The Merciad, December 12, 2012

READ THE STORY ON PAGE 2

ONLINE POLL RESULTS

Children receive bears

‘Tis the Season’ debuts

Wrestling places sixth

Page 2

Page 5

Online

They’re quite cozy. 19% I have seen better. 19% I swear it was like that when I moved in. 9%

I think I may be dying from the mold.

53%

Total votes: 32

NEWS

Page 2

December 12, 2012

Teddy Bear Toss provides toys for local children

By Jaslyne Halter Staff writer

This year’s Teddy Bear Toss was held Friday, Dec. 7, in the Tullio Ice Center.

James Oefelein, president of the Mercyhurst Veterans Association (MVA), helped to organize the event.

Oefelein got involved with the Teddy Bear Toss through friends on the hockey team, namely Pat Goebel.

It was Goebel’s idea to start the toss and Oefelein asked if they could give the toys collected to Toys for Tots.

Goebel agreed. The Mercyhurst Veterans Association then ran with it from there and the results were surprising.

“I asked Pat the first year if we could donate to Toys for Tots, because as a former Marine, it is one of my favorite charities,” Oefelein said.

With Toys for Tots the donations that people give stay in the local community.

With the economy the way it is there are “a lot of kids in Erie who can benefit from the amazing generosity of the Mercyhurst and Erie community,” said Oefelein. “This is something that is very near and dear to me and I’m so happy that I can play a small part in contributing to it.”

“Last year’s Teddy Bear Toss was comically successful in that we collected many stuffed animals. We didn’t do an exact count but we were really happy with it being our first year,” said Oefelein. “The comical part was that a lot of fans didn’t show up early enough and the boys scored early so we did it for the first and second goals.”

“It’s a great community event.

Because it is something simple and relatively inexpensive, more people are willing to do it,” said sophomore Jacob Middlesetter. “And who doesn’t

like throwing stuff out onto the ice rink. Feels like I’m doing something I shouldn’t be.”

This year’s goal was to grow the awareness in the Erie community at large. There is a great hockey community in Erie and with the NHL lockout Oefelein thought that many people are looking for good hockey to watch and our Mercyhurst Lakers could provide that.

Oefelein is thankful for the support this initiative has received.

“The Veterans Association is greatly appreciative of the support they have received from the Mercyhurst hockey program, the Mercyhurst Student Government, and the Mercyhurst administration, especially Deb Morton, for their support of this event and the Association in general,” said Oefelein.“We are truly indebted to these people for helping us accomplish our missions.”

Alicia Cagle photo

Students now can create their own radio shows at 88.5 Jazz FM, located in the lower level of Baldwin Hall.

Changes come

to radio station

By Brady Greenawalt Staff writer

Home recipient sends gratitude to House the ‘Hurst Built House recipient Rosemary Anderson sent a letter of gratitude for all of the hard work from House the ‘Hurst Built.

“Dear Dr. Gamble, My family and I would like to thank you and all the students, staff members, directors and board members at Mercyhurst who contributed their time and effort to help build our new home. I am extremely grateful and would like to extend my gratitude to you. Mercyhurst has made my dreams come true! You have made my burdens a lot easier. This is a life changing opportunity for my children. I can never thank you all enough.”

A committee of members of the communication department and the university administration have been meeting regularly for months to discuss a format change for the campus radio station, 88.5 Jazz FM. In March of this year, “Captain” Dan Geary, veteran Erie radio personality, took charge of 88.5 Jazz FM in addition to his position managing 1530-AM WYNE on the North East Campus.

Over the summer, Geary migrated the operations of WYNE to the facilities on the Mercyhurst Main campus.

Since about July, WMCE and WYNE have both been operated on the main campus. It was about this time that Geary started entertaining the idea of changing the music format for WMCE. “All of the jazz programming will be moved online,” said Geary. “88.5 and WYNE will be simulcast playing primarily oldies.”

The simulcast will provide a much wider listener-range, by greatly increasing the reach of the station. In addition, students will have the opportunity to produce and host their own “specialty programming” playing songs of their choosing.

Students interested in hosting a specialty program will be required to submit a proposal to Geary, as well as go through general training.

All student-produced specialty programming will be recorded and produced ahead of time. As of now there are no plans for live, student produced programming.

