November 30 Edition of The Merciad

Features On Page 4:

Arts & Entertainment On Page 5:

Sports On Page 7:

Tree lighting

Very hungry

Wrestling has five

ceremony on

caterpillar returns

medalists and two

campus

to Mercyhurst

champions

The MERCIAD

Read more inside & online

Est. 1929 Vol. 90 No. 10

Mercyhurst university

Catherine Rainey photo

The Dungarvan Quay is a central and scenic spot in the coastal town. Students regularly walk along the water toward the current building where classes are held.

Wednesday, noveMber 30, 2016

A plaque hangs outside the Mercyhurst academic facility in Dungarvan.

Catherine Rainey photo

’Hurst heads home to Ireland

University seeks to create global campus in Dungarvan

By Lauren Abbott Staff writer

Recently, Mercyhurst announced its intention to look into expanding its operations in Dungarvan, Ireland.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed

by Mercyhurst University President Michael T. Victor; Michael Walsh, Waterford City and County Chief Executive; and Mercyhurst Col-

lege Ireland Chair Heidi Hosey. This memorandum links Mercyhurst University, Mercyhurst College Ireland, and Waterford City and County Council in Ireland as partners in a feasibility study for exploring the viability of expanding the Mercyhurst campus in Ireland.

This study will look at the current state of Mercyhurst and determine if it could be plausible to have the opportunity for every student to spend

a semester in Ireland at little or no cost. The study will span over the course of the next year and will include market research, financial overviews and asking students, faculty and alumni their opinions and to ultimately decide on whether this is a viable option for Mercyhurst at this time.

In terms of study abroad, the vision would be to make it so that every Mercyhurst students would have the option to study abroad for at least

one term and without the substantial cost that is associated with studying abroad.

The goal would be for every student to have the option to study abroad in Ireland. In doing so, entire departments would be able to go abroad without interrupting student coursework. It would also give students a global perspective and give more foresight and experience in the increasingly global job market.

“What we really hope for

the students is that it brings home our Irish heritage. It brings full circle that Mother McAuley came from Dublin to the United States. We’re bringing Mercyhurst back to Ireland,” Hosey said This expansion would become an integral part of the Mercyhurst experience and would really allow students to understand the mission and heritage and how it all connects to the Sisters of Mercy. It would globalize the

university and distinguish it from other institutions in the level of commitment to the heritage and roots.

This project has the possibility of bringing many new and exciting things to the Mercyhurst community and the expansion can only further the experience of Mercyhurst students.

Library receives over a million hits this semester

By Alexandria Albano Staff writer

During the month of October, Mercyhurst University’s online library search hit over one million searches with 1,261,705 searches. The full text downloads during the month of October come to a total of 10,057.

According to Penny Wise, Serials/Electronic Resources librarian and associate director of the Ridge Library, this happened last year as well in the months of October and November.

Darci R. Jones, director of University Libraries and Distance Learning, along with Wise, are two assets behind the scenes at the Mercyhurst library.

They both take part in data

Merciad Index

Trang Nguyen photo

Matthew Shellenberger, academic library computer support specialist, works on updating the library website.

analysis with the libraries at the main Mercyhurst campus and

the North East campus.

Jones emphasizes how the

library resources are used.

“There is a huge under-

world of stuff going on in the library. Today there is 5 percent of people checking out actual books and the other percent is checking online sources and eBooks,” she said.

“We have about 50 databases.

This ‘search everything’ tool has most sources indexed by EBSCO. It would take a long time if it was not indexed. … It searches everything,” said Wise.

“The problem is the amount of sources that come up. The students need to be able to narrow it down. The boxes on the side allow it to be narrowed down.

It’s really quick and easy.”

The library still accommodates the students’ needs. With the changes of time electronically, the library has become more electronic.

“Over the past five years, we have switched from buying

print books to the electronic books… There’s over 120,000 electronic journal magazines,” Wise said.

Jones further states the positivity of this search engine.

“It takes less time than compared to Google. … We have everything covered. We want to expand our resources,” Jones said.

The library is very student-oriented since students are those who use the library most of the time. It was stressed that different fields of study also are covered within this search tool as well.

The number of searches shows the advantages and success through using the library’s search engine over Google and Google Scholar.

Online Poll Results

Are you ready for the impending snow?

News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living

1-2 3-4 5 6 7 8

Meh. It’s pretty but makes walking to class a drag. (66%) No way! I need more fall. (20%) Yes! Snow is my favorite thing. (13%) We get snow in Erie? (1%)

Be sure to vote in this week’s online poll:

Did you get all your classes for this spring? merciad.mercyhurst.edu

News National ranking in Art Therapy

By Caitlyn Lear News editor

This month, the Mercyhurst University Art Therapy program earned a national ranking. According to Best Counseling Degrees, Mercyhurst’s Art Therapy program is one of the top 35 undergraduate degrees.

Mercyhurst ranked 31 out of 35. The list was ranked in order of increasing tuition rates. Of the 35 schools, five were from Pennyslvania, and Mercyhurst was the only one from Erie County.

Art Therapy is the use of art and using it as a healing mechanism through research and service learning in the surrounding community. The program at Mercyhurst is directed by Heather Denning.

“The undergraduate art therapy program will prepare students to enter a graduate level training program to become an art therapist.

The program offers five art therapy classes in combination with studio art and psychology courses,” Denning said. The art therapy field is a dynamic career combining creativity and service to others. Students who are creative but would like to connect to others in a meaningful career would be a good candi-

November 30, 2016

The Merciad

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date for this program.”

According to Best Counseling Degrees some of the classes on campus are taught by board certified art therapists. They teach about the history of art, why it is therapeutic and encourage students get hands-on experience.

Unlike many other universities, none of the classes in the program at Mercyhurst are taught by graduate students.

Most students will go on to graduate level training, while some will find entry level jobs right out of school doing case management or working within an activities department.

Best Counseling Degrees’ website talks about how engaging the program is and what students in the program can gain from its experience.

“Through engaging with art at numerous levels students will learn the therapeutic benefit of art and how the process of engaging in art can lead to change and growth,” the site said.

The ranking was made using NCES College Navigator site and arttherapy.org.

“The ranking highlights the value Mercyhurst offers its students in higher learning and preparation to become an art therapist,” Denning said.

