The Signal: Spring ‘17 No. 2

Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net.

Vol. XLVI, No. 2

February 1, 2017

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

Lions shake their manes to The Maine

Left: O’Callaghan interacts with the audience at Kendall Hall. Right: Nickelsen awes the crowd with his rhythm.

By Brielle Bryan Production Manager John O’Callaghan, lead singer of The Maine, said he would rather “poop his pants” than talk politics.

Luckily for the audience, he talked about everything but. Even if he had, it wouldn’t have stopped him from dancing wildly across the stage and encouraging more than 500 students to let loose after a long winter break.

The lively band graced Kendall Hall’s Main Stage on Saturday, Jan. 28, a week after performing at its 10th anniversary music festival, 8123 Fest, in The Maine’s hometown of Phoenix.

Warming up the students for the main act was the up-and-coming band Public. The lead singer, John Vaughn, electrified the audience and charmed the ladies with an original song called “Perfect.”

“He winked at us,” said Molly

College receives fresh, new app

Meagher, a junior English and secondary education dual major, with a smile. “They seemed really fun and just happy to be here.”

Vaughn said in an interview with The Signal that he had a blast playing at the College and was looking forward to playing at other universities.

As Public exited the stage, the crowd of students eagerly waited for The Maine — O’Callaghan, Jared Monaco, Kennedy Brock, Pat Kirch

and Garrett Nickelsen — to perform their set.

O’Callaghan took over the stage from the first song, “We All Roll Along,” which came from The Maine’s first full album, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.”

O’Callaghan loosened up the audience by encouraging them to dance and sing along, so they could forget about the pressures of school and focus on having a good time.

“It was my first time seeing

see APP page 3

them, and they were so amazing — I was crying,” said Andrea Palermo, a senior elementary education and iSTEM double major.

To further break the students out of their shells, O’Callaghan interacted with them by taking questions from the audience. One student asked what O’Callaghan had for dinner, and he answered that he had a grilled cheese sandwich see BAND page 13

Students and faculty march on Washington

By Ashton Leber Social Media Editor Students and faculty can now access information about the College in the palm of their hands thanks to TCNJ App, a mobile app released on Jan. 24.

The Office of Information Technology banded together with the Office of Communications to design and create the app.

“Our students live and work through their mobile devices,” said Sharon Blanton, vice president and chief information officer of Information Technology. “We need to provide one place for them to go to for access to all of our major systems.”

According to Blanton, the College partnered with DubLabs, which specializes in creating apps for higher education and currently works with more than 150 schools worldwide with more than 3 million users.

Blanton explained that the main purpose for the new app is to provide easy access to information regarding

Kimberly Ilkowski / Staff Photographer

Photo courtesy of Cecilia Colbeth

The women’s march is one of the largest protests in American history.

By Thomas Infante Arts & Entertainment Editor Nearly half a million people marched through the streets of our nation’s capital on Jan. 21 to protest President Donald Trump. The women’s march in Washington D.C. had one of the most impressive turnouts in recent history, and the College was not without representation.

The feeling of unity was omnipresent as around 100 members of the College community, including faculty and students, attended

INDEX: Nation & World / page 5 Editorial / page 6 Peru visit Follow us at...

Students tend to the impoverished The Signal See Features page 12 @tcnjsignal

the march.

The idea to transport students to the demonstration began soon after the election, according to Cecilia Colbeth, the program coordinator of the Women’s and Gender Studies Department.

“Myself and six other students were attending a National Women’s Studies Association conference in Canada the day after the election,” Colbeth said. “We felt as if we needed to speak up about the rights of women and other minority groups. We asked ourselves ‘What can we do?’”

So, the plan to attend the march developed.

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Features / page 9

Colbeth worked with Jane Wong, the dean of the School of Humanities, to fund the trip. Other organizations also contributed, including the American Federation of Teachers Union and Women In Learning and Leadership.

The activists began their day at 6 a.m., as they boarded two large buses bound for the nation’s capital. According to Colbeth, transportation was a concern from the beginning.

“It was very difficult to find buses to rent because so many were being used by others for the same purpose,” she said. “We finally found two, and within two days, we had filled the seats.”

This was the first march that Colbeth, as well as many of the students, took part. Immediately upon arrival, she was struck with a feeling of camaraderie and warmth from the other participants.

“We started at RFK Stadium and walked about 13 miles through Washington D.C.,” Colbeth said. “There were people of all ages and backgrounds banding together to make their voices heard. It was unbelievable how supportive and good-natured the crowd was. It was a great opportunity to voice our concerns and introduce the students to peaceful activism.”

Matthew Cathell, a professor of technological studies and an activist at the march, agreed. see MARCH page 9

Arts & Entertainment / page 13

Sports / page 20

‘Split’ Shyamalan’s new horror film is twisted

Men’s Basketball Lions creep past New Jersey City University

See A&E page 13

See Sports page 18

page 2 The Signal February 1, 2017

Non-profit aims to end sex trafficking in NJ

Photos courtesy of Vanessa Rutigliano

Left: Love True seeks to raise awareness of sex trafficking. Right: A table displays pamphlets and information on how to fight sex trafficking.

By Vanessa Rutigliano Correspondent

Members of the non-profit organization Love True visited the College on Wednesday, Jan. 25, to raise awareness of domestic sex trafficking.

Mariah Springer, a senior psychology major, introduced the presentation and shared her involvement with the organization, which works to end sex trafficking.

“We’re all really passionate about this topic,” Springer said.

Springer served as an intern for Love True over the summer and continued volunteering for them even after the internship ended. Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness month, Springer was inspired to

raise awareness for the issue by coordinating an on-campus presentation.

“It’s really important to try to get informed in any way that you can,” Springer said.

The speaker, Rebekah H., who requested to omit her last name to protect her privacy, founded the Love True organization in 2012. Throughout the presentation, she shared several survival stories and statistics about human trafficking.

The organization works with social workers and mentoring groups, provides prevention education and offers survivor support services.

The education seminars are split into specific demographics, including one for adolescent boys, one for adolescent girls

and a combined seminar for both boys and girls that goes anywhere from four to 10 weeks, according to the organization’s website. They also provide shorter seminars for parents and youth workers, which aims to help them pass on the knowledge to their own children.

“The campaign is really to raise awareness and spread the education,” she said.

“I felt that we needed something that was focusing specifically on domestic sex trafficking. (The organization has) grown quite a bit over the years.”

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, according to a video shown during the presentation. Currently, about 36 million people are trapped in trafficking, sometimes referred

to as modern slavery.

In October 2016, police across New Jersey aided the FBI in “Operation Cross Country X,” a nation-wide crackdown on human trafficking, according to an NJ.com article. Local law enforcement arrested 29 pimps and prostitutes across the state.

“Sex trafficking really exists,” Rebekah said. “It’s happening here, in every state, in every county. Trafficking happens in every demographic.”

Springer, along with Rebekah, urged the audience to be proactive about the issue by saving the National Human Trafficking Hotline phone number, (888) 373-7888, in their cell phones as well as spreading the hotline number and awareness to others.

SFB funds two multicultural events

Want to be on the Want to be on the other other side of this paper? side of this paper?

CSA: Chinese New Year will return in 2017.

By Olivia Rizzo Staff Writer The Student Finance Board funded two multicultural events and tabled Unified Greek Council’s Kickback TCNJ at the first meeting of the semester on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

The Black Student Union was fully funded the amount of $379 for the Black Monologues. Funding will cover the cost of usher fees.

“The Black Monologues is a platform designed to give students, faculty and staff an opportunity to share their stories through performances such as personal monologues, poems or stories while educating the broader campus on institutional issues and experiences affecting African-American members of TCNJ’s campus,” according to the proposal packet.

The Black Monologues will take place on Feb. 9 in Mayo Concert Hall at 7 p.m.

Chinese Student Association was fully funded the amount of $4,155.07 for CSA: Chinese New Year.

“The Chinese New Year Celebration

Photo courtesy of Hubert Hsu

will introduce to the student body to many aspects of Chinese culture specifically the celebration of the lunar new year. Participants will get to try Chinese food, see different traditions that are celebrated during the New Year and also the significance of the New Year to the Chinese culture,” the proposal packet read.

Funding will cover the cost of food, drinks, decorations, plates, utensils and a sound technician. CSA: Chinese New Year will take place on Feb. 9 in the Decker Social Space at 6 p.m.

The board tabled a vote on the Unified Greek Council’s event, Kickback TCNJ. The event’s purpose is “to create a stress-free atmosphere where TCNJ Greeks and nonGreeks can come together to relax,” the proposal packet read.

SFB tabled the vote due to concerns that the limited event space would impede safety and the cost per student was too high.

Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.

We have a number of The Signal has a positions number of available! positions available!

We’re looking for: We’re looking for: - Writers - Be the one who brings the story to - Writers to cover various onthe campus. campus events.

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- Assistants - Join our editorial staff and help - Assistants to join the staff make this paper happen. and help make this paper happen week after week!

Contact Us: Signal@tcnj.edu - Located in the Brower Student Center Contact: signal@tcnj.edu basement (Use the staircase to the left of Located on the second floor of the info desk).

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Come to the office any time on Mondays & Sundays at 5:15 p.m.

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 3

Students glean insight into antibiotic resistance

By George Tatoris News Editor

In 1904, German researcher Paul Ehrlich decided the world needed a new cure for syphilis. At the time, the common treatment was both ineffective and often produced harmful side effects. Ehrlich believed a better drug could be made that would only target the disease-causing pathogens and not the patients.

He called these hypothetical compounds “magic bullets.” We call them antibiotics.

After testing hundreds of new compounds, the 606th compound yielded results, becoming the first chemical drug — Salvarsan — but it was far from magic. The discovery paved the way for Alexander Fleming to discover penicillin in 1928. Over the next few decades, more antibiotics were discovered using a similar process to Ehrlich.

By this time, the scientific world believed antibiotics had won them the battle against bacterial infections, however, these magic bullets were not as flawless as people believed. After use of antibiotics became widespread, pathogens adapted and antibiotics lost its magic.

Antibiotic resistance was the topic of the biology department’s first Colloquium seminar this semester. Alita Miller, head of biology at Entasis Therapeutics, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca that focuses on the early stages of drug development, spoke to students and faculty about her research on Friday, Jan. 27, in room 101 of the Physics Building.

“All of the seminars function to enrich the intellectual community within the departments and school,” said Keith Pecor, an associate professor of biology and chair of the department.

Miller graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and earned her Ph.D in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Chicago.

Students and faculty from the biology, chemistry and nursing departments packed the lecture hall wall to wall — some had to sit on the stairs.

“It was fantastic to see so many of our students take advantage of this opportunity to hear about cutting-edge applied research in biology and chemistry,” said Kathryn Elliott, an assistant professor of biology.

