11/05/14 Edition by The Merciad

: Features On Page 4:

: & Entertainment on Page 5: Arts

Opinion on Page 6:

Mercyhurst promotes

“Phantom Tollbooth”

Apple Pay has made it

“Buckle Up” campaign

comes to Taylor Little

easier to make things difficult

Read more inside & online

The Merciad

Est. 1929 Vol. 88 No. 8

Mercyhurst university

Wednesday, noveMber 5, 2014

Volleyball sweeps weekend

Tung Vu photo

Mercyhurst sophomore Sarah Puckett (7) jumps for a serve in Saturday’s game against IUP. Full coverage of the volleyball team’s sweep of the weekend series on page 7.

Erie Together receives $112,500 grant

Mercyhurst Civic Institute receives grant for anti-poverty initiative By Catherine Rainey Staff writer

Erie Together, a civic engagement movement dedicated to reducing poverty, received an $112,500 grant from the Erie Community Foundation on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Launched collectively by United Way of Erie County, the Mercyhurst Civic Institute and the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) in 2008, Erie Together received the grant as part of the Erie Community Foundation’s Shaping Tomorrow initiative, which gives grants to causes that address

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critical community needs. “What [the grant] will help us to do is continue the work that we’ve already begun,” said Laura Lewis, Ph.D., the professor of sociology and social work who leads the Civic Institute’s involvement in Erie Together. “It will give us the capacity to move forward, to bring different sectors together and to work on very concrete actions plans.” According to Lewis, the grant will be used to help four countywide action teams whose job is to align resources Erie Vital Signs in the community. Each team Erie Together aims to reduce poverty levels by improvfocuses on a different area: ing education statistics such as high school graduation rates. early childhood readiness and success; pre-K through third stability; and balancing eco- be focusing on making sure grade; aligning education to nomic and workforce devel- children in poverty have the careers, fourth grade through opment. education they need from an college; individual and family The education teams will early age, making eighth grad-

ers aware of different career and post-secondary education options, and increasing graduation rates. The other teams will be working with the sector of people who have employment barriers, such as citizens who have spent time in the prison system. “They have some obstacles in getting out and getting gain from employment,” said Lewis of former prisoners. “The goal there is to put in place the supports they need so they really can become productive members of society like they want to.” The awarding of the grant was determined by Erie Vital Signs, a collaborative group that measures Erie county’s well-being in eight areas: cultural vitality, community and civic engagement, brain gain, environment, heath, econ-

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omy, regional cooperation, and education. Erie Together met the requirements in community and civic engagement, economy and education. Lewis emphasized the importance of Erie Together’s main goal, which is “working together to make the Erie region a community of opportunity where everyone can learn, work and thrive.” “What we’re really trying to do is help people. We’re not just about creating new programs, although new programs will come out of Erie Together. We are about trying to work smarter with the resources we already have,” Lewis said.

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Page 2

November 5, 2014

The Merciad

News

Synod affirms teaching, New program pairs university students raises future questions and grade-schoolers By Nathan Turner

By Amanda Moore Staff writer

The Mercy Center is running a new program to benefit children in Erie and students here at Mercyhurst University. Laura Lewis, Ph.D, and AmeriCorps VISTA Caitlin Sniezek developed The Mercy Buddy program. Their hope was to pair up 13 students in local grade schools, nine children at the Mercy Center, and members of the Social Work Club and have them meet for at least an hour every week. This consistency would be good for the children to have a friend there whenever they need them. “These kids are really starved for attention. I think the Mercy Buddy program will be good one-on-one attention so they could get that,” said Sniezek. “I hope it would boost self confidence and self esteem and make the kids overall happier.” Lewis is the chair of the board at Mercy Center for Women, and she saw the need these children had for a program such as this. “I spoke to Caitlin about the possibility of having some Mercyhurst students provide some afterschool activities for the children at MCW and she came up with the idea of a

buddy program,” said Lewis. “She has really taken it from there. She connected with the Child Specialist at MCW and reached out to Mercyhurst students in the social work, psychology and education departments about becoming a buddy.” The children and buddies together will pick out the activities they do each week.

“I look forward to seeing the kids and hearing ‘Hi Miss Susan.’” Susan Baltes

“As the kids and mothers get to know the buddies, if the buddies want to take them out for a snack or something, they can do that,” Sniezek said. “Children and mothers filled out child bios to show what the child likes and dislikes. It shows what the kids want to do and what the moms are hoping their children will gain from the buddy experience. Then we can share that with whoever the child is set up with. That way they can get a feel of what the kid wants to do.” Planning started approximately two months ago, and it is well on its way to becoming

a reality. “The kick-off party will be in November or December before Christmas break so that way the kids can meet their buddies and kind of have a fun party to start it off. Also, the moms can come in and see who the buddies are, so everyone gets acquainted,” Sniezek said. The program is for the children’s fun, but it is also so the buddies can help them with any education struggles they may be having. “I plan on having fun with my buddy by playing house and to help them with reading,” sophomore Susan Baltes said. Baltes says she is almost as excited for the program to begin as the kids are. “I look forward to seeing the kids and hearing ‘Hi Miss Susan’. The opportunity came at a perfect time and I am so happy to be a part of the program,” Baltes said. Sniezek said the program hopes to soon reach out to education, art therapy and psychology majors when additional children join the club. For more information, email csniezek@mercyhurst.edu.