“We believe that the jazz format has not been able to get students and faculty involved to the level that we would like to see – a format that procures a large amount of listeners provides them with opportunities that are more extensive,” Communication Department Chair Meghan Corbin said.

Currently three specialty programs are already in the early stages of production. They include sophomore Sarah Mohan’s “Love Songs with Sarah,” senior Brady Greenawalt’s “Brady’s Bargain Basement” classic rock show and “Into the 80’s” by junior Sam Giddings.

Several faculty members also have programming on the station, including Dennis Lebec’s “Choice Cuts.”

The resource of the radio station is not only reserved for communication students.

“All of our communication students should at least have working knowledge of a radio station,” said Corbin.

“We hope and anticipate that students and faculty from across the university will want to be involved.”

The station is not just an opportunity for those hoping to be on-air either; it also offers opportunities for people with interests in advertising, business, graphic design and much more. Currently the graphic design department is holding a logo contest for the radio stations re-branding, the first prize is a $50 VISA gift card.

The format change is planned to for Monday, Jan. 7.

For more information on how you can get involved email Dan Geary at dgeary@mercyhurst.edu.

Brady Greenawalt will be part of the student staff on WMCE.

NEWS

December 12, 2012

Page 3

Committee begins plans for senior gift

By Abigail Robinson Staff editor

It’s been decided. The Class of 2013 will be donating a greenhouse to the university.

The location where the greenhouse is to be built is yet to be determined.

Three locations have been proposed, but the ultimate decision is up to Mercyhurst President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D. The greenhouse will allow research opportunities for science students, fresh herbs for culinary students and a place for reflection and relaxation for all of the Mercyhurst community.

The senior class hopes to raise approximately $15,000 to go toward the construction of a fully functional greenhouse. The greenhouse will serve as a small botanical garden and will be fully stocked with plants, along with a watering and heating system.

The Senior Gift Committee came up with five gift ideas and proposed

Mercyhurst University Police & Safety

them to the senior class to vote on their top choice.

Mercyhurst prides itself on “being green” and implements sustainable practices throughout everyday life. The greenhouse builds upon this already instilled value and enhances Mercyhurst’s commitment of environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Senior Gift Committee Chair Rhona Boyle shares her feelings on the gift.

“The Senior Class Gift Committee wanted to leave a multidisciplinary gift that would benefit as many students as possible,” said Boyle. “I think it’s brilliant that biology, hospitality management, campus dining services, sustainability and service learning can all utilize the greenhouse.”

“Now that we are a university, I think that it is important that the department has more resources available to them for research opportunities as well as hands on learning,” senior biology major Gabriela Matamoros said.

“The Mercyhurst farm at Girard has been a huge success,” said Boyle.

Police Log

Wednesday, Dec. 5 Possession of drug paraphernalia McAuley Hall Res-life incident Saturday, Dec. 8 Liquor law violation Duval Apartments (16) Students referred for discipline Saturday, Dec. 8 Criminal mischief to vehicle Lot #1 Referred for discipline Monday, Dec. 10 Larceny Lot #12 Theft of traffic signs

“It shows that Mercyhurst students are really passionate about global responsibility and being green. The Senior Class Gift Committee recognized this and felt that an on-campus greenhouse, directly accessible to all students, would be received just as well.”

Fundraising efforts have already begun with the completion of the Senior Disorientation Bar Crawl and the planning of Senior Week activities.

Senior Week is the week of February 4-8 and is a week-long celebration of senior status. The committee is planning different events to take place each night, leading up to the 100 Days until Graduation Party on Friday, Feb. 8.

All of these events are fundraising efforts brought to the class by the Senior Gift Committee.

If you would like to contribute to the class gift you can fill out a pledge card, which you can get from one of the committee members, or go online to https://hurstalumni.org/class-of2013-senior-gift/.

Contributed photo

Displayed is a model of the Senior Gift greenhouse that will be built on campus for next year.

For more information about the upcoming fundraising efforts or for more information on the gift, you

can also visit www.facebook.com/ groups/MU2013.

100th class graduates

Police Academy celebrates

By Kierston Bromley Staff writer

Celebrations will soon take place for the 100th class graduation of the Mercyhurst University Municipal Police Training Academy for all of their time, effort, hard work and achievement.

The Academy will be celebrating its 100th class graduation in a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 14, at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Mercyhurst Main Campus. Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan and Mercyhurst President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., will speak at the ceremony.