Armed with a slide show, Miller began the seminar explaining all of the good accomplished by antibiotics — the treatment of cancer, heart surgery and care for premature infants, among other things, were all made

George Tatoris / News Editor

A mixed-major crowd of students listens to Miller present her research. possible thanks to antibiotics.

The mood at the time was that of optimism. Miller demonstrated this with a photo of a surfer riding the crest of a massive wave.

Like the surfer who had conquered the wave, science had conquered bacterial infections.

Antibiotics gave humanity power over oncedeadly diseases.

However, “in that power hung the seeds of crisis,” Miller said.

Resistance to antibiotics appeared soon after its discovery. Antibiotics act as a “selective pressure” on pathogens, Miller said, meaning they make certain traits more desirable for reproduction.

When an antibiotic is used to fight infection, it only kills those organisms that do not have the genetic traits to resist the drug. Those that do survive and go on to reproduce more bacteria with the ability to resist the antibiotic.

Over the next few decades, each new drug lost its efficiency one-by-one. Miller demonstrated this with a timeline marking when an antibiotic was discovered, when resistance was first identified and when the drug lost its efficacy. After a heap of antibiotic-resistant pathogens sprung up in the ’80s and ’90s, scientists began forewarning of a post-antibiotic future. Things seemed grim.

“This is where we are today,” Miller said, switching to another slide of a surfer, this one tumbling into the wave he was trying to ride.

The crowd laughed.

The first antibiotic Miller helped discover kills drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. Gonorrhoeae), which causes gonorrhea and is considered one of three “urgent threats” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While infections are low in the United States, the speed at which these resistant strains can spread makes N. gonorrhoeae an immediate threat.

It took the small team of Entasis just six months to discover the antibiotic QPT-1. It was used to create the drug Zoliflodacin, which is currently in clinical trials.

“The rise of drug-resistant gonorrhea is alarming, and while this bacterium is not usually fatal, untreated infections can cause chronic pain and infertility,” Elliott said. “So, it was exciting to hear that a promising new drug is in clinical trials.”

For many companies, it isn’t profitable to find a new way to kill a bacterium. Most modern antibiotics are improvements on old ones or are only designed to attack a specific component of bacteria, not kill them.

Entasis went against this trend with QPT-1, screening thousands of compounds to find a new way to kill. They concerned themselves only with the compound’s ability to kill — they didn’t question the results, they only cared if the compound did its job, saving money and time. The new drug is effective because

N. gonorrhoeae never experienced the drug’s unique method of attack before, so it has no defenses for it.

Miller mentioned two genes that lead to antibiotic resistance in her seminar — New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) and mobilized colistin resistance (MCR-1).

Both can be spread to other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, when genetic material is transferred in ways other than from parent to offspring.

NDM-1 is a beta-lactamase, an enzyme that “chews up” beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin, Miller said. MCR-1, discovered in 2015 in a string of E. coli, allows bacteria to resist colistin, an antibiotic used only when a disease has resisted every other drug administered against it.

Miller and Entasis are working on a drug that can fight against multidrug resistant acinetobacter — a “serious threat,” according to the CDC, one tier below urgent — currently known as ETX2514.

The task of finding this drug was complicated by multiple beta-lactamase enzymes within bacteria working together to fight off the effects of the drug. With so many different combinations of enzymes, Entasis could only find drugs that would be effective against some, but not all.

After a lot of testing, Entasis discovered ETX2514, which, when used in tandem with the drug Sulbactam, stopped all beta-lactamase combinations with the least amount of concentration and dosage.

Elliott hoped students walked away understanding the gravity of antibiotic resistance and how public policy can speed or hamper progress on a new drug.

“This is one case where the scary stories in the media are not always an exaggeration,” Elliott said. “The post-antibiotic era is right around the corner unless we do something to prevent it.”

Pecor hoped biology students learned about the flexibility of their degree.

“At open houses and during advising sessions, a common question is, ‘What can I do with a biology degree if I don’t want to be a doctor?’” Pecor said. “Our seminars help answer that question by showcasing the people doing many of those jobs.”

During a question and answer session, Miller stressed that, although these drugs might end up becoming obsolete in the future — “We’ll be lucky if they work in 10 to 20 years,” she said, it is still important to continue making these drugs.

App / College puts out new pocket-sized utility continued from page 1

Jason Proleika / Photo Editor

TCNJ App offers students access to many online resources.

the College and the campus community.

Students can now stay up-to-date with activities taking place at the College and news from various on-campus media outlets like The Signal.

They can also access programs such as PAWS, Canvas and the bookstore directly from their smartphone.

Students are already finding the app practical.

“The convenience of easily being able to see what time my courses are is very useful to me,” said Ethan Kochis, a freshman computer science major.

Kochis also said he likes that various parts of the College’s website are easily accessible to students.

Communications Officer and Senior Web Architect Matthew Winkel said the team was highly involved with continuous testing to make sure the app worked properly and was compatible on iOS and Android devices.

There were many additional steps the College took to ensure the new app would be successful. Winkel said he worked extensively with others like Lauren Kaplan, the senior web designer in the Office of Communications.

Winkel said he configured the app functions with media feeds while Kaplan designed the graphics to match the College’s logos and branding.

“The project was well-organized, and it was a pleasure to work with this team of professionals,” Winkel said.

As of Friday, Jan. 27, there were already 1,449 downloads of the new app, according to Blanton.

Blanton also said the department will continue to add new features and is interested in hearing students’ feedback.

Kochis only has minor complaints.

“I am having some trouble with getting the app to show my courses’ assignments and grades. But other than that, it works fine,” Kochis said.

page 4 The Signal February 1, 2017

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 5

Nation & W rld

Trump orders freeze on federal employment

Twitter

Trump hopes the freeze reduces taxpayer strain.

By Cait Flynn Staff Writer President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 23 that initiates an immediate federal hiring freeze, fulfilling a promise he made, according to his “Contract with the American Voter” on his website.

The memorandum prohibits the filling of all open federal positions as well as the creation of any new positions, with the exception of military personnel.

The directive also provides an exception to any position that is necessary for national security or public safety, according to the Washington Post.

A hiring freeze is not an unprecedented measure for curbing federal spending, as both former President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, and former President Ronald Reagan,

a Republican, instituted similar freezes when they took office, according to both The New York Times and the Washington Post.

Carter established a hiring practice in which the federal government could only fill a position for every two workers that were let go, according to The New York Times.

Reagan went a step further by enacting a total freeze, similar to Trump’s, just hours after his inauguration, according to the Washington Post.

Hours after the directive was signed, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer described the order as an effort to apply greater care to America’s tax money.

“What the president’s showing through the hiring freeze, first and foremost today, is that we’ve got to respect the American taxpayer,” Spicer said, according to The New York Times.

Spicer further defended the freeze by describing the strain on U.S. taxpayers.

“Some people are working two, three jobs just to get by.

And to see money get wasted in Washington on a job that is duplicative is insulting to the hard work that they do to pay their taxes,” Spicer said, according to The New York Times.

Similar hiring freezes in the past have resulted in an increase in government spending as opposed to its objective aims to save taxpayer money.

More than 85 percent of all federal employees are outside of the beltway, leaving smaller and rural towns with vacancies, the Washington Post reported.

A 1982 report by the Government Accountability Office showed that in order to maintain operations, many government

agencies required contracted workers, which are more expensive than federal employees, according to the Washington Post.

Although the president’s order forbids contracted workers, this halt in hiring practices leaves many government agencies frozen in already precarious operations.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, for instance, currently has 45,000 openings and is not exempt from the president’s memorandum, according to NPR. Both the acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Synder, as well as Trump’s own nominee for the position, David Shulkin, disagree with the freeze, according to NPR. “The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to exempt anyone it deems necessary for public safety, including front-line caregivers,” Snyder said, according to NPR. The necessity for a well-staffed Department of Veterans Affairs is growing with the assured repeal of the Affordable Care Act by the Trump administration, NBC reported.

A hiring freeze is likely to impact minority communities, as well. Black workers currently account for 18 percent of the federal workforce, whereas they account for 13 percent of the population, according to the Washington Post.

Minority communities have historically benefitted from federal hiring practices since former President John F. Kennedy aimed to depict the federal government as a model of fair hiring practices. Previous freezes have disproportionately affected those communities, the Washington Post reported.

The impediment to federal hiring is set to end once Trump’s budget director proposes a long-term solution to federal inefficiency, according to The New York Times.

Syrian government and rebels discuss ceasefire

By Jahnvi Upreti Staff Writer

Talks between Syrian government representatives and 15 rebel factions began at a hotel in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on Jan. 23.

The talks were scheduled to last two days, according to The Guardian.

Kazakhstan was chosen as the negotiation site for the talks because it has emphasized its role as a neutral participant with the hopes of “(finding) a solution to the Syrian crisis through negotiations based on mutual trust and understanding,” according to The Astana Times.

The purpose of the meeting was to extend the ceasefire currently in place between the Syrian government and opposition groups, according to Al Jazeera.

The meeting marks the first attempt at direct conversation to include both the

government forces as well as the armed opposition, The Guardian reported.

Meanwhile, Russia is transitioning from its role as a participant in the war to a peaceful mediator, according to The Guardian. Such a change may be difficult, as Russia’s ability to remain objective is questionable due to its heavy involvement with the Iranian and Syrian governments.

Following the second and final day of the Astana talks, both government and rebel forces have agreed to establish a mechanism to guarantee compliance with the current ceasefire, according to The Astana Times.

The conclusion states that both sides will “determine all modalities of the ceasefire” and to “reiterate their determination to fight jointly against ISIL/Daesh and AlNusra and to separate them from opposition groups,” The Astana Times reported.

Further peace talks are scheduled to

take place in Geneva on Feb. 8, according to CNN. Some officials are concerned that the talks in Geneva are “too much too soon” and will not produce any substantial political action, CNN reported.

The United Nations envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, will share the results of the Astana talks at a U.N. meeting in New York the week of Sunday, Jan. 29, Al Jazeera reported.

The same source reported that the meeting differs from all other attempts at negotiating the situation in Syria because all other previous attempts have been headed by the U.N. The talks are recorded as the most serious effort in months to work toward the end of the debilitating war in Syria, which is currently in its sixth year and has left the country in ruins, according to Al Jazeera.

Further talks occur in Geneva.

Twitter

The war has killed hundreds of thousands and has displaced more than half of the Syrian population, according to The New York Times.

The U.S. did not send a delegation to Astana, however, U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan George Krol was sent to attend the negotiations, according to CNN.

United States formally withdraws from TPP negotiations

Many Democrats oppose the TPP.