Advertisement

’Hurst caring for local kids

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

For the third year, Parkhurst and Mercyhurst are teaming up for a Chinese auction to benefit local children in hospitals.

“It is designed to help support the local Children’s Hospital charities in the communities that we are in. Here, all of the proceeds raised go to St. Vincent’s Children’s Miracle Network,” said Dean Schoenfeldt, Parkhurst Dining Senior General Manager.

Last year’s campaign was successful.

“Last year’s efforts were almost $2,500, ” Schoenfeldt said.

The years have varied, but overall the Mercyhurst community has been very generous.

“We have raised between $500 and $600 of our campaign total each year through our Chinese auction. We are hoping for $750 or more this year,” Schoenfeldt said.

Auction tickets are $5 for an arm’s length. Baskets for the auction range from themes such as Disney’s “Frozen” to baking and dining accessories.

Many of them represent local businesses.

“All of the items were donated by local businesses or campus programs,” Schoenfeldt said.

Mercyhurst gear and other baskets are up for grabs until the auction closes Dec. 8.

Steven Martz photo

The fundraiser is not just supported by Mercyhurst but a team effort to help give the best donation possible.

“This is a fundraiser supported by all Parkhurst accounts,” Schoenfeldt said.

Chinese auctions are quite popular. People can see exactly what they are voting for and often judge their current chances of winning based on the number of tickets put down for each item.

“We have done this at other venues and other accounts.

It’s a great way to market for the community as well,” said Schoenfeldt.

The auction began in the beginning of November and is open to anyone willing to donate.

“We will draw the winners on Dec. 8, and the winners will be notified by Dec. 11,” said Schoenfeldt.

In the spirit of Mercy, the community warmly welcomes projects such as this one.

Especially during the holiday season, it is a good feeling to Steven Martz photo support local charities to help People can also buy chocolates and the money will go toward the fundraiser. local children.

Hurst Crime Log Incident

Date

Location

Liquor law violation

Nov. 13

Warde Hall

Disorderly conduct

Nov. 16

McAuley Hall

Assaultsimple

Nov. 19

Warde Hall

Liquor law violation

Nov. 20

Duval West

November 30, 2016

The Merciad

’Hurst helps Haiti’s prisoners

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

Third-world countries like Haiti unfortunately do not have access to hygiene products that we take for granted every day. For this reason, the Mercyhurst Public Health Club plans to combat this issue head-on through its “Better Hygiene for Haiti” events, with the kickoff that began Nov. 17. Approximately 70 people came to support the cause.

This program is unique because it focuses on providing feminine hygiene products to Haiti’s female prisoners. In a country that has very little resources for its citizens, the conditions for prisoners are nearly inhumane.

“About 25 percent of women are held with no legal cause, the prisons are overcrowded (not uncommon to have 40 people in one cell) and people often wait three to four years before going before a judge to be officially charged with their crime,” Sarah McCool, assistant professor of Public Health, said.

McCool was also able to use her experience in Haiti, Indonesia and Bangladesh to get the conversation started about the terrible conditions in these countries. McCool has been working with her connections in Port-au-Prince to get the products to the women in need. The club will collecting both funds and products to send to prisons in Port-auPrince, Haiti.

This country was chosen

Cheyanne Crum photo

The Public Health Club is raising money to send feminine hygiene products to Haiti. Club members made the female symbol out of empty tampon boxes on the third floor of Hirt.

not only because of its recent natural disasters and poor economy, but because of Mercyhurst’s connections with Haiti.

“I made it my goal that my last year at Mercyhurst and as club president that I wanted to have a school year-long fundraiser for a specific component of public health,” Public Health Club President Susan Baltes said.

Baltes said she is very grateful the board members, club members, McCool and Thomas Cook, Ph.D., assistant professor of Public Health, for helping to make the campaign possible.

This initiative was started by the Public Health Club and has four main goals to be accomplished by March 2017.

The first is to launch a global health fundraising campaign

that will help the monetary aspect of the initiative.

The second goal is to create a more creative, collaborative and informed club at Mercyhurst that is able to communicate the needs of less fortunate countries. The third goal is to set a precedent for the coming years and create a plan for continued campaigning.

The final goal is to raise $1,000 to purchase and send hygiene products to women in Haiti.

The club will also be hosting events every month to reach their goal by March.

The events will include a Bake Sale, Soup and Hot Chocolate Sale, Game Tournament, Performance Showcase and Campaign Shirt Sale, a Ceremony Dinner and Raffle. They are also doing a recycling initiative that will occur throughout the school year.

The kickoff was a huge help in allowing the club to create more ideas for fundraising.

“It is important to us to share methods of prevention, promotion and protection.

With the Mercy Missions and the implemented IMU classes, this campaign is a way for students to be socially merciful, compassionately hospitable, globally responsible, intellectually creative and reflectively aware,” Baltes said.

The main goal of “Better Hygiene for Haiti” is to create a spirit of involvement and solidarity with those in need.

@TheMerciad

MU selects Galapagos, naturally

By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer

Following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, this January a group of 36 Mercyhurst students will be traveling to the Galapagos Islands.

The trip is attached to two courses taking place in Mini Three, one taught by Peter Stadtmueller, M.S., assistant professor of Graphic Design, whose students will be learning how to use GoPro equipment. The other class, Darwin and the Galapagos, will be taught by Joanne McGurk, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and Sara Turner-Cooper, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biology.

“Our mission is to try to come to understand the genesis and then the impact of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species,” McGurk said.

The Galapagos Islands and their diverse wildlife are famous for giving Darwin the inspiration to write “On the Origin of Species,” first published in 1859, in which he first spoke about the now universally accepted principle of natural selection, the idea that species that are better adapted to survival will pass on their genes.

The Galapagos are 600 miles off the shore of Ecuador, which made them isolated and thus the perfect spot for Darwin to do his studies.

Since the government of Ecuador has restrictions on the number of people who are allowed to visit the Galapagos each year, Mercyhurst students are very fortunate to be able to visit through Mercyhurst’s partner, Education First, which received permission.

The logistics of the trip

were arranged by Heidi Hosey, Ph.D., dean of Global Programs and Experiential Learning, who did the planning for the trip including recruiting faculty, working with vendors and working with students.

Escaping the cold, the group will be leaving on Jan. 4. They will fly into Quito on the South American mainland, then fly to the various islands.

