The Chronicle- December 11, 2012

The Chronicle

December 11th, 2012

The weekly student newspaper of The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York Visit us on the web at www.strosechronicle.com

Tour Around The World

Volume LXXXI Issue 16

Student Association Board Member Hapeman Steps Down, Whittaker Steps Up

By ZACHARY OLSAVICKY News Editor As the fall semester comes to a close and students leave campus, a member of the Student Association board is leaving his post. Ryan Hapeman, who began serving as Director of Academic Activities at the start of the fall semester, announced his resignation from the board in an e-mail

early last week. Following a brief application process, a new candidate was chosen to begin serving in the role at the start of the spring semester. Hapeman’s position is being filled by Justin Whittaker, who previously served as an Executive Assistant to the Student Association.

In his e-mail, Hapeman, who Continued on Page A3

Winter Wonderland in Washington Park

By DANIEL STAWARZ Contributing Writer

REGINA IANNIZZOTTO

BASIC held the Tour Around The World event on Friday, December 7th in the main lounge. Each Saint Rose club represented a country, allowing students to sample food and activities from each table.

See Page A5 for More Photos From the Festival News & Features

Let there be light! The 16th annual Price Chopper Capital Holiday Lights show unveiled its weekend activities for this year in late November.

Washington Park was transformed into a bright winter wonderland when the Albany Police Athletic League flipped the light switch and opened the drive through. Santa’s toy shop was lit well enough to look authentic.

“This event brings members of the community together to celebrate the holidays including people outside of our community. We have people attending from Ver-

Arts & Opinion

mont, Massachusetts, and more surrounding states every year,” said Sherry Rose, a supervisor of the event. “It really just sets the mood for the holidays.”

All the profits collected are used by the Juvenile Crime Prevention Program run by PAL. This program for 25 years has helped keep 3,000 kids off the streets with after school and out of school programs, including camps. Volunteers Friday were glad to participate.

Amy Ricchiuti, the daughter of Executive Director of the PAL , Leonard Ricchiuti, was excited to work the fundraiser with SamanContinued on Page A4

Sports

Albany High School take steps to improve sex education.

See pages A2

Staff writer Kevin Jacob gives his last take on music for the year.

See pages B6

Fixing the BCS system.

See page D10

Catch what’s happening on campus from the calender of events.

See pages A3

How to Avoid Being the Grinch, Scrooge, or a Bad Santa this Holiday Season.

See page C9

Men’s basketball ends losing streak at AIU. See page D12

News A2 Albany High School to Improve Sex Education The Chronicle

By KEIKO MIMURO Contributing Writer When students reach high school, they start to be sexually active. This shows in the Albany areas with rates of teen pregnancy and STDs steadily increasing.

Elizabeth Gordon, Health education teacher at Albany High School, focuses on skill based sexual education by developing students’ decision making and communications skills in sexuality by partnering with Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP).

Loren Moore, UHPP’s Youth Project Facilitator, thinks that school should provide comprehensive sex education at an earlier stage for youth so that youth can prepare before they become sexually active.

“Youth also need to have other outlets in regards to talking about sex as well,” said Moore. “Studies show that when parents talk to their children about sex, they develop healthy and positive attitudes about sex and the onset of intercourse is delayed.”

Currently, Gordon teaches sexual education to 10th to 12th graders and repeating 9th graders.

At Albany High School, students who are new to the school do not take sexual education classes.

Gordon’s sexual education course lasts half a year and students take her class every other day. During the curriculum, Gordon invites Loren for eight of those classes.

Gordon starts her course by focusing on relationship. First, she talks about the differences between love and friendship, and defines love and infatuation in class. Students look at physical and emotional aspects of relationships to see what the most important thing is in a relationship.

“I really try to focus on relationships first because I heard a lot from my students that if they get pregnant, the partner will be tied to them for the rest of their life,” said Gordon. “I really try to make them focus on what the good supportive loving relationship is and what it entails.”

After covering the topic of relationships, Gordon moves on to risk levels of sexual activities.

Teaching risk levels are important because students have a lot of misconceptions about their sexual activities. Some students think that they can get pregnant through oral sex, while some think that if they did not get an STD after unprotected sex, they will not get pregnant as well.

“I give [students] cards with sexual things of nature such as vaginal sex, oral sex, protected

“I really try to make them focus on what the good supportive loving relationship is and what it entails.”

Elizabeth Gordon

sex, unprotected sex, and amount of exposure to numerous partners” said Gordon. “I have them figure out if those cards are low risk, medium risk, and high risks.”

Once students learn the risk levels of sexual activities, they look at how to handle situations in a relationship that involves sex. Gordon asks students if they are diagnosed with an STD and they have been in a however long relationship with a partner, how they would handle the situation with the significant other.

“We want kids to be able to make decision and communicate,” said Gordon. “I can’t express enough to communicate because if you cannot talk about sex with your partner, you should not be having it.”