By Olivia Rizzo Staff Writer

Twitter

signed an executive order to withdraw from the negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Three days after his inauguThe trade deal covered 40 perration, President Donald Trump cent of the world’s economy and

was negotiated in 2015 by 11 nations, including the U.S., Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Canada and Mexico, according to BBC. The TPP’s aim was to strengthen economic ties and boost growth, particularly by reducing tariffs. Other measures included enforcing labor and environmental standards, copyrights, patents and other legal protections, BBC reported.

“Great thing for the American worker what we just did,” Trump said as he canceled America’s involvement in the deal, according to BBC. During his campaign, Trump promised to withdraw the U.S. from the TPP, as he argued that it was detrimental to American workers and the manufacturing industry, according to the Washington Post.

The withdrawal from TPP serves as a sign to Democrats and foreign leaders that Trump intends to keep his campaign promises, according to CNN. Former President Barack Obama negotiated the TPP, but it was never ratified and was not expected to pass in Congress, CNN reported.

The withdrawal will have immediate effects on U.S. economic policies, and it indicates how trade will differ under the Trump administration, according to CNN. Trump’s decision to end the partnership with an executive action underscores how different he is from his Republican predecessors who embraced free trade and open markets, according to the Washington Post.

Those in favor of the TPP see it as a way to reassert American

influence in Asia and create balance against China’s rising economic power, the Washington Post reported.

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont campaigned harshly against the TPP during his run in the Democratic primary.

According to BBC, Sanders has said similar trade deals have been a disaster and have cost millions of jobs.

With the U.S. no longer a part of the trade deal, China now has the opportunity to redirect Asian trade toward Beijing with its proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, according to the Washington Post.

China’s trade deal would reduce tariffs, but does not enforce environmental and labor standards like the TPP, according to the Washington Post.

page 6 The Signal February 1, 2017

Editorial

It’s time to step up our game

“The Signal is the College’s award-winning, student-run news organization.” I’ve heard this said again and again in my past year-anda-half with this paper.

Sure, we’re run by students. Hell, we even win our fair share of awards. But in the world of fake news, “alternative facts” and a public distrust of the media, I can’t help but feel we could do better.

A sitting president called well-researched reports “fake news” as he undermined the very constitution that he and his constituents claimed to support. Meanwhile, actual fake news echoes his tired rhetoric. This isn’t about politics — I HATE politics — this is about holding people accountable for their corruption and dishonesty.

There’s a dire need for constructive discourse between journalists and the rest of the country. As Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author David Cay Johnston said on journalists during his fall lecture, “Our only reason to exist is to tell you the truth — the verifiable truth, not opinions.” If Americans cannot trust the media, then there’s a fundamental problem that may never change. And that’s where journalists can help.

Rooting through decades-old Signals in the Forcina Hall office during our weekly all-nighters, I see something that’s missing in the latest editions. The tales of corruption and malpractice that had made their home on the front page are far less common. But why?

It’s not to say this paper hasn’t had great people or done fantastic work these last few years. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of working with dozens of wonderful people that’ve done far better work than me.

But I think somewhere along the line, the College got too comfortable.

It’d be easy to say that things have changed at the College. These kinds of scandals could be less common — or maybe they just got better at hiding them. Regardless, my goal as a writer and editor is to fight every day to make The Signal the watchdog news organization that this college deserves. It’s time to stir the pot. It’s time to call out B.S. and to hold people accountable. We want to be THE source for everything on campus — good news or bad. Still, we can’t do this alone.

You probably know Paul Loser advocated for segregation in Trenton High Schools. But did you know the College pushed to sap the Student Activities Fee in order to pay faculty? How about the fact that several of the College’s policies violate First Amendment rights? These are all stories The Signal reported on this past year.

While important stories like Eve Cruz’s firing did gain traction, many others went unnoticed.

We can all do better as a campus community. Be informed. Be involved. Be vocal. Ask questions. If you have a news tip or want to write an opinion: reach out. Drop us an email at signal@tcnj.edu.

We could use all the help we can get.

In today’s political climate, apathy and a lack of mobilization cannot persist. Through proper reporting, we must fight for free speech and the spread of knowledge. Together, we can make the College a better place for all students — and maybe win a few more awards along the way.

- Connor Smith 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, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, unless otherwise noted.

Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.

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We can fight ‘alternative facts’ here at the College.

Quotes of the Week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Business Office (609) 771-2499 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu

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“I marched to be counted and to bare witness. I marched because peaceful assembly is American and it is patriotic.

I marched for the women next to me, who came before me, and those future feminists in the making.”

— Rachel Smith, a freshman women, gender and sexuality studies and communication studies double major

“There’s something to be said for getting your hands dirty.

I believe society is breeding this idea of instant gratification — you don’t want to put in the work to see the result.”

— John O’Callaghan, lead singer of The Maine

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 7

Opinions

Planned Parenthood needs our support

AP Photo

Protesters march to show support.

By Rachel Smith

Putting a condom on a banana.

Trying to correctly label female anatomy.

Saying the word “penis” without laughing.

Teenagers make fun of sexual education until their choices sink in and become a reality. The Planned Parenthood Federation of America is one of many organizations that strives to educate people, especially teenagers, about sex and give them a resource to turn to for sexual

guidance and advice.

The Brooklyn-based organization, originally known as the American Birth Control League came under fire in 2015 for allegations connected to the sale of fetal tissue.

According to the Center for Medical Progress, an anti-abortion group, Planned Parenthood is in violation of 42 U.S. Code 289 g-2: “It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly acquire, receive or otherwise transfer any human fetal tissue for valuable consideration if the transfer affects interstate commerce.”

CNN reported Republicans in Congress are now using this to promote the defunding of Planned Parenthood and all of its amenities. In some states, this even includes facilities that don’t offer abortion or fetal donation as services.

The reality is that an attack on Planned Parenthood isn’t simply an attack on fetal tissue sales or even on abortion. It’s an attack on all of those who use Planned Parenthood’s facilities — the sick, poor and young.

Included on Planned Parenthood’s website is a page dedicated specifically to teenagers. It covers questions about one’s body, puberty, LGBTQ+ issues, relationships, dating and, of course, sex.

According to Advocates for Youth, an organization devoted to promoting sexual health among youth, 37 of the 50 states

mandate abstinence education in public schools. Therefore, an organization like Planned Parenthood that provides both accurate and extensive sexual care information is not to be underappreciated.

In addition to its free online materials, Planned Parenthood offers health services to teenagers and encourages sexual selfawareness while providing support that many teens may not find at home.

The recent turmoil concerning Planned Parenthood is hyper-focused on the organization’s abortion practices and handling of fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood is open about its statistics, and its website indicates that abortions only take up 3 percent of Planned Parenthood’s services.

The other 97 percent is divided amongst sexually transmitted infection and disease testing and treatment, contraception, cancer screenings and prevention, pregnancy tests, prenatal services, family practice services, adoption referrals and urinary tract infection treatment.

Some congressmen are threatening a repeat of the government shutdown in 2013 if Planned Parenthood isn’t deprived of its federally allotted $500 million funding. A government shutdown is counterproductive for a lot of reasons, but mainly because it fails to address the central issue altogether.

The Hyde Amendment, passed by Congress in 1976, prevents the use of federal funds to pay for abortion anyway.

Whatever the state-by-state case is, depriving Planned Parenthood of its federal money will have a direct and lasting effect on the 97 percent of services that do not include abortion procedures.

So, what are anti-abortion organizations and politicians really gunning for in the fight against Planned Parenthood?

It’s not an attack on fetal tissue sales, it’s an attack on abortion, women, the poor and the uneducated.

Regardless of whether or not aspects of the organization need to be reformed, eradicating the entire system altogether will only further impair the individuals who rely on Planned Parenthood the most — specifically those dependent on Medicaid or low-cost treatment options.

If individuals move to defund Planned Parenthood, they must also accept the other implications of those actions, such as the eradication of affordable sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment, contraception, cancer screenings and many other health services for men and women.

These resources are open to teenagers and low-income workers who will likely have no other place to turn to without Planned Parenthood.

Social justice should be taught in classrooms

By Shelbey Alaba

The recent stories exhibiting racist, sexist and violent acts in educational institutions sound like excerpts from a history book. It appears that the country is regressing to a time where othering those who are different than you is acceptable.

How do we tackle this epidemic before it becomes too difficult to manage and history repeats itself?

To make any sort of impact, the problem must be eliminated from the source. The tendency to be prejudiced may be innate, but what you classify as others is learned. Racist parents, for instance, will be more inclined to raise their children to be racist, but positive interactions could bring change.

Social justice aims to eradicate injustice present in society by getting individuals to introspect and share a healthy dialogue with one another. It places an emphasis on diversity and working collaboratively rather than competing to instill a sense of empathy in people and create a community of conscience.

According to Concordia University’s website, social justice should be taught in classrooms through in-depth discussion, where students exchange dialogue regarding their feelings, concerns and desires. This is to get students to assess themselves, others and institutions to determine patterns of injustice and their consequences. By voicing their opinions and having healthy discussions, students can come up with possible solutions to help society become just.

Consider this: At the end of last year, the sudden appearance of the so-called “Alt-right movement” was making headlines throughout the U.S. One of the leaders of the Alt-right movement, Richard Spencer, openly declared Caucasians as the superior race saying, “America was, until this past generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity,” according to USA Today.

AP Photo

Learning about justice should begin in school.

Spencer and his followers claim that white Americans are at a disadvantage and are being marginalized, referring to clauses like Affirmative Action and other “privileges” given to minorities, according to Mother Jones.

Spencer and his colleagues believe that quotas in education and employment as well as special grants and scholarships for minorities are curbing conservative white Americans from progressing. While the Alt-Right are a fringe group, the media still gave them a platform to spread their message and embolden those who have racist tendencies.

The rise of white supremacists exposed the racism that still plagues the U.S. Social justice seeks to counter such movements by enabling all groups to partake in discussions in order to voice their concerns in a non-accusatory manner. For example, if a member of the black community was to explain how Affirmative Action positively affected

their community and the country, a white supremacist may gain a better understanding of why it is important.

Understanding and accepting different religions has become important, as well. With the surge in Anti-Semitic and Anti-Muslim hate crimes up 67 percent, according to ABC News, the conversation on religious tolerance is a must. Schools can choose to enforce comparative religion courses and seminars, allowing students to gain a better understanding of the different religions of their peers. Handling the differences in school can lead to a more accepting, tolerant society in the future.

According to Hatch Early Learning, a blog for educating people on early childhood education issues, schools should also incorporate more diverse material into the curriculum to promote multiculturalism.

For example, if more people understood why Native Americans consider the land in Standing Rock, N.D., sacred, then perhaps the Dakota Access Pipeline would never become an issue. As America is so diverse, the curriculum in schools should reflect that diversity and be enforced.