Once on the islands, they will go snorkeling with the turtles and sea lions, go bird watching, visit the island’s Darwin Center, and even be able to straddle the equator, standing in both the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time. They will return Jan. 15, in time for spring semester.

The trip, which includes elements of science and humanities, among others, is designed to appeal to a wide range and number of students, and to

people of different majors.

It can count towards an English, REACH, elective, Biology, or Beyond the Gates requirement. The Beyond the Gates requirement, now in place for freshmen, will require all students to be involved outside of campus, and will mean that more travel opportunities will be available to students in the future.

With a thrilling itinerary and the valuable chance to study Darwin’s book in the context of the setting that inspired it, students on the trip will no doubt have a wonderful trip.

“For me the most wonderful thing about this is that we really get to experience the course ideas, the material, in their proper setting. Being there, getting on the ground, makes it so much more meaningful,” McGurk said.

Creative Corner

A week into the formal investigation of Caleb, the police found him in a gas station a few towns away buying some necessities. He was arrested on sight. They searched his house and found the materials that were used to start the fire and a singed pair of gloves.

I was released from the hospital the morning after his arrest. My skin was looking less pink and fresh and more pale like the rest of me, but I still looked patchy, like I was just thrown together.

My mom was happy that I was home, but was being so over-protective that it was suffocating.

I needed to get out of the house. Taylor was my saving grace; he showed up right when I was getting to the point of exploding. He came over and tried to keep my mom calm and relaxed, but every time I got out of her sight or looked like I was in pain, she would start worrying again.

Eventually, she had to go to work and that left the two of us alone at last. Taylor didn’t hover or try to make sure I was comfortable. We were

able to sit in silence while watching TV and it felt completely normal. But it ended too soon.

I woke up from a nightmare, my mom was in my room, trying to wake me up, I could feel the flames still licking at my newly healed skin. My mom wants me to be in therapy, so I can wrap my head around what I went through and work it out at the same time. I didn’t want to at first, but then I decided that it might be good for me to talk to someone.

Things slowly began to return to normal as I healed. The school was still closed, but they began to hold classes in the senior citizen building a few blocks away. The only thing that was different was I no longer had Caleb at my side. Instead, it was Taylor. ********************** If you have anything you would like to have published, please submit it to: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Page 3

Features Asking Mia Need advice? Have a problem that needs fixing? Mia is here to help. Email askmia.merciad@ gmail.com for help. *******************

Dear Mia, My family does a big Christmas every year at home and I want to continue that in my apartment, but this year my roommate doesn’t like Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday. How can I convince her to cave a little bit and let me put up some lights and my little tree? I don’t know why she doesn’t like the holidays and I don’t want to offend her, but I also want to continue my family traditions without her being a Scrooge.

Sincerely, Tiny Tim

Dear Tiny Tim, Does your roommate not like Christmas or does she just not celebrate it? Try politely asking her before you do anything with the decorations. If she doesn’t celebrate Christmas, maybe you can just put up a few lights around.

If she does, but just doesn’t like decorating, explain to her how you and your family do a big Christmas at home and it’s something you miss while being at school. I’m assuming that you two share a room, so you’re best bet would be to decorate only your side.

If you’re able to convince her to decorate the rest of the apartment, go for it, but at least decorate your side of the room. You can’t put off something that makes you happy, and I think keeping the decorations by your things would be a good compromise. We’re only here for three more weeks, so your roommate will just have to put up with the holiday cheer until then.

Sincerely,

Mia

Mercyhurst Geology Club presents: Treasures of the Earth Sale and Auction Dec. 6 in the Student Union Great Room from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The auction begins at 7 p.m.

There will be minerals, fossils, posters, T-shirts and other oddities to view.

Email any questions to Geology Club President Casey Bleuel at cbleuel@lakers. mercyhurst.edu.

Page 4

Features

November 30, 2016

The Merciad

Alumna designs ornament MU trees get lit

By Lauren Abbott Staff writer

Mercyhurst alumna Christine Matha, ’89, was honored by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to design its 2016 Holiday Ornament after winning the group’s art contest in May. Matha was invited to the Tour de Turtle, an event held annually by the Sea Turtle Conservancy at the Four Seasons Resort on the island of Nevis in the West Indies.

Matha, of Erie, did not know what the Tour de Turtle was when she submitted her artwork to the contest.

“It is a program sponsored by the Sea Turtle Conservancy that was started in 2008,” said Matha. “At the event they capture the turtles and track their locations for three months via satellite tracking devices that are placed on their backs after they lay their eggs.”

During the 2016 event, the conservancy captured two hawksbill sea turtles and one green sea turtle. Participants at the Tour de Turtle also got to witness the hatching of a nest of leatherback turtles.

Matha said she cannot believe that she was rewarded with this experience.

“I thought there had to be some sort of catch,” said Matha. “It was not until I actually spoke to the Four

Contributed photo

Christine Matha’s ornament design for the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Christmas 2016 Holiday Ornament.

Seasons representative that I believed it. It still seems very unreal. I never expected anything but maybe a keychain.

I woke my husband up to tell him, because I was notified in the middle of the night, and he was afraid he had done something wrong.”

Matha has always been interested in different forms of art because her father fostered her love for art from a very young age.

“My father, a fireman for the city of Erie, enjoyed art

and would be responsible for watching me when my mother, a teacher at Iroquois High School, was working,” said Matha. “He would spend time drawing with me when I was very young. I remember not having the motor skills to make certain shapes, and it would frustrate me to the point of tears. I also took free community art classes as a child at the Erie Museum from local artists Fran Shanz and Shelly Barron.”

Most of Matha’s artwork

outside of the Tour de Turtle contest is inspired by her Native American heritage on her father’s side.

“I come from Abenaki heritage which is a Native American tribe from Vermont,” said Matha. “I love to draw animals and incorporate intricate borders that resemble Abenaki beading that tells a story, styled after Eastern Woodland floral beadwork.”

Matha plans on continuing to submit artwork for the Sea Turtle Conservancy in the future.

“If they ever run another contest I will certainly submit an entry or design art for any of their fundraising. I will continue to do local shows through Presque Isle Artist Association, but I have no idea whatever roads I might travel down,” Matha said.