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News Editor

The Roman Catholic Church held an Extraordinary Synod of the Bishops on the family. The synod gathered 253 bishops from around the globe to discuss the results of a survey sent to dioceses around the world, which asked about issues relating to the practice of the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage and family life, and how the church might address issues, such as same-sex marriage or Catholics who have divorced and remarried. The synod issued a final report on Oct 31 detailing the initial findings of the synod, which will be reviewed in 2015 at the ordinary synod. The report addresses the issues of same-sex unions, reaffirming the Church’s teaching against same-sex unions. The issue of divorce and remarriage will be discussed further at the synod in 2015. Rev. James Piszker gave insight into the effects this synod might have on the Catholic Church as a whole. “The doctrine of the Church is not going to change,” Piszker said. “But the way we look at some particular issues pastorally, and pastoral theology, is that which is subject to change and development.” Issues such as those mentioned above, as well as others, were “not much present even 50 years ago,” but are now “part of the landscape and are not going to go away,” according to Piszker. Mary Hembrow-Snyder, Ph.D., a theologian, noted that sections of the Catholic Church have been attempting to address difficulties regard-

Analysis

ing its teachings which have appeared over time. “Most bishops have taken Francis’ challenge to really understand the experience [of their parishioners],” she said. “Part of the problem comes from the fact that a percentage of the bishops have no relationships with people outside of their clerical circle.” Those bishops who have not “taken Francis’ challenge” to become involved in the lives of their parishioners, as a result, lack “an understanding of the suffering of the people” who face difficult choices of how to follow the church’s teaching, according to Hembrow-Snyder. The synod is part of the reforms Pope Francis has instituted since his election in March 2013, and the open nature of this synod is part of his push for transparency within the Vatican. It has also been a chance for the public to see the wide-range of opinions among the bishops regarding the issues discussed. “There are tensions even among the bishops,” Hembrow-Snyder said. “Between those who tend to take a more legalistic approach and those who are more inclined to be more merciful and compassionate. Those are not dualistic…It’s about working with how do we meet the reality of people’s lives in 2014, and at the same time, deepen our own understanding of what our teachings really are.” One of the approaches which has been discussed over the course of the synod is the idea of graduality, an approach, which according to Cardinal Vincent Nichols of the UK during a Vatican press

conference, “permits people, all of us, to take one step at a time in our search for holiness in our lives.” The approach is a way of reaching out to Catholics in particular who have divorced and civilly remarried. “It’s not about just dumping doctrine on people and saying, ‘You follow this,’” Piszker said. “Particularly not today because it doesn’t work. But rather meeting people where they are, just as Jesus did, and then allowing them to move forward in understanding, if they’re in a place of safety, acceptance, of pastoral sensitivity, that that will be the catalyst for growth and change.” Journalists who sympathize with more conservative elements of the Catholic Church, such as Ross Douthat with the New York Times, have expressed concerns over the synod and the changes that appear to be occurring within the Church. However, the nature of the church, according to Piszker, “is always changing.” The Catholic Church is both pastoral and doctrinal in its nature, and he says, “those two sides have been present within the Church from its very beginning…Over the past 30 years, it would seem to a lot of people that it has drifted from the [doctrinal] side as opposed to the [pastoral] side.” Piszker believes that this synod, as well as other actions Francis has taken, is an attempt to bring the Church back to the center between doctrine and pastoral care.

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MSG Minutes 11-4 By Melanie Todd Staff writer

27 Senate Members present, 1 advisor present 3 Guests from Mercyhurst Dining Services There was senate-wide discussion with the Management staff from Mercyhurst Dining Services on various issues from students about dining services and food concerns: Dean Schoenfeldt, General Manager; Jessica Seggi, Director – Egan Hall; Lori Blakeslee, Director – Laker Inn. Senators were tasked with getting concerns from the student body to bring forward to the management staff. Further discussion between the Mercyhurst Dining Services management staff and administration will

take place at a later date. Concerns from the student body are ENCOURAGED so that there is a better discussion of the student body’s concerns. These concerns can be brought forth by Facebook, or by emailing msgpr@mercyhurst.edu. The MSG Sustainability Committee will be meeting with Brittany Prischak from the Office of Sustainability to brainstorm ideas that they can get involved in and also to brainstorm quality projects for the future. The Facilities Use Committee along with President, Nick Latta, met with Ken Stepherson, Director of Maintenance, to discuss the concerns of the maintenance efforts that have been brought forward to MSG. They also discussed the

option of placing temporary lighting in The Grotto until a more permanent lighting solution is put into place for that area. Student Activities Council is hosting “Flash Back Friday” on Friday, with various activities to take students back to their childhood, as well as “Fight Night” on Saturday, with inflatables that allow students to battle with an opponent. MSG has approved “Yoga Club” as a new RSCO. MSG has ordered a new pool table for the Student Union Great Room, set for placement in a few weeks. Senator of the Month for the month of October is Lindsey Rowe. @TheMerciad

Admiral Laker’s Police Brief

Admiral Laker loves Halloween. He knows there is nothing finer than cooking up a batch of popcorn balls and handing them out to all the little ghouls and goblins who come Trick-orTreating. But Admiral Laker’s favorite treat on Halloween is playing a trick on all the ghouligans out there and delivering some festive justice for All Hallow’s Eve. Our first malcontent kicked off the Halloween celebration a little too early. On Oct. 29, a student was cited on Lewis Avenue for possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Apparently Nestle Strawberry

Kwik is a controlled substance now because Admiral Laker knows no Mercyhurst student would be caught dead with illegal drugs. The only pink drink Admiral Laker needs is Pepto. The second dastardly dog got nabbed on Halloween for taking his costume a bit too far. A student on Lewis Avenue was cited for possession of a fake ID and indecent conduct. Admiral Laker hopes the peon at least tried to say it was part of his costume. A third student, early on Nov. 1, got caught drinking in McAuley Hall and was referred for discipline. Two final students carried on

the celebration into Nov. 2. Both students were cited for public intoxication, although only one got sauced underage, earning a liquor law violation in the process. One student was cited on Lewis Avenue, an especially bad week for that block. The other student was cited outside the CAE. Admiral Laker enjoys hearing intel students complain about their lives just as much as the next well-adjusted individual, but leave the booze at home.