Students also need to start engaging in conversations about bullying, specifically ones that address racism, sexism and inter-personal relationships. Bullying results in isolationism, which is one of the leading causes of violence in schools, according to the Constitutional Rights Foundation.

Sexism also needs to be addressed in schools to prevent sexually abrasive language and treatment from becoming normalized. If students establish a sense of moral conscience, then incidents of rape on college campuses could go down.

Through fostering social justice in classrooms, you are endorsing an inclusive culture of greater conscience, consisting of compassionate individuals that seek to unify this polarized nation.

Policies The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is finanœced by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors.

The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via email to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office.

Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 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 email us at signal@tcnj.edu.

page 8 The Signal February 1, 2017

Students share opinions around campus “Is it important to teach social justice in schools?”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Nicolas Noa, a freshman music education major.

“Yes, so that way we are better equipped to deal with situations in the future.”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Lucia Donia, a sophomore open options education major.

“I think so. There’s not enough education on it, so people have the wrong ideas.”

“Do you support the Planned Parenthood organization?”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Corrine Castaldo, a freshman English and secondary education dual major.

“Yes.”

Mia Ingui / Opinions Editor

Bailey McLavish, a sophomore special education and sociology double major.

“Yes, I think it’s a great option for people to get the necessary help that they need.”

The Signal’s student cartoons of the week...

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 9

Features

March / College buses students to DC

Left: Empowered women march through the streets. Right: Students protest President Trump in D.C. continued from page 1 “All along the way, people cheered us on… crossing guards, police officers, armed service members,” he said.

“Folks leaned out windows and came onto their yards and porches with their children, holding up signs saying, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Thank You.’” Cathell described the enormous crowd at the event.

“I don’t know if there was ever a bigger collection of pink hats anywhere, anytime,” he said. “The hats were worn by women, men and children of every color, every age and every description.”

Cathell also recalls the exuberance of the crowd as the march began.

“People burst into spontaneous chanting as they waved their signs,” he said. “Signs that were uplifting, hilarious, witty, angry, pleading, profane, hopeful and, sometimes, beyond any classification. People were laughing, starting conversations with strangers, beating drums, taking photographs and, of course, marching.”

Among these like-minded citizens stood many students from the College, who had much to say about why they participated.

“I marched to be counted and to bare witness,” said Rachel

Smith, a freshman women, gender and sexuality studies and communication studies double major. “I marched because peaceful assembly is American and it is patriotic. I marched for the women next to me, who came before me, and those future feminists in the making.”

“I marched for my momma and all the women who wanted to be there, but couldn’t,” she added.

Numerous demonstrators acknowledged a need for unity as a cause for their participation.

Rosie Driscoll, a junior women, gender and sexuality studies and history double major, said the march is about “those I love and about those who I’ll never meet, but who don’t deserve to be treated as secondclass Americans. To me, the march was a way for many people to unite and say, ‘Do not forget us, or we will hold you accountable’ and a way to engage more people in activist work.”

Some students who participated felt the need to march in order to defend their religious beliefs.

“As an American-Muslim, I feared the next four years after hearing offensive rhetoric throughout the presidential campaign,” said Zahra Memon, a sophomore deaf education and iSTEM double major. “However, yesterday proved otherwise. The march was an impactful movement filled with

Photos courtesy of Cecilia Colbeth

kindness, love and hope from a diverse group of people.”

Zainab Rizvi, a junior women, gender and sexuality studies and elementary education double major, marched because of the disrespect that she feels minorities have been subjected to by Trump.

“I marched to proudly hold my position in the country that my parents fought so hard to be a part of,” Rizvi said.

“I marched along fellow women of all backgrounds, races and religions fighting a similar battle.”

Ann Marie Nicolosi, an associate professor of women, gender and sexuality studies, said the experience filled her with pride.

“The students realized that they were part of a bigger community,” she said. “I didn’t expect such a warm welcome. I knew it would be peaceful, but the environment was very loving.”

Nicolosi, who has participated in several peaceful marches, is thankful for an administration committed to social justice and empowering students to share their voice.

“Activism and gender studies are definitely correlated just because of the nature of what is being studied,” she said.

When asked if the department plans to march again next year, Nicolosi responded, “I think it’ll be much sooner than a year from now.”

Students declare specialized and creative majors

Photo courtesy of Kristen Capano

Students fill out paperwork to declare a self-designed major.

By Hannah Fakhrzadeh Correspondent Struggling to decide on a major at the College? No problem.

The Self-Design Major Committee allows students to create their own major with the help of advisers. Alongside a faculty member, students can plan out their major course by course.

English Professor Jo Carney explained the process.

“After we agree on a design and curriculum, the student submits a proposal to the Self-Design Major Committee for approval,” Carney said.

Self-designed majors are not as structured as traditional majors because they

allow students flexibility when it comes to the courses they choose to take. A selfdesigned major allows students to broaden their knowledge on topics that they may not have had the chance to explore if they had chosen a traditional major.

“Self-designing my major has allowed me to take a wide variety of courses,” said Jackie Delaney, a former member of The Signal staff and a junior English and publishing and editing major. “I’ve been able to take classes that I would not have normally taken if I decided on a specific major or minor.”

Within her publishing and editing major, Delaney took a variety of courses in communications, English, creative writing and journalism.

Delaney never imagined designing her own major, but she loves the path she chose.

“I always knew I wanted to pursue a degree in English, but it wasn’t until I came to the College that I realized I could design my own major alongside English,” she said.

Kristen Capano, a junior English and publishing and editing major, wasn’t aware that the self-design path was a possibility when she first came to the College.

Thanks to fellow students, Capano made the decision to design her own major.

“About halfway through my sophomore year, I met a few upperclassmen who were in the program and convinced me to join,” Capano said. “My main concern was, ‘What if I’m limiting myself to something too specific?’ But I decided if you know what you want to do and have a passion for it, then you should take the leap.”

Carney agrees with Capano and believes students should choose the selfdesign path, especially those who attend a liberal arts college.

“Students who take the initiative to design a major around an area of academic interest are demonstrating the best of a liberal arts mission: to explore an area of intellectual curiosity,” Carney said. “The second reason is more pragmatic. (Self-designed majors) are often a path to professional situations and employment post-college.”

Capano said the program is nothing like what she expected. In fact, Capano was uneasy when she initially thought about

designing her major.

“The thought of (designing my own major) intimidated me because I thought it was going to be a long, painful process that would haunt me throughout my college career and be finalized just in time for graduation,” Capano said. “But, with the help of my adviser, the progression became much less stressful and even a little fun.”

While self-designing your own major is a lot of work, it can be extremely rewarding. Maria Printon, a senior cognitive science major, advises students to ensure a self-designed major is their best option before finalizing the details.

“It’s a lot of work,” Printon said. “Nonetheless, it is very rewarding because you’re designing your own path of study. Nobody has ever done exactly what you’re doing, and that’s a huge accomplishment.”

Capano agreed.

“Make sure you know what you want to do. It’s a lot of work and stress to decide later on that you’d rather work in a different field,” she said. “On the other hand, it’s a very rewarding experience… and it’s also pretty cool to be the only one in the College with your exact major.”

Capano also recommended the selfdesign program for students who feel their education may be lacking something essential for their desired career path.

“The people are so kind and just want to see you succeed,” she said. “I found my home in the self-design department.”

page 10 The Signal February 1, 2017

Center for Student Success

The Center was established to provide students with access to personalized coaching and advisement with the goal of strengthening their academic performance and promoting student retention. The staff is dedicated to the academic success and development of the whole student. CSS also houses the PRIDE Mentoring Program (PMP).

Services Provided: Personalized Academic Coaching - Students can be coached on various academic success skills and techniques to

suit their individual needs. Academic coaching topic examples include; time management, effective reading and note-taking, test taking, academic motivation, and much more!

Supplemental Academic Advising - Serving as a supplement to the Departmental Academic Advisor, CSS can provide resources and support for students seeking guidance in areas such as course selection, transition and major exploration.

Extensive Academic Success Workshops - These workshops teach innovative academic strategies and techniques to assist students with their own unique challenges and experiences.

CSS Spring Workshop Series Wednesdays, 2:00pm-2:50pm, Roscoe West Hall Room 201 Wednesday, February 08, 2017 Seven Steps to a Successful Semester

Wednesday, March 08, 2017 Maximizing Spring Break

Wednesday, April 05, 2017 Test Taking Strategies

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Seven Steps to a Successful Semester

Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Review/Recharge to Finish Semester Strong

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Preparing for Finals

For more information on the content of these workshops, visit the CSS Lion’s Gate page.

CSS Peer Advising Coaches Not sure what questions to ask your advisor?

Want help navigating PAWS and departmental websites?

Need clarification on college policies and procedures?

CSS Peer Advising Coaches can help!

Helps students prepare for advising appointments (which supports faculty/staff-advisee relationships) Provides student-focused guidance for scheduling questions, researching programs, and policy/procedure clarification

Peer Advising Coaches will be available during peak advising/registration times!

Mid-March Through Mid-April Location: Roscoe West Hall Lobby PAC@tcnj.edu

pac.pages.tcnj.edu

(No Appointment Necessary!)

Roscoe West Hall 131, 609-771-3452 Email: css@tcnj.edu, Website: css.tcnj.edu facebook.com/tcnjcss

tcnjcss

@TCNJ_CSS

For more information on the PRIDE Mentoring Program: Email: mentor@tcnj.edu, Website: css.tcnj.edu/mentoring @TCNJ_PMP tcnj_pmp

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 11

: Nov. ‘06

Campus Style

Concerts help students unwind

Guster rocks the stage in Kendall Hall.

Alyssa Gautieri / Features Editor

Every week, Features Editor Alyssa Gautieri hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.

The Maine, an alternative rock band, enthusiastically welcomed students to the spring semester at the College Union Board’s Welcome Back Concert in Kendall Hall. Excited to be invited to CUB’s annual event, The Maine played popular songs including “Right Girl,” “We All Roll Along” and “Bad Behavior.” The Maine is only one of the many talented performers to visit the College. In 2006, Guster, an alternative rock band from Massachusetts, performed 10 years ago on the same stage as The Maine.

Rocking Kendall Hall on Nov. 14, Guster, half of whom are from the Garden State and proud of it, played to a nearly full house. The band played the big fall show sponsored by the College Union Board (CUB) on the main stage at Kendall.

Fan favorites, including “Airport Song,” got big reactions from the crowd.

“Airport Song” was accompanied by ping pong balls tossed from the crowd onto the stage, an event that happens at every Guster show.

“Come Downstairs And Say Hello,” an upbeat, percussion-filled song, was met with loud crowd approval, particularly from those in the balcony. Rosenworcel played with bare hands, accomplishing what no drumstick ever could.

It was obvious that Gardner did his homework before getting to the College.