After Gordon spends a few months on teaching relationships, risk levels, and the skills of decision making and communication, Moore joins the class. Moore

works from the curriculum called “Be Proud! Be Responsible!” which is an evidence based curriculum approved by the Department of Health. She covers the specifics of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy.

Moore facilitates discussions and games that students can learn proper condom use, unsafe sexual behaviors, and risks of injected drugs.

“I think that the education that Ms. Gordon and I provide is beneficial and a good first step,” said Moore.

Gordon has successfully led her sex education classes for nine years at Albany High School, but she always has been careful on what she covers in class in terms of pregnancy prevention. She teaches the use of condoms, but she does not mention about contraception in class.

“I do not touch on birth control pills and abortion because of the federal mandate,” said Gordon.

“Besides the mandate, I do not cover the topics because of the students’ parents with religious and cultural beliefs.”

Gordon explained that if she was asked by students about the contraception and abortion in class, she is willing to answer the questions.

However, Gordon has had conversations about abortion with the students privately. She counsel students who need help.

She has talked with students who have had an abortion before or who wants to have it. So far she has seen three students who have

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

gotten pregnant this year.

“I sit down with the students and look at the calendar to see when was their last period,” said Gordon. “I always tell students to talk to their parents and suggest the Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood’s teen clinic so that they can choose what is going to work the best for them.”

During the nine years of teaching at Albany High School, Gordon has been following the federal mandate and she has been

“A lot of them are very excited about [sex education] because I start with relationships and they can relate to it,” said Gordon.

“Girls have a crush on guys and guys have crush on girls, and some of them are sexually active.”

Gordon remembers a female student she had a few years ago who was pregnant and her baby was due during her school year.

“She was open about things that are going on her pregnancy, so other kids also got a lot of feelings about her pregnancy,” said Gordon. “She was somebody who had been through a lot in her life time, so she thought that she could provide other kids something that I don’t teach.”

Gordon opened up the students to communicate about relationships and sexual behaviors strengthening the students’ ability to make decisions, but she explained that she does not see a particular improvement of the current situation.

Moore also sees the rooms for more improvement of sexual education.

“To really make a huge difference, we need more community partners at the table,” said Moore.

“In the perfect world, this education would have taken place long before high school and maybe some time in middle school and even in elementary school which means that youth would have had the education long before they even need it so they are prepared for when they do.”

“I think that the education that Ms. Gordon and I provide is beneficial and a good first step.”

Loren Moore careful what to cover in the class considering religious and cultural belief. In the nine years of teaching, she only received one complain from a student’s parents.

Even if students move on to the topic of pregnancy and STDs, they are interested and involved.

Gordon explained that when students have a debate, they have their own opinions and actively participate in it. Students are started to be open toward the sexual education.

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December 11, 2012

News

Volume 81 Issue 16

Student Association Board Member Change Continued From Page A1

The Chronicle

did not respond to a request for an interview, explained that he based the decision on concerns about his academic performance.

“I have a lot going on academically next semester, and I do not want to be overwhelmed and have it reflect badly on my grades and my position as a whole.”

He described the resignation as “a really hard decision,” saying he put much thought into it. As Director of Academic Activities, he oversaw 14 clubs sponsored by the Student Association.

The decision left Student Association president Danielle Serrano “a bit surprised.” Although she suspected Hapeman might be heading in the direction of resigning earlier in the semester, he said no when Serrano asked him. Hapeman informed her of his decision to resign around twoand-a-half weeks ago, according to Serrano. As a former Director of Academic Activities, Serrano discussed the role with him and explained the nuances of the job.

She had praise for his willingness to make academic clubs, like the geology club, “more prominent” on campus.

When asked what she would miss the most about Hapeman, Serrano mentioned his “sassy little comments” that he would bring to Student Association meetings. The six members of the

Student Association board began working together over the summer and trained for their roles in that time, and Serrano described Hapeman as “a lot of fun to be around” for the time they worked together.

But Whitaker, who replaces Hapeman starting in the spring semester, has a similar familiarity with the Student Association board. A first-year student at the College, Whittaker was drawn to the position for the name recogni-

“I wanted to make my name known around campus.”

Justin Whittaker tion and decision-making power it brings.

“I wanted to make my name known around campus,” said Whittaker, “and to help make a difference.” As a high school student, he was involved with a student organizing body and “wanted to continue that” as a college student.

According to Serrano, Whittaker was chosen for the position because of his knowledge of the Student Association and the different internal and external

Executive Editors Sunshine Osella ‘13 osellas452@strose.edu

News Editor Zachary Olsavicky olsavickyz977@strose.edu

Jackson Wang ‘14 wangj847@strose.edu

Features Editor Lauren Halligan halliganl567@strose.edu

Managing Editor Rachel Bolton ‘15 boltonr413@strose.edu Layout Editor / Videographer John Janitz ‘14 janitzj140@strose.edu Assistant Layout Editor Jennifer O’Connor ‘16 oconnorj984@strose.edu

operations. She hopes that Whittaker will bring “new blood to the office at an early age.” He beat out four other applicants for the position, which was filled on December 2nd and announced the following evening. When asked about the quick turnaround, Serrano pointed to the Student Association board’s continued work throughout the semester.