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November 5, 2014

Page 3

The Merciad

Features

Public Health class says ‘Buckle Up’ By Amanda Moore Staff writer

Based on over 800 observations, 71 percent of car users at Mercyhurst University wear a seatbelt, according to Mercyhurst Public Health professor Thomas Cook, Ph.D. This year, Cook’s Foundations of Public Health class is attempting to bring that number up by 10 percent with their “Don’t Test Your Luck, Buckle Up” campaign in an attempt come closer to the Erie County average of 82 percent. The Buckle Up campaign project was inspired by a similar investigation last year which discovered that over 90 percent of college crash victim fatalities were not wearing seatbelts. The campaign involves getting the message out through placing posters around

campus, slips of paper in Egan with facts to try to promote seat belt use, as well as chalk writings in the parking lots of the university reminding people to buckle up. The class plans on expanding the campaign in spring. Junior Public Health major Mikayla Kerr is a member of the class promoting the project this year as well as the committee for the Buckle Up campaign, and she hopes to ignite behavioral change through the project. “I am excited to see if we can make an impact on the use of seat belt use with the small, low budget program that we started,” Kerr said. The class has come up with a goal based on preexisting statistics. This method of setting goals for the outcome of the campaign is a skill Cook hopes students will learn from the project. “By using a standard pro-

tocol for baseline counts and post-intervention seatbelt counts, they will be able to directly test the efficacy of their campus-wide intervention. They are comparing rates on campus to general traffic flow nearby as a control,” Cook said. Cook said the class is doing well with the assignment. “Students have been very creative both in developing the core message ‘Don’t Test Your Luck, Buckle Up’ and in ways of delivering this message and brand to the campus community,” Cook said. Cook has big plans for this project in the near future. “This fall campaign is actually a soft launch of a larger campaign they will plan for over St. Patrick’s Day. We are partnering with the Erie Health Department to increase seatbelt use across multiple institutions and school districts in Erie County as part of a state-funded

Salina Bowe photo

Junior Public Health major Kennethea Wilson promotes the “Don’t Test Your Luck, Buckle Up” campaign on Mercyhurst campus.

grant, with Mercyhurst serving as a pilot for Erie County as a whole,” Cook said. Those who live on or have recently visited Mercyhurst

campus have most likely become familiar with the series of signs at every exit and entrance of the school, telling everyone to be safe and

to “buckle up.”

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Mercyhurst faculty members publish textbook By Karah Hollis Staff writer

In late September, several Mercyhurst University faculty members as well as a faculty member at Edinboro University published a textbook through Syracuse University. Mercyhurst University professors Brian Sheridan, Marnie Sullivan, Ph.D., John Olszowka, Ph.D. and Edin-

boro professor Dennis Hickey wrote the textbook for Mercyhurst’s America in the 1930s interdisciplinary course. “America in the Thirties” focuses on larger trends and historical events in the 1930s, including the effects of Great Depression as well as the Dust Bowl. Each professor wrote about their own point of view along with collaborating on certain subjects.

The idea of writing a new textbook came from the professors’ struggle to locate a suitable textbook for the course, or one that showcased the era from different perspectives. The professors found a decade series that Syracuse University published. However, the series was missing the 1930s. Sullivan, a professor in the English department, emailed the publisher, Ben

Green, and he replied, wanting them to write the missing book. With information about the series, they drafted an outline of the chapters and began writing. Each professor wrote about their own perspective of the 1930s, except for the African American chapter which they collaborated on together. At the end, the professors came together again to review

Karah Hollis photos

Co-authors Marnie Sullivan, Ph.D., and Brian Sheridan pose with their recently published textbook, “America in the 30s.” Other co-authors include Mercyhurst History professor John Olszowka, Ph.D., and Edinboro History professor Dennis Hickey, Ph.D.

the book to mold it into sounding like one consistent voice instead of four different ones. The process took two years to complete, which Sullivan and Sheridan said was longer than it should have been. Many issues, including the core revision, delayed it. But according to Sullivan, “the final product was worth the wait.” Sullivan said she borrowed over 100 books during the writing process. Her own perspective of the 1930s is social. Sullivan wrote about how individuals and small groups came together to change society. She also included how women, like environmentalist Rachel Carson, and students impacted the decade. “[The 1930s] is the story of every kind of underdog there was,” Sullivan said. Originally, Sullivan was not interested in the 1930s. Sheridan asked her to be a part of the IDST’s teaching staff its first year, five years ago. She said her love for the decade came out of research for the class and grew over time. Sheridan, an instructor in the Communications department, focused his section on the communication aspects of the decade, such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chats. Sheridan’s interest in the 1930s derived from watching movies from that period, which is also when a lot of his favorite movies were made.

Many of the films depicted elegance and style, an aspect that Sheridan said he liked. Media, overall, had a positive impact on people during the depression. “Everything could have been gloom, but movies and radio lifted spirits,” Sheridan said. Each professor also had their own writing process. Sullivan said she had to isolate herself from distractions to write her chapters. Writing this textbook has given Sullivan new opportunities. She said that she is presenting at a conference on the book “Candy” written by L.M. Alexander. “There is a more positive representation of African Americans in the novel— especially the illustrations by Rockwell Kent—than most mainstream images of the time,” Sullivan said. The most important takeaway from the experience of writing and publishing the textbook, Sullivan said, is that creating the book was gratifying work. She emphasized the idea that there are connections between the classroom and the real-world. “Learning how to think in an organized systematic way is key for success in life,” she said.

