the ball.

We have a great team mentality, do whatever it takes to win. Every player knows their role and my role is to help control the tempo and to set my teammates up to be successful.”

After the two conference wins, the Lions are now in sole possession of second place in the South Division of the New Jersey Athletic Conference. However, the Lions have no intentions stopping there, according to Occhipinti.

“Our goal is to win the conference and it starts by winning one game at a time,” Occhipinti said. “We are hoping that the last few wins will give us the momentum we need going into the next few weeks.”

The Lions will be back on the court against NJAC competition this weekend when the Montclair State University comes to the College on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Lauren Del Turco / Staff Photographer

Imhof led the team vs. Rutgers-Camden.

Men’s basketball back on track after 2-1 week

By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor

Lions Hawks With a six-game losing Lions streak behind them, the men’s Gothic Knights

79 60 54 62

basketball team is attempting to right the ship. With two wins in their last three games, they are well on their way to doing so.

The Lions’ first win of the new year came against Rutgers-Camden on Jan. 19, winning by the score of 77-62.

However, even more impressive was their blowout against Hunter College, where the Lions brought the Hawks to their knees in Packer Hall on Jan. 20 with a stout defensive effort combined with plenty of fast break conversions.

The highlight of the night went to freshman guard Emmanuel Matlock, who made a diving save before dishing the ball over his head to streaking junior guard Brandon Johnson, who nailed a corner three to the raucous applause of the crowd of almost 100 in attendance.

“Just the hustle part, just trying to get the ball and hustle,” said Matlock, who was described by an assistant coach as a “gentleman” after the game. “And to have (Johnson) in the corner and just get him the ball as quick as possible, and then for him to make it, I didn’t expect him to shoot it but he made it. It was just the greatest feeling. We were having fun out there.”

The team had a lot of fun, to the tune of 19 steals, 11 assists and 33.3 percent from three-point range. The team ran a lot of three- and even four-guard sets during the game, which led to a disadvantage from a rebounding standpoint but let the Lions get out and run against their less-speedy opponents. This tends

Lions’ Lineup January 25, 2012

I n s i d e

Ashley Long / Photo Editor

Johnson led the team with 15 against Hunter.

to work as their greatest advantage at times, but when it comes to rebounding it becomes their biggest weakness.

“When the small guys are playing the bigger guys they’re concentrating a little bit more in regards of boxing out and being in the right position,” head coach Kelly Williams said.

“And they’re accepting it as a challenge, and they understand the size factor and the difference.”

It’s a risky strategy, but one that mitigates the loss in the middle of former freshman forward Kyle Cancillieri, who left the team toward the end of winter break. “(Cancillieri) just decided to walk away, and (he) just felt that playing basketball and being a student athlete right now just wasn’t his top priority,” Williams said.

Now the team is starting to do fine in his stead, as four players scored in double figures in the win over Hunter.

Johnson led the team with 15 points, while senior guard Al Matlock, senior guard/forward Kyle Rawson and junior guard Donovan Smalls all had 11. Emmanuel Matlock had nine points, four assists and six steals in the effort, leading the offense.

“We need to be aggressive when we’re smaller, we have the luxury of Kyle Rawson being able to play someone a little bigger with his athletic ability,” Williams said. “He’s still outside sometimes. But we just have to continue to stay aggressive and continue to be smart.”

Rawson has been a big part of the team’s recent success, playing a lot bigger than his 6’ 1” height. He grabbed a teamhigh six rebounds against Hunter. However, to Rawson, rebounding has to become a team game now.

“It just falls on everyone else’s back, to kind of gang rebound, get in there,” Rawson said. “Our guards have been doing a good job rebounding to help out our big men. We’re not the tallest team or the biggest team, so it’s a joint effort.”

Smalls, who was the team’s leading scorer a year ago, has now taken to more of a role of facilitator, taking a lot less shots than he did then. However, he has no problem taking on a new role in the offense.

“I have a different role this year, so I just do whatever the coaches ask me to do,” Smalls said.

The team unfortunately dropped their game to New Jersey City University on Jan. 21, 62-54, but the team will look to shake that off with their game against Eastern Connecticut State University, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in Packer Hall.

46 53 Around the Dorm page 22

Swimming dominates page 19

Track takes top finishes page 19

Wrestling ready for DelVal page 17

Cheap Seats page 17