“Is it true that your mascot is a lion?” he asked the audience, mentioning that he looked up the College before getting here.

“And is it true that his name is Roscoe?” Gardner said that after reading that, he had to stop because “everything after that wouldn’t be as cool.”

After the main set, Gardner told the audience that if they clapped loud enough and for long enough, the members of the band who were from Jersey, would come out for an encore.

After the cheers, Pisapia and Gardner came out, joined soon after by the other two members of the band. The band played two encores, the first with a song about Jersey to which Gardner added a line about Roscoe, the College’s beloved mascot.

During the second encore, the band played an acoustic version of “Jesus on the Radio.”

“I had my share of doubts as to whether they could pull together an energetic show,” Jake Voytko, senior computer science major, said. “But they sounded great and their front man was hysterical.”

“I thought the show was absolutely fabulous,” Katerina Gkionis, the Guster concert coordinator, said. “It was such a great feeling when the show started and everyone went crazy, and I saw everyone having such an amazing time… we made people smile.”

Flickr

Left: Pom-pom beanies are in style this winter season. Right: Pair high-knee boots with an outfit to create a fashionable look.

By Jillian Greene Columnist Winter break gives students and faculty enough time to shop and update their closet before returning to campus. The best part of the holiday season is sales, starting with Black Friday and ending with the day after Christmas sales. I definitely took advantage of these, and I could tell my peers at the College did, as well.

The return to campus gives students and faculty a great way to show off their new clothes, shoes and accessories. You could rock your new outfit to class, the Library or the Brower Student Center.

The winter season and new semester are upon us and so are a multitude of new fashion trends. Fur pom-pom beanies are everywhere in stores and on heads around campus. The bigger the pom-pom, the

cuter the beanie. They are the cutest way to keep warm.

Meanwhile, the choker has been reinvented. Back in the ’90s, there were a variety of styles, but now, the tie-up choker has become a staple. The choker is the perfect accessory to pair with a long knit sweater or leather jacket.

The addition of a choker to any outfit can create so many different looks. Stylish chokers come in a variety of different materials with velvet being the most popular.

My favorite trend this season is the high-knee boot. I’ve seen countless students and faculty around the College wearing them. Whether they are heeled or flat, they are definitely more stylish than traditional boots.

Over the next few months, I encourage you to keep an eye out for these trends around campus.

:Immigration ban hits Hollywood

Flickr

Left: Farhadi may miss the Academy Awards due to the immigration ban. Right: Moore plays a strong female character in a ’70s television show.

By Mackenzie Cutruzzula Columnist President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, Jan. 27, that will temporarily ban refugees, indefinitely ban Syrian refugees and temporarily ban citizens from several Muslim countries from entering the U.S., according to The New York Times.

Trump’s ban, which is scheduled to last 90 days, may affect attendance at the upcoming Academy

Awards in February.

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi may be unable to attend this year’s event, where his film, “The Salesman,” is nominated for best foreign language film.

Also this week, legend Mary Tyler Moore passed away at 80 years old.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, Moore left behind a legacy that changed the way women were represented on television.

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”

aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977 and featured Moore as Mary Richards, a single woman dedicated to her career.

Gavin MacLeod, who played Moore’s onscreen friend Murray Slaughter, used a line from the show’s iconic theme song as a metaphor for the years they spent together.

“A line from our theme song was ‘Love is all around,’ and that’s what it was for five days a week for seven years straight on the ‘Mary Tyler

Moore’ set,” MacLeod told PEOPLE. “It was all because of Mary.”

Meanwhile, at the Sundance Film Festival, Paul Rudd stepped out with his wife, Julie Yaeger Rudd. The couple, who have kept their two-decade relationship largely private, will share the credit on the upcoming film “Fun Mom Dinner,” an adult comedy about a girls’ night out.

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the “Harry Potter” franchise, spoke at the

Universal Orlando’s Celebration of Harry Potter with a message for underdogs.

Lewis admitted to feeling uncomfortable because he often wore a fat suit onscreen as Neville.

However, he found that as Neville grew, he, too, experienced a similar journey.

“There’s a lot of pressure heaped on young people these days, and I think a lot of it is unnecessary,” he said. “We’re all just trying to make our way.”

page 12 The Signal February 1, 2017

Students bring healthcare to Peruvian communities

Students volunteer in Peru.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Delnero

By Juliana Rice Correspondent

Without electricity to light up the procedure, a dentist asked Kayla Delnero to hold a flashlight over a patient’s mouth while they worked.

Although Delnero, the secretary of MEDLIFE and a sophomore biology major, was aware of the lack of electricity in Peru, it was still a reality check.

Delnero was one of seven members of the College’s chapter of MEDLIFE, or Medicine, Education and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere, invited to travel to low-income areas in Peru over winter break, where they provided healthcare to more than 1,600 people.

“It was honestly one of the most incredible feelings ever,” Delnero said. “In total, we helped over 1,600 people.

That’s over 1,600 people who no longer have to be in pain and now know the course of action for their condition.”

With the help of MEDLIFE, an international organization, students set up clinics to provide the community access to doctors, dentists and OB-GYNs. Education stations provided individuals with a variety

of pamphlets about common conditions such as diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases and high blood pressure. The dentist station provided families access to root canals and general cleanings, and the OB-GYN station provided women with breast exams.

Families were also able to see a general doctor and get prescriptions to essential medications. Volunteers assisted and observed the doctors at work.

“We traveled to the most remote communities to serve patients who would otherwise have to travel hours through the mountains to get care,” said Trina Salvador, a junior biology major and MEDLIFE member.

In a community where it is difficult to access medical care, the clinics even provided follow-up care when necessary.

While Delnero called her volunteer work tremendously awarding, she found it challenging to face the reality of everyday life in Peru.

“Seeing all those people with preventable diseases was pretty bad,” Delnero said. “Many of them were complaining about problems from their childhood, but could never get it taken care of earlier. It was just a slap in the face of everything we take for granted.”

MEDLIFE also sponsored a development project called “Lugares Saludables” or “healthy homes,” where volunteers rebuilt homes in Peru.

According to Delnero, many homes were originally built poorly. Each time stoves were turned on, houses would fill with smoke, but the volunteers helped to correct this.

Delnero helped rebuild a woman’s house. Despite having next to nothing, the woman was so grateful, according to Delnero. She offered the volunteers food and soda for the work they had done.

Delnero also had a connection with a young boy named Albin. Grateful to be given a toothbrush, Albin continuously thanked Delnero, giving her presents, such as flower rings, a flower crown and bouquets.

Everyone was grateful, Delnero said.

“The people radiated happiness and just couldn’t say ‘Thank you’ enough,” Delnero said.

Gianna Barreto, treasurer of MEDLIFE and a sophomore chemistry major, also appreciated the community’s kindness.

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“The people who we helped were so grateful, kind-hearted and happy,” she said. “Meanwhile, they live in poverty stricken communities and do not have access to things we think are human rights, such as proper health care. This experience helped me appreciate life in a whole new way.”

The trip wasn’t just a great experience for volunteers, but it was life altering for members of the communities.

“We just did what we could to see as many people as possible,” Delnero said. “The reality of our work didn’t hit us until the last day, when they showed us the numbers and how many patients we actually saw.”

Thousands of people all over the world don’t have access to the kind of healthcare they need. By getting involved with MEDLIFE, Delnero and the other volunteers provided families with the medical care they would never have received otherwise.

“The whole experience definitely humbles you and makes you take a look at everything you take for granted,” Delnero said. “These people happily waited up to 45 minutes to speak with the doctor for just five minutes. If we could all learn to be grateful for everything we have, the world would be such a different and better place.”

Photo courtesy of Kayla Delnero

Delnero connects with a little boy named Albin.

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 13

Arts & Entertainment

Band / The Maine takes Kendall Main

Left: Public opens the show with a set of rock songs. Right: O’Callaghan jokes with the audience during the set. continued from page 1

and tomato soup that was from Panera Bread.

By mentioning relatable topics, O’Callaghan was able to keep the audience — even those who didn’t know the music too well — engaged and entertained.

“I’ve only listened to The Maine once or twice,” said Eric Branchek, a freshman computer engineering major. “Even though I don’t know them, they were awesome.”

While playing “Girls Do What They Want,” O’Callaghan called Branchek onto the stage to sing two lines from the song. At first they sang the words together, and then Branchek grabbed the microphone and sang it solo a few times.

O’Callaghan looked out at the audience and asked what upperclassman girl at the College

would want to date Branchek.

A girl named Sammy raised her hand. O’Callaghan told her he would show up at their wedding if things worked out and say, “I made that happen.”

The Maine played songs from several of its albums, such as “Right Girl” from the second fulllength album, “Black and White.”

“Misery” and “Like We Did (Windows Down)” were just a few of the songs that they played from the third album, “Pioneer,” which was the first to be released independently.

The band also performed “English Girls,” a popular song from the fifth studio album, “American Candy.”

O’Callaghan said there was a lot the band enjoyed about “American Candy” that they implemented into the newest record, “Lovely, Little, Lonely,” the sixth studio album that is

scheduled for release on April 7.

“I think the biggest focus on this record for us artistically was to create a seamless record from start to finish,” O’Callaghan said in an interview with Lions Television.

Regarding the band’s songwriting, O’Callaghan compared it to an incubation process. He said he sat around a computer with the other band members, thinking of ideas of a shell of a song.

“We incubated it, sat on it and then those eggs hatched,” O’Callaghan said.

The Maine’s world tour for “Lovely, Little, Lonely” begins at the end of April. In the meantime, the band gave fans a taste of what’s to come by playing a song from the newest album called “Bad Behavior.”

The band, whose members have been playing together since

2007, had a lot of chemistry on and off stage.

“It’s kind of nice to constantly be reminded of how long we’ve been together and how many changes we’ve seen not only in ourselves, but in our fans,” Monaco, the lead guitarist, said in an interview with Lions Television.

Bassist Nickelsen and drummer Kirch started the band when they were still in high school.

“Momentum is everything,” Kirch said in an interview with The Signal. “Once you get going, you just keep on playing, and we haven’t taken a break in 10 years.”

To most of the audience’s surprise, Nickelsen defied everyone’s expectations of a typical bassist by dancing across the stage during the whole show all while managing to play phenomenally.

Kimberly Ilkowski / Staff Photographer

Nickelsen’s talent and dedication indicated how the band didn’t get to where it is today without hard work.

“There’s something to be said for getting your hands dirty,” O’Callaghan said in an interview with The Signal. “I believe society is breeding this idea of instant gratification — you don’t want to put in the work to see the result.”

All of the band members agreed that they did a lot of the work on their own in order to get the opportunity to go on tours and play their music. They agreed that playing their music has given them the chance to see the world and grow up together, too.