The ceremony is usually held at the North East campus, but was moved to the PAC to accommodate additional guests for the event.

Almost 3,000 alumni will be joined by the 33 cadets of the 100th class to be honored for their achievements at the academy.

The academy has been training cadets since 1977 with its 21-week program.

Academy Director Walter (Bill) Hale has overseen the academy since the previous director retired and will

also be at the ceremony. Hale had five years of municipal police experience before taking over the position at the academy.

According to Hale, the graduation ceremony will be like other graduation ceremonies. Certificates will be handed out to the cadets in physical training, firearms and academic areas.

“

It is through leadership...that we honor you today.

Thomas Gamble Ph.D.

”

Gamble will present the President’s Award to the overall best cadet at the ceremony. A reception after the ceremony will be prepared

by Mercyhurst Hospitality and Culinary students.

“Since 1977, Mercyhurst has operated one of only 16 regional police training academies in the Commonwealth and trained the majority of active police officers in our region,” Gamble said.

The program, which Hale says was started in Erie, was moved to North

East in the 1990s.

Cadets in the program endure a grueling course load that is both academic and physical in nature. They learn all about the rules of criminal law, history of policing and ethics, as well as firearms training, hands-on tactical self-defense and motor vehicle operation among other challenging subjects. “[Current training] is well over 700 hours and will soon be over 1,000 hours,” Hale said.

The 100th class of cadets started last July in various stages of physical fitness, wondering what the program was about and how it would proceed.

Over the following weeks, Hale and other trainers got the class into physical and academic shape as they taught them how to survive in many different situations throughout their training.

In regards to the work Hale has done with the cadets, Gamble said, “It is through their leadership, and that of their predecessors, that we honor you today knowing full well that we have done our best to prepare you for your future careers in law enforcement.”

FEATURES

December 12, 2012

Page 4

AIM plans to conquer WWD available to students the Grand Canyon

By Daniel Tarr Staff writer

Want to travel and help others simultaneously?

The Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) is set to have a unique experience to raise money and awareness for their program.

The program will hold a trip throughout the state of Arizona and the Grand Canyon from May 20-24, for 15-20 students, faculty and staff members who may be interested in experiencing the Grand Canyon and its surroundings.

A few spots are also open to any members of the public who wish to go along.

“Conquer the Canyon” is an agency in Arizona that helps non-profit programs raise money and awareness. The agency does this by holding hiking adventures for groups and individuals.

Most of the people the agency does this for are those who suffer from things such as genetic disorders, homelessness, diabetes, poverty and cancer.

The trip is being led by AIM Director Brad McGarry.

McGarry thought it would be a

great idea to hold a trip like this for students who are a part of the AIM program after having the experience himself back in 2010 with his 9-yearold son Connor, who suffers from a rare genetic disease called angelman syndrome.

mercyhurst.com photo

Brad McGarry hikes the canyon with his son.

According to McGarry, the experience was very rewarding.

“The reason we do this is to raise awareness for the asperger programs here at Mercyhurst, get youths and college students away from technology and back into nature, and get some exercise,” McGarry said. “We’re also

making this a social skills venture for people who are fund-raising in a difficult and awkward situation because social interaction is difficult from an autism and asperger point of view.”

AIM will host several fundraisers in order to raise funds for the Conquer the Canyon trip. One fundraiser was held at Bob Evans restaurants in Erie on Dec. 8 and 11 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

Bob Evans will donate 15 percent of its sales from those who came in with a Conquer the Canyon flier.

AIM will also host Night at the Erie Bayhawks on Monday, Jan. 28. A percentage of the ticket sales from that game will go towards the trip.

Individuals may also sponsor and donate money to anyone who goes on the Conquer the Canyon trip. If there isn’t a specific individual you would like to send money to, you can still donate to the trip in general.

Please visit the following web-link if you would like to do this: http:// hurstalumni.org/conquer-the-canyon/.

If you would like to know more information about the Conquer the Canyon trip, please contact Brad McGarry at (814)-824-2451 or bmcgarry@mercyhurst.edu.

By Alejandra Zeron Staff writer

The Hammermill Library has a new resource available for students. Thanks to a conjunct effort between Hammermill Library and the Fashion Merchandising Department, students now can enjoy unlimited access to Women’s Wear Daily (WWD).

