The Signal Issue 11 - Nov. 11, 2009

Wrestling triumphs

Banzai!

Experience Asia Month continues with a celebration of Japanese culture.

Coach earns his 500th win as he leads the team to their 600th victory.

See Sports, page 28

See Features, page 16

tcnjsignal.net

The College of New Jersey Student Newspaper since 1885

November 11, 2009

No. 11.

Vol. CXXXI.

Dorsey tweets @ College Public art installed on campus ʻPixelsʼ both embraced and rejected

By Matt Huston Nation & World Editor

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey learned from his own mistakes, and on Nov. 4, he instructed students of the College to do the same.

“The number one thing you can get right in the beginning is being upfront,” said Dorsey during the Kendall Hall event that was hosted by the School of Business.

Dorsey created Twitter in March 2006 as a side project of podcasting company Odeo. Within a year, the microblogging site was on the verge of skyrocketing.

“We were in the right position at the right time,” he said.

According to Dorsey, the company had a crucial advertising break at South by Southwest festival in April 2007. However, the site was soon inundated with new users and system crashes threatened to derail the up-and-coming project.

“We were not acting as a cohesive company, we were not talking to each other,” Dorsey explained. “And here we were building a technology that was focused on communication and transparency.”

After a rough stretch, Dorsey said, the Twitter heads settled

down and began talking. They used blogs and communicated with users about the internal problems, and developed tools to visualize site traffic, all of which helped smooth the recovery. After a year and a half, the site was running consistently.

“Being critical of what weʼre doing constantly helps decide where we need to go,” he said.

Today, Twitter is ranked as the 12th most popular Web site in the United States.

Still, Dorsey said, there is “a constant evolution, a constant integration, all based see TWITTER page 3

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

The Twitter co-founder advised students to learn from their mistakes.

By Brianna Gunter News Editor and Caitlyn Camacho Correspondent

On the morning of Nov. 2, on the walkway behind Loser Hall, curious faces all gazed at two objects that had mysteriously appeared overnight, identical in every aspect except color. Two more appeared the following morning.

“I just want to know what theyʼre there for. They look okay but I donʼt know how well they fit in,” said Kevin Reilly, freshman health and exercise science major.

The appearance of four giant spheres near the Art and IMM building, Loser Hall and the Music Building had many students, faculty members and staff questioning their purpose and function.

“A lot of people are attracted to the beauty and atmosphere of this school and the balls detract from that,” said Caitlin Dewitt, senior history and secondary education major.

“I thought they were giant ornaments that were going to be set up just for the holiday,” said Maria Heininger, senior chemistry and secondary education major.

The giant spheres are not orna-

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Artist Willie Coleʼs ʻPixelsʼ was installed as part of the Collegeʼs public art initiative. ments, but actually a work by artist Willie Cole called “Pixels” according to a campus community e-mail from John Laughton, dean of the school of arts and communication.

“Willie Cole was selected from a roster of more than 75 artists with consultation from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students from Art, IMM, Campus Planning, and the Art Gallery,” Laughton said.

“Pixels” is part of a public art initiative by the College and only one

work in a set of many to be unveiled in conjunction with future building projects, said Laughton.

The funding for the balls was approved by the Collegeʼs Board of Trustees on Dec. 2, 2008. The minutes for that meeting show $100,000 was allocated to Cole.

According to Matt Pemble, sophomore art education major, the funding did not come from student tuition, but was part of the construction budget for the new Art see PIXELS page 19

College Dems did not support Corzine

By Katie Brenzel Arts & Entertainment Editor Despite having the support of President Obama and spending millions on his campaign, Gov. Jon Corzine lost his bid for re-election on Nov. 3. His candidacy didnʼt garner much attention on campus partly because the College Democrats decided to divert their previous focus of supporting Corzine in the gubernatorial election to other matters.

In an 11—8 vote on Oct. 5, the group voted to shift the focal point of its efforts from the Corzine campaign to other areas of interest according to Sarah Burdick, club secretary and sophmore journalism major.

According to Burdick the other issues the group decided to focus on include national issues such as health care and gay marriage.

Club members that continued to support Corzine were “still provided with the means to work for the campaign,” she said, adding that she supported Independent candidate, Chris Daggett.

AP photos

Gov. Corzine had the support of President Obama and others but failed to maintain support from the College Democrats.

The decision was made shortly after Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Sen. Loretta Weinberg spoke at the College on Sept. 30.

Though Weinberg had scheduled to meet with club leaders prior to the forum, a previously booked event in Bergen County on gang violence prevented her from making it to the College on time according to Brian Block, president

of the College Democrats. Weinberg didnʼt arrive until 45 minutes after the appointed time of the forum.

When asked if the Senatorʼs lateness and failure to make the meet-and-greet had any connection with the groupʼs decision, Block said this was not the case.

“We commend Sen. Weinberg for taking time out to talk with us and students, and in no way did she insult us or

feel that we were not worth her time …

Essentially we do not as a club endorse Corzine, but we are not against him either, just focused on other matters,” Block said.

Vice President Alex Berger was the former campus coordinator for the Corzine campaign but rescinded the role due to conflicting beliefs with the campaign on the responsibilities of the position.

“We kind of parted on how we wanted to do things on campus. They wanted me to take a more active role in convincing the students and articulate why he was the better candidate, which I would have been fine with, but I felt they had a duty to convince the students by coming on campus,” Berger said.

When asked what he felt prompted the vote in the club, Berger identified Corzineʼs declination of the Collegeʼs invitation to host a debate with the candidates as the turning point for many

Smashing Cars Cars destroyed for charity.

100 ways to spend $100.000 Student creates a list of how the public art budget could have been used.

Henry Cho visits Kendall The comedian was a humorous part of Experience Asia week.

See page 17

See page 11

See page 21

see DEMS page 2

INSIDE

Editorials Opinions Features Arts & Entertainment Sports

7 9 16 19 28

page 2 The Signal November 11, 2009

SGA addresses student concerns on spheres

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

SGA discussed recent student complaints on the newly installed artwork that is comprised of four different colored spheres.

By Arti Patel Copy Editor The recently installed public art was a main topic of discussion at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting on Nov. 4. Former SGA senator Warren Samlin, sophomore management major, attended the meeting as a spokesperson for students concerned over the Collegeʼs latest art acquisition.

“We want to know who decided this and why,” Samlin said, “The process for selecting the artwork should be more open to the student body and we want to know why no one was consulted.”

There were student representatives in the decision making process, Plastine said, “But Iʼm going to shout at the top of my lungs that (the student representatives) by no means came from SGA.” “I just feel this fervor that is building,” said

Senator of Culture and Society Sean Parsons, junior political science major, “Students in the school of Culture and Society are just very angered by these giant, sparkly balls on campus.”

Speaker of the General Assembly Brian Skwarek further expressed concerns over the Collegeʼs choice of art and decisionmaking process.

“People have told me that they are no longer going to donate money to the College because they do things like this,” said Skwarek.

Billy Plastine, SGA president, said he will look into the issue and discuss student concerns with administrators.

The senators also discussed CUBʼs decision to bid for comedian Tucker Max to make an appearance on campus. This resulted in a debate between those in support of and those opposed to the comic.

“This is nothing against CUB or SFB,” said Jen Hill, vice president of student service, “I just think they didnʼt think this through. Heʼs a comedian that is controversial in an unacceptable way for the College.” Hill also said if Tucker Max accepts the bid, she will boycott the function and protest outside.

Vice President for Legal and Governmental

Affairs Olaniyi Solebo, sophomore political science major spoke on behalf of Max supporters, saying he did not agree the comic should not come to campus. He referred to Maxʼs material as “funny.”

SGA also revoked the recognition of official campus organization status for four clubs. Students from the Amistad Mentoring Program, White Ribbon Campaign, American Criminal Justice Association and American String Teacherʼs Association failed to register their clubs for this academic year and according to SGA therefore forfeited their organizational rights.

“Every effort was made by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development to contact the clubs mentioned here in the resolution,” Solebo said.

According to Plastine, student leaders from SGA, the College Union Board (CUB) and the Student Finance Board (SFB) have plans to hold occasional meetings together in order to foster better communication between the three groups.

“Weʼre the three most influential organizations on campus and itʼs important that we communicate with each other better,” he said.

SFB approves funds for December holiday event

By Kelly Johnson Correspondent

The holidays will be here soon and the Student Finance Board (SFB) granted the College Union Board (CUB) $18,994.50 to hold the event “TCNJ for the Holidays,” this holiday season at the Nov. 4 meeting.

This annual tradition at the College incorporates seven different religions and holidays to give the feeling of being “home” for the holidays.

The theme last year was “Welcome to our Winter Wonderland.”

Representatives from each religion will assist in preparing for the event.

“We wonʼt have any issues with staffing,” said Allie Binaco, junior English major and finance director of CUB. Attractions for the event include making crafts which

will be donated to local charities, holiday treats and baked goods, a giant gingerbread house and more.

The tentative date for this event is Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 7-10 p.m., however CUB is making efforts to push the date to the following day.

SFB also granted All College Theatre $540 to be used for travel reimbursement for professional director Daniel Student, who uses mass transit because he does not own a car.

The College hires a professional director for the spring show every year, and Student was hired to direct this yearʼs “Mr. Marmalade.” Student previously directed “Star Wars! The Musical” at the College two years ago.

The Catholic Campus Ministryʼs (CCM) request for $448 to hold Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week had to be tabled for a later date. CCM did not show up to the Nov. 4 meeting to present their request, and were unable to appear after being reached.

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

The College will once again host a holiday celebration this December in the Brower Student Center.

New education building planned Dems / Little activism on campus during campain

By Amanda Pini Staff Writer

Education majors at the College will be saying goodbye to part of Forcina hall in the future.

On Oct. 6 the Board of Trustees discussed funding for a new education building to be built on campus. The Finances and Investment Committee allocated no more than $44.5 million to be spent on the building as well as other utility upgrades to take place.

Exactly what upgrades would be made were not discussed.

The building will be complete in February or March of 2012, Lynda Rothermel, director of campus planning said.

The move-in date for the new building will be fall 2012. The building will be on the site of the Forcina one-story wing, which houses the Tutoring Center, Educational Opportunity Fund and Career Services, among other important offices. This wing will be demolished to make room for the new building.

Rothermel also said the newer portion of the Roscoe L. West library is being renovated to be used as temporary space for the displaced services from Forcina.

The ultimate destination for these services is Green Hall, which will be renovated according to the Campus Master Plan.

Matthew Golden, Executive Director of Public Relations and Communication for the College also commented on the timeline of the new building, whose design should be completed by March of 2010. Construction of the

continued from page 1

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Part of Forcina will be demolished after the new building is constructed. building, which is being built by Cubellis, an architecture firm, should begin in May 2010.

“Forcina Hall will remain and be used as swing space and for other college needs until the conclusion of the current master plan (2021), when it is scheduled to be demolished,” he said.

Two large committees with representatives from every program, student activity as well as faculty and staff helped make the decision, Linda Rohermel said. “(The decision) was a combination of the different priorities of different schools, the existing facilities as well as looking at whether it makes sense to renovate or rebuild,” she said.

The new building will be built in the same design as the other buildings on campus and the floor and general plans can be seen on the website for Campus Planning, tcnj.edu/~campplan.

students.

“There was a feeling throughout the club and College that Corzine was not a friend of public education,” Berger said. Berger attributed the feelings of neglect to the Collegeʼs “middle child syndrome” mentality — the College is ignored in comparison to its neighboring giants Rutgers and Princeton.

Despite feelings of animosity toward Corzineʼs cuts in funding and his failure to visit the College, Berger and Block stressed that a majority of the College Democrats still supported Corzine, even if the group no longer collectively focused on the campaign.

“I personally urged the members to vote to continue work on the campaign because of its national implications for the Obama agenda and Democratic ideals in general. Further, in my opinion, if the youth vote doesnʼt turn out and turn out for a Democrat, then our vote may not be looked to in the future for key support,” Block said.

Whether or not Corzineʼs defeat was a product of disillusioned young voters, the victor of the election wasnʼt exactly an overpowering presence on campus either.

Chris Christie, the first Republican to win

a statewide gubernatorial election in 12 years, declined to attend a debate at the College in Oct ober following Corzineʼs decision to not attend. His running mate for lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno, also failed to come to campus.

According to treasurer of College Republicans, Brian Hackett, the College Republicans took an active role in Christieʼs campaign by participating in phone banking, sign blitzes and rallies.

“Of course the College Republicans could always be more active on a variety of levels, but we were very busy and did our best to help all our Republican candidates,” Hackett said.

Hackett identified the groupʼs support of Christie as a response to Corzineʼs tuition increases, tax increases and a need for change in New Jersey.

“Jon Corzine and his sycophantic Democrat allies have been a disaster for New Jersey,” he said. “Christie is direct, honest and genuine. I agree with him on most of the issues, and am so happy that he was elected because he is such a breath of fresh air, and a sign of hope for a more honest, leaner, and affordable New Jersey government.”

Katie Brenzel can brenzel2@tcnj.edu.

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November 11, 2009 The Signal page 3

Political science prof. explains significance of election outcome

Emily Brill / Staff Writer

Stuart Koch talked election outcome with students.

By Andy Gallagher Correspondent Stuart Koch, chairman of the political science department, led a discussion about the Nov. 3 elections and their significance in the Travers/Wolfe Lounge on Thursday night, Nov. 5, to a small but engaged audience.

The talk, sponsored by the school of Culture and Society and the department of Residential Education, was casual as Koch invited audience interpretation.