O’Callaghan imparted some words of advice in an interview with The Signal for aspiring bands: “Do it because you want to.

Because it makes you feel good.

Because it makes you happy.”

Shyamalan’s new film has viewers ‘Split’

By Eric Preisler Staff Writer Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “Split” attempts to use suspenseful moments and creepy overtones to create a well-balanced horror thriller. While the film is captivating, the storyline is questionable at times and lacks character development.

The film starts off with Kevin (James McAvoy) kidnapping three teenage girls. They soon

realize that Kevin suffers from dissociative identity disorder, or split personality disorder.

McAvoy’s performance is the highlight of this film, as he successfully plays various personalities, some of which stem from trauma in Kevin’s past. Of all of his personalities, Dennis, who kidnaps and locks away the girls, and Patricia, who is a strict and stern woman, are the most dominant out of Kevin’s 23 personalities.

Barry, a flamboyant fashion

McAvoy’s convincing acting as Kevin is disturbing.

AP Photo

designer, and Hedwig, a nineyear-old who has a lisp and loves to dance, are good sources of comic relief in an otherwise intense film.

Of the three girls who were kidnapped, Claire Benoit (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia (Jessica Sula) are sheltered and popular girls. They’re ignorant characters who act rashly and impulsively, showing little development or depth.

The protagonist, Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy), is antisocial and hides a disturbing back story. Flashbacks of hunting in the woods parallel her capture and the instincts she uses to survive.

However, one of the flashbacks shows how Casey was abused as a child, which is insignificant to the main story line as a whole and is only included to elicit shock.

Throughout the film, there is a build up to the so-called “beast.” Patricia eerily mentions to another of Kevin’s personalities that the girls are being saved

for the beast, who doesn’t appear until the end of the movie.

While the events leading up to the reveal the beast are intense and alluring, and his actions are terrifying, meeting him was unimpressive.

Another disappointment is the psychologist, Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley), who seems like an inquisitive and intelligent character in the film until the final moments. She could tell that something was wrong with Kevin and determined the personalities were trying to deceive her.

Despite her wits, she lets us down as a would-be hero. Dr. Fletcher knows something is wrong when Kevin lets her into his home. From glancing around, she is able to see that there are multiple doors that lock on the outside and could be used to imprison someone. Instead of using a cell phone or leaving Kevin’s home to call the police, she snoops further.

She has the potential to save

the girls, but she only makes the situation worse for herself and them. These unwise actions are inconsistent with the build up of her sage character, which is frustrating.

Overall, the film is a good guilty pleasure that is full of suspense and shocking moments, but is lacking in-depth character development and satisfying plot points.

Dr. Fletcher’s character could have been consistent throughout the film, but her wisdom vanished at the end. The beast could have been a more realistic, yet creepy concept, but, instead, he was an unconvincing super villain that belonged in a different film.

Besides these details, the actors, especially McAvoy and Taylor-Joy, play their characters convincingly and evoke fear and anticipation as the story unfolds.

The developing dynamic between Kevin and the girls as well as Dr. Fletcher is what makes the story interesting.

page 14 The Signal February 1, 2017

‘Before I Fall’ tells melancholy tale

By Danielle Silvia Staff Writer

The novel “Before I Fall” by Lauren Oliver incorporates themes of selfdiscovery, romance, science fiction and more into the story of a teenage girl discovering her true identity and values after she has died.

This story documents 17-year-old Sam Kingston during her last few months of high school. Sam has three close friends, Lindsay, Elody and Ally, all of which are popular students at Ridgeview High School in Connecticut.

The novel opens seconds after Sam has been killed in a car crash, but suddenly, she wakes up untouched in her bed on the last day of her life, Feb. 12, commonly known as “Cupid Day” at her high school.

“Cupid Day” is a day in which students try to obtain as many roses — and thus secret admirers — as possible to promote their popularity, or lack thereof.

The day after her death, Sam realizes she knows everything that will happen on that ill-fated day: She will receive several roses, be invited to a lame peer’s party later that night, have plans to spend the night at her boyfriend’s house and everything in between until she dies in the same car crash at 12:40 a.m.

She relives this day more than six times and in doing so, endures the stages of grief, all while re-examining her life from her dead body.

Sam begins to contemplate, and realizes what matters most to her and what she regrets. She ends up deeply regretting the lack of compassion she had for her peers, as well as how fake her

friends were. She regrets how vain and shallow she really was and, most of all, her lack of purity.

Sam begins to unravel the depths of her death and when she realizes her death is intertwined with something or someone else, she realizes there is no turning back and must make the best of the day she must relive.

This eye-opening novel made me realize that I have had moments in which I do not think about what matters most to me in life. Thinking about the finality of death makes me realize how important it is to live the best life that I can.

Sam realizes several times throughout the book how she didn’t say “I love you” enough. She focused too much on what other people thought of her and not enough on herself or what she wanted for her future.

I think this a very valuable lesson because as humans, we only have a certain number of tomorrows. We never know when our time will run out. In the long run, it is best to live life to our morals and values and spend the time that we have truly enjoying what we are doing.

This riveting novel made me invested in what the characters were doing, as I tried to figure out what truly was underneath Sam’s death. It kept me alert and vigilant at all times, and I did not want to put it down. There were so many mini-plot lines that near the end of the novel I found myself asking, “How is there going to be enough pages to wrap up everything?”

I cannot wait to see the movie version of “Before I Fall,” which will be released on March 3 and will star Zoey Deutch as Sam.

Photo courtesy of HarperCollins

‘Before I Fall’ causes the teenage protagonist to existentially reflect.

Animals of ‘Sing’ achieve musical stardom

By Lily Firth Staff Writer Written and directed by Garth Jennings, “Sing” was a highly anticipated animated children’s movie to send off 2016. As an avid lover of animated films and musicals, I knew that I had to go see the movie, and I can honestly say that it had me hooked until the end.

The film is based on popular singing competition reality television shows, such as “American Idol” or “The X-Factor,” but since it is a children’s movie, it’s full of

humorous twists and heartwarming backstories. Every character is written so beautifully that, as a viewer, you want every animal to win the competition.

Ash is an edgy porcupine who wants to be noticed for her singing talent, but is overshadowed by Rosita, an overworked pig with 25 children and an unappreciative husband.

Johnny is a gorilla who wants to escape the his father’s criminal legacy. We also meet Meena, an elephant with stage fright who just wants to be heard, Gunter, a hilariously bold pig

who wants his dance moves to be seen, and Mike, a mouse who gets bullied for his size and wants to live a better life.

You even root for the competition’s judge and theater’s owner, Buster Moon, a koala who loves performance art and wants to make his dad proud, as he tries to earn enough money from the show to save his bankrupt theater from closing.

Through multiple twists and turns, viewers feel a connection with the characters as they witness everyone evolve as singers and performers.

AP Photo

What makes “Sing” stand out is its all-star cast and award-winning song selection.

Voice actors include Academy Award-winning actors Matthew McConaughey, as Buster Moon, and Reese Witherspoon, as Rosita. Seth Macfarlane plays Mike, while the voices of other well-known actors can be heard in the movie, such as John C. Reilly, Nick Offerman and Jennifer Saunders.

Their voices, along with the animation, connect with the audience to make you laugh and even cry. The movie also features

many iconic artists and some of their most beloved songs, such as “Jump” by Van Halen, “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift and “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé. The movie has the audience laughing, singing and dancing in their seats thanks to its memorable and catchy soundtrack.

Although the movie is marketed toward younger children, I recommend it to anyone who likes light-hearted films and loves musicals. The animated adventure “Sing” does not disappoint. I would see it again in a heartbeat.

Left: The characters in ‘Sing’ cover well-known pop hits. Right: The film features a colorful cast of anthropomorphic critters.

YouTube

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 15

The Weeknd tops charts with ‘Starboy’

AP Photo

‘Starboy’ features The Weeknd singing in an impressive range.

By Julia Marnin Staff Writer

Canadian rhythm and blues singer and international pop star The Weeknd released his third studio album, “Starboy,” in November 2016.

Since its release, the album rose to the top of the charts and currently holds the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

With 18 electrifying tracks, “Starboy” is utterly brilliant and unlike anything The Weeknd has released before. Like The Weeknd himself, it is difficult to categorizing the album into one genre — “Starboy” is a mix of pop, R&B, disco, hip-hop and electronica all rolled into one.

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, stepped onto the music scene in 2011. All of his

albums include themes of drugs, sex, love, wealth and fame.

Tesfaye began as a freelance artist, releasing several mixtapes— “House of Balloons,” “Thursday” and “Echoes of Silence” — on YouTube in 2011. In 2012, he released his compilation album “Trilogy,” which contains tracks from his three mixtapes and some new ones.

Tesfaye’s first major studio album was “Kiss Land,” which is the least popular of all of his albums.

“Beauty Behind the Madness” is the second and highly successful studio album released

by The Weeknd. With its material lighter than his typically dark style, this album propelled him to being one of today’s top pop stars.

“Starboy” marks the singer’s transformation into an actual star. After his previous album, he reached soaring heights of celebrity. Some songs on this album are heavy on the theme of fame, however, the majority of the songs seem to be fixated on a woman.

The sounds of this album are thickly electronic with disco beats in the background. It is fastpaced and makes for the perfect dance music.

The album has many exciting duos as it includes songs featuring popular artists, such as Daft Punk featured in the album’s opening song “Starboy” along with “I Feel It Coming.”

The lead single “Starboy” became an instant hit. It opens with Daft Punk’s synth-wave beats that continue throughout

the entire song. “I Feel It Coming,” a romantic song about the fear of love, is lighter and upbeat.

Another artist featured on the album is Lana Del Rey in “Stargirl Interlude.” It is a shorter track that has a theatrical feel, as Del Rey hits extremely high notes. She appears to be Tesfaye’s foil, as he sings, “I just wanna see you shine because I know you are a stargirl.”

Both artist’s vocals mix together beautifully, which they have proven before in “Prisoner” on his previous album. Del Rey’s voice is briefly included in “Party Monster” toward the end of the song with her singing the word “paranoid” a couple of times.

The rapper Future is featured in “Six Feet Under” and “All I Know.”

The former sounds strikingly similar to Future’s song “Low Life” featuring The Weeknd.

Kendrick Lamar raps on the track “Sidewalks,” which showcases Tesfaye’s powerful vocals as he hits insanely high notes.

The repetition of lyrics makes many of the songs catchy, particularly the song “False Alarm,” which is extremely fast-paced and hectic. Like every song on the album, it is satisfying to the ear.

This album is what fans have been waiting for — The Weeknd has set the bar high for himself with “Starboy.”

This album is what fans have been waiting for — The Weeknd has set the bar high for himself with “Starboy.”

Flickr

This week, WTSR Assistant Music Director Nelson Kelly highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.