WWD is a fashion-industry trade journal, referred to as the “bible of fashion.” It delivers information on breaking news and upcoming trends in the world of fashion, beauty and retail.

Although WWD readership is composed largely of members in the fashion industry, including retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers and trend makers, any consumer trying to keep up-to-date with the retail business can find it useful and intriguing.

Prior to having the journal available on the Hammermill Library website, the fashion department received a daily print copy of WWD. However, the mailing process entailed receiving the copies a few days later from its date of publication. Moreover, the library databases only enabled access to WWD abstracts, not full articles.

In an industry where being attentive

to the latest and most current news is pivotal, the situation was less than ideal. Today, students can browse the journal on a daily basis for fashion trends, features and scoop as easily and quickly as walking to a newsstand and picking up a physical copy.

Fashion Department Chair and Assistant Professor Amy Weaver-Kaulis describes the endeavor as the “best of both worlds.” She asserts it is a phenomenal asset and support to the Fashion program. It is a research tool that enables students to search for both past and current articles without the hassle of having to graze through newspaper copies.

Currently, only a limited number of users are able to access this resource at the same time. The subscription to Women’s Wear Daily is paid per seat.

Due to the expensive cost of the subscription, the Hammermill Library only offers entry to two viewers at once.

Librarian Penny Wise states, however, that the online subscription is still in a period of trial. Depending on usage statistics regarding the number of turnaways, the decision to finance more seats might be taken. Regardless, WWD is a valuable resource for students interested in the fashion, retail or beauty industries.

Social media sites connect Mercyhurst

By Katie Felong

Contributing writer How do you get your news about Mercyhurst University?

Check the bulletin boards around campus? Receive information from the gossip chain?

Chances are you do all those, but you also hear it through social media sources, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google Plus, Pinterest and Instagram.

Who monitors these conversations that are taking place across the different platforms? Mercyhurst University Social Media Director Chris Norris oversees these outlets and is responsible for the majority of the content on these sites.

Norris explained these ever-changing technologies.

The Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts were created a few years ago, but the Facebook account had to be re-launched when Mercy-

hurst changed from college to university status.

On the other hand, the Instagram, Pinterest, and Google Plus accounts were created less than a year ago and are just now being integrated into the social media mix.

Norris uses different accounts for different reasons.

For example, Twitter is used like a mass text message. It is used for short conversations and updates in which followers can hold conversations with other students, prospective students, or faculty and staff at Mercyhurst.

“If anyone says ‘Mercyhurst’ we see it. If it’s good, we re-tweet it,” Norris said.

In addition, Mercyhurst has an Instagram account.

“Instagram is the place we go for campus pictures, YouTube for a hodgepodge of information, and Pinterest for Mercyhurst related content. The only blogs that Mercyhurst uses are links to student blogs,”

Norris said.

Pinterest is Mercyhurst’s newest addition.

It is “image heavy,” which is good because “we live in a place where people like to see [things],” said Norris.

“It is a good place to showcase athletes, art, even student life. It helps because we have a beautiful campus with lots going on.”

Pinterest is a new fad for business and college and what makes it different than other platforms is that it was designed for tablets and phones, not the other way around.

Although none of the accounts themselves are connected, Mercyhurst uses Sprout Social, a social media control platform to manage all of the posts. Once Norris does that, he posts between three and four posts a day.

Norris tries to make the posts all different by using the “Share, Promote, and Engage method,” as he calls it.

One day, he might share a student

blog, promote an article about the Intel department in the New York Times and ask followers a question about their favorite classes.

To gain followers, Mercyhurst does extensive advertising on its website and social media sites.

The target audiences for the sites are “mostly students, but it depends on the platform. We want students to engage with each other, that’s the main goal,” Norris said.

With prospective students, Norris explained his goal is for them to see our pride and “get a sense of the students at the school they want to go to.

We want to get conversations started” between students; staff, departments; the Erie community.

“We want the community to see that,” Norris said.

We live in a time where social media is the first thing we do when we wake up, the last thing we do before we sleep and during many spare moments in between.

So make sure to check out Mercy-

hurst’s social media sites to share and connect.

Contributed photo

Social Media Director Chris Norris keeps Mercyhurst connected through various social media sites.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

December 12, 2012

Page 5

‘Tis the Season’ puts audiences in the holiday spirit

By Mathew Anderson A&E editor

pac.mercyhurst.edu photo

‘Tis the Season’ delighted PAC audience members of every age with a number of high energy, festively themed dance routines.

Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre came to the stage with toy guns blazing for last weekend’s performance of “Tis the Season,” a holiday treat for the whole family.

The mood was set both festively and eloquently as freshman music major Khylinn Hayes played festive tunes on his violin. The Dance Departments’ newest faculty, Melissa Bobick, choreographed the first piece that was a re-envisioned rendition of the classic “Babes in Toyland.”

Telling the story of two sisters who leave their parents for a trip to the mystical Toyland, freshman Elaina Sutula and sophomore Kelsey Sawyer played their roles of the two sisters perfectly.

Every movement and bit of choreography really gave the audience the feeling that they were two young girls receiving presents from their parents.

The girls get transported to a magical place of marionettes, hobbyhorses and a beautiful ballerina doll, which junior Emily McAveney portrayed in the story.

McAveney’s performance was

especially captivating; her technique was spot on and there wasn’t a single moment when a smile left her face.

After spending some time with the toys in their mystical land, the girls decide that although toys and dolls are fun, there isn’t anything quite like spending time with family on Christmas.

The scene was incredibly captivating; every person on stage brought an individual energy with them that created an ambiance that was certainly greater than the sum of its parts.

The second piece took a religious turn with “A Multitude of Angels,” with visually stunning choreography

by Associate Professor of Dance, C. Noelle Partusch.

Featuring a peaceful blue backdrop and flowing, beautiful costumes for the dancers, this section was set to J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio,” which gave it the appropriate mood, and still tied it into the holiday season.

The effect created by this piece was moving and gave the audience a sense of warmth. The dancers moved together, which created an effect of unity that added to the piece.

The third and final set of scenes took the audience through a joyful

thrill ride and gave an inside look on the organized chaos of toys and frantic elves that is the North Pole two weeks before Christmas Day. Choreographed by Associate Professor of Dance, Mark Santillano, “Santa’s Toy Shop” included seven separate scenes and a menagerie of recognizable tunes such as “My Favorite Things,” March of the Toy Soldiers,” and a fun twist on a popular Christmas Tune, “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer Mambo.”

The whole show popped with pizzazz and energy, providing true entertainment for an audience member of any age.

Associate Professor of Dance, Mark Santillano provided narration in verse between acts.

Not only did this provide the time necessary to change the elaborate scenery, but also gave the audience comedic relief with fun and witty rhymes.

Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre certainly deserves recognition for the constant stream of brilliant performances they provide.

The atmosphere of the event was astounding. “Tis the Season” is just what was needed to make this holiday season feel truly complete.

Mercyhurst Concert Choir performs ‘The Messiah’

By Mathew Anderson A&E editor

Online

The Mercyhurst Concert Choir will be putting on two separate concerts of Handel’s “The Messiah” next week.

Both concerts will feature hand-selected soloists along with the full glory of the choir to tell the story of “The Messiah.”

When many musicians think of decking the halls and good tidings, G.F. Handel’s “The Messiah” comes to mind. The choir will be performing the first section of the oratorio, ending with the well-known “Hallelujah Chorus.” The concert will follow the story though emotional solo pieces ending in the popular choruses that are one of the reasons the piece is so well

known today. Conducted by Director of Choirs Rebecca Ryan, the concert will feature full orchestra accompaniment and will be perfect for getting into the holiday spirit and reminding us why it is that we celebrate this time of year. The concert held at the North East campus will also include a surprise for the audience.

Before the performance of “The Messiah,” the concert choir will sing “Ave Maria” in Russian by Sergei Rachmaninoff. The whole concert will end with the “Hallelujah Chorus,” which is always a crowd pleaser. Most people know that it is tradition for everybody in the room to stand when the choir sings this momentous piece, but not everybody quite knows why they stand.