Discussion was largely based upon the New Jersey elections, which Koch said, “were very long. The ads were relentless. The phone calls were relentless.”

Koch said the reason the campaigning seemed “relentless”

Regarding Corzine’s campaign, Koch said, “He really was because so much money was spent by each candidate on his campaign — $11 million by winner Chris Christie, the first seemed disconnected from life … he’s not very personable.”

Furthermore, Koch said Corzine’s ads tried to make Republican governor elected in New Jersey in 12 years, and Christie look like “this evil fat guy, which could have had a $23 million by Democrat Jon Corzine.

But despite the intense campaigning, Koch lamented the negative effect on his campaign.”

Koch and students also talked about how the majority of fact that voter turnout was down to 40 percent this year as inmates in New Jersey are in prison for nonviolent drug offensopposed to 67 percent last year. es, which becomes very costly for This low turnout was visibly evident at the College, as Koch “Conversations about politics are taxpayers. was further disheartened by As a result, “We don’t properly last week’s “Signal Spotlight,” important. Apathy on the College fund our prison system,” Koch which depicted six out of eight campus is what leads to the prob- said.

Beyond the political scope of students saying they didn’t vote, lems we have today.”

New Jersey, the recent victory of some proclaiming that they just Michael Bloomberg as mayor of simply “didn’t know.”

“Conversations about poli— Rich Widmann, New York City was discussed, the fact that he spent tics are important. Apathy on Junior history major particularly $100 million on his campaign, the College campus is what leads to the problems we have today,” Rich Widmann, junior outspending his opponent Bill Thompson 10-1.

During the election period in Maine, the legislature adopted history major, said.

A major issue pertaining to College students that Koch a gay marriage bill, but much to the dismay of audience brought up was his concern that higher education may become members, Maine voters came back and repealed the bill after a target for budget cuts now that Christie has been elected, cre- elections took place.

Kawanna Leggett, assistant director of Residential ating “interesting times for state workers” and students alike.

Widmann commented on the fact that $8 million was cut Education and Housing said of the governor’s race debrief, from the College’s budget last year, and he too worries that that “I’m very excited to see the turnout although it was a smaller group. I think it’s great to see the school of Culture and Society number could climb higher this year.

While a self-proclaimed Corzine supporter, Koch conceded partner with Residential Education to talk about important issues in the state of New Jersey.” that he understood why voters may have turned to Christie.

Lives and struggles of teenage fathers revealed

By Melisa Easaw Correspondent

Professor of counselor education Mark Kiselica shared his findings in “The Complicated Worlds of Teenage Fathers: Implications for Clinical Practice, Public Policy, and Research.”

His talk on Wednesday, Nov. 4 highlighted the relationships between fathers and their children.

The Faculty Senate Committee at the College asks two faculty members each year to present their research to the campus community. This fall, the faculty senate chose Kiselica.

Kiselica first talked about his relationship with his own father, who, despite having lived

through many hardships, was in Kiselicaʼs mind “the most wonderful parent you could ask for.”

Because of the speakerʼs positive relationship with his father, his “transference to men is positive … and it has implications (good and bad) for my work as a clinician and scholar.”

Kiselica said he was forced to learn about the negative aspects of fatherhood after having developed this favorable view of masculinity.

The presenter at this talk shared the sad statistic that of the teenage fathers who are engaged in their childʼs lives, about onethird of them stop being a part of their childʼs lives after the

child turns five. Kiselica shared possible reasons for this, saying that, “The lives of adolescent fathers tend to be complicated,” and that having a child complicates their lives even further.

Kiselica said teenage fathers are three times more likely than others their age to have been victims of sexual abuse and two times more likely to be poor.

Kiselica showed two video clips from documentaries during his presentation. The first video was called, “Not Me,” and it showed men who fit the stereotype of the unstable deviant teenage father.

The next video, “Fathers Too Soon,” exhibited men who do take the responsibility of being

a father by providing emotional and financial support to the child and the childʼs mother.

Karachi Ukaegbu, a freshman international business major, said she learned from Kiselicaʼs talk.

His presentation provided her with a “point of view that I never would have gained if I did not attend this presentation.”

Ukaegbu also commented on the speakerʼs use of videos, which, in her opinion, helped the presentation flow smoothly.

Kiselica ended his talk in the same vein as he began. He talked about his father and the lessons he learned from him, the most important lesson being that family and people come first.

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Mark Kiselica shared his findings on teen fathers with students on Wednesday.

Drug paraphernalia recovered Twitter / Dorsey hopes

By Alyssa Mease Staff Writer

Drug paraphernalia was recovered at 10 p.m. on Friday Oct. 30 in an unoccupied room in Cromwell Hall. While doing a Data Room Inventory Card, a ceramic cigarette, commonly used for ingesting controlled substances, was found in a desk drawer, police said. …

An underage male vomited after consuming four cups of beer and two shots at an off- campus party at 2 a.m. on Sunday Nov. 1 in Wolfe Hall, according to police reports.

Lions EMS arrived on scene. The victim smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred. He was issued a summons. …

An underage female vomited at 2 a.m. on Sunday Nov. 1 in a Travers Hall bathroom., police said. She said she drank four cups of “jungle juice” at an off-campus party hosted.

Lions EMS arrived on scene. The victim was able to stand unassisted but smelled of alcohol, police said. She was issued a summons. …

A wallet and its contents were stolen at around 12:10 p.m. on Monday Nov. 2 from Eickhoff Dining Hall.

The victim said she left her wallet, with two five-dollar bills and the access key to her College residence in it, on a table near the salad bar.

According to police, when she left, she noticed her belongings were missing. At around 1 p.m., a male contacted her via Facebook and she recovered the wallet, though the money and her key are still missing. …

An iPod Touch and wallet, valued at $186 were removed from an unsecured locker between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday Nov. 1 in the Packer Hall locker room. According to police, the victim said he put his belongings in the locker and, when he returned, noticed the locker was open and his things were missing. He said he will cancel his ATM card and College ID. …

A Zoom H4 Recording Box was taken from an unlocked Piano Lab room in the Music Building approximately two months ago.

The victim said he left his Recording Box and other personal items in the room at around 9 p.m. on an unknown date in August and, when he returned at 10:30 p.m., the Recording Box was missing, though his other belongings were untouched, police said.

The victim tried to locate the box by e-mailing the entire Music Department but was unsuccessful, so he filed a report on Oct. 31.

Web site affects issues continued from page 1

around very, very fluid, upfront communication.”

He described how many of Twitterʼs most important features are created by users.

“Almost everything you see in Twitter today is not from the company, and that is one of the most amazing things about this technology.”

Those features include applications “that were used in places like Iran, places like Moldova, places like Mumbai, during these massively shared experiences, that really changed the uses of the technology.”

Dorsey even admitted, to the amusement of the Kendall audience, that he thought the term “tweet”— a user-created name for Twitterʼs status updates — sounded “ridiculous.”

According to Dorsey, this high degree of openness is what makes Twitter work.

“The people that are defining where Twitter goes today, and where Twitter goes tomorrow, are not necessarily in the company, but all of the people using it right now,” Dorsey said.

“Just thinking about that is so inspiring and so challenging from a typical entrepreneur standpoint,” he said.

At the same time, the flux of ideas circulating through the site creates a role for the company leader as an editor of content. One

of Dorseyʼs jobs is producing “a cohesive narrative that speaks to the majority of people.”

Dorsey said he gets asked frequently about Twitterʼs business model.

“Itʼs not something thatʼs really easy,” the chairman said, explaining that the company is still trying to figure out the best way to make a profit without impinging on the service.

But Dorsey is still ambitious, telling the audience that he hopes to expand his work into new fields, chiefly health care and economics.

He said that health care “seems like a complete black box,” despite its importance, and asserted that “no single human on this planet understands the global economic market.”

At a time such issues are talked about worldwide, Dorsey hopes that his technology can bring some transparency to the issues.

At the end of his lecture, Dorsey gave students advice. “The hardest part in starting anything is starting it,” he said. Having worked on communications concepts since he was 15, the Twitter creator knows something about ideas.

“Get them out,” he told students. “Get them out on paper. Play with them. Allow others to play with them.”

Matt Huston can huston4@tcnj.edu.

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page 4 The Signal November 11, 2009

Nation & World

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 5

Health care bill faces heavy resistance in Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — The glow from a health care triumph faded quickly for President Barack Obama on Sunday as Democrats realized the bill they fought so hard to pass in the House has nowhere to go in the Senate.

Speaking from the Rose Garden about 14 hours after the late Saturday vote, Obama urged senators to be like runners on a relay team and “take the baton and bring this effort to the finish line on behalf of the American people.”

The problem is that the Senate wonʼt run with it. The government health insurance plan included in the House bill is unacceptable to a few Democratic moderates who hold the balance of power in the Senate.

If a government plan is part of the deal, “as a matter of conscience, I will not allow this bill to come to a final vote,” said Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut independent whose vote Democrats need to overcome GOP filibusters.

“The House bill is dead on arrival in the Senate,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said dismissively.

Democrats did not line up to challenge him. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has yet to schedule floor debate and hinted last week that senators may not be able to finish health care this year.

Nonetheless, the House vote provided an important lesson in how to succeed with less-than-perfect party unity, and one that Senate Democrats may be able to adapt. House Democrats overcame their own divisions and broke an impasse that threatened the bill after liberals grudgingly accepted tougher restrictions on abortion funding, as abortion opponents demanded.

In Senate, the stumbling block is the idea of the government competing with private insurers. Liberals may have to

swallow hard and accept a deal without a public plan in order to keep the legislation alive. As in the House, the compromise appears to be to the right of the political spectrum.

Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, who voted for a version of the Senate bill in committee, has given the Democrats a possible way out. Sheʼs proposing to allow a government plan as a last resort, if after a few years premiums keep escalating and local health insurance markets remain in the grip of a few big companies. This is the “trigger” option.

That approach appeals to moderates such as Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. “If the private market fails to reform, there would be a fallback position,” Landrieu said last week. “It should be triggered by choice and affordability, not by political whim.”

Lieberman said he opposes the public plan because it could become a huge and costly entitlement program. “I believe the debt can break America and send us into a recession thatʼs worse than the one weʼre fighting our way out of today,” he said.

For now, Reid is trying to find the votes for a different approach: a government plan that states could opt out of.

The Senate is not likely to jump ahead this week on health care. Reid will keep meeting with senators to see if he can work out a political formula that will give him not only the 60 votes needed to begin debate, but the 60 needed to shut off discussion and bring the bill to a final vote.

Both the House and Senate bills gradually would extend coverage to nearly all Americans by providing government subsidies to help pay premiums. The measures would bar insurersʼ practices such as charging more to those in poor health or denying them coverage altogether.

All Americans would be required to

AP Photo

President Barack Obama speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House about health care reform and Iraqʼs new electoral law after returning from Camp David Sunday, Nov. 8.

carry health insurance, either through an employer, a government plan or by purchasing it on their own.

To keep down costs, the government subsidies and consumer protections donʼt take effect until 2013. During the threeyear transition, both bills would provide $5 billion in federal dollars to help get coverage for people with medical problems who are turned down by private insurers.

Both House and Senate would expand significantly the federal-state Medicaid health program for low-income people.

The majority of people with employerprovided health insurance would not see changes. The main beneficiaries would be some 30 million people who have no coverage at work or have to buy it on their own. The legislation would create a federally regulated marketplace where

they could shop for coverage.

The are several major differences between the bills.

The House would require employers to provide coverage; the Senate does not.

The House would pay for the coverage expansion by raising taxes on upperincome earners; the Senate uses a variety of taxes and fees, including a levy on high-cost insurance plans.

The House plan costs about $1.2 trillion over 10 years; the Senate version is under $900 billion.

By defusing the abortion issue — at least for now — the House may have helped the long-term prospects for the bill. Catholic bishops also eager to expand societyʼs safety net may yet endorse the final legislation.

Iran accuses American hikers of spying News Bits TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A senior Iranian prosecutor accused three Americans detained on the border with Iraq of espionage on Monday, the first signal that Tehran intends to put them on trial.

The move could set up the Americans — who relatives say were hiking and strayed across the border from Iraq — as potential bargaining chips in Iranʼs standoff with the West. The announcement came as Washington and Tehran are maneuvering over a deadlock in negotiations over Iranʼs nuclear program.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called for the release of the three. “We believe strongly that there is no evidence to support any charge whatsoever,” she told reporters in Berlin.

“And we would renew our request on behalf of these three young people and their families that the Iranian government exercise compassion and release them, so they can return home.”

Clinton said the U.S. would continue to make that case through the Swiss channels who represent U.S. interests in Tehran.

Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal, all graduates of the University of California, Berkeley, were arrested July 31 after straying over the Iranian border from northern Iraq. The U.S. government and their families say there were on a hiking vacation and crossed accidentally.

Tehran chief prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi says the three “have been accused of espionage” and that investigations were continuing, according to the state news agency IRNA. He said an “opinion (on their case) will be given in the

Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev crossed a former fortified border on Monday as a throng of grateful Germans recalled the night 20 years ago that the Berlin Wall gave way.

AP Photo

This combination of three photos released by freethehikers.org shows from left: Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer, and Sarah Shourd. not distant future.”

It is not clear from his comments whether formal charges had been made, but such announcements are often a sign that charges are imminent if not already filed. In Iranʼs opaque judicial system, the process of indictment and trial often takes place behind closed doors.

In September, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview with The Associated Press that the Americans had violated the law by crossing the border. “What I can ask is that the judiciary expedites the process and gives it its full attention, and to basically take a look at the case with maximum leniency,” he said.