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University counseling services available for students By Emani Burton Staff writer

Whenever a tragedy or crisis strikes the Mercyhurst community, university officials are apt to refer students to the Counseling Center on campus. Involuntary medical leave for students has recently become a controversy being dealt with by several colleges and universities in the U.S. Columbia University is currently facing backlash from a student who claims the institution forced her into medical leave. Her reinstatement as a student hinged on her completion of treatment at a mental health facility. She claims the university sent her away in an effort to protect its reputation.

Recent outcries against involuntary medical action have brought national attention to mental health services in colleges across the nation, leaving many schools scrambling to boost their public images. Mercyhurst does not implement the controversial measure of involuntary medical leave. Judy Smith, Ph.D., Director of Mercyhurst Wellness Center, said that Mercyhurst’s methods are much more patient-based than cases such as Columbia University’s. “Mercyhurst Counseling services are focused on patient health, education and collaboration,” Smith said. At the center, when physical or mental health symptoms disrupt day-to-day functioning, medical leave can be

granted. Evaluation, treatment at home and clearance before returning, are all part of the process. It is not university policy to force applicants to complete treatment before becoming a student, or to refuse students’ academic services because they have received mental health treatment. “Students are our first priority,” said Smith. “Most of the time students can be safely treated on campus with no interruption of academic work.” However, when that is not the case, Center staff work closely with patients to decide the best course of action. Medication is not needed for mild mental health issues, though serious symptoms may improve best with a combination of both counseling

and medication. When patients are first seen at the Counseling Center, emphasis is placed on understanding the history and background of patient issues. Depression and anxiety are the most common problems reported. The Center offers a walk-in Urgent Hour Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mercyhurst has the power to approve voluntary medical leave. However, involuntary commitment (when a person is transferred to a hospital for psychiatric care) does not fall under Mercyhurst’s jurisdiction. County and hospital personnel approve mental health commitments. In her eight years as director of the Counseling Center, Smith remembers only one or two instances where students

were involuntarily committed to a facility specializing in mental health. “Students are only committed when there is imminent fear for their safety and the safety of others based on certain criteria, and when the student is unwilling to seek voluntary help,” said Smith. “If the university was aware of a student who was a very serious and immediate safety risk, and the student was unwilling to seek care, the university could notify the country authority. But it cannot control what decisions would be made after that.” Some people have raised concerns that involuntary commitments are a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). “If the immediate stakes are

a life, the law makes that a priority over privacy,” Smith said. “Every day we successfully work with students in a way that promotes greater wellness, fewer symptoms, and safety,” added Smith. “It is our privilege to be part of that journey with students when they are struggling…And it is always wonderful to watch students strengthen and succeed.”

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Page 4

Features

The Merciad

November 5, 2014

Fashion students’ virtual show benefits Epilepsy Foundation By Catherine Rainey Staff writer

Salina Bowe photo

Senior Fashion Merchandising student, Shelby Kirkland, sports pieces from Forever 21 in a photo shoot as support for the upcoming virtual fashion show.

Nine fashion merchandising students will put on Mercyhurst’s first virtual fashion show entitled “Heat Up the Holidays” on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The show will consist of photographs of men’s and women’s holiday looks, and outfits showcasing winter fashion trends from various stores at Millcreek Mall displayed on a large screen. It will also feature live models wearing looks from Bridal Elegance and Point Four Vintage Boutique. The show will be highlighted with music, and descriptions of the ensembles will be emceed by two of the students, seniors Joe Tadiello and Hilary Anderton. All proceeds from admission tickets, raffle tickets and food sales will go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Western and Central Pennsylvania, a cause chosen by the students. The event will be held in the Great Room of the Herrmann Student Union from 7-8 p.m., with a pre-party beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission

is $1 for students and $2 for adults. Raffle tickets cost $1 for an arm’s length and food will range from free to $1. The fashion show is part of the 400-level Fashion Promotion class. To plan it, each student had specific responsibilities, from photographing outfits in the show to choosing the music to arranging seating and decorations, according to Professor Erin Magorien. “I’m in charge of putting it together as a presentation and it’s my job to make sure it goes smoothly,” said senior fashion merchandising major Shelby Kirkland. “[The class is] smaller than in years past so there are more responsibilities.” Although the fashion department has held shows in prior years, which used only live models, this is the first time it will be virtual. “The idea came out of the marketing director at the Millcreek mall,” said Magorien, who teaches the class. “She [Nicole Adwell, marketing director] said that this is the new wave of fashion shows for mall-based events so we did our own research. We thought about doing it at the mall but they didn’t have some

of the fundamental equipment we needed.” Students visited the mall four times to choose outfits that showcased holiday trends and photograph the looks on models. They used outfits from Forever 21, Macy’s, Francesca’s Collection, The Buckle and Charlotte Russe. Among raffle prizes at the event are a $50 gift card to Bridal Elegance, gift cards to Firebirds Wood Fired Gill and Moe’s Southwest Grill, donations from the Mercyhurst bookstore, and cookie trays donated by Parkhurst Dining. Starbucks, who supports Epilepsy, will hand out complimentary coffee samples. A representative from the Epilepsy Foundation will give a short presentation prior to the show. A fashion mechandising major who student interns at Marie Claire magazine will also be in attendance with a table set up for discounted magazine subscriptions and free gifts. According to Magorien, the fashion students selected plaid, neon and animal print as likely trends this season.