Part of the tradition to stand could be explained as respect toward the Lord and church, but it is actually

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

because of something much more basic. When “The Messiah” was performed for the first time for the King George II in 1741, it was also one of the first times trumpets were used in a sacred piece. The king became so excited that he rose to his feet, and his court followed suit. So, to this day, it’s tradition to stand during the singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Free and open to the public, the performances will take place in two separate venues. The first will be in the Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. The concert in the Chapel at Mercyhurst North East’s campus will be performed on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear this timeless piece performed live with full choir and orchestra.

pac.mercyhurst.edu photo

Met HD Live presents: Aida by Giuseppe Verdi

The Metropolitan’s unforgettable production of Verdi’s ancient Egyptian drama stars Liudmyia Monastyrska as the enslaved Ethiopian princess caught in a love triangle with the heroic Radames, played by Roberto Alagna, and the proud Egyptian princess Amneris, sung by Olga Borodina. Fabio Luisi conducts.

Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 - 12:55 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

View upcoming performances: www.pac.mercyhurst.edu

www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/arts_entertainment

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

December 12, 2012

Page 6

mercyhurst.edu photo

pac.mercyhurst.edu photo

Langer Film Series: ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ This psychological thriller tells the story of a young woman unraveling amidst her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a cult and its charismatic leader. Martha is unable and unwilling to reveal the truth about her disappearance, but when her memories trigger a chilling paranoia that her former cult could still be pursuing her, the line between Martha’s reality and delusion begins to blur.

Taylor Little Theater Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 - 2:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. $6 for adults, $5 for students/seniors, $4 for president’s card holders and FREE for Mercyhurst students.

The City of Erie holds a variety of wonders and architectural achievements. The powerful photographs in this exhibit paint an image of Erie that is crumbling, historic and elegant.

Erie architecture exhibit in Cummings Art Gallery

By Mathew Anderson A&E editor

Although Erie may not be as glamorous as the cities we see on TV and in movies, there is no denying that there are a few spots that are still breathtaking in their own way. “A Second Look – Architecture of Erie” recently made its way to Cummings Art Gallery, and will be on display through Sunday, Jan. 20.

The City of Erie was quite an industrial power, but has since moved on.

This is apparent when one enters certain parts of the city and is greeted by massive iron buildings and towering smoke stacks.

Erie’s past is not completely industrial though. The exhibit also features photography of beautiful brick buildings and mansions. One in particular would be the beautiful 1891 Watson-Curtze Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Located on Erie’s “Millionaire’s Row on West 6th Street,” it was built at the height of industrialism in Erie. This was a time when 19th century gentlemen wanted to prove just how wealthy they were and a number of grand mansions sprung up around the city.

The exhibit features the work of several artists who have utilized their creative abilities to give new insight to crumbling parts of Erie that have been long forgotten. The gallery also fea-

tures photography of remarkable Erie landmarks at their finest.

Gary Cardot, an assistant professor of photography at Mercyhurst, came up with the concept of showing Erie’s transitional state through powerful photography for an exhibit last year, and has continued it through to this art showing.

The exhibit will host a celebratory reception on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

The show is in Cummings Art Gallery and will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 2 to 5 p.m. Gallery hours are by appointment from Friday, Dec. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 6, during the university’s Christmas break. For an appointment, please call 824-2092.

The Black Keys to BlakRoc

By Zach Dorsch Photo editor

The award-winning group The Black Keys has really made a name for themselves in the music industry with their electric, down-home blues-rock.

This two-person group, made up of vocalists and guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, has always been know for their innovative sound.

In 2009 they took innovation to a new level when the duo decided to produce a rap-rock album titled BlakRoc. This album is structured with The Black Keys doing the production work on the album (sorry they don’t rap) with a wide variety of MCs including Mos Def, Ludacris and the surviving

members of the Wu-Tang Clan.

The production work on this album is really unique for a rap album of today’s standards. All of the production work was recorded live by the Keys without the use of sampling.

This album also shows how versatile the Keys were musically, besides having the warm guitar tones and Carney’s pounding beats, it also hosts a wide variety of other instruments including vintage synthesizers.

Each of the MCs featured on this album were hand-picked by the Keys and most of them are not well-known.

The album starts of with Mos Def on the track “On the Vista.”

This track can only be described as smooth. Mos Def ’s voice blended with the smooth blues of the Keys make this one of my favorite tracks on the album.

“Ain’t Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)” is by far the best track on the album. This song features Jim Jones and Auerbach, with their delta blues voices, on the chorus and Mos Def working the verses.

The best part is how well all the elements blend in this song. The vintage synths in the production mixed with the fuzzy bass line to create the perfect soundscape for Mos Def to build his rhymes. The chorus hits and you feel like you’re listening to an old R&B album.