The timing of the announcement raised the possibility that Iran was using the case to pressure the United States amid the negotiations over its nuclear program.

Iran has seemed in the past to use jailed

Americans as a bargaining chip.

In January, Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi was arrested in Tehran, was convicted of espionage, then released on appeal in May. Two months later, U.S. forces in Iraq freed five Iranians who they had been holding for months.

Iran is also currently holding another American, academic Kian Tajbakhsh, who was arrested amid Iranʼs postelection turmoil and was sentenced last month to 12 years in prison for an alleged role in opposition protests.

A Canadian-Iranian reporter for Newsweek, Maziar Bahari, was a defendant in the same mass trial over the protests, which erupted after opposition charges that June presidential elections were fraudulent. Bahari was released on bail last month and left Iran, joining his pregnant wife in London.

Stocks jumped to new highs for the year Monday after news this weekend that the Group of 20 countries will keep stimulus measures in place.

Swedenʼs Lutheran church said Monday it had ordained its first openly gay bishop, just two weeks after it gave priests the right to wed same-sex couples.

The Supreme Court debated Monday whether sentencing a juvenile to life in prison with no chance of parole is cruel and unusual punishment, particularly if the crime is less serious than homicide.

Information from AP exchange

page 6 The Signal November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 7

Editorial

Signal newsroom torn on new art

Balls. Balls. Balls.

That’s all anyone seems to be talking about for the past week and a half, with mixed opinions.

The Signal staff is torn in two at the oh-so-controversial installation, but, as a staff, we see merit in both sides of the argument.

In defense

Tim Lee / Photo Editor Okay, maybe they were a little surprising at first, and took The Signal staff has mixed feelings about the public art and its place on campus, as well as a few days getting used to.

And sure, sexual innuendos about the blue ball and snarky the tone in which the new installation should be discussed among students. quips about how the College “has balls” were funny the first few times.

But the Facebook group — currently numbering more than 1,800 — that calls for vandalizing the public art that an internationally-renown artist took time to build for us is disHow do you feel about the new public art respectful and downright embarrassing for a campus that is supposed to be intellectually ahead of the curve. on campus?

Despite the rumors flying that the cost of the installation — $100,000 — could have been used for less superflous pur• I love the new art and think its a great addition “Being part of poses, that money was, by law, slated for public art. to the campus.

Maybe the pixels were a poor choice, as many argue, this historic because they don’t go with our campus. So what would be • I hate the new art and think it’s a complete match is such an better? Something that looks exactly like every other generic waste of space. building on campus? Anyone have a better idea? honor because • It looks cool, but it was way too much money.

This unfortunate trend reflects a personal pet peeve that there have we have encountered at the Signal this year — people are • What public art? quick to stand back and criticize, but reluctant to come forbeen so many ward and present their own creative and original ideas. cast your vote @ Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that no one should great wrestlers tcnjsignal.net have an opinion. But I would like to see the conversation mold and coaches to itself into a more constructive debate. Maybe the merit and Last Week’s Results: characteristics of the art could be discussed, instead of the come through Did you vote in the N.J. gubernatorial election? ways to mock the spheres. this program.

I’m far from an art major, and honestly, I look at the spherical balls and I don’t see pixels. I don’t see anything oth32% Yes, I voted for Jon Corzine.

I am just very er than, well, sparkly balls. But isn’t that the point of art? It 26% I didn’t vote. touches some people, and to others, it doesn’t mean a thing. fortunate that 24% Yes, I voted for Chris Christie Keep fighting the good fight, art kids.

I was able to 18% Yes, I voted for Chris Daggett.

Megan DeMarco be a part of this Editor-in-Chief

The Weekly Poll:

accomplishment that began over 30 years ago.”

Opposed The other school of thought is summarized in the fact that the balls need to go. They are an eyesore and do not work well with the Georgian colonial-style buildings that surround them.

As students, we are generally the ones who have to walk past these monstrosities every day, wishing that someone would take one for the team and roll the balls away. We understand that it is supposed to be “art” and that the money used was only a drop in the bucket of funds used to beautify the campus, but for the love of balls, build a statue or a fountain, just something other than these sparkly spheres we are stuck staring at each time we walk to class.

One of those nifty qualtric surveys would have come in handy, asking students what kind of art they would have liked to see instead of … well, you know.

We hope no one vandalizes the balls, only because they will then be more unattractive, but they are there to stay so there is really nothing we can do except complain and shoot the balls dirty looks every we pass.

Bobby Olivier Managing 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.

Quotes of the Week

tcnjsignal.net Telephone:

Production Rm - (609) 771-2424 Business Office - (609) 771-2499 Fax: (609) 771-3433 E-mail: signal@tcnj.edu

Editorial Offices Megan DeMarco Editor-in-Chief Bobby Olivier Managing Editor Caroline Russomanno Brianna Gunter News Editors Garrett Rasko-Martinis Sports Editor Jeffrey Roman Features Editor Katie Brenzel Arts & Entertainment Editor Diana Bubser Opinions Editor Kaitlin Olcott Production Manager Tim Lee Photo Editor Kelli Plasket Web Editor Matt Huston Nation & World Editor Donna Shaw Advisor Lauren Gurry Jillian Polak

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— junior John Barnett

“I am so thrilled that we here at the College are embarking on a public arts program as part of our conceptual master plan … All art, and especially public art is a catalyst for dialogue and community engagement.”

— Gallery director Sarah Cunningham

page 8 The Signal November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 9

Opinions The Signal says ...

Stop: complaining, getting lost, listening to holiday music before Thanksgiving, making excuses to not go to the gym, being a perfectionist.

Caution: NJ Transit, Tucker Max, long lines, close calls, rattling car engines, vandals, multicolored Uggs.

Go: to Crumbs bakery in New York City, eat your vegetables, listen to classical music, to an art museum, celebrate the end of baseball season, have eggnog pancakes from IHOP.

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.

Letters SAF money shouldn’t fund Tucker Max

For those of you who may not have read The Signal blurb about the Student Finance Board (SFB) last week, it said that SFB almost unanimously approved the College Union Board (CUB)ʼs $25,000 bid for Tucker Max to appear at the College in January, $16,138.40 of which comes directly from Student Activity Fee (SAF) funding.

I wonʼt waste my precious word count explaining who Tucker Max is, but in short, he is a writer whose comedy is based on stories that reduce women to sexual objects.

As an example of his apparent lack of judgment, billboards for his movie use slogans like “Deaf girls canʼt hear you coming,” effectively poking fun not only at sexual assault but people with differing abilities as well.

Some people think he is funny — maybe they also think rape is hilarious. I am not one of those people. I am horrified that my SAF money is going to bring someone to campus that I strongly feel is antithetical to our mission as an institution of higher learning. Our mission as a college is to promote an environment of tolerance and equality. Tucker Max goes against all of this.

I am not suggesting that SFB adopt an attitude of censorship. There is nothing wrong with having speakers with differing opinions speak at our campus. However, Tucker Max is not just representing a minority of opinion — he is dangerous.

It is because people still think jokes about raping women are funny that it continues to happen in this world. I do not want someone who promotes a culture of rape to be speaking at my college.

After all the work College students and faculty put into increasing awareness about the continued prevalence of violence against women on our campus and in the United

Signal Spotlight

“Theyʼre too modern and donʼt go with the rest of the College.”

States this past month, it appalls me that we would pay to have someone who makes jokes about date rape and abusing women come to the College.

I understand CUB intended Tucker Max to speak about his experience as a writer, but you canʼt separate a writer from the content.

As a woman and a human being, I am insulted both by Tucker Max and by CUB and SFBʼs apparent insensitivity to such an important issue on a college campus.

I strongly encourage anyone who thinks that Tucker Max is an inappropriate speaker for the College to sign the petition in the Office of Anti-Violence Initiatives, and to email SFB@tcnj.edu or CUB@tcnj.edu and let them know. This is your money that is being used to bring him to campus.

This is absolutely not an attack on those individuals involved in CUB or SFB. I know a lot of you personally, and youʼre great people, but I think you made a poor decision in this case, and I am urging you to rescind the bid.

Changing your minds on this issue will not reflect badly on you — in fact, it will show that you are listening to the student population and are responding to it. This is not just coming from me. A lot of students are very angry about Tucker Max, and not just our female student population. He is controversial in a way that our students wonʼt tolerate.

I would suggest that future bids for entertainers be chosen with a little more consideration for their compatibility with the College, and that SFB be more critical of just how “controversial” they need a speaker to be to sell tickets.

Our college does not support domestic violence, and it is not a laughing matter.

Letʼs show it by not endorsing misogynist, sexist, self-proclaimed assholes like Tucker Max. Source: tuckermax.com.

Tucker Max’s writing based on insults For those of you who donʼt know, Tucker Max wrote the deceivingly popular book “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell.”

Heʼs even called himself an asshole, and considers his writing to be graced by genius. With a degree from the University of Chicago and a Law Degree from Duke Law, he considers himself to be smarter than everyone he meets, especially those from state schools like the College.

I fail to see how someone who constantly uses swear words, extreme profanity, or just dumbfounded slang can call himself smart. His entire writing style is predicated on these slang words, insults and slander.

For someone who talks a lot of his intellect, his writing has been filled with drivel and nonsensical fluff — absolutely nothing in his stories indicates that it was written by someone with any intellect.

He recently released a movie based on his “popular” book. As a person with a disability, after hearing of his ad campaign, I was completely outraged.

“Deaf girls never hear you coming,” was just one of his many insensitive ad campaigns. He goes on to outclass strippers and blind women, he goes on to outclass African Americans, both men and women, and he goes on to degrade large women.

To Tucker Max, the only people who have any control over their lives are white males and white females who are attractive and donʼt have “too much” sex. This flawed perception of life is unreasonable, and you canʼt honestly expect me to stand here and listen to this man say that everyone — anyone — in this society doesnʼt have a choice.

Weʼre going to stand here and let this man come to our campus, a campus he himself calls backwards in intellect, and tell us that we donʼt have a choice in our actions, we are all worthless and here just for his entertainment?

Jen Hill

Darryl Levy

What do you think about the new spheres art installation?

“Itʼs cool to have modern art on campus outside Holman Hall.”

—Muhammad Sheikh, —Delisa OʼBrien, junior biology major junior journalism major

“I like the spheres, theyʼre nice pieces of art.”

“I think theyʼre silly and a waste of money.”

—Sam Haimm, freshman open options major

—Megan Fixter, freshman open options major

Last week, Chris Christie was the first Republican to be elected governor of New Jersey in 12 years.

Are you happy? Angry? Apathetic about everything except spheres?

Write for Opinions! bubser3@tcnj.edu AP Photo

page 10 The Signal November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 11

Students sound off about spheres 100 ways to spend $100,000 besides buying spherical art Jason Cantor

The College really dropped the ball(s) on this one.

With the help of many friends, I have put together a list of 100 things the College should have spent $100,000 on instead of plastic, sparkly balls.

Some are serious, many are not, but regardless, I think most of you will

agree.

100. Extra parking.

99. New gym equipment.

98. Room and board for five lucky students.

97. $15 off every studentʼs tuition.

96. Snuggies for more than half our students.

95. Toilet paper that isnʼt thinner than MaryKate Olsen.

94. New pictures in the Rathskeller that arenʼt from 1980 .

93. 150 new computers.

92. Convert the old library to “Roscoeʼs Den,” an on-campus bar and restaurant.

91. Change the color of the chairs in Kendall Hallʼs auditorium.

90. Flu and H1N1 shots for all students and faculty.

89. Bring in Russell Peters.

88. Bring in Jeff Foxworthy.

87. World Series tickets for 750 lucky students.

86. 5,000 similar looking exercise balls.

85. Variety in the food at Eickhoff Dining Hall.

84. Take every student to see an IMAX movie of their choice.

83. A penny to every New Jersey resident.

82. Armor for 500 students to fight the Order of the Golden Lion.

81. An Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for every floor of every dorm.

80. Free on-campus haircuts.

79. Food and rent for five homeless families.

78. Put a boat yard on the lake.

77. 2,500 kegs of Keystone — the only way this “art” will look good.

75. Drive-thru car wash.

74. Outdoor pool.

73. Ice-skating rink.

72. Demolish Centennial Hall.

71. New cars for six students.

70. Bowling alley.

69. Remodel the Brower Student Center.

68. Bridge between Travers and Wolfe Halls.

67. Extended New Library hours.

66. Create a network between College students and administration so weʼre on the same page.

65. On-campus movie theatre.

64. Fix the Packer Hall roof. Seriously — not like the eight other times we were told it was fixed.

63. 100,000 McDoubles from McDonalds.

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

AP Photo

Instead of buying plastic spheres, the College could have spent $100,000 on a 50 Cent concert, according to Cantor.

62. 6,000 DVDs for an on-campus DVD rental.

61. Lights for a soccer stadium.

60. Merry-go-round — questionable, but still a better idea than balls.

59. A concert pianist to play at Eickhoff for a year.

58. 750 massage chairs for classrooms.

57. Two shots of Patrón for each student.

56. Pay for 1/20 of the Yankeesʼ Parade.

55. 50,000 boxes of tissues for Phillies fans.

54. Save 100,000 children for one day on savethechildren.com.

53. 500,000 pretzels at the Philadelphia Pretzel factory.

52. Petting zoo.

51. HBO for a semester for all on-campus students.

50. 100 47-inch LCD televisions.

49. 20,000 Dominator pizzas.

48. Increase on-campus student worker salaries.

47. Limos, rather than buses, for the Loop.

46. English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for many of our professors.

45. Massage parlor.

44. Three Adderall pills per student for finals.

43. 100 Tempur-Pedic mattresses.