Leadership Certification Program gets restructured By Tim Reed Staff writer

At Mercyhurst University, the Leadership Certification program thrives to build leaders on campus and better develop their skills which they can carry beyond the gates. By getting students involved through community service as well as through school clubs and organizations, students can obtain skills that help them after they graduate. Leadership and outreach coordinator Kristy Jamison is in charge of the program which she has restructured. “I have restructured it this year to have an alumni speakers series. Three Mercyhurst

alumni are coming to speak to the students on different leadership topics, and how they have carried that forward in their careers,” Jamison said. Jamison believes this is important for students because they can see alumni who have been in their shoes, sat in the same classrooms, and lived in the same residence halls. Now, current students can see what alumi are doing in their lives, and can network with alumni as well as their peers. Previously, the program belonged to a national society where there were video broadcasted speakers. Usually, this featured a celebrity or top financial manager of

a Fortune 500 company, but this did not connect with the students. Jamison believes restructuring will make it much more community based because the students will get to know each other and alumni that have been through the program. “It’s good to see that what people have gone on to do once they leave Mercyhurst, especially from those who have firsthand experience in the program,” said Jamison. Overall, the program consists of three levels; once a student is accepted into and complete the first level he or she can chose to continue into the upper levels. Mercyhurst junior Jessica

Ludwig is on the program’s third level. She has been in the program since her freshman year and has enjoyed it. “I have learned that it is OK to fail, not to be afraid, and just try new things,” Ludwig said. She said the program requires listening to speakers and reading many books. From doing these things, she has learned that people have different ways to lead. “It has made me hopeful, knowing everyone’s going through same thing but that many have been successful, you just have to learn from what you have done wrong,” Ludwig said. Upperclassmen who want

to be a part of this program still have the chance. “This program is open to all majors and all years. Level one is not just for freshmen I have a handful of seniors in level one this year,” Jamison said. The application process requires basic information about the student, their involvement in the past and why they are interested in the program. Underclassman can use a different route to get into the program. During the J-term there is a separate program called Emerging Leaders, a workshop that serves as the base level for leadership on campus

and feeds into the leadership certification program. This workshop targets freshmen and sophomores. There is also a nomination process so students, faculty and staff can nominate other students for the workshop. These nominated students can then apply to get into LCP the following year.

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‘Hurst Student Organizes Cancer Patient Art Gallery By Ryan Kushner Features editor

Some students at are able to turn their passion into experience during their time at Mercyhurst. This past Tuesday, Nov. 4, junior Art Therapy major Jena Skelton did just that as she organized an art gallery to showcase the creative works of patients she worked with during her time as an intern and employee at The Regional Cancer Center, Erie. The event featured the art of 16 different patients and had over 20 original pieces on display. Over 50 people were in attendance for the gallery, which ran from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Skelton was inspired to put together the gallery after teaching a class called “From the Heart.” “I was taken away by how they all interacted and became a group. [The idea] just kind of sprouted this idea to keep this going,” Skelton said. Skelton began her internship at the Regional Cancer Center in February 2014,

after personally calling the Center and asking if they would allow her to come in and intern there. The internship eventually evolved into a job. The Regional Cancer Center, Erie, did not even have a registered art therapist on staff, so Jena would be pioneering the way. Because she is not a certified Art Therapist, Skelton practices “art for healing” with adult cancer patients, working one-on-one and in groups. “I enjoy the variety, because everyone is different,” Skelton said of the working at the Cancer Center. “When I am here, I know this is my job and I know this is my place, and I just morph into that position and it works for me,” she said. Skelton said her proudest moment at the Center came when working with the “Thrivers Group,” a support group in the hospital made up of terminally ill patients, and helping to create an environment where people could open up and talk about their feelings and fears. “A lot of times people act like the patients have already

died, and they have not,” said Skelton. The patients “can still start new things,” she said, adding that she focused the group on starting entirely new projects that they could get excited about and grow from. Skelton said the experience of pursuing her work with the Cancer Center and organizing the gallery of patient’s art has taught her the importance of taking chances. “I think taking chances is hard for me, and this is one that has turned out so positive…” said Skelton. “It all starts with one idea and one chance. No idea is stupid.” “I love what I do, and I definitely know that from this experience…You have to find your place, and I think I have found that here.” Skelton plans to teach an Art Journaling class at the Regional Cancer Center in February 2015. After graduating in the spring, Jena has plans to go to graduate school to become a registered Art Therapist. She hopes to travel and do art therapy internationally. @TheMerciad

Sami Rapp Photo

Jena Skelton, junior Art Therapy major, sets up for the art gallery at the Regional Cancer Center, Erie. Next to her is a peice of art done by one of the center’s patient’s granddaughter.