Band: Air Traffic Controller Album: “Black Box” Release Number: 3rd Hailing From: Boston Genre: Half Organic Half Synth Indie Pop Label: Self-released Dave Munro, the singer/songwriter behind ATC wrote demos for songs while serving in the friggin’ Navy as a — you guessed it — air traffic controller. Together with Casey Sullivan — who provides the vocals for ATC — Munro has created an indie pop phenomenon. Catchy hooks over huge up lifting synth sounds with steady drums pumping out the rhythm are all over this album. Check it out because if you don’t support this veteran, you might as well be a commie. I rate it 6.9 ’Merica’s out of five bald eagles.

Must Hear: “People Watching,” “The House,” “What You Do to My Soul” and “Warrior”

The Weeknd’s songs are darker on ‘Starboy.’

‘Moana’ is a fresh take on a classic story

By Julia Dzurillay Staff Writer How far will you go to help the ones you love?

Disney’s newest movie, “Moana,” made a splash in November when families followed the adventures of Moana and Maui as they restore the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess with the power to create life.

Children welcomed Moana, a Polynesian chief-in-training, to the Disney family with open arms.

We’ve seen elements of the story of “Moana” in past animated Disney films. For example, in “The Little

Mermaid,” another successor to the throne, Ariel, wants to explore the human world even though her father forbids it because of his fear of humans.

Similarly, Moana wants to explore the ocean even though her father is afraid of Moana getting hurt. Rapunzel’s story also seems similar, although Mother Gothel does not worry about Rapunzel the same way Moana’s father does.

That being said, Moana brings a fresh perspective to familiar tropes. Unlike other female Disney characters, Moana is witty, yet clumsy. More than anything,

Characters in ‘Moana’ are varied and interesting.

AP Photo

she wants to help her people and please her family.

This selflessness adds a whole new twist to Moana’s story because unlike Ariel, Moana ventures into the unknown to restore life on her island on behalf of her people rather than seek the approval of a man.

Moana is also physically different from other Disney princesses.

Without Barbie-like proportions, she appears more likeable and human to children of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. As a woman who will become the leader of her village, Moana also speaks volumes to the feminist movement of today’s society, especially because of the running joke throughout the movie that Moana is “not a princess.”

Maui, Moana’s demigod friend, also plays a significant role by illustrating the selfishness of humankind. Maui gave the humans everything they wanted so he would fit in with them, but in the end, Maui was still left in isolation.

Moana’s determination and kindness toward Maui allows them both to achieve their goals and mature as people.

As a woman who becomes the chief of her people, Moana teaches children that their background doesn’t matter because they can

accomplish anything with hard work. By facing her fears alone and succeeding, Moana teaches children to be courageous. By achieving greatness without a man at her side, Moana teaches children — and adults — that independence is not a scary thing. You are not a lesser person because you aren’t loved by a significant other. The support of your family and your friends is worth just as much.

Disney also does an incredible job of illustrating and animating its newest masterpiece. The landscapes are colorful and detailed.

The music is written by “Hamilton” star Lin-Manuel Miranda and features songs that are a mixture pacific island flair with today’s hit songs. Miranda is even featured on “We Know The Way,” the song where Moana discovers the history of her people.

Although the charming story of “Moana” is told well, the plot is very predictable. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make the film appear less impressive than Disney’s 2013 hit “Frozen.” Perhaps this was intentional because of the turbulent current events, maybe “Moana” was meant to be a breath of fresh air and familiarity. So, if you’re looking for a feel-good movie, “Moana” will definitely hit the spot.

Band: Thee Oh Sees Album: “An Odd Entrances” Release Number: 12th Hailing From: San Francisco Genre: Psychedelic Garage Rock Label: Castle Face Records Much to the exasperation of newcomers looking for a consensus entry point into the band’s endless discography, Thee Oh Sees have been so astonishingly consistent that few of its records tower far above — or for that matter, fall far below — any other. An Odd Entrances is the rare effortfrom the band that clearly announces itself as a lesser work. Even at just half an hour long, it’s so disconnected that it feels more like an odds-and-ends collection than the group’s actual odds-and-ends compilations. Casual fans can take a guilt-free pass on this one, but as always, the group’s insatiable base won’t have any reason to regret placing their pre-orders.

Must Hear: “The Poem,” “At the End, On the Stairs” and “Unwrap the Fiend, Pt. 1”

page 16 The Signal February 1, 2017

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February 1, 2017 The Signal page 17

Fun Stuff TRUE LOVE MAZE Find your true love at the end of the maze!!!

page 18 The Signal February 1, 2017

Sports

Men’s Basketball

Fierce Lions crusade contentious Gothic Knights

By Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor

The Lions extended their winning streak to seven games this week, defeating Stockton University, 77-71 on Wednesday, Jan. 25, and New Jersey City University, 7569 on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Being at home, the Lions won two conference matches to propel themselves into second place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.

The Lions began the week with win against the Ospreys led by senior guard Eric Klacik’s 31 point performance.

The team started slow. Sophomore forward Jordan Glover missed a layup and a three-point shot until Klacik drained a three-pointer in the 18th minute.

Klacik followed up with another three pointer with an assist by junior guard Eric Murdock Jr. After Klacik’s short burst, both teams endured constant fouls, turnovers and substitutions.

Three minutes later, the Ospreys caught a fastbreak as sophomore guard/forward Brandon Hamilton charged into the hoop for a layup.

The Lions quickly countered. Senior forward Corey Stanford collected a rebound and shoveled a pass to Murdock Jr. Murdock Jr.’s shot missed

and Klacik repossessed the ball at the arc. Another three-pointer for Klacik.

“Eric was unbelievable for us,” Brackett said. “He’s one of the best shooters in the conference and it showed that night. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Afterwards, Murdock Jr. held the Lions offense together with a layup and a three point shot. However, the Ospreys began to attack more.

Ospreys freshman forward Steve Ferebee took advantage of senior forward Bobby Brackett’s physical play, getting fouled and making in two free throws. Meanwhile, the Ospreys duo of junior forward Marcus Harmon and junior forward Darius Jerkins caused turnovers.

By the end of first half, the Lions were leading, 36-32. The Lions offense woke furiously in the second half. Brackett completed a layup followed by Stanford throwing in a long three-point shot.

Both teams were competitive at the 15th minute, with the Lions only leading by a point, 44-43.

After being fouled by Ospreys junior forward Blake Rossell, junior forward Elias Bermudez dished in two free throws. A minute later Klacik struck again, completing two consecutive three-pointers.

With five minutes remaining, the Lions and Ospreys were locked

into a tie at 64. Brackett then proceeded to catch fire, pooling in two jump shots, two layups and a free throw. Murdock Jr. sealed in the 77-71 victory with two consecutive free throws.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Gothic Knights voyaged to Packer Hall for a crucial conference match. The Lions and Gothic Knights were dueling for second place in the NJAC. Brackett wasted no time after the tip over and scored a layup.

The Gothic Knights immediately countered when senior point guard Ata Robinson threw a distant threepointer. Momentarily, Brackett continued the joust against the Gothic Knights, scoring back-to-back free throws and hauling in a layup.

In the 15th minute, sophomore guard Kevin Bloodgood and Murdock Jr. joined in on the crusade.

Both scored layups and increased the Lions lead, 15-10.

Afterwards, Gothic Knights graduate student forward Chinwe Wosu and sophomore point guard Shaquan Worthy fueled a comeback. Wosu dished in two free throws and a layup. The Lions and Gothic Knights then spent the remaining four minutes of half missing shots. At the beginning of the second half, both teams were locked on a tie at 32. The Gothic Knights struck first when freshman

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Klacik scores 31 points against the Ospreys. point guard Sam Toney leaped in a jump shot and a layup. The Lions quickly caught up when Klacik bounced in a layup and free throw.

With the second half dwindling down, Gothic Knights sophomore guard Joseph Kelley swapped out the ball from Murdock Jr. and unleashed a dunk. The Lions and Gothic Knights were tied at 67 with less than three minutes left. Murdock Jr. raced against the clock and pulled the Lions ahead to a 75-69 win, scoring three free throws and scoring a three-pointer.

“NJCU is a very tough team

and lost by 2 the first time we played,” Brackett said. “This time, it was a pretty simplistic game. It was close for most of the game and it could’ve gone either way. We were happen to finish the game out a little stronger than them and we were able to pull it out at the end.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Lions travel south to Glassboro, N.J., for a match against Rowan University, and on Saturday, Feb. 4, the Lions await their home matchup against the Ramapo College Roadrunners at 3 p.m.

Swimming

Speedy swimmers frighten Ducks out of pool

Left: Kniesel helps the Lions win the 200-medley team relay. Right: Grassi places first in the 1- and 3-meter events.

By Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor

At home, the men’s and women’s swimming teams dashed past the Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks on Friday night.

The men’s swimming team captured its first meet victory since its home invitational on Dec. 4. The Lions dominated throughout the meet, beating the Ducks, 172-89.

Starting at the 200-medley relay, the team of senior Adam Coppola, senior Sean Johnson, sophomore Alex Skoog and freshman Derek Kniesel swam past the Ducks and recorded a time of 1:34.43.

The 200-medley relay was followed up with another win at the 200-free relay by the senior squad of Andrew Nesbitt, Ryan Gajdzisz, Scott Vitabile and Coppola.

“It’s easy to get motivated when you are competing with a great program like Stevens,” said Brian Bishop, men’s swimming head coach.

The Lions team strength was further showcased at the 500-free and 50-fly. Gajdzisz, freshman Harrison Yi and junior Logan Barnes claimed the first three spots of the 500free race.

Meanwhile, senior Vince Masciandaro, junior Chris O’Sullivan, Johnson and Nesbitt tramped the Ducks on the 50-fly, claiming all the first top four finishes.

“The upperclassmen are able to set the tone for the underclassmen, which allows for the younger guys to develop without being expected to carry the team,” Bishop said.

At the women’s meet, the Lions prevailed over injuries and grinded out a

147-137 victory over the Ducks. The underclassman carried the Lions through the races.

Sophomore Hailey Thayer seized first place at the 50-backstroke with a time of 29.44. Freshman Annie Menninger performed tremendously for the Lions. She won the 1000-freestyle and the 50-breastroke and finished third at the 100-breastroke.

Experience swimmers also played a crucial role. Senior Brenna Stollo snatched first at the 100-back and junior Ali Huber claimed first at the 100-free.

At the diving board, senior Sarah Grassi and junior Hannah Raymond dove to the top finishes. Grassi brought first place at the 1- and 3-meter diving events.

“Sarah and Hannah put in a lot of training over winter break,” said Jennifer Harnett,

Photos courtesy of Sports Information Desk

women’s swimming head coach. “They personally performed really well on the boards this past weekend.”