Her holiday ornament is a revised design of her winning artwork. This redesign was at the request of the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

“I was very honored and humbled to rework the design for their holiday ornament and I am so happy to share my work with the world,” said Matha. “It is surreal, actually, to know that people all over the world can have my art in their homes this holiday season.”

Advertisement

By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer

On Thursday, Dec. 1, Mercyhurst Student Government will host their annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.

“Any RSCO, Recognized Student Club or Organization, can sign up to make an ornament on the tree,” Heather Shadle, senior and MSG events coordinator said.

The event is a collaboration between Shadle and Sam Lioi, MSG vice president, who oversees RSCOs. Unlike in years past, where each RSCO was given its own tree to decorate, which limited the number of RSCOs that could participate, this year there will be one large tree, which will allow more groups to contribute.

There are approximately 20 clubs and organizations registered to create an ornament for the tree this year, nearly twice as many as have been allowed to participate in the past. In addition, participating RSCOs will be entered into a raffle to win a prize.

This year the event will feature refreshments, caroling by the Women’s Choir, and a joint talk by Richard McCarty, Ph.D., Religious Studies professor, and Patrina Marerro, Director of Multicultural Student Services, who will be

Mercyhurst Student Government photo

Last year, the campus decided to start a new tradition, lighting a Christmas tree outside.

speaking about multiculturalism and symbolism in the holiday season.

This will be followed by a blessing over the Mercyhurst community by Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry, and the lighting of the tree.

The event is inclusive of people of all faiths and is a wonderful way for the Mercyhurst community to come together and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

“People are invited to just mingle and walk around,” said Shadle. “It’s a way to bring people together.”

The tree will stay illuminated from December until January.

November 30, 2016

The Merciad

Page 5

Arts &

Entertainment

A hungry caterpillar Apollo’s Fire will be lit returns to campus

By Naomi Greenstein Staff writer

By Carlena Bressanelli Staff writer

When you are a little kid, one of your parents might have read you some popular children’s picture books such as the “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?,” or even “The Very Quiet Cricket.”

The Brown Bear and the Caterpillar fans are in luck.

Since last year’s two–performance show, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” show presented by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia was sold out and got so much positive feedback, Mercyhurst decided to bring the performance back for this year’s show.

The show will consist of the stories of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?,” which has helped children around the world understand colors and objects’ meanings, and “Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me,” which is about the unusual quest of the curiosity of the lunar

MIAC photo

The main characters Brown Bear and the Caterpillar from their respective stories will come to life on stage.

circle and how a father loves his daughter.

Eric Carle wrote “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “The Very Quiet Cricket,” but “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” was written and illustrated by Bill Martin Jr. and Carle.

The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings these beloved works to life.

They work with talented artists and make their own puppets to put on children’s’ shows.

They use puppetry, scenic effects, original music and soft storytelling to make the shows come alive.

So far, around 400 performances were performed and praised.

It will be about an hour– long performance performed in the Walker Recital Hall on Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Adult tickets are $15, seniors are $12.50 and students/ youth tickets are $10.

Mercyhurst students get in for free with their student ID. Come see your favorite childhood stories happen live.

@TheMerciad

As the fall semester begins to wind down in the last few chilly December weeks, one last event of the season is gearing up to go.

On Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center will be welcoming the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra known as Apollo’s Fire to the stage.

Led by their conductor Jeannette Sorrell, an award-winning harpsichordist who also founded the orchestra in 1992, Apollo’s Fire presents an interpretation of Handel’s Messiah that has inspired audiences across the country through its acclaimed CD recording and many national radio broadcasts.

Following Handel’s original conception of the piece as theatrical entertainment, Jeannette Sorrell and her actor-singers take listeners on a spiritual and emotional journey.

Staff writer

‘Fantastic Beasts’ was a magical adventure

By Connor Adair

Contributing writer

When “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” was announced, there was a distinct separation between Harry Potter fans.

Some were ecstatic that J.K. Rowling had begun a new project in the wizarding world.

Others, however, were against it, thinking that the stories of the wizarding world needed to be left alone.

They felt it needed to end with the resolution to the struggles of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Personally, I was very excited. I have been a fan of the wizarding world ever since my mother first read me “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

I was cautious, but still optimistic, and I think that is why I enjoyed the movie as much as I did.

“Fantastic Beasts” follows the story of Newt Scamander traveling to America from London.

With him, he carries a brief-

case filled with numerous magical creatures, as well as his entire workshop, should he choose to walk inside of it.

Once in New York, he comes into contact with a No-Maj (the American way of referring to a Muggle) named Jacob, with whom he accidentally switches briefcases.

From there, he is aided

by Porpentina Goldstein, a former Auror of the Magical Congress of the United States of America, or MACUSA for short.

Together, they begin to hunt down Newt’s creatures, which have escaped from his briefcase under the lack of supervision by Jacob.

They also must deal with the emergence of an Obscurus, the pent up magic of an oppressed witch or wizard, which is wreaking havoc throughout New York, threatening to expose all of wizard-kind.

There are two ways for you to approach “Fantastic Beasts” if you are a Harry Potter fan.

First, you could approach it as though it was an extension

of the previous movies, and you will most likely be disappointed.

It is hard, if not impossible, for J.K. Rowling to continue that storyline, or for her to recreate a new one that even comes close to matching Harry’s quest against Voldemort.

However, if you see the movie as I did, and look at it as a separate entity from Harry Potter, as its own story of the wizarding world, it was truly a treat to go and see.

I am irrevocably in love with the wizarding world, and I am overjoyed to see more of it on the big screen.

I don’t think that it will live up to Harry and his journey, but I believe that if you go to see it as a beginning of Newt’s journey instead, and choose to see the potential that this movie has as an extension into the wizarding world from a whole new perspective, this could easily bring just as much joy as our trips to Hogwarts did; even if the new wizarding school is called Ilvermorny and has four completely new houses to choose from.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Juried Art Show Call For Entries Mercyhurst University students are invited to enter up to three artworks in any medium including drawing, painting, photography, computer generated works, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to the annual Juried Student Art Show.

All artwork must have been created at Mercyhurst University over the past two years.

Entries will be accepted on Feb. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cummings Art Gallery. Jurying will take place on Feb. 10, and notification of results will be by email. Jill Kambs, assistant curator at the Erie Art Museum, will review the works.