42. 300,000 Super Balls to display on campus.

41. A “drunk bus.”

40. Playground.

39. Education for all students from South Jersey.

38. Buy books for 250 students.

37. Give business students The Wall Street Journal back.

36. Cover the programs we may lose from budget cuts.

35. 8,000 Miley Cyrus CDs and a fire pit to burn them in.

34. Two Miley Cyrus concerts and a fire pit to burn her in afterwards — just kidding.

33. Bring in Bill Clinton .

32. Bring in 50 Cent.

31. Have experts give lectures for every department.

30. 350 Coach purses.

29. Have Kel Mitchell perform on campus — 40 times.

28. On-campus fast food chain.

27. Pay for the entire budget of “Paranormal Activity” — 10 times.

26. Five Quick Chek sandwiches per student.

25. Yearly supply of steroids to all willing College athletes.

24. A College T-shirt for all students and faculty.

23. Salaries for two much-needed Campus Police officers.

22. Security cameras to figure out whoʼs been stealing cars.

21. A system to register for classes that makes sense. Iʼm signing up for classes, thereʼs no reason I should be putting them in a shopping cart.

20. A million Hershey kisses to distribute to make amends with disgruntled students and alumni.

19. Renovation or demolition of Forcina Hall — whichever you prefer.

18. Put the money toward medical research.

17. Build an outdoor concert/activities venue.

16. Fully stocked ice cream truck.

15. 40,000 condoms.

14. Stock the campus with 100 separate $1,000 gold eggs and have an Easter egg hunt.

13. Several campus-wide events to promote school pride.

12. Almost one-third of President Gitensteinʼs annual salary.

11. 1,000 iPhones.

10. Massive hold chains for Larry to complete his transformation to Mr. T. 9. Create a system that will pay College art students for their art, rather than hiring a ballsy artist to play with his balls.

8. Increase funding for Lionʼs Television (LTV) so that the shows do not look like they were filmed in my basement.

7. Put The Signal back in color.

6. 400 Segways for all lazy students.

5. 500,000 servings of Ramen noodles.

4. 100,000 Volcano Tacos from Taco Bell.

3. Billboards to tell the world we are no longer Trenton State College.

2. Air conditioning in the Towers.

1. 400 pairs of designer glasses for whoever looked over the proposition to spend $100,000 on four hideous looking balls.

Art installation betrayal to student Megan Myers

As I walked onto campus from the commuter parking lot, I was immediately struck by the large, candy colored orbs that awkwardly peppered the campus lawns.

As confusion as to what these large balls were, and if they would be rolling away any time soon diminished, it was replaced by feelings of anger. Wrong word

— betrayal As a student who came to the College as a transfer, having graduated community college with exemplary grades

and high honors, I expected that my hard work would be rewarded with some financial assistance.

However, I was told that at a public school no money existed to offer me a scholarship, and to better try my luck on FastWeb. I had no luck on FastWeb. I borrowed everything, and the school was more than happy to offer help with that. I have seen tuition and fees rise annually.

Furthermore, there are no career postings for my major on LionsLink, and I am now anxious about finding employment as a graduating senior to pay off these loans.

Betrayal was the best feeling to describe finding large, expensive Christmas ornaments scattered randomly around campus.

After all, isnʼt modern art about evoking an emotional and introspective response?

Itʼs not as though we have some large, amusing, reassuring bunny courtesy of Jeff Koons brightening up our campus stroll, or a Damien Hirst dead shark floating in our library reminding us to study hard because life is short.

We have balls.

Even if those are pixels, their resolution quality is poor.

Maybe thatʼs why it feels so much like the College missed the bigger picture with its new public art installation.

page 12 The Signal November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 13

Spherical sculptures modernize campus

There is an amount of mostly undeserved outrage over the installation of four colored spheres that now rest on the lawn between the new Art and Interactive Multimedia building and the Music building. Soon after, a Facebook group was formed calling on people to vandalize the new artwork.

The wall of this group is littered James Giblin with complaints about how the spheres installation wasnʼt democratically decided, or that the rumored price tag of $100,000 wasnʼt worth it. Some declared them unsightly, while others warned that our “Most Beautiful Campus” ranking was sure to plummet.

However, there has to be a reason why the artist and the committee that allowed him to continue thought this was a good idea.

Personally, I think the spheres are great. They are a perfect splash of new and fresh personality for a campus that has played out the emotionless brick and stoic columns.

You canʼt just walk around absentmindedly staring at emotionless red brick and perfectly trimmed green grass anymore. These bright and sparkly balls have forced everyone to stop thinking about whatever unimportant thing you were preoccupied with and think about these spheres and their shape, color and placement.

The first time students saw the spheres, I guarantee that they were not thinking about what homework you had to do that night, but about how outrageous their colors were, or maybe even why they were there. They garnered attention and strong reactions. Isnʼt that what good art is about, to provoke some sort of emotion or feeling?

Itʼs easy to look at a still life of a perfectly rendered bowl of oranges or a sculpture of a perfectly sculpted nude female instead. Itʼs easier because paintings of oranges and sculptures of naked ladies are completely unthreatening and uninteresting — you understand what youʼre looking at because youʼve seen them before. The balls are new and

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

The installation of spheres on the lawn between Loser Hall and the Music Building has garnered undeserved outrage, according to Giblin. different and not what anyone was expecting. They have forced the entire campus to form an opinion. At the very least, you can agree that they are interesting.

The balls are glaringly new on a campus that is glaringly old. The campus was built over 150 years ago, and the style of the buildings look like it. I guess that is what makes it “beautiful.”

Before the balls, you would never know that we are not in 1855 anymore just by looking at the campus. The spheres force you to think about how new they are and at how new this time is.

The spheres, you could say, are obnoxiously new. We are in a time where building things like those spheres is

possible. Even 50 years ago, something like that probably could not have been made.

The artist intended the spheres to represent pixels, which is appropriate given how uncompromisingly new they are.

The spheres, just like the technology present in our society and on our campus, are new.

Before you pull out your spray paint cans and baseball bats, I advise you to sit down and think a little. Stop thinking about what test you have to study for, stop pretending youʼre in 1855, and welcome yourself into 2009. You never know, maybe the spheres are the first place to do it. We are living in a new, exciting and interesting time, and these spheres may just wake some of us into realizing it.

‘Perspective’ accusation of IGC racism offensive

As a member of the Greek community at the College, I am shocked and appalled that the article “Separate But Equal?” by Sarah Burdick even saw print in the November 2009 edition of Mike Wampler The Perspective.

It is poorly researched, offensive to Greek social organizations and just downright poorly written. My fellow Greeks and I are angry, with good reason.

Letʼs go point-by-point. The “everfrivolous” season of Homecoming is not specific to Greeks. Iʼm not even going to touch on Burdickʼs choice of words — if she thinks Homecoming is frivolous, fine, but there are many students and alumni who would disagree with her.

There were nine banners hanging in the Brower Student Center (BSC) for Homecoming. One belonged to Stars and Stripes, a team comprised of the Ambassadors and Synergy Dance Co., who are of course, not a Greek team.

As for the other eight banners, had Burdick actually bothered to read them, you would have found several multi-cultural organizationsʼ names on them, as they often compete on the same teams as social Greek letter organizations.

Letʼs also not forget the fact that Homecoming is an abrupt reminder to Greeks that Homecoming is not about us. Weʼre often excluded from the Homecoming committee, and Greek alumni are rarely, if ever, allowed to act as judges for Homecoming events, even though other student alumni often return. If anything, from our perspective, Homecoming is not a Greek event, and very often

Diana Bubser / Opinions Editor

While Perspective writer Sarah Burdick criticizes the sororities and fraternities taking over the BSC cubes at lunch, Alpha Chi Rho member Mike Wampler says sitting in the same cubes is a long-standing Greek tradition. the non-Greeks involved in its planning go out of their way to make that point.

As for the other banners in the BSC, the only ones hanging year round are over the book store, and all student organizations are represented. During recruitment, all organizations have the option of hanging banners advertising their recruitment dates, but this process is neither mandated nor supported by the Inter-Greek Council (IGC), as Burdickʼs article seems to suggest.

The main problem with Burdickʼs article is that she seems to have done no research into the set-up of the Greek system at this school. She claims that it is somehow unfair, and implies it is racist, that multicultural fraternities are

not listed on the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC)ʼs recruitment page. Of course theyʼre not — multicultural fraternities are not governed by the IFC. IGC is comprised of three smaller governing bodies. IFC oversees social fraternities, the eight you mention. Panhellenic oversees social sororities, and the Multicultural Greek Council oversees the multiculturals, because we are national organizations that fall under different insurance policies, different recruitment rules and so forth, and we therefore are governed locally by different organizations. We all fall under the IGC umbrella, but IGC is not responsible for the division of government — it is a national standard.

Burdick then criticizes our seating arrangements at lunch. It is Greek tradition to sit in the cubes, and we have sat in these cubes for a very long time. There is plenty of seating in the BSC, but yes, the social organizations have laid claim to the cubes.

For the most part, weʼve been here longer, and the traditions have just stuck.

However, Alpha Epsilon Pi just joined our campus community, and they simply came and took a spot. Territorial conquests?

Maybe, but whatʼs wrong with that? Itʼs simply where we eat lunch every day, no different than a group of freshmen sitting at the same table every afternoon for lunch.

Multicultural organizations tend to be smaller and come and go more frequently than larger social organizations — as a result, we hold on to our traditional, familiar seating arrangements longer. Again, I fail to see the problem, and I resent Burdickʼs implication that it is somehow racist of the Greek community.

The last paragraph of Burdickʼs article is the one that has made us most angry.

Seriously? Sheʼs going to bring Plessy v.

Ferguson into it? The implication that IGC is racist is a broad, inaccurate libel against the Greek community.

There are no quotes in Burdickʼs article from Greeks in social organizations, and only one quote from one member of a multicultural organization — from that huge absence of any fact or information, she came to the conclusion that IGC operates on a “separate but equal” doctrine?

The implication is offensive.

I suggest Burdick takes the time to familiarize herself with the way we do things before printing what is essentially garbage, and while I canʼt speak for all Greek life, I know I demand a formal retraction of this inaccurate, insulting, unnecessarily provocative article.

page 14 The Signal November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 15

page 16 The Signal November 11, 2009

Features

Japanese culture is all the rage at Banzai

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Taiko, a student Japanese ʻkumi-daikoʼ drumming group, showed off their skills.

By Brianna Gunter News Editor Students kicked back and enjoyed Japanese style on Nov. 6, enjoying free food, performances, crafts and video games at “Banzai,” an annual event held by the Collegeʼs Japanese Club.

Those in the packed Travers/

Wolfe Link got on the long line for the tables of sushi and other traditional foods, while Taiko, a student Japanese “kumi-daiko” drumming group launched the night with a performance. The group members beat large drums while rotating and spinning in a choreographed routine from instrument to instrument. The piece

they played was called “Matsuri” which appropriately translates to “festival.”

Other performances included a martial arts demonstration and haiku reading. On one end of the room, groups of students gathered around large screens playing Dance Dance Revolution and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. On the other end, students sat at tables folding origami and practicing calligraphy.

“Banzai is a celebration of Japanese culture,” said Esteban Martinez, junior interactive multimedia major and Japanese club president. He said both the event and the club have changed and developed since they first started.

“We just keep growing as a club,” said Jen Hurler, sophomore interactive multimedia major and historian of the Japanese club.

Hurler, who read haiku poems to the audience, said she has always been interested in Japan and has visited the country before.

According to Martinez, the event was started in 2004 with a budget of only $100 and a small location. This is the first year the Japanese club held the event in the Travers/Wolfe Link, which allowed for a larger capacity, un-

like the Cromwell main lounge where it was held the past few years. The performances were also a new addition this year, Martinez said. “(Banzai) was probably the event that solidified me coming to this club,” Hurler said.

Before, she said, she had been on the fence about joining the organization although she had been to several meetings.

Banzai was a part of Experience Asia Month at the College — a month filled with social and educational programs designed to expose the campus community to different Asian cultures.

“We try to reach out to those

who would otherwise not be interested,” Martinez said.

According to Jennifer Louie, vice president of the Asian American Association at the College, Banzai was a good opportunity for relatively new student organizations to gain exposure and recognition. Taiko, for example, was formed in 2007 with only five members.

Information on upcoming Experience Asia Month events can be found on the Asian American associationʼs Web site, tcnjaaa.org.

Brianna Gunter can be reached at gunter2@tcnj.edu.

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Featured at ʻBanzai,ʼ students enjoyed free buffet consisting of traditional Japanese dishes.

Coalition aims to fight poverty, hunger and homelessness

By Jessica Corry Staff Writer

Nestled among Georgian colonial buildings, spherical public art and hot meals just a swipe away, it is all too easy for students at the College to forget that some of our neighbors in Trenton wake up hungry each morning and go to bed hungry each night, often without a roof over their heads.

As the leaves fall, the weather grows colder and the time for turkey and giving thanks approaches, a committee of students united by the desire to raise awareness for social justice issues has organized the first Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week to take place Nov. 15-21.

Coalition for Change (CFC) is the unofficial alliance of leaders and representatives from interreligious and community service organizations across campus, including the Bonner Center, Cure for Camden, Hillel, Protestant Bible Fellowship, Catholic Campus Ministry, the Canterbury House, Haitian Student Association, Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty International, ink and several others.

The week will consist of events, sponsored by the above clubs within the coalition, focusing on education, awareness and activism for the harsh realities of poverty, hunger, and homelessness both globally and in our area.