This is one of my favorite rap albums. I would suggest it to anyone who has a love for The Black Keys or hip-hop in general. The variety in this album will also cater to all hip-hop fans whether it is old school or new school.

So do yourself a favor and check this album out if you haven’t already.

viz4u.net photo

The Black Keys’ album BlakRoc mixes the band’s “electric, downhome blues-rock” with hip-hop.

Page 7

OPINION

December 12, 2012

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

Student defends Editor rebuttal radio station

By Stacy Skiavo

By Ian Gayford

Contributing writer

With Christmas break just around the corner, students are preparing to leave campus on Dec. 21, that is, assuming the world does not in fact come to an end next Friday.

The Mercyhurst radio station, 88.5 Jazz FM is at the center of controversy on campus, with some students complaining about the genre choice and calling for a more contemporary playlist for the station.

Despite being in contention for grant money to provide violin lessons for children at the Carpe Diem Academy, students seem apathetic about it and few are actually taking the time to vote for the university’s cause.

I found Stacy Skiavo’s Op-Ed about 88.5 Jazz FM to be surprisingly close-minded for someone who claims to be “pretty accepting of most genres.”

As a music major, I think people should be exposed to a wide variety of styles of music.

I imagine if you turn on the radio, you would probably find a 5:1 ratio of pop music to jazz music.

As a result, I am certainly glad that the University sponsors a station that aims to introduce the public to jazz, and to provide a service to those of us who enjoy jazz.

The author says that “I have never had the desire to listen to 88.5 Jazz FM, nor do I know anyone else that has either.”

Well, in the same manner, all of my friends enjoy jazz, and I have never known anyone to be opposed to having a jazz station on campus.

If the author does not enjoy jazz, she can tune in to countless other stations.

Those of us who enjoy jazz don’t always have that option.

In closing, I believe that there is a place for all different kinds of music in everyone’s life.

So don’t advocate taking away a cultural treasure from those of us who enjoy diversity simply because you won’t change the dial to the nearest non-jazz station.

Food stamp program vital

By Jaslyne Halter Staff writer

According to the Economic Populist website, as of August 2012, 1 in every 6.7 Americans is on the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), better known as food stamps.

With that number being so high (about 15 percent of the American population) Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker is taking the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) challenge: He has pledged to eat for a week on what the poor in this country are allotted by the government for food assistance under SNAP, roughly $4.30 per person per day.

In his “A Movement Toward Food Justice” blog post under his LinkedIn profile, Booker states, “Undertaking what is referred to as the #SNAPChallenge began with a social media-based conversation on Twitter.

A Twitter user tweeted me her opinion that ‘nutrition is not the responsibility of the government.’ This

comment caused me to reflect on the families and children in my community who benefit from SNAP assistance and deserve deeper consideration.”

However, some individuals are questioning whether or not this is actually raising awareness for the cause or whether it is simply a challenge that Booker is taking to prove a point.

“It’s not meant to be your only calorie intake source,” said CNN’s Christine Romans. “’Supplemental’ is the key. The government designs it so this is on top of what little money you might have, food pantries, soup kitchens.”

Though there is validity in Romans’ statement, I think that attention, whether good or bad, is raising awareness for the cause.

Find the rest of this article and more from this section online merciad.mercyhurst.edu

News editor

First and foremost, Mr. Gayford has missed my entire point.

The article was not bashing jazz music, but rather stating that the radio station is not being used by the students, mostly because the majority of the campus does not enjoy jazz music.

I guarantee if the study body was surveyed, the vast majority would certainly not consider jazz music as one of their favorite genres; therefore, most of the students are not listening to the station.

Perhaps your background as a music major has biased your opinion.

The station is such a valuable resource for students to gain experience, but with its lack of popularity among the students, it was going to waste.

The point being, the choice to only

play jazz music is killing the station as a whole.

When asked about the station, many students reply that they didn’t even know we had a radio station on campus.

As previously mentioned, many of those same students stated that they listened to Gannon’s station, though, since their music is appealing to the vast “majority” of students our age.

However, do not fear jazz lovers, because jazz can still be accessed 24/7 online, so the diversity of our school can still be maintained.

As a communication major, I am thrilled to hear that students are getting involved with the station since the change and hope the station continues to grow.

Hopefully, one day students will be swayed from Gannon’s station and listening to our new and improved one.