Online

The exhibition will be on view in Cummings Gallery from Feb. 13 through March 24 with a special reception set for the artists on Feb. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Full list of events can be found on the MU website

The orchestra certainly lives up to its namesake, the classical god of sun and music, and thus has been dubbed “the U.S.A.’s hottest Baroque band” by Classical Music Magazine.

Apollo’s Fire has played sold-out concerts at the BBC Proms, the Royal Theatre of Madrid, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the Tanglewood Festival, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and many other venues.

The Daily Telegraph reviewed a performance by Apollo’s Orchestra as “Superlative music-making European stylishness combined

MIAC photo

with American can-do entrepreneurialism.”

Tickets for this fabulous, can’t-miss performance are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for youth and students with ID. It is free for any Mercyhurst student who presents their ID at the box office.

This performance is sponsored by WQLN and H Jack’s Plumbing & Heating Co. The 2016-2017 season is sponsored by Cumulus Media.

@TheMerciad

Hoffmann at ’Hurst

By Caitlyn Lear

REVIEW

The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, “Apollo’s Fire.”

On Dec. 8 and Dec. 11, at 8 p.m., the D’Angelo Opera Theater will be performing “The Tales of Hoffmann.”

The DOT is celebrating the “Comic Opera” from Paris, France.

These operas are similar to American musical theater productions in the way that they include dialogue.

Most of the operas are performed at very grand venues,

but for this one, it will be performed at the Walker Recital Hall.

“We are also doing them in a more intimate setting with wonderful costumes and lighting effects that should keep the audience entertained for the abridged, 90–minute productions,” director Louisa Jonason said.

“The Tales of Hoffmann” is about a man, Hoffmann, in search of the perfect woman.

The production will recount three of those failed relationships with Olympia the

doll, Giulietta the courtesan and Antonia the fragile opera singer. Each relationship is doomed because the women have fatal flaws, but also because Hoffmann is haunted by a demon.

The cast includes Brandon Alan Miller as Hoffmann, Victoria McIllvain and Maria Dombrowski as Olympia, Sarah Krempaski as Giulietta and Shelby Maberry and Lauren Ganger as Antonia.

Tickets are $5 for the general public and $2 for Mercyhurst students and faculty.

The encore presentation of “War Horse” will be streamed to the Performing Arts Center.

MIAC photo

‘War Horse’ gallops into the Performing Arts Center

By Rachel Sobina Staff writer

War is never a pleasant topic.

The conversations about war are usually very grim and sober. However, “War Horse” is based on the novel

by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Nick Stafford.

It tells the story of a young man and a horse who are destined to go through horrific events to be reunited.

The National Theatre live is a unique way to view a movie as it is performed in real time without traveling very far or paying high rates for tickets.

The production performance is live in the United Kingdom and it is transmitted to theatres and performance spaces throughout the world, such as Mercyhurst University.

View upcoming performances: www.mercyhurst.edu/events

However, this is an encore presentation.

Albert is a young boy growing up in a time of war.

He and his mother and father live on a small farm.

Their main supply of money is from the crops that they grow.

One day, Ted sees a young horse who is being auctioned off, and bids on the horse, winning him.

After he brings the horse home, Albert begins to bond with the horse, who he names Joey, and teaches him how to plow a field.

Unfortunately, Ted had spent the rent money to buy the horse, and can no longer pay the landlord.

He does the only thing he can do and sells Joey to a war captain.

As the story continues, both Joey and Albert suffer through

many horrific events.

“War Horse” takes audiences on a riveting journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of World War I era France.

Its first performance in the National Theatre was in 2007 and for a limited time, the National Theatre is doing an encore of award-winning British theatre productions.

“War Horse” is a tale of war, suffering and a true friendship between a man and his horse.

“War Horse” will be showing at the Performing Arts Center on Dec. 11, at 12:55 p.m.

Tickets are free for any Mercyhurst student who shows their ID at the box office.

They are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors/students and $10 for youth.

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/category/arts_ entertainment/

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November 30, 2016

The Merciad

Opinion

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Relay Life Church. successful Merciad or for the Catholic Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Celebrating Christmas using Catholic traditions

By Mathew Jury Staff writer

That time of year is coming again. After finals, we will be gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year, which is, of course, Christmas.

Christmas, or as I shall say, “Christ’s Mass,” is the yearly celebration of Our Lord’s birth, despite the likelihood that Jesus was probably born in March.

It is commonly celebrated by spending time with family, celebrating His birth during the holy Mass, hence the name, and giving gifts to each other as the Magi did for our king.

Our method of gift giving will vary depending on several factors, including age. Our youth will often receive a visit from Jolly Old St. Nicholas, also famous for punching the heretic Arius in the face during the first

council of Nicaea, either receiving the toys and games they wanted if they behaved or coal if they did not. I do not think I know anyone who ever received coal, but I could only imagine the shame that comes with it.

Other traditions refer to Santa Claus as Père Noël and other cultures will have St. Nick travel with Krampus, who would beat naughty children as a punishment for their behavior.

For those of us who are much older, our gifts often come from family or perhaps a special someone in your life.

Some of us will spend our Christmas giving to the community through soup kitchens or Salvation Army drives.

Christmas is the time of year that we spend offering our generosity, and perhaps mercy, to others as a gesture of goodwill.

With this idea of good will, it puzzles me to see the movement toward not acknowledging Christmas

or any other holiday usually celebrated around this time, such as Hanukkah, Solstice, or Kwanzaa.

Instead, sometimes we are just given the blanket statement of “Happy Holidays.”

Admittedly, I am finding we are trending back toward greeting each other with “Merry Christmas” or whatever other holiday is deemed appropriate, but I still find some insisting on sticking with the politically correct “Happy Holidays.”

I have seen this trend appear on our Catholic campus, unfortunately. I understand that as a Mercy school, and that we need to acknowledge all faiths.

I have not seen much of the bookstore’s Christmas merchandise stock yet, but if it will be like what I saw last year, we will be seeing a lot of “Happy Holidays” and not a lot of “Merry Christmas.”

I feel that As a Catholic university, instead of us simply giving the blanket

“Happy Holidays” greeting, we need to greet each other this season with a “Merry Christmas” to acknowledge the real reason for the season.

We are a Catholic and a Mercy school, so it needs to be “Merry Christmas” here, along with whatever other holidays we as a student body celebrate.