“What is great about these events is that we are not merely doing charity work or fundraising,” Katrina Blaise, the coalitionʼs Oxfam International representative, and junior sociology major, said. “Instead, we are trying to make sustainable change and raise awareness. People donʼt see the global crisis face-to-face because we are here in the bubble of (the College). But we must realize it is not only a global problem, but right in our backyard, Trenton.”

Oxfam International is a confederation of 14 organizations that work together to solve problems existing in worldwide communities.

“We work directly with communities and we seek to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can

Photo courtesy of Micaela Ensminger

Coalition for Change is taking part in Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week from Nov. 15-21. improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them,” Oxfamʼs Web site says.

For Micaela Ensminger, founder of CFC and sophomore English and secondary education major, it was an eye-opening poverty simulation last spring at Princeton University that brought her face-to-face with social justice issues and inspired the creation of the coalition.

Although lack of participation led to the cancelation of the groupʼs scheduled poverty simulation at the College, Ensminger was struck by the positive feedback and passion of those involved.

“There was just really good energy and people seemed to really want a group like this to kind of unite the clubs for community service on campus,” Ensminger said. “With this week, our two main goals are awareness and activism.”

Through networking among clubs, the coalition teamed up with Rana Shariatdoust, sophomore Bonner scholar and hunger site leader, in planning the second annual Hunger Banquet scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19.

“We were inspired by everything we tried to accomplish with the poverty simulation and in working with the coalition and investigating different activities, we thought, ʻwhy not incorporate the Hunger Banquet into an entire week of events geared toward homelessness and hunger awareness,ʼ” Shariatdoust said.

Shariatdoust describes the focal point of the week as an interactive simulation that will help students understand the struggles and plights of people around the globe from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The veritable dinner with the world will consist of free catered food, although donations are welcome, from 7-9 p.m. on Nov. 19 in the Travers/Wolfe link.

“We are involved in the coalition because one of the Bonner Centerʼs missions is to bring the campus out of its bubble and into Trenton, face-to-face with someone who is homeless or with a high school student who has a reading level way below what it should be,” Shariatdoust said. “We not only hope to educate students, we want them involved. I want students to come to the Hunger Banquet and not just walk away saying, ʻWow, there are a lot of hungry peopleʼ but ʻWow, what can I do?ʼ” The week will open with a candlelight service Sunday at 9 p.m. in front of Green Hall to acknowledge the plight of the homeless and hungry. Additional events include movie screenings, a social justice themed coffeehouse and spoken word poetry session, Habitat for Humanityʼs annual “Sleep Out,” and a trip to the ChangeMakers Movement Conference in Princeton, a one-day social justice conference planned by young adults which is being held on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 Organizers hope Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week will become an annual tradition and are looking to pursue official Student Government Association (SGA) recognition of the organization in the future. “(The College) has a lot of potential with community service that just goes untapped,” Ensminger said.

“With H and H week and future events, we really want people to come out and hopefully be inspired to make a difference in the fight against poverty.”

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 17

Students need time to relax and catch some Z’s

By Andrea Thyrring Staff Writer

With more than half of the semester already gone, it might seem like the time in between deadlines has gotten shorter.

Papers, labs and other projects due for multiple classes pile up quickly. When you donʼt have enough time to complete your work, cutting into your sleep schedule may seem like the only option. This not only leaves you exhausted the next day, but could also risk your overall health.

By not sleeping, you hinder your bodyʼs natural restorative process. According to WebMd, this could lead to poor concentration, difficulty with memory and even affect your social interactions. Prolonged sleeplessness also increases your risk for diabetes in the long run. According to Prevention magazine, lack of sleep increases insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type II diabetes.

Setting aside at least eight hours per night for sleep might seem difficult, but it can do a lot of good for your health. Getting enough rest not only lets your body recharge, it helps maintain a strong immune system and even slows aging, according to WebMd. When you donʼt get enough sleep, levels of stress hormones become elevated and the levels of human growth hormone become lower. Human growth hormone is necessary for cell repair, and when you have insufficient levels, your body is not able to renew itself. A study in Prevention magazine found young, healthy, sleepdeprived subjects had the hormonal profiles of much older people.

For most, getting enough sleep is only half of the battle. Actually falling asleep and staying asleep is another challenge altogether. With some easy adjust-

Inhaling through your nose, fill your lungs from the very bottom so that they push out your belly. Then let your rib cage expand outward and upward, until your lungs are full to your collarbones. Then as you exhale through your mouth, reverse your breath so that you let your collarbones come down, followed by your ribcage, and finally press out all of the air from the bottom of your lungs. Repeat this breath pattern, focusing only your inhales and exhales – if a thought comes into your mind, acknowledge it, but let it pass and return to your breathing.

Continue this until you feel calm.

Andrea is a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor.

ments to your routine, you can improve the quality of your rest and greatly improve your health.

If youʼre in the library, take note of the time. Wandering down to the café to get your last cup of coffee can be the difference between a night of restful sleep and tossing and turning.

According to Prevention magazine, it can take as long as seven hours for caffeine to leave your system.

So before you opt for an extra shot, consider getting a bottle of water or cup of tea instead.

A 2007 study published in Psychopharmacology, an international journal that covers topics dealing with drugs and their affect on the body, tea has about half the caffeine of coffee and contains an as-yet-unnamed substance that may help calm the stress system, as printed in Prevention magazine.

Also be aware of the food you eat during the day.

According to WebMd, research now shows that the more fat you eat during the day, the less likely you will be to have a restful nightʼs sleep. So rather than

Students take a swing at cancer

By Addie Stuber Correspondent

In the late morning hours of Nov. 5, booming echoes could be heard throughout campus. Unaware of their source, one might have mistaken them for construction static.

However, it was the sound a sledgehammer makes when slammed against a car. Alpha Epsilon Phi patrolled the sidewalks nearby, encouraging students to trade money for a chance to take a swing at a dilapidated vehicle.

Every dent and nick made by participants represented a dollar donated to Chai Lifeline — a charity that finances childrenʼs cancer research.

The “Destroy a Car Fundraiser” (DCF) concept was originally conceived by past Alpha Epsilon Phi members. Success following the first DCF inspired other chapters to replicate the idea. The Collegeʼs Alpha Epsilon Phi wanted to organize the event for quite some time.

Nevertheless, a lack of resources inhibited the fraternity from executing the benefit until now.

Much planning was necessary.

Hawkʼs Towing in Trenton provided a junkyard car, as well as free towing services. Permits were required in order to allow the car on school grounds. Most importantly, safety provisions such gloves, caution tape and goggles needed to be secured.

Despite the long planning process, Alpha Epsilon Phi never doubted the ventureʼs worthwhile purpose. Out of all potential charities, Chai Lifeline was chosen for its diverse goals and Jewish foundation.

Chai Lifeline seeks to target specific

reaching for a hamburger at lunch, think back to the healthy eating tips from my first column. Opt for vegetables, fruit, and sandwiches or wraps instead of pizza or fried foods.

Avoid smoking before going to bed. Nicotine is a stimulant and can have the same effects as caffeine.

While it may seem like a relaxing habit, it can actually keep you up when you should be sleeping. If you need to calm down, take a warm shower or set aside a few minutes to do a deep breathing exercise (see center instructions).

Making a conscious effort to allow time for rest is a large step in ensuring your health. Being aware of the foods you eat, how much caffeine you consume and finding a new relaxing habit instead of smoking will benefit you in the long run. Instead of cutting out sleep, let your body regroup — youʼll thank yourself the next day.

A Quick Relaxation Technique

aspects associated with adolescent cancer. Their objectives center on hospital/home-based assistance for families of cancer patients and children suffering from the disease. Programs include counseling, support groups and educational aid. Chai Lifelineʼs motto expresses their overarching intention — to “Fight Illness With Love.”

Students at the College seemed to unknowingly illustrate the charityʼs motto. Some passed by the area without batting an eye. But, many did stop to pay the fee and flex an arm. The scene itself maintained an air of slap-stick aggression. Crowds quickly accumulated around the site, cheering when a partaker hit the mark or catcalling when a weak attempt failed to do damage. The act of tearing something down in order to build up a higher cause appealed to many.

“College is a very stressful time, especially since it is midterm season,” said senior philosophy major Ryan Gerber. “It could be considered a stress-reliever. Also, destructive behavior is prevalent

everywhere — movies, TV. Consequentially, everyone always has these thoughts in the back of their mind. Often times, we wonder, ʻWow, what would it be like to hit a car with a big hammer?ʼ ” Most peopleʼs curiosity has now been vanquished.

Junior Political Science major Alex Berger, Alpha Epsilon Phi member, was quick to elaborate on the deeper subtext of the caved-in doors and busted mirrors, beyond that of intrinsic deviance.

“I see us progressing towards a cure. I see a group stepping up with creative solutions to a pervasive problem. I see a community coming out to support a great cause,” he said.

Shortly after completing her turn, Robin Rubinstein, junior graphic design major said, “Honestly, I think this is a great way to earn money. It made me feel empowered. I got in six swings. Iʼd easily go for six more if I had another five dollars to give.”

Alpha Epsilon Phi was able to raise a total of $672, nearing their initial target profit of $1000.

For story ideas, e-mail Andrea at thyrrin2@tcnj.edu.

Andrea Thyrring / Staff Writer

Take time to practice relaxation techniques which can help you sleep and rejuvenate.

Read this weekʼs

“Letʼs Talk About Sex”

with Lauren Gurry online!

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

www.tcnjsignal.net Abby Hocking / Photo Assistant

Alpha Epsilon Phi, a fraternity on campus, set up the ʻDestroy a Car Fundraiserʼ to help fund childrenʼs cancer research.

page 18 The Signal November 11, 2009

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November 11, 2009 The Signal page 19

Arts & Entertainment

Pixels / New public art incites discussion (continued from page 1)

and IMM building.

“The money was Government mandated,” Sarah Jackson, sophomore art education major said.

According to Rachel Razza, junior art education major and member of the art student association, less than 1.5 percent of the construction funding was used for the artwork.

She also said funds for building projects at the College are required to have 1 percent set aside for public art.

In response to student complaints about “Pixels” not actually being the square shape of what most people know as pixels, Jackson said “It’s more about their presence than shape.”

According to Pemble, in digital imaging and photography, pixels are actually circular.

Willie Cole is a New Jersey native and award-winning artist who has art in museums and other locations across the nation.

Katie Petrillo, junior art education major and member of the art student association, said “The dialogue that has occurred in response to the pixels is actually extremely desirable when it comes to the arts. Extensive discussion is oftentimes integral to more fully appreciating a piece of artwork in the end.”

“The moderate discussion we’ve encountered among the art majors is generally positive. The majority of art majors we’ve spoken to are ecstatic that (the College) finally has a public art piece to call its own,” said Petrillo.

The College’s future art gallery is set to move into

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

New public art ‘Pixels’ by artist Willie Cole has been the cause of campus-wide discussion, inciting mixed responses from students and faculty. the renovated Roscoe West Library by 2012, said Sarah Cunningham, director for the gallery.

“I am so thrilled that we here at the College are embarking on a public arts program … All art, and especially

public art, is a catalyst for dialogue and community engagement. As the sculptures were being installed, I was delighted to see the campus-wide conversation begin,” said Cunningham.

Terra Naomi charms Rat for charity

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

YouTube star Terra Naomi performed at the ‘Make Miracles Happen’ event to benefit the Trenton-based organization, One Simple Wish.

By Emily Brill Staff Writer

Thanks to YouTube and the boredom of two community advisors (CA), students were treated to the charming voice of Terra Naomi at the Rathskeller on Nov. 3.

CAs Tamra Wroblesky, senior history and women and gender studies major, and Nicole Lareau, junior chemistry major, were browsing YouTube while on hall office duty when they stumbled upon Naomi, an up-and-coming singersongwriter who got her beginnings as a YouTube celebrity, winning the site’s inaugural “Best Music Video” award for her song “Say It’s Possible” in 2006. The pair was so impressed with Naomi’s downto-earth persona that they e-mailed the artist to ask if she wouldn’t mind stopping by the College on her current U.S. tour to play for the “Make Miracles Happen” event to benefit local organization, One Simple Wish.

Naomi did not disappoint. She played

nine original songs, opening with her hit “Say It’s Possible” and closing with the lovely, guitar-accompanied “Nobody Knows You Anymore.”

The artist played alone, with her own guitar or piano acting as the only accompaniment. Her songs were melodydriven, lyrical and reflective, reminiscent of a stripped-down Joni Mitchell.

Several were intensely personal, including “The Vicodin Song,” sung to a haunting melody played on piano.

According to Naomi, she wrote the piece after having a metal plate installed in her arm after a car accident and “basically living on Vicodin, cooped up in my apartment.”

The songs were replete with inspiring lyrics and a message of hope, one that echoed through the entire event.

“She’s a great singer, and I was inspired by how generous she was, donating a portion of everything she sold to charity and everything,” said Christina Bogdanski, freshman biology major.

The concert was sponsored by

department of Residential Education and Housing, Prism, Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL), and funded by the

Residence Hall Association (RHA). The Trentones, one of the College’s a capella groups, opened for Naomi.

Danielle Gletow, founder of One Simple Wish, also took the stage to speak about her organization. One Simple Wish, launched in 2008, is a charity based in Trenton that grants small requests for items or experiences ranging in value from $5 $100 to local children.

“It allows everyday people to give small amounts of money, anything they have lying around, to make a wish come true,” Gletow said. “It’s a way for people to help out in small ways that will make a difference in children’s lives.”