The Merciad

November 5, 2014

Page 5

Arts &

Entertainment ‘Tollbooth’ brings back childhood By Naomi Greenstein Staff writer

When the snow begins to fall as it did in Erie this past weekend, the best activity to do is warm up indoors and turn on a movie specifically the movie playing this weekend at Taylor Little Theatre. The weekly film being played this Sunday is called “The Phantom Tollbooth: Beyond Expectations.” The film playfully centers around the making of the

children’s book that today is hailed “as the Alice in Wonderland of our time.” Through interviews, animation and archival materials, it examines the creation, creators and lasting impact of one of the most beloved pieces of children’s literature. The film introduces the audience to the hilarious world of “The Phantom Tollbooth,” written in 1961 by Norton Juster, as well as some of the novel’s more serious themes. In the film, viewers watch

Juster’s development of the novel’s wordplay and observe the artist and illustrator draw the protagonist Milo. Eric Carle is also featured in the movie as he reflects on the creative process of illustration. Though the children’s book, written in Brooklyn during the Cold War, seems to be merely the story of a bored young boy who travels to the Land Beyond to save princesses, it is so much more. The film illuminates the

book’s deeper themes: the value of learning, the state of children’s literature, the creative journey and the importance of the written word. The book triumphed and has sold nearly 4 million copies to date and been translated into 20 languages. Be sure to stay after the film to converse with the filmmaker on the larger themes of the movie and book. The film will be shown on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre.

miac photo

“Tollbooth” explores the ideas behind the iconic children’s story.

‘Nabuma Rubberband’ falls flat compared to other albums By Jake Middlesetter Contributing writer

Swedish electric-pop band Little Dragon has released their fourth studio album “Nabuma Rubberband,” a follow-up to their critically-acclaimed 2011 release “Ritual Union.” What characterized their previous albums was an excel-

lent mix of upbeat and unique electronic beats and singer Yukimi Nagano’s excellent voice. Nagano has a wide vocal range which can hit some of the highest notes, but is also comfortable at lower ranges. “Ritual Union” featured hard-hitting vocals and musical performances, including, but not limited to “Ritual Union,” “Little Man,” and

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New album fell flat of others.

“Shuffle a Dream.” Little Dragon’s new release “Nabuma Rubberband,” follows in some of the footsteps of its predecessor, but takes a different route. This album takes on a more otherworldly feel to it, but seems to forgo the memorable and upbeat rhythms which were more common in “Ritual Union.” Songs like “Underbart,” my

favorite on the album, has excellent diversity and flow between the driving bass and Nagano’s voice, but even the instrumentals only seem to be a small driver for the song. “Klapp Klapp” was the most upbeat song on the album, and drives quickly through a pulsing bass beat alongside the falsetto chorus. Another favorite from the album was “Only One,” a

diverse song that is an excellent showcase for Nagano’s voice, especially at the high end of her range, but then transitions into a quick electronic and synth exit to the song. Overall the songs in this album fall somewhat flat on the musical range, but Yukimi Nagano’s voice really pulls through. I rate this album a 6.5/10.

‘Wick,’ classic revenge film ‘Gone Girl’ fans will love movie By Kris Gossett

Cinema Club advisor

The words “revenge movie” used to have a larger resonation, but the pure revenge flick has found itself on the endangered species list for the last 15 years. Revenge movies are based on the idea that the protagonist has nothing to lose, and nothing to live for: except to kill everyone who has wronged them. There is no saving someone, there is only retribution, typically in a very violent means. There have been a scattering of entries into the genre in the 2000s (the best being the 2007 movie “Death Sentence” starring Kevin Bacon) but nothing good has come out in the box offices recently. In an exciting change of pace, comes “John Wick.” Wife dead. Check. Dog dead. Check. Keanu Reeves out for revenge. Check. I’m in. The good thing about reviewing a revenge movie is that it almost writes itself.

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Reenacting the archetype revenge story, “John Wick” promises dark humor and nonstop action, more than delivering on what it promises.

John Wick (Reeves) loses his wife to a terminal illness and then loses his dog to a bunch of thugs who steal his prized Mustang. Once a guy loses his wife, his dog and his car, he is either the subject of a country song or he is perfectly placed to live solely for revenge. There are plenty of things

to like about “John Wick.” Primarily, it knows what it is and it spends the whole movie delivering on its premise. The screenwriters kept the script taut and lean (the movie clocks in at 107 minutes) and kept dialogue to a minimum. There is enough dark humor scattered throughout and the action rarely takes a hiatus. There is also some originality in the script. The use of a hotel safe house and a whole new meaning to the term “industrial cleaning” are particularly entertaining in the film. While there are plenty of cliché moments, such as bad guys talking too much, the movie actually is in on the joke most of the time, which adds to the level of entertainment for the viewer. It is refreshing to see a movie that knows what it is and does not try to be anything else. If you want some great action set pieces, dark humor and a movie that delivers on what it promises (revenge!) then I would highly recommend “John Wick.”

By Megan Pacileo

Arts and Entertainment editor

As a fan of the novel “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, I was more than a little apprehensive about going to see the movie adaptation. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Directed by David Fincher and starring A-list talents Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry, the movie follows the story of the Dunne’s. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Affleck) reports that his wife, Amy (Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and the media, his strange behavior has everyone asking: Did he kill his wife? Well, I will not tell you that. You will just have to go and see for yourself. But, I will say that the film does just about everything right. Those of you who were a fan of the novel first, like myself, will understand the problem with book-to-movie

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Novel fans will love the movie.

adaptations: what is depicted on-screen can never live up to what we visual in our minds. Luckily for Flynn and the cast of “Gone Girl,” they got really close. “Gone Girl” does a more than decent job. Keeping the storyline very similar to the novel, Flynn, both the author and screenwriter, managed to keep the same level of tension that is more than a little present in the book.