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen. @mercyhurst.edu Editors Positions editormerciad Alicia Cagle Editor-in-Chief newsmerciad Stacy Skiavo News Editor featuremerciad Kayla Kelly Features Editor opinionmerciad Caitlin Handerhan Opinion Editor sportsmerciad Joe Chiodo Sports Editor entertainmentmerciad Mat Anderson A&E Editor copymerciad Chelsea Schermerhorn Copy Editor photomerciad Samantha Link Graphics photomerciad Zach Dorsch Photo Editor ejohns89 Ethan Johns Web Editor admerciad Laura Fiegelist Ad Manager wwelch Bill Welch Adviser

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 120B. 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.

SPORTS

Page 8

December 12, 2012 September 3, 2008

Former Laker signs contract with ECHL

By R.J. Niedzwiecki Contributing writer

Every hockey player dreams of making it to the National Hockey League.

This dream is coming true for former Mercyhurst men’s hockey goaltender; Ryan Zapolski. Zapolski, who graduated in 2011 with a BA in biology, is making his way up the hockey ranks.

Playing in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) brings him one step closer to fulfilling his dream.

He recently signed a contract with the South Carolina Stingrays, the NHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins.

Signing a contract in the ECHL is not a guarantee, making it quite different from an NHL contract.

“Contracts in the ECHL are technically only 24-hour contracts, meaning you can be released from your contract at any time,” Zapolski said.

Having this pressure makes Zapolski work even harder to prove he is worthy to compete in the league. Being able to showcase his skills in the ECHL will hopefully prove to the Bruins he has the ability to play at the next level.

Sydney Cuscino photo Ryan Zapolski gets ready to block a shot by a University of Anchorage opponent back when he was a Laker.

He has signed a contract with the South Carolina Stingrays.

Zapolski is very happy to be playing with an affiliate of the Bruins.

“It’s a good situation for me to be in because we only have one affiliate, and will only get one NHL contracted goalie sent down to the ECHL,” Zapolski said.

Being placed in a situation with one goalie sent down allows Zapolski to get more playing time and opportunity to improve his skills. He has to compete for the job against one other goalie instead of a group of multiple players competing for the same spot on the roster.

At the Hurst, Zapolski appeared in 109 games and posted a record of 48-43-11. Since signing with the Stingrays, he has appeared in nine games and has a 5-4 record; a save percentage of .948 and posted one shutout.

The ECHL releases the Reebok Hockey Goalie of the Week award to the goaltender who shows outstanding performance during the week.

Zapolski received the award during the weeks of November 26 and March 11.

Currently, Zapolski leads the league in goals-against average with 1.58 and a .943 save percentage.

Ciampa named CHA goaltender of month

By Samantha Bante Staff writer

The Mercyhurst women’s hockey got off to a great start of the 201213 season, winning nine games in a row until a tough face-off with Robert Morris. The Lakers are making their presence known off and on the ice.

With a record of 14-3-1, a 7-1 winning streak on their home games and fourth ranked, the Lakers are a team to look out for this season.

Senior goal tender Stephanie Ciampa has been rising to the challenge this season so far, and was named College Hockey America Goaltender of the Month announced Tuesday, December 4. This is Ciampa’s second straight goaltender of the month award.

Starting in a total of 10 games so far, allowing for only 11 goals, with 185 saves, Ciampa is at the top of her division as goalie.

“That award has a lot to do with the way the team plays as a whole.

We had a good stretch of games last

month playing together well and when the people in front of me do their job it makes it a lot easier for me to do mine,” Ciampa said.

With a save percentage of .944, Ciampa is at the top of her game.

“We got off to a good start this season much like we did last year. We have a lot of big games coming up after the holidays, so hopefully we can play well to start off the New Year,” Ciampa said.

After a two straight losses against Robert Morris this past weekend, the Lakers are looking to regain their momentum to have another unforgettable season.

“There are a couple games we would like to have back, but we have also done some really great things so far this season. At the same time we know that we need to focus on the second half of our season,” Ciampa said.

The Lakers’ next game is Thursday, Jan. 3, against the Buffalo Bisons. The Lakers take on the Bisons at the Tullio Ice Center at 7 p.m.

Sydney Cuscino photo Stephanie Ciampa rejects a shot from at the Robert Morris Island Sports Complex on Friday, Dec. 7.