Throughout the night, donation boxes were passed around, and the audience was encouraged to donate a small amount of money to the cause. A portion of the proceeds from Naomi’s merchandise also was donated to One Simple Wish.

Naomi said she was thrilled to be a part of the event. She closed her set with a heartfelt thank you to One Simple Wish.

“Thank you guys for doing what you’re doing,” Naomi said. “I think it’s really important, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

One of the a capella groups at the College, the Trentones, also performed at the ‘Make Miracles Happen’ event on Nov. 2.

page 20 The Signal November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 21

Cho cracks up Kendall without crudity

By Gabriela Castelan Correspondent

Equipped with stories about family and daily life, comedian Henry Cho seized the Kendall Hall stage with his Southern twang. Students enjoyed the comedian’s performance on Nov. 3 as part of Experience Asia Month, sponsored by the Asian American Association (AAA).

Cho’s performance centered around his personal experience as an Asian American living in the south, complemented by his unexpected southern accent.

“I didn’t know I was supposed to be smart,” Cho said to the audience in reference to a typical Asian stereotype.

According to Nicole Magno, sophomore English secondary education major, it was clear that Cho defied expected Asian stereotypes. “You don’t hear a lot of Asians with southern accents,” she said.

During his act, Cho touched upon topics such as his wife and family life.

However, his performance was interrupted when he identified audience members texting during the show. Cho said the constant texting and usage of phones during a show was very distracting.

Following the pattern of many guest comedians, the College itself became subject of Cho’s routine. He tackled coed floors, classes, the location of the College and graduating students’ “plans or lack thereof.”

“Man, I have to go back to school,” Cho said in reference to the College’s coed living arrangements.

Cho also recounted his start as a comedian in college, when he told his friends that he wanted to try comedy.

Tribute to Kerouac, indie duo explores acoustic Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone”

By Melissa Virzi WTSR Music Assistant

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Comedian Henry Cho performed at the College as part of Experience Asia Month.

“You’re not funny,” Cho said, imitating his friend’s voice. However, he said he “jumped in and tried it” and was then hired to work that same week.

Cho’s story-telling style reflects influence from Bill Cosby and Bob Newhart, who Cho mentioned made a significant impact on his approach to comedy.

Jen Hurler, sophomore interactive multimedia major, said unlike many

comedians brought to the College, Cho’s “humor wasn’t crude,” which she said added to his appeal as a performer.

While many students enjoyed Cho’s brand of comedy, some were slightly disappointed.

Calvin Woo, sophomore mathematics major, said that while he would see the show again, he felt that Cho didn’t touch on Asian American issues to the extent that he could have.

Student writers reveal passion through poetry

Key Tracks: “California Zephyr,” “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone” Tegan & Sara “Sainthood”

By Adrienne Slaght Correspondent Literary creativity and originality abounded in the library auditorium when three students recited their works for ink’s Student Reading Series on Nov. 3.

Freshman professional writing and journalism major Melissa Easaw, freshman English major Samantha Zimbler and junior English major Nicole Pieri all engaged the audience with their poetry.

Zimbler was introduced by English Professor Michael Robertson as being “Emily Dickinson with much better social skills.” Robertson also announced her as “somebody that is furiously in love with the English language.”

Her passion for writing was evident as she captured the interest of the audience with her original poems, dealing with transitions experienced in life.

In addition to her visible enthusiasm, Zimbler’s works proved to be accessible and relatable for many of the students in the audience.

Jill Fries, junior marketing major said, “Her poetry was understandable, and I felt I could share a lot of the feelings and emotions she expressed.”

Zimbler said she was content with her performance.

“It was also the first time I read for an audience, so the experience was one I won’t forget. When I was reading, I felt completely at peace and comfortable.”

Pieri also appeared to be comfortable in front of the crowd as she read her poetry with intense emotion. Kate Whitman, senior English major, introduced her by saying “she’s really adorable, she’s also a beautiful writer.”

A crowd favorite titled “His Crucifix Tattoos” mixed humor and religion as she spoke about her experience working as a lifeguard seeing a lot of “shirtless dudes.”

Easaw kicked off the show with the statement, “There’s no undo button in this game we call life.”

Topics of Easaw’s poetry included regret, memories and gossip shared between “hungry hyenas with juicy meaty secrets galore.” Some poems used simple ideas or objects such as pens and eyes to go into great detail, making it interesting with the use of repetition and varying the speed of her voice.

Indie figurehead Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie) and alt-American forefather Jay Farrar (Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo) were asked to pen a few songs borrowing lines from Jack Kerouac’s “Big Sur” to accompany the recently released documentary on the author titled “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone.”

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the beat poet’s death, the two alternate on vocals, occasionally harmonizing, and strumming their respective acoustic guitars along with them.

Both Gibbard and Farrar make appearances in the film, discussing their admiration for Kerouac. Gibbard cites Kerouac as a major influence for a number of songs he’s written, including “Bixby Canyon Bridge,” which is speculated to be about “Big Sur.” On this compilation though, Gibbard and Farrar both deliver excellent performances, notably on “California Zephyr,” a decidedly more upbeat track on the album with Gibbard’s distinct soft-spoken vocals.

Farrar adds his signature country twang on tracks like “All At Once” and “These Roads Don’t Move.”

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Anamanaguchi played at electro-pop night on Nov.

Electro-pop yields playful tunes

By Shakia Mayer Correspondent

With an electro-pop sound accompanied by a vibrant video projection, featured band Anamanaguchi transformed the Rathskeller into a life-size Nintendo-themed dance party on Nov. 6 at the College Union Board (CUB) sponsored electro-pop night.

The band’s blend of electronic, punk and pop was achieved by chiptunes — music synthesized in a similar manner to video game or computer music. The cast of the band’s members has been rotating since 2005, but lead guitarist Peter Berkman said he believes they now have a solid group. Anamanaguchi currently consists of Berkman, guitarist Ary Warnaar, bass guitarist James DeVito and drummer Luke Silas.

The crowd responded enthusiastically to the band’s energy. At one point in the performance, a group of girls from the audience danced below the stage, as others tapped and nodded along from their seats.

“We should keep the dance vibe up because I am enjoying it very much … This place is awesome. I feel like I’m Zach from ‘Saved By The Bell,’” Berkman said.

Besides the stylish artwork projected and the video game sound, another unconventional element of the performance was the lack of lyrics in the band’s songs.

“I’m very interested in the texture of the sound,” Berkman said.

When he first started writing songs for Anamanaguchi, he toyed with the idea of words but ultimately decided to leave them out.

“What would we sing about? It would probably be very silly,” he said.

The idea for the sound of the band came from Berkman’s interest in bridging rock and electronic music he said.

The Naked Hearts, a band from Brooklyn, New York, opened for the night. Vocalist and guitarist Amy Cooper and drummer and vocalist Noah Wheeler make up the boy/girl duo, which Cooper described as an Indie pop band.

By Chris Payne WTSR Music Director Tegan and Sara Quin are identical twins who work with Death Cab For Cutie’s Chris Walla, speak out with PETA and craft pop gems that’s made them more than appealing to the indie rock scene since their debut, 2004’s “So Jealous.”

“Sainthood,” also recorded with Walla, is the confident progression in the duo’s sound that 2007’s “The Con” only teased with. Where past standouts like “Walking With a Ghost” and “Back In Your Head” were skeletal and simplistic, “Sainthood’s” best tracks are dauntless stabs at power pop that find the sisters embracing the electric guitar more than ever before.

Two-minute burner “Northshore” echoes more energetic duos like Matt & Kim and The Kills. Others like “Don’t Rush” and “Hell” ditch coy acoustics for a surprisingly straightforward new-wave rock sound.

Though they’ve changed instrumentally, the Quin’s remain refreshingly familiar in the lyrical department. Romantic ideals and their materialization in relationships are the predominant theme — forming a common thread to effectively link “Sainthood” to the band’s past work.

Key Tracks: “Hell,” “Don’t Rush”

page 22 The Signal November 11, 2009 THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY INTRAMURALS AND RECREATION SERVICES BASKETBALL FALL 2009 (MENʼS & WOMENʼS) ENTRY CARDS: MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK ENTRY DEADLINE: ENTRY CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF AT THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER FRONT DESK BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009 BY 6:00PM. ALL CARDS MUST INCLUDE A $20.00 FORFEIT FEE. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! NO EXCEPTIONS! ACTION STARTS: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009 DAYS AND TIMES: MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 6:00PM-10:00PM LEAGUES: MENʼS A & B LEAGUE, WOMENʼS RULES: MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTRAMURAL WEB SITE- WWW. TCNJ.EDU/~INTRAMUR . IT IS THE CAPTAINʼS RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES. ANY INDIVIDUAL SEEKING PLACEMENT ON A TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING TEAM CAPTAINS. CAPTAINʼS 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. ONLY 3 EX-VARSITY BASKETBALL PLAYERS ARE ALLOWED PER TEAM IN THE A LEAGUE ONLY. CURRENT VARSITY BASKETBALL PLAYERS ARE INELIGIBLE. NO EXCEPTIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DEBORAH SIMPSON, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, 771-2190 DSIMPSON@TCNJ.EDU CARLOS ORTIZ, DAN YERVES, PROGRAM SUPERVISORS-771-2190

Young Alumni Lecture Series The College Honors Program is proud to present…

Sean Marotta TCNJ ʼ07 BA in Philosophy JD candidate at William and Mary School of Law offering an informal discussion of graduate school and a research presentation…

3L: Notes on Surviving the Law School Experience Wednesday, November 18th 3:30 p.m. in Loser Hall, room 106

SignalSports Lions claim 600th win, Icenhower makes history College reaches two milestones for alumni crowd

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

The College celebrated its 600th dual win and coach Icenhower’s 500th career win after a 53-0 shutout of Norwich University.

By Bobby Olivier Managing Editor As junior heavyweight Ed Broderick tussled with his opponent, the Packer Hall crowd beamed with anticipation, understanding that College history was only seconds away.

Broderick gained position early, and when the referee’s hand slammed the mat, signifying Broderick’s pin, the College’s first match of the season had ended, two major accomplishments were achieved, and the celebration was just beginning.

The Lions’ 53-0 victory over Norwich University on Saturday was not only the 600th dual-meet win for the College’s wrestling program, but the 500th victory for head coach David Icenhower in his 34-year tenure at the school. The College is only the 28th program to achieve such a feat, and Icenhower becomes a member of an elite club of only four coaches in Division I, II or III with 500 or more career victories.

Following the match, Icenhower was presented with two large signs, one for the program’s achievement and one for his own. Icenhower received the signs, and turned to the Packer Hall crowd full of former Lion wrestlers cheering and waving blue and gold pieces of paper with Icenhower’s face printed on them. The coach held the sign over his head to the applause of generations of College grapplers, and finally, the milestones that had remained on the team’s minds since last season were reached.

“It’s good to finally get it over with,” Icenhower said. “I look forward to going over and spending some time with a lot of these guys, we have over 100 alumni back, it’s awesome.”

The Lions’ current wrestlers were humbled by the experience.

“Being part of this historic match is such an honor because there have been so many great wrestlers and coaches to come through this program,” junior John Barnett said. “I am just very fortunate that I was able to be a part of this accomplishment

that began over 30 years ago. ‘Ice’ is an incredible individual that has done so much for this school, and I was very honored to have the chance to be out on that mat and help him reach this great milestone.”

Wrestling at 141 pounds, Barnett defeated his opponent 31 in what was a very strong overall performance by the Lions against the weaker Cadets. The College pinned five Norwich opponents, including impressive contests by Broderick and his brother, freshman Brian Broderick, as each pinned their opponents within the first three minutes of their bouts.

“It was great to win in dominant fashion for the first win of the year,” Barnett said. “Of course Norwich wasn’t really any good, but we definitely made a statement as a team that it is going to be hard to beat us this year.”

First-year graduate student and tri-captain Dan DiColo expressed his excitement to come back for his final year of see HISTORY page 23

Women’s Soccer

Cheap Seats

Yanks stroll down Broadway Lions win NJAC with penatly kicks

By Bobby Olivier Managing Editor It was priceless.

Young fans climbed on tops of phone booths. Adults hung from construction scaffoldings in an attempt to view the street. The crowds were enormous, as all knew they would be, and many became agitated with the fact that once they were part of the crowd, they remained that way without exit. Expletives were shouted in thick accents as onlookers were thrust into each other trying to make room. Countless grew weary, but as soon as the roar of the crowd on the adjacent side street closer to the parade began to grow, everyone silenced their complaints and raised cameras and camcorders in anticipation, cheering and trying to distinguish which player was atop the passing float.

At Friday’s New York Yankees’ ticker-

tape parade, a sea of navy and white flooded the streets perpendicular to Broadway, all inching forward for the chance to see their champions, and to further identify with the players dressed in street clothes who brought so much joy to so many in attendance.

At that moment, when Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter or any Yankee passed, waving and smiling, and as confetti fell from buildings, filling the New York sky, there was never a better moment to be a sports fan.

When that surreal feeling hits and life seems like cinema, a fan can stop, look around and realize that yes, this is actually happening. All of those nights of anguish, praying for a two-out hit or a double play are worth every wrinkle.

Those red eyes caused by 15-inning see CHAMPIONSHIP page 23

AP Photo

A mob of Yankee fans flooded the Canyon of Heroes last Friday.

College on top after one-year drought

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

The Lions celebrate the team’s 13th NJAC Title since 1994.