To conclude, we need to remember why we have this holiday season, why we have a long break between fall and spring semesters, and why we are able to utilize all of the sales at our department stores.

It is because our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by the Holy Ghost, came down and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, for the sake of our salvation. We celebrate Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season. @TheMerciad

Higher prices, smaller portions

By Caitlyn Lear News editor

For my first two years at Mercyhurst, I could pretty much count on the same prices and large portion sizes in the Laker. My burrito bowl was always overflowing out of the to-go containers.

The bun of my sandwich could never fully close with all the vegetables and meat, and the fill-your-own fries were the best.

Now, in my third year, the price of food has risen, and the portions I get seem to get smaller and smaller each time I go.

I live off campus this year and no longer have a meal plan. For me, that is a cheaper route. Some days I will still stop by the Laker to pick up dinner on my way home from classes. Last year, with all the food that was given for each meal, I could make it last me two days. But this year, one sandwich barely fills me up.

My favorite thing to get is the burrito bowl. I was not really surprised when they raised the price from $6 to $7. To me, for what I got, that was still a very reasonable price.

As I order my bowl, I realize that I start to get about half the amount that I was expecting. The rice was

barely enough to cover just the center of the container and I could probably count the number of beans on two hands. If I order chicken, I get maybe enough to last me three or four bites, but if I get the beef, it is the center of every bite.

When it comes to the toppings, I hope to fill the bowl part way, but yet again I was disappointed. My lettuce and banana peppers are always hidden by the mounds and mounds of sour cream that is placed on top. I like sour cream, but not that much. I had to start ordering the sour cream on the side just so I did not get too much.

Moving over to The Grille, it saddens me that the chance

to fill your own fries is no longer available. I can understand why they took it away, but it would at least be nice if the person serving the fries asked how much you wanted.

Instead, they give one little scoop and it is off with you and onto the next person. If we are paying the same price as we would have for the fillyour-own fries, they should at least fill our fries until we ask them to stop.

Raising prices in dining areas is expected to happen.

You would just hope that as they rise, the amount of food would at least stay consistent, and not slowly disappear, like the cash in our pockets.

‘Gilmore Girls’ makes a comeback

By Jordan Pendel Staff writer

Online

Gilmore Girls has been on my Netflix “to-watch” list for a long time, and my friends have always mentioned how I would love the series. When I heard they were making a four-episode revival I knew it was finally time to start my journey with the Gilmores.

Boy, am I glad I did because it has easily become one of my favorite shows.

If you do not already know, each 90-minute episode of the revival was titled and set in a different season starting with winter and ending with fall.

Of course, any fan would have loved to see more episodes. No one wants to see their favorite show end. I think it works well with how long each one was.

I laughed, I cried and even though there has been a nineyear hiatus, the feel of the

show was still the same and it was very comforting.

I was afraid, because of the time span, that the actors would not be able to get into character again, but it was like the series never ended.

Thankfully, all of Lorelai’s sarcasm was present. I strive to be that witty and sarcastic.

Every character you can remember made an appearance. Even Edward Herrmann was in a flashback scene Rory was having, which made me cry some more.

There were many characters from the original series that I was not even expecting to make an appearance like Digger, Caesar and Francie.

I love seeing people come back even if it is for a short time.

Paris is my favorite character from the series. It was nice seeing Paris be her brutally honest self again.

One person I could not get over was Zach, Lane’s husband. I had to look up

his age, and he is only 39 but he looked so old I could not believe it. So much gray hair.

Also I was very glad that Hep Alien performed a song.

Did you know the dog that played Paul Anka in seasons six and seven even returned?

His name is Sparky— how cute is that!

I was very proud of Emily for keeping the same maid all four episodes. I do not think she has ever kept a maid for so long before.

Her story arc with the absence of Richard was heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. Kelly Bishop did an amazing job and she was definitely the woman who stole the show.

I had to stop watching “Fall” half way through because I knew the post-series depression was slowly approaching and I just did not want it to end.

I also cried non-stop from the moment the Life and Death Brigade arrived. Even

Read more at

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

though those boys were kind of a mess in the original series, it was nice seeing them interact with Rory again. In omnia paratus, anyone?

I am still in shock over those last four words that Amy Sherman-Palladino had planned before she left the series. We were literally Gilmored.

I understand that now everything comes back full circle, but I wish it would not have ended on a cliffhanger!

It is nice that they set it up in a way where there can be more episodes, but I do not think there will be any more.

Sherman-Palladino waited all these years to have those words end the series, so why create more episodes?

Overall I am glad the revival happened. It was nice to be back in Stars Hollow again even if it was for just six hours. @TheMerciad

Good The beautiful Christmas decorations were put up in Old Main and the library, officially signaling that the Christmas season is upon us.

Amber Matha photo

Bad Do scaffolds count as ladders? If so, all superstitious students who have to walk by Egan have been cursed with bad luck as we are forced to walk under the construction.

Weird Mercyhurst participated in the #mannequinchallenge in the Athletic Center, showing that it is possible for a large group of Mercyhurst students to sit, stand, pose and remain quiet for more than five seconds.

The Merciad Editors Karah Hollis Catherine Rainey Caitlyn Lear Cheyanne Crum Diego Himede Jenny Sabliov Amber Matha Miranda L. Miller Chelsea Guida Victoria Kreysar Kristin Bowers

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The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst. edu.

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November 30, 2016

Page 7

The Merciad

Sports

MU wrestling champions the mats

By Bernard Garwig Staff writer

On Nov. 9th, the Mercyhurst wrestling team competed at the Findlay University Open in Findlay, Ohio.

Competing alongside wrestlers from almost 20 other schools from throughout the area, the Lakers saw some great matches from their top talent. In addition to five of the Lakers finishing as medal winners, two more walked away tournament champions in their respective weight classes.

“It was a step forward,” said graduate assistant August Mizia. “It was a tough tournament, guys wrestled tough, and I’m happy with it.”

Mizia was also pleased that the younger members of the team got involved, and while not everyone walked away as a winner, it was a building moment for them.

The Findlay Open is the

second tournament of the season for the Lakers and presented a chance for the team to get a preview of what’s to come in future tournaments and matches.

“There were guys from Division II … we got to see some guys from Wheeling Jesuit that will be in our region, there was Gannon … guys we will wrestle throughout the year” Willie Bohince said.