While Nick tells his storyline on-screen, we see what Amy experienced through flash-backs and voice-overs only, giving her an ethereal and other worldly presence. The movie version was masterfully handled, creating a gloomy, dark and a little bit sick piece of artwork. Affleck’s portrayal of Nick was spot-on to the character created in the book; he captured the weird kind-of quirks seen in the book. And, Pike could not have been a better casting choice for Amy. Not only is she gorgeous, she is incredibly talented, able to capture the moody grace of Flynn’s leading lady. The movie seems to be a cautionary tale that asks audiences how well we really know anyone, and without giving too much away, if we can ever really know all their secrets. So, for any other fans out there who were apprehensive of going to see “Gone Girl,” stop worrying and just go and see it. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

All Around Erie: The Extended Edition By Megan Pacileo

Arts and Entertainment editor

Bill Cosby

One of the most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby, has been captivating generations with his comedy routines for years. The star of “The Cosby Show” will be performing at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. As always, Cosby crafts stories with his renowned sense of humor about his marriage and learning how to be a parent, the Bible, being a grandfather for the first time and his first love. Tickets can be purchased through the Erie Insurance Arena Box Office. For more information, call

Online

814-452-4857.

Anything Goes

All aboard for the saucy production of “Anything Goes.” The story follows the antics aboard an ocean liner going from New York to London. Billy Crocker, a stowaway, is in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who happens to be engaged to Lord Oakleigh. Singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy “Moonface” Martin help Billy to win Hope. In this comedic musical are some of the most memorable songs, including “You’re the Top,” and of course, “Anything Goes.” The musical shows at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Erie Insurance Arena Box Office. For more information, call 814-452-4857.

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

The Erie Playhouse is continuing to wow audiences with its theatrical talent. Up next in their 2014-2015 season is “Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike.” The musical follows Vanya and his stepsister Sonia, who have spent their entire lives taking care of their sick parents, while their older sister, Masha, has been traveling around the world as an actress. Their slightly prophetic cleaning woman, Cassandra, keeps warning them about terrible things that are going to be happening in the future, including a sudden visit from Masha and her twenty-something boyfriend, Spike. The show runs from Nov. 7 through Nov. 22, with all

shows starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Erie Playhouse box office. For more information, call 814-454-2852.

The Big Green Screen

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is continuing to show movies on its very large green screen. On Nov. 10, TREC will be showing three movies. The first “Mysteries of the Unseen World” will show at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. “Mysteries” is a film that takes audiences on an extraordinary journey into the hidden dimensions beyond our normal vision to see the mysteries of things that move too fast, too slow or are too small to see with the human eye.

View upcoming performances: www.miac.mercyhurst.edu

Next is the movie “Great White Shark,” showing at noon and 4 p.m. The story unravels the mystery of the underwater creature we fear: the misunderstood great white and tells the story of its role atop the ocean’s food chain. Third is the movie “Wonders of the Arctic,” showing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Today, the Arctic is the focus of scientific research. Scientists are searching for answers to some of the troubling questions about the impacts of human activities around the world. Tickets can be purchased at TREC before the movie. For more information, call 814-833-7424.

FILM at the Erie Art Museum

The Erie Art Museum is

proud to be showing the movie “Never Let Me Go,” a movie about a love triangle between three friends at a mysterious boarding school. Kathy, Ruth and Tommy are destined to be donors, donating their organs to clones. After it becomes known that deferrals can be made for those in love, Ruth separates Tommy and Kathy out of jealousy. Kathy becomes a “carer,” while the other two are subjected to their organ donations. The movie will show on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $5 per person, and can be purchased at the Erie Art Museum. For more information, call 814-580-6608. @MeganPacileo

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/ arts_entertainment

Page 6

Opinion

November 5, 2014

The Merciad

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

‘Buckle Up’ campaign raises safety awareness By Marcela Delgado Opinion editor

With the recent vehicle related accidents that have been happening on campus and its surroundings. The Public Health major’s “Buckle Up” campaign could not have come in a better time. Students and faculty are encouraged to take part in this campaign. This campaign invites students on campus and faculty to be safe when they are driving. Signs have been posted all around campus and on the sidewalks to increase awareness of the importance of saving your life by buckling up

when driving. It is comforting to know that a group on campus cares about the safety of students and it’s focusing its efforts in trying to make students be aware that accidents can happen and that they have to be safe when they are on the road. Car accidents happen very often all around the world, but are too common among campuses across the country. Mercyhurst has been no exception to it. It is not only the lives of the drivers that is into play, but also the people going with them in the car, pedestrians on the sidewalks and other drivers. Everyone’s life is at stake

when someone is not taking the safety measures they should when they are in front of the wheel. The social media sites of the campaign have had a good response from the people. I do not think that anyone on campus is not aware of this campaign, as they have clearly exposed the message effectively around campus. They have posters and outdoor signs of their campaign. It is right about time that people become aware of the consequences they might have if they do not buckle up. Students are not the only ones in danger, but also faculty. It is good that faculty have responded positively to

this campaign by taking part in the “seatbelt selfies.” With this initiative, students and faculty are invited to take selfies with their seatbelt on. Hopefully, people will start supporting this campaign and buckling up. Think before you get behind the wheel and save your and other people’s life. Take part in this campaign that is not asking much for you to do, but to buckle up and be safe when on the road.