By Michael O’Donnell Staff Writer All athletes dream of winning the game in the final seconds.After a thrilling defensive battle, sophomore forward Maria Grady did just that to win the Lions’ fourth New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) title in five years, as they edged the Ospreys of Richard Stockton College 7-6 in penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie through regulation and two overtime periods.

“We are very excited to have won the NJAC again,” senior goalkeeper Jessica Clarke said. “We came up short last year and we made sure not to forget that. Our coaching staff has guided us in the right direction to get back to the championship.”

Even those who had yet to taste NJAC

championship glory know what it means to a program like the College.

“This is my first time winning the NJAC tournament and it is such an amazing feeling,” Grady said. It’s what we as a team have worked for this season. We worked hard and didn’t give up. That is what this program is about.”

After the second overtime period concluded at chilly Lion’s Stadium Friday night, the game shifted to the penalty kick format. In each of their six attempts, both teams converted, keeping things at a dead heat.

It would be the seventh round that decided the championship, as senior goalkeeper Jess Clarke stopped Stockton’s rookie midfielder Dailey Todd to see TITLE page 25

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 23 Cheap Seats

Wrestling

Championship / Fans flood the N.Y. streets History / Lions reach milestone with shutout

continued from page 28

marathons and SportsCenter highlights are worth the sleepless nights. That spackled hole in the wall created by the 2004 American League Championship Series was worth the trip to the hardware store.

The ticker-tape parade is the pinnacle of all sports fandom.

Never are more jubilant fans together in one place for one common reason – to celebrate a World Championship. Does “World” mean superiority over all other teams on this planet?

No, it generally refers to America, but no matter the sport, fans will proudly claim their teams are the greatest in the land, and that feeling of winning is like no other. That feeling of being on top, living vicariously through a group of people that were fans once as well is unexplainable. When fans associate storming the field at Yankee Stadium with a little league championship trophy they once raised above their head, and remembering how that felt is almost awe-inspiring.

After the floats passed, Broadway opened and fans flocked to nearby City Hall Park, where a massive screen allowed them to view the preceding City Hall ceremonies. Once they were no longer packed on side streets, fans spread out and began to take pictures to

commemorate the day. Families and friends squeezed into shots capturing the event, while other crowds formed, tossing the fallen confetti back into the cool air, creating paper fireworks. Thousands high-fived and chanted pro-Yankees and anti-Phillies slogans. It was a day for the fans.

Perhaps what makes a ticker-tape parade so special is that, like seeing any phenomenon, fans never know when it’s going to happen again, so they take the day off, pull their children out of school, cope with the crowds and cherish the day for what it is – a potential oncein-a-lifetime moment that will never be replicated.

So many critics moan over the lofty dollar amounts professional athletes, namely Yankees players, bring in annually, but when the team that took millions and millions of dollars to build brings millions together for a positive purpose, the numbers fade into memory. Fans do not remember 2009 for a team’s budget, but for when they became a part of a World Series victory. They remember the final pitch, and they remember walking the city streets, knowing they were a part of something bigger than them, a team of millions, all wishing for the success of a few.

When those few succeeded, everybody won.

Bobby Olivier can be reached at olivier6@tcnj.edu.

AP Photo

To celebrate the Yankees’ 27th World Series Title, more than one million fans stormed New York.

continued from page 28 eligibility.

“It feels good, any time to come and wrestle for ‘Ice’ for another year, it’s really good and he’s a great coach as you can see with the 500 wins, it’s awesome,” DiColo said.

Junior tri-captain Justin Bonitatis added, “Coach ‘Ice’ is an amazing coach who truly cares about us as wrestlers and people, I am very happy for him to accomplish what he has.

It takes a tremendous amount of hard work and Ice earned and deserves everything he’s accomplished.”

Following the presentation of the signs, Icenhower requested all alumni come down to the floor for a group photo holding the banner commemorating the 600th win.

A reception for alumni was held afterward in the Brower Student Center.

“It really felt great to wrestle in front of all the alumni who competed in that very same place years ago,” Bonitatis said. “It’s a honor to wrestle in front of them and show them that (the College), although the name is different, is still putting together teams that want to win national titles.”

Barnett added, “Meeting the alumni that used to wrestle at (the College) was very special to me. My high school coach wrestled for Ice and he introduced me to a lot of the guys he used to wrestle with along with many other guys that were All-Americans during their careers. It’s a great experience to get to shake hands with guys that are legends at this school.”

Instead of reflecting on his accomplishments, Icenhower chose to enjoy the moment.

“I think I’ll appreciate it later. The fun is having everyone back and having them see each other and doing things.”

Junior Adam Koziol added, “A lot of those guys still come around the practice room every once and a while ... they all still have a lot of pride in the program and I think they would be proud of how we’re carrying on the team after they’ve gone.”

Once the nostalgia dies down, Icenhower and the No. 12ranked Lions will look ahead to the Fall Brawl hosted by Ursinus College, scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. on Nov. 14.

Bobby Olivier can be reached at olivier6@tcnj.edu.

Football

Lions narrowly defeated in final home game of season Freshman quarterback nails down College’s record-breaking year

By Bobby Olivier Managing Editor Although the College fell short in its attempt to salvage a winning season, falling 34-37 to Western Connecticut State University on Saturday, a broken record and a strong rookie performance softened the blow.

In his first start at quarterback, freshman James Donaghue helped the Lions eclipse their single-season scoring record previously

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Weber leaps to reel in the catch.

set in 1989. The record of 295 points was overtaken in the second quarter when Donaghue dropped a 22-yard pass into senior wide receiver Colin Weber’s hands in the end zone, giving the Lions a 27-20 lead.

Donaghue finished the game with 194 passing yards, completing 22 of 28 passes for three touchdowns as a substitute for injured senior quarterback Chris James.

“Donoghue did a good job filling in for James,” head coach Eric Hamilton said. “He understands and was prepared when the opportunity came. He came off the bench versus Cortland in adverse conditions last week and then started and played well this week.

However, no one is more disappointed than he is about not getting the ‘W.’” The freshman’s only blemish was his lone interception on the Lions’ final drive, an errant pass intended for senior wide receiver Mark Gardner that the Colonials picked off, sealing the victory.

Donaghue cannot be blamed for the loss though, as an inconsistent Lions defense was the cause of the high scoring total from the 1-7 Colonials. In the first half, the College surrendered three passing touchdowns of 40 yards or more, including a 44-yard desperation pass into the end zone, which brought Western Connecticut within one point of the Lions to end the half.

“It was a game of two halves,” Hamilton said. “We gave up too many big plays in first half, especially when they put one second back on the clock and completed the

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

A Lions defender leaps at a Colonial receiver and brings him down.

‘Hail Mary pass’ on last play. That broke our back and should have never happened. Our offense answered every big play in the first half. However, we were outscored 11-7 in second half because we weren’t able to convert when we had our chances on both sides of the ball.”

The Lions were able to answer the Colonials’ big plays with their patchwork running game, led by senior quarterback converted to running back/wide receiver Bill Picatagi and junior running back Michael Yetka. Both were filling in for injured runners sophomore Justin Doniloski and senior Chase Misuira.

“Picatagi has truly been our jack of all trades and is our wildcat guy — quarterback, receiver and running back,” Hamilton said.

“He is leaving his mark in his last couple of games here at (the College). Yetka has been a consistent player for us his whole career — not flashy but consistent. Not the biggest back but certainly has the heart. Hopefully (Kevin) Brown will start to pick it up here at the end of the season.”

Picatagi finished the game with 15 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns, while Yetka finished with 117 yards on 20 carries.

The Lions will finish their season on the road at rival Rowan University Saturday at 1 p.m.

Bobby Olivier can olivier6@tcnj.edu.

be

reached

at

page 24 The Signal November 11, 2009

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November 11, 2009 The Signal page 25 Cross Country

Women’s Soccer

Title / Lions edge the Ospreys Lions run well at home after double overtime tie at the ECAC’s

continued from page 28

give the Lions a chance to ice it.

Grady would end up the hero, as she executed her penalty kick to clinch the victory and the conference title. The celebration ensued.

“Our (penalty kick) shooters, and Maria, did a great job during the shootout,” Clarke said. “We would have liked to have won the game in regulation, but we were just unfortunate to not have put one in the net (in regulation).”

Grady feels as if she was just in the right place at the right time.

“I don’t feel as if I was the one who ended the game in any way. I was just the next one who happened to shoot,” Grady said. “It could have been anyone. I was not too nervous, more excited because Jess saved the previous and all I had to do was pass the ball into the net.”

By virtue of their win, the Lions

earn an NJAC automatic bid to the 2009 NCAA Division III Tournament.

On the flipside, the Ospreys will hope their 14-6-2 overall record will land them an at-large bid into the tournament.

But this automatic bid did not come easy. Despite a few scoring opportunities near the end of regulation, freshman Osprey goalkeeper Maria Dorris made a pair of incredible acrobatic saves to keep the game knotted up at zero.

The rookie goalkeeper had quite the busy evening, making 12 saves to record her sixth shutout of the season.

She showed much fortitude in going up against the vaunted Lions’ offense and keeping things even with Clarke, who had to save just two shots for her 12th shutout of the season.

Dorris “did well clearly if we had that many shots and could not finish,” Grady said. “She was very athletic, and there were many shots we had that I

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Jillian Casey was third on the team with seven goals for 15 points.

By Hilarey Wojtowicz Sports Assistant

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

Grady shoots the game-winner.

was shocked didn’t make it past her.”

The Lions had a distinct shots-ongoal advantage (36-3) as well, but were unable to convert any of those shots.

They also had all of the nine shots in the two extra sessions.

“To have dominated a game like that and to not come out on top would have been devastating,” Grady said.

Despite their dominance on offense without scoring a goal, the Lions managed to pull out the victory, and advance one step closer to their ultimate goal.

After the thrilling win, the Lions improved their record to 16-2-1 on the year, and will wait for the tournaments brackets to be announced.

“We feel that if we play to the best of abilities, our chances in the tournament are very good,” Clarke said. “We are all looking forward to it.”

If the Lions keep things up on defense and convert on their enormous shot totals, there is no limit to how far they can go. As Coach Russo has preached, execution is the key.

The Lions raced to a strong finish at the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) championships on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The men’s cross country team placed ninth overall out of 43 teams, while the women’s team was not far behind, gaining the 13th spot out of 39 teams at the meet.

Both the men’s and women’s teams finished in the top half of the race, competing against more than 250 athletes from along the East Coast.

Junior Brittany Erickson led the Lions in the 6000-meter race, placing 58th out of 275 runners with a time of 25:48.

“It felt awesome to lead the team,” said Erickson. “The ECAC championships is a very competitive race and being able to cross that line first for the College was such an adrenaline rush.”

For the men’s team, it was sophomore Alex Yersak who led the way for the Lions, running a time of 28:11 in the men’s 8000-meter race, placing 48th out of 296 runners.

Freshman Matt Hernberg and sophomore Nick Bond were not far behind, placing in the 51st and 52nd spots overall. Hernberg finished with a time of 28:14, with Bond right behind him with a time of 28:15.

“The team was confident,” said Hernberg. “I think we have a solid pack that will work together and do well our next meet, the Atlantic Regional championships.

The Lions had two more runners finish in the top 100 for the men’s race. Junior Aleksandrs Erins had a time of 28:34, putting him in 68th place.

Freshman Alex Matteson gained the 71st spot with a time of 28:35.

The women’s team had four more athletes competing in the race, as well. Sophomores Noelle Gotthart posted a time of 26:16 for 75th place and Abbey Wallach finished in 85th place, running a time of 26:29. Meghan Bruce, a sophomore, also finished in the top 100 with a time of 26:45 for the 98th spot. Sophomore Casey Valdes finished in less than a minute behind Bruce with a time of 27:08 for the 119th spot.

The Lions will compete in the Atlantic Regional Championships next Saturday, Nov. 17, at SUNY Geneseo in Morris, N.Y.

Swimming

Women’s swimming team wins fourth straight meet

Lions rebound from an early defeat with a big win

By Krystal Spencer Staff Writer The women’s swimming team continued their strong start to the season with

a win over Southern Connecticut State University this past Saturday at home.

Junior Margaret Molloy and sophomore Laura Pierce once again led the Lions to a 168-126 win that improved the

Tim Lee / Photo Editor

The men’s swimming team improved to 3-1 on the season.

College’s record to 4-0.

Molloy won three freestyle events, including anchoring the 400-yard relay with freshmen Traci Hofer, Melissa Hessler, and junior Danielle Dilts. She also posted impressive times in both the 500-yard and 1000-yard freestyles.

Pierce outshone last week’s stellar performance by taking first in four events this week. With events 100-yard butterfly and both the 50-and 100-yard freestyle as well as swimming on the winning 200-medley relay team, Pierce proved that her career as a Lion has only just begun.

The men also had a strong meet against Southern Connecticut State.

They shook off their first of the season last week with a 164.5-121.5 win over the Owls, giving them their first loss.

Junior Joe Tseng came up big for the College with 4 first place finishes. He served as the leadoff swimmer in the 200-yard medley, which he won with freshman Adam Schneider, fellow junior Tom Medvecky and senior Myles O’Connor. Tseng also competed in the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke as

well as the 200-yard individual medley.

“Win or lose, as a team we race to the best of our ability in each and every event,” Tseng said. “We have to stay focused on what we want to accomplish in the future and not dwell on what already happened. After losing to Stevens, the team was determined to defeat one of our top competitors, Southern Connecticut State. Ultimately, we were well prepared for the meet and everyone was psyched up to swim fast.”