He added that the tournament is also a chance to see Division III competition and even Division I red shirts.

Bohince was one of the Lakers’ big performers at the tournament, finishing as the champion for the 125-pound. weight class. The tournament also marked Bohince’s 100th career win in his collegiate experience.

Senior Francis Mizia also claimed the top spot for the 165-pound weight class.

Commenting on his senior year, Mizia was confident.

Hurstathletics

Mercyhurst provided another solid performance at the Findlay University Open. Five Lakers finished as medal winners and two walked out as tournament champions. Willie Bohince got his 100th career win.

“It’s going how I expected… it’s what I train for,” Mizia

said. Both he and Bohince have been the tournament

Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey defeats Canisius College in NY

Mercyhurst water polo finishes 7th at championship

By Haleigh Giebel Staff writer

Five different goal-scorers contributed to the Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey team’s 5-1 victory over Canisius in Atlantic Hockey action on Nov. 25.

“It was a lot like the other games we’ve been involved in, the difference is that we found a way to win a close one,” Head Coach Rick Gotkin said.

Juniors Kane Elliot, Jonathan Charbonneau and Nathan Ferriero and freshmen James Anderson and Joey Duszak scored goals for the Lakers (5-8-0, 5-5-0).

Sophomores Jeremy Wu and Derek Barach tallied two assists apiece while redshirt junior Jack Riley, juniors Jonathan Charbonneau and Nathan Ferriero and sophomores Tommaso Bucci and Les Lancaster were also credited with assists.

Canisius’ (5-8-2, 4-3-2) lone goal was scored by Jesse Pereira.

Anderson scored his first collegiate goal to get the Lakers on the board first, assisted by Bucci. Bucci passed the puck to Anderson, who skated it to the net, took a slap shot and put it past Canisius goaltender Charles Williams.

Wu had the other assist on the goal.

Elliot scored his first goal of the season to put the Lakers up 2-0 early in the second period.

Riley and Wu picked up assists on Elliot’s goal.

Canisius came back with

champions in their respective weight classes in both the

By Bernard Garwig Staff writer

Hurstathletics

Men’s ice hockey rolled over Canisius College on Nov. 25, in Buffaly, leaving the Lakers overall record for the season, 5-8. Goalkeeper Colin DeAugustine saved 39 shots.

“

It was a lot like the other games we’ve been involved in; the difference is that we found a way to win a close one.

Head Coach Rick Gotkin.

”

a goal of its own, which was scored by Pereira to bring them within one.

During the third period, Duszak and Charbonneau extended the Lakers’ lead to 4-1 with a goal each.

Duszak ripped the puck to

the back of the net with a pass from Charbonneau at 6:56 to record his first collegiate goal.

Barach picked up the second assist.

Charbonneau then capitalized on the power play to put the Lakers up 4-1.

Charbonneau’s goal was assisted by Barach and Lancaster.

Ferriero picked up the empty net goal to give the Lakers their 5-1 win.

Mercyhurst freshman goaltender Colin DeAugustine saved 39 out of 40 shots he faced while Canisius goaltender Charles Williams stopped 20 out of 24 shots on net.

“I thought our guys played

well. Colin DeAugustine played well in goal, a couple of freshmen got their first goals and some of our older guys went really big plays for us,” Gotkin said.

Both teams went 1-for-5 on the power play.

The Lakers have a weekend off before traveling to Fairfield, Connecticut on Fri. Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, for a weekend series matchup against Sacred Heart University.

@TheMerciad

Mount Union Invitational and the Findlay Open.

They look forward to the NCAA championships at the end of the season, where they will compete for the top spots in their classes. The Lakers’ other place finishers came in a variety of weight classes.

Sophomore Logan Grass, seniors Michael Green and Jamar Henry and freshman Jacob Robb all finished in 8th place for the 149, 184, 197 pound and the heavyweight classes respectively.

Senior Andrew Welton came in second for the heavyweight class after a loss by decision in the finals.

The Lakers take to the mats next at Shippensburg University on Saturday. It is the first dual meet of the season for the team.

“It’ll be interesting to see how the lineup plays out,” Bohince said when asked what it will be like facing the PSAC rival.

The Mercyhurst Lakers men’s water polo team participated in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Championships during the weekend of Nov. 18-20 in Lewisburg. The team finished the tournament at 1-2, and received 7th place after beating 8th seed Connecticut College.

Bucknell University took the top spot for the tournament, followed by George Washington University and Johns Hopkins University in second and third place, respectively.

The Lakers started off the tournament with a match against George Washington, which bested them 17-6.

George Washington got up on the Lakers early, and led them 7-1 entering the second half. The colonials would extend this further to 14-2 up until the last quarter when the Lakers scored four additional points. Laker Connor Schmitz had two goals for the day, while Jack Howe, Philip Jenny, Otis Tyson and Noah Ratliff had one each.

Game two saw the Lakers face off against the United States Naval Academy team in the losers circuit. After taking a 4-0 lead against Navy in the first quarter, the Lakers saw their lead vanish when their opponent came back and made the score 5-5. After some back and forth goals to

tie it at seven, Navy scored three goals early in the fourth quarter to pull ahead; they would not cede the lead again.

Scoring for the Lakers was Jenny with four, Alec Diaz with two and Schmitz and Howe for one each.

Game three for the Lakers was against Connecticut College for the seventh place spot.

The game started with some goal trades to make it 2-2, but Connecticut then scored three unanswered to take the lead at 5-2. The Lakers would cut this down however, and halftime was reached with the Lakers only trailing 4-6.

Connecticut would go on to increase its margin by several more goals in the second half, but the Lakers rebounded and sliced the lead away to a mere 10-9 deficit entering the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter saw the Lakers take control and beat Connecticut 6-1 in scoring for the quarter.

The final was 15-11, Lakers.

Scores were attributed to Jenny with four, Matt Bachler and Howe with three, Joey Ryan and Schmitz for two and Tyson for one.

The Lakers finish the season with a 14-13 overall record, and with a league record of 5-2. This season also marks the first time the Lakers have won a title for the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference’s West Region Tournament.

Women’s ice hockey bested twice by Colgate University

By Caitlyn Lear News editor

Mercyhurst women’s ice hockey dropped two in a row last week to No. 9 Colgate University, putting the Lakers at a 5-9-1 record for the season.