Staff writer

This week a dispute between retailers and tech companies around the country has been all over the news. In late October, Apple released a service called Apple Pay, which utilizes NFC technology within new Apple products so a customer can pay a retailer with the phone. NFC, or near-field communication, and functions much like a WiFi router does, only on a different wavelength that is much less powerful, and for a good reason. The NFC chips installed on Apple’s products are only meant to transmit a short distance (or the distance one would hold their phone from an NFC reader at a store) to

ensure secure transmission of sensitive data. In this case, data being transmitted through the Apple Pay service consists of a time-sensitive token which will charge credit or debit account when the token is used. In this way, the retailer does not ever receive any account information, only the transferrable token from Apple Pay. This is a safer service than even using one’s own credit card or debit card, as that information is retained after transactions, and is subject to being stolen if the retailer is hacked, like in past cases with Target and Home Depot. Google provides a similar service. A union of companies called Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX), led by large

companies such as Walmart, Target, CVS and Best Buy, however, has a competing service, called CurrentC. CurrentC is meant to also be used at numerous retailers and utilize one’s phone, but instead of the close proximity NFC technology, it would instead use a QR code which would be scanned. Regardless of its ease of use compared to Apple Pay and Google Wallet (reviews indicate it is “clunky,”) MCX has made a point to indicate to the retailers under its organization that they disallow NFC readers, thus preventing Apple Pay or Google Wallet, or wait until their contract under MCX. Some retailers have even started to remove the NFC readers they had already installed (riding on the heels of the news of Apple Pay).

@TheMerciad

Obviously, this is to promote and butt out competition for its service, CurrentC. Regardless of your intention to use Apple Pay, it should be noted that the move by MCX that is distinctly anti-consumer, and merely limits the options that consumers have to pay for their products. In the process, MCX is also being very anti-competitive in its business practices. If anybody has an Apple or Google smartphone, they should be concerned about how other companies are hurting their ability to use their phones in the ways they want.

By Alison Hosko Staff6 writer

Amidst the controversy of green science, the progressive ideal was born. It found that the legitimacy of science-based policy has grown steadily stronger since the 1920s and 1930s. Symbolic literacy added to the progressive ideal. In essence, it stated that perceived authority or credibility serves as a source of knowledge. However, such knowledge and growth also leads to further controversy as well as a paradox – the paradox of conservation. This paradox states that the knowledge is always incomplete, but people demand action without delay regardless. This “absence of absolute certainty” is part of chemical pollution, food safety, climate change and loss of biodiversity. As we all know, scientists have continuously warned us, even before these losses began to occur and continue to warn us about future losses and consequences as well. This paradox concept can be applied to almost anything in the modern day, as with

cause, it was later on found to have affected others, and doctors began to prescribe steroid-free inhalers. One of my siblings took an acne medication when he was younger that, a few years ago, had a general public service advertisement stating that if you had experienced several severe side effects (most on the face or internally from the skin absorbing the medicine), you were entitled to at least a million dollar settlement. Luckily, my sibling was also unaffected. Another very controversial medicine group is ADHD pills. A friend of mine takes them, but without them, she cannot really function. But when she takes them, she gets sleepy, loses her appetite, and can be a very different person than when she’s on them. Other types of ADHD pills can completely rewire the brain’s synapses, and it is almost impossible to quit taking them. They are often overprescribed, as many parents do not realize that children will be children and being unable to concentrate and sit still for eight hours is just a normal human thing. More and more negative effects of these pills are still being dis-

An anonymous donation has been made for scholarships for the study abroad programs. This will defenitely cut costs for the students who are seeking an experience abroad. Recently, the Career Development Center put a bulletin board in the hallway of Egan to help students on searching for jobs or planning on searching for a job. Stop by and take a look at it, there might be some valuable tips for those in need.

Viral videos and memes might have gone too far with the recent trend about Alex from Target. The meme featuring the handsome cashier caused an increase in sales for Target. It is amazing how easily we are influenced by the media. Maybe the videos/ memes that have gone too far this time.

The Ugly... The short power outage on the night of Halloween left technical failures on campus. Some reported that their WiFi was not working and some washing machines are no longer functioning. Some thought at first it might have been a prank for Halloween, but it was a blackout that affected most of Erie, including our campus.

The Weird... Last Sunday, a car crashed into a pole on lower Briggs, which left many apartments with no electricity while the pole was being repaired.

@TheMerciad

Medicine can have negative effects on environment, humans the growth of speed and efficiency of technology, people want all things right away or even faster. However, the principles of the progressive ideal as well as symbolic literacy also hold true for other parts of science. as. This includes medicine. As one who has taken different medications for a variety of allergies and other issues and knows others who have, the paradox principle heavily concerns me. Medicine and medical knowledge in general has grown and advanced at a rate unprecedented in history. Every day, new conditions are being diagnosed and treated with new and “improved” medicines, but are they really improved? As the number of medicines available for consumption has increased, so have the recalls, lawsuits and harmful and previously unknown side effects. This has happened with asthma, acne and even ADHD medicines. My old asthma medicine, albuterol, contained steroids. As my rate of growth began to decline when I was younger, they suspected it was because of the steroids. Although they found out that was not the

Finally, the Laker has begun to offer meal plan options under $6.50. There is a variety of specials from all stations. No more wasting dining dollars on what should already be covered with a board.

The Bad...

Apple Pay release results in nationwide controversy By Jacob Middlestetter

The Good...

covered. In today’s society, people are often the epitome of the paradox; medicine is an incomplete science, constantly growing and evolving, but people still want a new medicine right now, even before its full effects are discovered. Every day, people consume or use these and other medicines and then are put back into our water, which we drink, cook and bathe with. This causes harmful side effects to people not even taking the medicines, as well as marine wildlife that sometimes people also consume. As medicine and medical technology grows, so do the harmful side effects found later on. At this rate, if people do not slow down their demand, which is much faster than the rate of concrete knowledge of medicinal effects, almost everyone (and perhaps every living thing) will be consuming some form of any given medicine, and the results may be more and more severe.

The Merciad Editors Zach Dorsch Jordan Power Nathan Turner Ryan Kushner Carly Contraguerro Megan Pacileo Marcela Delgado Mary Barnes Sami Rapp Will DeFeo Bill Welch

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