Medvecky and sophomore Mike Vernoia made the NCAA cut in the 200yard butterfly and 200-yard freestyle respectively. O’Connor joined them with a winning time of 58:34 in the 100-yard breaststroke.

“Even though it’s early in the season, we’ve had a lot of injuries,” junior Peter Goldsmith said. “We’re really focusing on becoming healthy and more longterm goals, such as winning the Metropolitan Championship and improving on the national level.”

Next on the schedule for both teams is Franklin & Marshall College at home this Friday at 6 p.m.

page 26 The Signal November 11, 2009

4 6

LIONS

AROUND THE

DORM 5 3

Michael O’Donnell “The Ref”

Garrett Rasko-Martinis Sports Editor

Dan Neyman Correspondent

Mike McLoughlin Correspondent

With Correspondent Jason Cantor wrapping up the first berth to the AtD Championship, Sports Editor Garrett Rasko-Martinis and Correspondents Dan Neyman and Mike McLoughlin will vie for the second spot in the finals. Staff Writer Michael O’Donnell will challenge our contestants to make their off-season predictions for the Yankees, argue if Big Blue’s season is in jeopardy and which NBA teams are most poised to win it all.

1. With the Yankees winning their 27th title, now it’s time for them to start thinking about the offseason. Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui each had huge impacts in the World Series, and are both rumored to be gone in 2010. Who should the Yankees keep between these two?

AP Photo

GRM: If the Yankees can, they should resign both, but that’s just not likely. Both players are searching for what is most likely their final contracts, so they’re going to probably want contracts in the two to three year range. But the Yankees can’t afford to take a chance on players who are both old and injury-prone. If somehow the Yankees could convince one or both of them to take oneyear contracts, or one year with a team option, then they should resign them. But if they can’t do that, then they should focus on just Damon.

Matsui can only be the designated hitter, and got fatigued even doing that during the season.

His numbers were declining this season until he got to rest during interleague play. Damon can at least still play outfield. With Jorge Posada getting closer to not being an everyday catcher, they can’t afford to have an everyday designated hitter for much longer.

DN: Out of those two players, the Yankees should and most likely will keep Johnny Damon, signing him to a two-year deal worth around $16-17 million. Without Matsui in their lineup, no one knows if the Yankees would even be World Series champs. However, Matsui does not fit the mold for what the Yankees are trying to do. The Yankees need to get younger as a whole, and keeping an aging Matsui will not help that. While Matsui claims that he is healthy enough to start everyday in left field, at best, he is a defensive liability in comparison to Damon.

Damon proved that he can still go out there and contribute offensively and with a weak free agent market for left fielders, the Yankees will re-sign him. The Yankees will be involved in rumors with Matt Holliday all off-season, but with so much money tied up in huge contracts (CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez etc.), it just makes too much sense for the Yankees to re-sign Damon.

MM: If this question was asked at the beginning of the season, the easy answer would have been that neither Damon nor Matsui should be back.

However, after outstanding postseasons, the question seems more valid now. It is important to look at the playoffs for what they are, roughly 60 at-bats. At no point should a contract be given

out for such a small sample size. While Matsui has had a very productive Yankee career, there is little reason to retain him. He has passed his prime and is on two balky knees. Considering the Yankees have Posada locked up long term, they would be best served leaving the DH spot flexible to accommodate their aging catcher. Regarding Damon, it gets more complicated. Surely he will be looking for a multi-year deal, especially as a Scott Boras client. The Yankees have top prospect Austin Jackson in Triple-A as a potential replacement, but he would be best served with more development time. The free agent crop of Jason Bay and Matt Holliday will also come at a much higher price than Damon, and their ability to handle New York is untested. Ideally, the Yankees would sign Damon for a one-year deal with a team option for 2011, however I see the Yankees caving in and guaranteeing the second year. Not the greatest deal in terms of value, but cheaper and safer than the alternatives.

MO: Mike gets the 3 here for looking at every single angle of these two players and the options that surround them. Garrett gets the 2 for discussing how it may be difficult since both guys are going to want multi-year contracts in their old age. Dan, your answer was just the weakest of three strong answers.

One point.

2. The New York Giants have lost three games in a row, and are on the verge of falling too far behind in the NFC East. Should they be concerned? And what needs to be fixed?

GRM: The Giants most certainly should be concerned, but it’s not time to panic yet. There is still time to turn the season around. The Giants have only beaten four of the worst teams in the NFL, and a Cowboys team that had not established the dominant passing game they’ve seen the last couple of weeks. First and foremost, Eli Manning needs to reestablish the offensive rhythm he showed early in the season. Manning looked as good for the first five weeks of the season as I’ve ever seen him play, and he was making an inexperienced receiver core look very good.

The Giants need Brandon Jacobs to start being the strong contributor he’s been the last two seasons. They also need to include Kevin Boss more into the passing game. On defense, they have to get pressure on the quarterback or opposing teams are going to keep carving up their weak and beaten-up secondary. The Giants desperately need Michael Boley back at linebacker and Aaron Ross at cornerback for this defense to get back on track. The Giants are not the best defense in football, but they should not be surrendering 100-plus points on three games.

DN: If I were the Giants, I would be panicking right about now. They are currently sitting third in the NFC East, and have faltered as of late, while both the Eagles and Cowboys have been on an absolute roll. The Giants also have a very tough schedule ahead of them, including most

notably the Falcons, Broncos, Cowboys, Eagles, and Vikings. I’m assuming that Eli Manning has simply forgotten what team he plays for because his throws are all over the place, and the Giants secondary hasn’t showed up for the past three weeks. Constant turnovers and sloppy defensive play have forced the Giants to play from behind, making their running game obsolete, and with a weak receiving core the Giants have not been able to fight back. In order for the Giants to get to the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl, Manning needs to be consistent and the Giants defense needs to return to form.

AP Photo

MM: The Giants should definitely be concerned.

First and foremost, their schedule the rest of the season is brutal. In their remaining games their opponents are 36-21. This tough-to-navigate schedule is compounded by the Giants’ offensive and defensive troubles. The loss of Kenny Phillips has really hurt the secondary, and the Giants have not been able to pressure the quarterback like they did in their championship season. Offensively, there are questions about the health of Eli Manning’s foot. Also, Brandon Jacobs has not been producing well, and Amad Bradshaw continues to struggle to hold onto the football. The Giants succeed when they run the ball and pressure the opponent’s quarterback.

They are not doing either consistently, and may not have the depth to overcome the injuries and tough schedule.

MO: Dan gets the 3 for discussing the upcoming schedule as well as talking about the Giants having to play from behind. The Giants go to the air when they are in such a position, one that is definitely not their strong point.

Mike, you get the 2 for also pointing out the grueling schedule as well as going into how the secondary has been a major issue. Garrett, another tough decision, but you were a victim of circumstance. One.

they have the talent to play with the best in the West, but they don’t have the talent to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers or the San Antonio Spurs. If the Celtics can keep Kevin Garnett healthy, they will have the chance to go much deeper this postseason and contend with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.

DN: Assuming both teams remain healthy, the Celtics have a much better shot at making it to the NBA Finals. It’s nothing against the Nuggets, but the Celtics have a better chance simply because the Eastern Conference is weaker than the Western Conference. It’s too early in the season to start comparing records, but the most likely competition for the Celtics are the Cavs and Magic, whereas the Nuggets’ competition will be the Lakers, Spurs, and Suns. The Celtics have all-star talent at every position but center, whereas the Nuggets only have two all-star talents with Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony, and no shooting guard. It’s hard to imagine a team coming out of the Western Conference with Anthony Carter as their starting shooting guard. The Nuggets are playing well and will most likely make the playoffs, but barring a major trade, I don’t see them coming out of the West.

MM: The Celtics have a better shot at making it to the Finals for two reasons. First, with the addition of Rasheed Wallace, their starting lineup is arguably as, if not more, formidable than it was when they won it all. Not only does Wallace give them some more size, but he also is another threat from behind the arch, a great weapon to have. However the second main reason the Celtics are more likely to make the Finals than the Nuggets is simply that they do not have to go through the Lakers to get there.

The Lakers are still the best team in the league, undefeated or not. While the Magic and Cavs are great teams in their own right, the Nuggets will have a much harder time getting passed the Lakers, and that is why they have less of a chance to make it to the finals.

MO: Since everyone made the argument that the Eastern Conference is clearly the weaker conference, Mike gets the 3 for making the obvious point that Rasheed Wallace makes the Celtics the arguable favorite in the East.

Garrett, you get 2 for stating the simple yet important point of Kevin Garnett staying healthy. Dan, your answer was just simple, obvious statements. Uno.

3. The Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets were the last two undefeated teams in the NBA. With both being picked as potential NBA Finals attendees, who has a better shot at making it to the big dance?

GRM: The Celtics have a much better chance of going to the Finals if for no other reason than they play in the much weaker Eastern Conference. The Nuggets showed last postseason that

AtD Playoffs No. 2 Brandon No. 5 Jason No. 7 O’Donnell No. 3 Neyman No. 4 Mike No. 6 Garrett No. 1 Duncan No. 8 Bobby No. 9 Drew

Jason wins 8-7-3 Mike wins 8-5-5 Check Issue 12

Championship begins for Issue 13

“Fuck the TCNJ balls!”

-Mike

AP Photo

November 11, 2009 The Signal page 27

LIONS ROUNDUP Womenʼs Soccer ## Name 14 12 13 18 4 20 19 2 8 27 6 17 34 10 11 5 33

GP-GS

Casey Caruso.........19-19 Briann McDonough.....19-19 Jillian Casey........19-17 Allyson Anderson.....18-13 Nikki Miglori........19-19 Katie Landrigan......18-2 Annie McCarthy.......19-19 Brenna Rubino........19-0 Amy Van Dyk..........19-10 Joanna Pisani........15-0 Toni DeMaio..........16-15 Alexa Rozzi..........15-0 Jaclyn Greco.........10-0 Brittany McGinley....11-5 Kristina Shemming....8-0 Julianne Delorenzo...9-0 Chelsea Thompkins....1-0

Date 10/23/09 10/31/09 11/1/09 11/7/09 11/13/09 12/4/09 12/5/09 12/6/09 1/16/10 1/23/10 1/24/10 1/30/10 2/19/10 2/20/10 2/21/10 3/17/10 3/18/10 3/19/10

A

Pts.

Sh.

SOG%

10 7 7 6 2 5 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1

3 7 1 2 7 0 2 1 2 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 0

23 21 15 14 11 10 10 7 6 6 6 5 4 3 3 2 2

43 60 36 49 20 32 63 26 34 20 12 13 12 11 9 3 2

.581 .567 .583 .327 .400 .688 .476 .577 .382 .500 .333 .615 .500 .364 .333 .333 .500

Womenʼs Swimming Opponent

@ vs. @ vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. @ @ @ vs. @ @ @ @ @ @

Montclair State University Ramapo College Stevens Institute of Tech.

So. Connecticut State U. Franklin & Marshall Co. TCNJ Lions Invitational TCNJ Lions Invitational TCNJ Lions Invitational C.W. Post New York University William Paterson U. Rowan University Met. Conference Champs.

Met. Conference Champs.

Met. Conference Champs.

NCAA Division III Champs.

NCAA Division III Champs.

NCAA Division III Champs.

Football

Date 9/5/09 9/18/09 9/26/09 10/2/09 10/10/09 10/17/09 10/24/09 10/31/09 11/7/09 11/14/09

G

vs. vs. vs. @ vs. @ vs. @ vs. @

Time/Result

W 151-86 W 188-61 W 150-112 W 169-126 6 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

9:30 a.m 9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

TBA TBA TBA

Maria Grady Womenʼs Soccer

Sophomore defender Maria Grady scored the winning penalty kick for the Lions in the New Jersey Athletic Conference finals on Friday, Nov. 6, against Richard Stockton College. After 110 minutes of play, the Lions continued on to the sudden death round, defeating the Ospreys 7-6.

-Hilarey

Wojtowicz, Sports Assistant

This Week In Sports Cross Country

Nov. 14 @ Atlantic Regional Championships, 11 a.m.

Football

Nov. 14 @ Rowan University, 1 p.m.

Swimming

Nov. 14 @Princeton Invitational, 9 a.m.

Wrestling

Opponent

Time/Result

Buffalo State College FDU - Florham Morrisville St. College Kean University The College at Brockport William Paterson U. Montclair State University SUNY Cortland Western Conn. St. U. Rowan University

W W W L W L L L L 1

47-31 58-28 67-34 7-28 48-34 28-43 13-16 7-30 34-37 p.m.

Nov. 14 @ Fall Brawl - Ursinus College, 9 a.m.

Menʼs Basketball

Nov. 15 @ Lehman College, 1 p.m.

Womenʼs Basketball

Nov. 15 vs. Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 p.m.

Trivia Question Answer to Last Week’s Trivia Question: 1982

The New York Yankees became world champions on Wednesday Nov. 4, after triumphing over the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 in Game 6.

Outfielder Hideki Matsui was made Most Valuable Player of the 2009 World Series after tying the single-game World Series RBI record, leading the team to the Game 6 win.

Who originally set the record for most RBIs in a World Series’ Game?

Lion of the Week

AP Photo

STAT OF THE WEEK

600

The Lions wrestling team defeated Norwich University in the first meet of the season on Saturday, Nov. 7, achieving a landmark of 600 dual meet wins throughout the history of the wrestling program at the College. The win also advanced the team to become one of 28 collegiate programs to ever reach 600 wins. Head coach David Icenhower also became the fourth coach in NCAA history to achieve 500 wins in his career. The Lions won 53-0 over the Cadets.