Both the men and women set their ambitions toward the Metropolitan Conference Championships this February.

“It was a non-conference meet, so we will swim right through it and swim some people around in events. It’s just another opportunity for us to have some good races in before we start to taper,” Harnett said.

“Our focus is more in (Metropolitan) without a doubt,” Bishop said. “(Metropolitan) will be our teams opportunity to qualify for NCAAs, and that’s the ultimate goal.”

Both the men’s and women’s swimming teams host their last conference meet of the season on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. the William Paterson University Pioneers.

February 1, 2017 The Signal page 19 Cheap Seats

Latest WWE Royal Rumble doesn’t deliver

By Michael Battista Staff Writer

WWE put on one of its yearly mainstay pay-per-views on Sunday, Jan. 29, known as the Royal Rumble. In the 13th iteration of the event, WWE replaced what usually is a night of surprises and athletics with a demonstration of how deep its roster could be — key word being “could.”

The rules of the match are simple — two men start in the ring and fight, and every two minutes, another contestant enters the match until all 30 are in the ring.

Wrestlers are eliminated if they leave the ring over the top rope and both feet touch the ground.

The simplicity of it is what makes it fun to watch.

While WWE is predetermined, the athletics of the match are always a sight to behold.

Seeing large competitors such as Barron Corbin and Braun Strowman throw people around is great, and the interesting ways people avoid elimination is always entertaining.

However, 2017 didn’t see as many highlight reel moments — nothing I can see being put into one of WWE’s promotional packages.

The rumble has had many older wrestlers return in the past, such as the late Roddy Piper popping up in 2008 or New Jerseynative Diamond Dallas Page in 2015. The only real surprise was when fan-favorite Tye Dillinger

Cena wins the WWE world championship for the 16th time.

— from WWE’s developmental brand NXT — joined the match at No. 10. Most fans, however, already assumed this would be the case, as the young star currently calls himself “The Perfect 10.”

Another small surprise was when cruiserweight Jack Gallagher came in at No. 5. The crowd favorite was entertaining, using a few props such as an umbrella and his style of high flyer and brawling against the first few opponents made him a shining point of the match.

Sami Zayn and Dean Ambrose both put in dedicated performances,

but their eliminations left something to be desired.

Ambrose has helped keep WWE relevant putting in hard work for the better part of last year as the WWE Champion and WWE Intercontinental Champion.

He was eliminated by Brock Lesner, a part timer whose impact on the match — while being heavily advertized — was very minimal.

Lesner and Bill Goldberg continued their feud from last November by having the latter eliminate the former fairly quickly — mirroring their last

AP Photo

match, which only lasted one minute and 26 seconds. WWE, the first time you do this it’s really cool. Doing it again?

You’re going to have a bit more of a mixed reaction of boos and cheers after the initial shock.

Most fans will find the most irritating comes down to the last two entrants into the match — No. 29 the Undertaker and No. 30 Roman Reigns. The former is one of the biggest names in the industry, wrestling for WWE for more than 20 years and always adapting in order to stay in the forefront. The latter is

WWE’s current attempt to create the brand’s top superstar. The experiment has not gone so well over the past few years with fans booing the protagonist whenever he comes out, but WWE insists to keep pushing him as a hero.

Having Reigns eliminate Undertaker at the end did not seem like the best idea. Fans may be on route to watch Reigns vs. Undertaker at Wrestlemania this year in April in what could be the Undertaker’s final match.

With established superstar and future WWE Hall of Famer Randy Orton winning the event by last eliminating Reigns — ensuring the night ended with some cheers this sets up a rematch for Wrestlemania.

John Cena won the WWE Championship earlier in the night against AJ Styles, setting up Cena vs. Orton for the 22nd time on PPV. The two have met on TV and PPV nearly 80 times, according to records from cagematch.net.

As two of the company’s biggest stars who both started at the same time and hold numerous titles between them, fans are justifiably tired of seeing this match. Even with Orton’s new character working with the creepy Wyatt Family, it may not be enough to save the fight.

WWE seemed to leave a lot to be desired with this year’s Royal Rumble. It certainly isn’t the worst of the past few years, but when the company promotes this as the most anticipated rumble because of star power, fans expect more.

Exploring the Sensory World of Bees Through Science and Art Fridays, 12:30 - 1:30 PM Lunches welcome www.tcnj.edu/bbs Mayo Concert Hall Music Building TCNJ Campus

Dr. Anne S. Leonard, University of Nevada-Reno, will open a window to a sensory landscape other than our own and translate it into human terms. Come learn how bees make decisions!

Signal

Sports

Lions go toe-to-toe with top competition

By Nicole DeStefano Staff Writer

The women’s and men’s track teams had several strong performances on Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at Lehigh University’s John Covert Classic and Villanova Open, respectively.

On the men’s side, the Lions youth took the spotlight. Freshman Jake Dinnerman finished third place in the mile run with a time of 4:28.12. Dinnerman’s performance secured him the fastest mile time of the season thus far for the Lions. In freshman Cole Parsons’s first mile of the season, he crossed the line in 4:38.49.

The freshmen duo Chris Coombs and Richard Gruters finished back to back in the 3000-meter race, clocking in with times of 9:20.48 and 9:23.34, respectively.

Senior Jake Lindacher had two solid performances on Friday. Lindacher placed seventh overall with a season best time of 8.21 in the 60-meter hurdles, and he placed first among Division II and III athletes in the race. Lindacher later returned with a thirdplace finish in the 60-meter dash, clocking in at 7.11.

Sophomores Thomas Livecchi and Noah Osterhus took first and second place, respectively, in the 400-meter race. Livecchi clocked in at 50.15, while Osterhus followed in at 50.19.

Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Lindacher finishes third in the 60-meter dash.

“I feel pretty good about my 400 this weekend,” Osterhus said. “It was my first one of this indoor season, and I’m still learning how to run it better. I really hope to improve in the 800 and the 4x400 in these next few weeks.”

In the field events, senior Chris Guglielmo achieved his season best as he cleared a height of 4.70 meters in the pole vault.

Guglielmo placed second after tying for first based on the pole vault tie-breaker ruling.

“What stands out most to me is the team’s energy and how

excited everyone gets to compete and support each other each week,” Lindacher said. “There is always room for improvement, so everyone needs to stay committed to improving each day. There’s no one thing I can pinpoint that needs substantial improvement.”

On the women’s side, freshman Katie LaCapria highlighted the 800-meter race with a first-place finish among Division II and III runners with a time of 2:16.23.

Alesia Passaro also placed fourth in the 800, clocking in at 2:23.95.

Junior Jenna Ellenbacher and

freshman Samantha Gorman put forth solid performances in both the 200- and 400-meter dashes.

Ellenbacher placed fifth overall with a time of 26.55, while Gorman clocked in at 26.69 and placed eighth overall.

Ellenbacher and Gorman returned to the track for the 400meter race and finished in second and fifth place, respectively.

Ellenbacher clocked in at 59.08 and Gorman at 1:00.62.

“Nothing feels better than two personal bests in one day, and over the next few weeks, I need to keep

starting my races strong and push myself knowing that better times will come as long as I believe in my own abilities,” Ellenbacher said.

There were also top performances for the distance runners. Sophomore Natalie Cooper placed third in the mile run, clocking in at 5:09.05. Not far behind were sophomore Erin Holzbaur and junior Allison Fournier, placing sixth and seventh, respectively. Holzbaur ran 5:17.96, while Fournier crossed the line in 5:24.51.

For the field events, senior pole vaulter Tracy Prentice came in fourth place, clearing a height of 3.20 meters. Freshman Kristen Hall placed third in the high jump with a clearance of the 1.55-meter mark. Junior Amanda Cucarese took fifth place in the long jump with a distance of 5.21 meters.

“I think the most impressive part of the team’s overall performance is the fact that everyone keeps improving on their previous marks from week to week,” Ellenbacher said. “From the freshmen all the way to the seniors, the team keeps getting better times, heights and distances, and earning (New Jersey Athletic Conference) honors.”

The Lions compete on Friday, Feb. 3, at the annual TCNJ/Rider dual meet at 7 p.m. The rival meet will be held at the Lavino Field House in Lawrenceville, N.J.

Weary Lions prove they’re stronger pride

By Miguel Gonzalez Sports Editor

The Lions were busy at Packer Hall on Saturday, Jan. 28, and Sunday, Jan. 29, hosting the New England Wrestling Association /Metro meet on Saturday and defeating the Springfield College Pride on Sunday.

The Lions went 2-1, defeating Williams College, 28-22, and Bridgewater State University, 22-21. The nationally seventh ranked Roger Williams University gave the Lions loss, defeating them, 26-9.

The Lions took control on the mat against Williams College and churned in six match wins. Senior Nick Herring grabbed a major decision win over Purple Cows freshman Luke Anselmi.

Afterwards, the Lions encountered tough competition against the Roger Williams University Hawks. The Hawks pestered the Lions as they only crawled three match wins. Freshman Anthony Gagliano and sophomore JT Beirne won on decisions, while Herring tussled out his win against Hawks senior Alec Golner.

“I respect Roger Williams (University),” head coach Joe Galante said. “They are a very

Lions Lineup February 1, 2017

I n s i d e

talented team, and I’m glad the team had the opportunity to compete against them.”

The Lions then pressed a close victory the Bridgewater State University Bears. The Bears trampled the Lions early until sophomore Ryan Erwin won a major decision over Bears freshman Logan Larsen. Freshmen Marcus Sherrod and Dan Kilroy followed up with two more match wins. With the victory, Kilroy has now accumulated an impressive 11 wins.

The matchup was ultimately decided when junior Kyle Cocozza defeated Bears sophomore Tom Arseneault.

The following day, the Lions defeated the Springfield College Pride, 30-19. Earlier in January, the Lions encountered the Pride at the National Wrestling Coaches Association Dual meet. Since then, the Pride have achieved their 1,000 program victory, the first Division III wrestling program to do so.

The Lions lost no momentum and pulled in six match wins against the Pride.

Both sophomore Luis Rivera and Erwin got major decision wins. Bears senior Zach Joseph then secured a decision win, cutting the Lions lead to 14-9.

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Photo courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Herring grabs wins against the Purple Cows and Hawks.

Immediately, the Lions responded with three straight victories, scoring 30 points and asserting a hard deficit on the Bears. Herring grabbed a major decision win against Bears sophomore Aarin Feliz.

Kilroy followed up with a huge pin against Bears freshman Ryan Errico. With the Lions

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leading 30-9, the Bears were only able to crawl up to 19 points.

After many matches in Packer Hall, the Lions head west to Pennsylvania this weekend.

On Friday, Feb. 3, the Lions travel to Wilkes University. On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Lions will compete at the Messiah College Open.

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