This is the first time this season that Mercyhurst has not managed to at least tie a top 10 ranked team.

In the first game of the series, the Lakers came out strong. Sophomore Rachael Smith picked up the puck at the blue line and skated down the ice on a breakaway.

She sent the puck sailing

over the shoulder of the Colgate goalie, giving the Lakers a 1-0 lead in the first two minutes.

Mercyhurst retook the lead in the second period when Michele Robillard picked up a loose puck in front of the net.

Colgate answered with a goal of its own with only 47 seconds left in the period.

The Raiders took their first lead about halfway through the third period.

The game was one of many penalties. A total of 17 were called during the game.

Late into the third period, Morgan Stacey was given a major penalty and game misconduct for a hit to the head.

This gave Colgate a five -minute powerplay, and the Raiders took advantage.

Just as in Tuesday’s game, the Lakers came out quick.

Celine Frappier, assisted by Maggie Knott, scored in the first 57 seconds of the game.

Colgate then scored five unanswered goals to take the win.

The Lakers outshot Colgate 50-47 combined in the two games.

Mercyhurst looks to put the losses behind them and turn things around against Lindenwood on Friday and Saturday.

Contributed photo

@TheMerciad

Women’s ice hockey fell twice to Colgate University at MIC. For the first time, the Lakers did not obtain at least a tie against a top 10 ranked team.

Page 8

November 30, 2016

The Merciad

Laker

Living

Editor’s Choice: P.C., bro?

Miranda L. Miller Copy editor

Well, ladies and gents, we just ate our turkey and stuffing and gave thanks for all of the blessings we have in our lives. Now that we’ve stampeded the stores for sales on new versions of the things we said we were thankful for on Thursday, it’s time for us to begin celebrating the next holiday season.

Unfortunately, that includes the yearly heated debate on whether we should be telling each other “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,”or “Get Out of My Face”, and whether or not “political correctness” has gone out of control. Text posts and pictures are shared on Facebook, snarky statuses are liked and nobody says a word to each

other in person about their opinions either way, as is tradition.

Fun fact: Did you know that over five religions celebrate multiple holidays each in the months of November through January, not including the secular holidays celebrated? Any one religion does not have sole holiday propriety over the winter months, and personally, I’d like to make everyone I talk to feel welcomed and cared for. When I say “Happy Holidays,” I’m not bashing Christmas. I love Christmas.

I’m telling someone whose religious background I am unaware of that I know that they are probably gearing up for some kind of celebration, and that I hope that whatever it is, they have lots of good food, they see all of their family and that they are

happy. If I know the person and I know what they’re celebrating, I will tell them to have a good one of those instead. When you wish someone well, it shouldn’t be about what holiday you hope they enjoy. It’s about the person celebrating the holiday. It shouldn’t matter if they’re on their way to their parents’ house to light the menorah or if they’re on the way to their apartment for the annual “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength.”

When it comes to political correctness, the heart of the issue is to minimize the irritation we cause each other, which I find a worthwhile cause. There’s about 100 billion nerves in the human body, and some people find a way to get on every single one of them.

Any effort is appreciated.

Some people choose to say something different in order to make sure that they don’t make anyone uncomfortable.

I know that it’s unlikely that someone will become upset if you say the wrong holiday, but I choose to not make assumptions about someone.

That’s the beauty of it: it’s a choice. There is no holiday task force that will kick down your door if you say “Merry Christmas” to the cashier at Walmart. There is no forcefield that will keep you away from your Christmas tree if someone says “Happy Holidays” in your presence.

Game Zone

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Way back When...

The Merciad presents articles from yesteryear in their original form, including headlines. This week, our blast from the past is from November 14, 1986.

Nothing Sacred

By Brian Sheridan While in Washington, I kept asking people to check my back. I was convinced that I had a big neon sign pasted to it that read “Hi. I am a tourist. Please take advantage of me.”

Now, when visiting a city, you always expect a certain amount of odd behavior from its citizenry. Somehow, though, in the three days we were there, every type of looney tune made a point of introducing themselves to me.

The hotel, thankfully, wasn’t the Roach Motel but the posh Sheraton Grand. This place had a telephone AND a television - in the bathroom!

You may think that’s pretty decadent but we did have to rough it a bit.

The bathroom’s T.V. was only a black and white. I had a heck of time getting my managing editor out of there until “Wheel of Fortune” was over. That room was our one place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of our nation’s capitol. The hotel was so classy that when we screamed “green card” down the hall, every maid on the floor yelled back that they had one.

On the street, it was all adventure and fun. That is, if you could get our hands on large doses of penicillin beforehand.

We took a cab ride and we were all impressed with the driver’s stateof-the-art stereo system.

We soon found out how he could afford such a luxury when he told us the three block cab ride was $6.75 flat rate.

We were only going to “Wendy’s.”

Speaking of eatries, there’s a “Roy Rogers” restaurant every two blocks. When you’re eating a hamburger there, you keep having the sinking sensation you now know what happened to Trigger.

People that approached you on the street were always friendly. They always had something to sell you. A sharply-dressed gent asked us if we wanted to buy some cocaine. I immediately reminded him that “that’s illegal.” As far as I know, I turned him away from a lifelong involvement with crime.

Even the hotel’s bellhop didn’t want to see explore us Washington alone. He said he knew of a woman, “real close, $125 dollars a hour.” I asked if that was renting with an option to buy.

The theme of patriotism was driven home to me at the Lincoln Memorial. Several college students mooned old honest Abe. For some reason, I don’t think the Emancipation Proclamation mentioned freedom of exposing one’s self at a national monument.

People also have faith in the parable of the good Samaritan. Every block someone asks you for money. I figured that wouldn’t do them much good, considering D.C.’s high prices, so I carried around the small jars of gourmet ketchup our hotel gave us. When someone asked us for some coin, I would give them a jar. You might think this was cruel, but remember, in Washington, under the Regan administration, ketchup is considered a vegetable.

After partying in the nation’s Capitol, and walking the entire town, from the Washington Monument to Georgetown, I realized why Frank sang “New York, New York,” “L.A. Is My Lady,” “Chicago” and why Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco and the Monkee’s took that last train to Clarksville but no one has yet to write a popular tune about D.C. Does it really stand for “Dirty City?”