“Although we are not in session over the winter (break), the executive board still works on stuff… we wanted the clubs to know who they are working with and not just shove someone in to the position once things were back in session.”

Although Whittaker foresees challenges from the switch in positions, he feels his work as an executive assistant will make the transition smoother.

“Being in the office all the time will be beneficial because I am familiar with all the paper work that I will be using with clubs. This shift will definitely be a learning experience, but I am looking forward to it.” Having studied for only one semester at the College, Whittaker expressed pride and excitement at taking on a new role with the Student Association.

“It is quite the honor to be appointed as a director my first semester, because not many freshman get the opportunity in a short amount of time.”

Copy Editor Malana Jojo ‘13 jojom304@strose.edu

The Chronicle

Calendar of Events Tuesday, December 11 All Day- Finals Begin 7 p.m. Dinner and a Suit Jack’s Place 8 p.m. Saint Rose Chamber Strings Concert Massry 8 p.m. Yoga Sanctuary

Wednesday, December 12 All Day- Tutor - Resume Collection Online via eCareerCenter 5 p.m. Mid-Week Mass Sanctuary 7 p.m. St. Rose Brass Choir & Percussion Ensemble Concert Massry Thursday, December 13 Friday, December 14 ALL DAY- Last Day of Finals Saturday, December 15 1 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Bridgeport Sunday, December 16 12 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Philadelphia University If you have an upcoming event you would like to see in our weekly Calendar of Events please e-mail chronicle@strose.edu.

ANY student can join The Saint Rose Chronicle

Faculty Adviser Cailin Brown

Staff Writers Business Manager Emily Robertson ‘13 Katherine Bakaitis robertsone307@strose.edu Shawn Berman Nicholas Buonanno Advertising Manager Opinion Editor Anonio Caban Caroline Murray ‘13 Regina Iannizzotto ‘13 Jaired Crofut murrayc014@strose.edu iannizzottor407@strose.edu Gigi Diffenback Kellie McGuire Arts Editor Web Editor Kevin Jacob Chris Surprenant ‘14 Christopher Lovell ‘15 Sam Maxwell surprenantc572@strose.edu lovellc083@strose.edu Rachael Pollack Lauren Sears Head Photographer Sports Editor Michael Smith Kelly Pfeister ‘14 Joshua Natoli ‘14 M. William Smith natolij477@strose.edu pfeisterk953@strose.edu Theresa Taylor

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The Chronicle

News

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

Light Displays in Washington Park

Continued From Page A1 tha Yanni.

“I enjoy being involved in such a good cause; especially in an organization my father takes such pride in running,” said the younger Ricchiutti.

Both cashiers were dressed as elves working the concession stand inside the Lakehouse selling food and refreshments throughout the night.

“This event gives the community a sense of holiday spirit and makes the town look very pretty,” said Ricchiuti.

“This lighting tradition brings many families together both local and distant just to see the lights.

It provokes Christmas spirit throughout the entire community,” said Yanni. “We’re serving a very good cause and I enjoy being a part of it.”

Lights of all different shapes and sizes lit up Washington Park.

Inside the Lakehouse are an abundance of venders selling various Christmas ornaments, teddy bears and stuffed animals, jewelry, and

“This lighting tradition brings many families together both local and distant just to see the lights. It provokes Christmas spirit throughout the entire community.”

Samantha Yanni some holiday cookies and other goods. Children and families also

Some of the lights on display in Washington Park.

have a chance to take their picture with Santa.

Rose, both PAL office manager and Lakehouse supervisor, was excited to speak of all the good work PAL does and how they spread the Holiday spirit in their community.

“Every year we try to upgrade the park for the community; we intend to leave the park as we found it while also bettering it for the community and the environment,” said Rose.

She explained that PAL pays not only for this traditional event, but other events that take place in Washington Park. They pay for all the electricity the park uses yearly as well.

Representatives from FLY 92.3 were there sponsoring music for the event, including an abundance of Christmas music.

“We do events like this all the time and we enjoy them. We often set up tents, give out free

Santa with Amy Ricchiutti and Samantha Yanni. stuff, and supply the music which is what we’re best at,” said Ben Stgelais, of FLY. “It’s heartwarming to support such a good cause,

DANIEL STAWARZ

also to get the name out with a good reputation for both the neighborhood and our radio station.”

DANIEL STAWARZ

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

One of the many countries represented on Friday night, December 7th.

News

REGINA IANNIZZOTTO

The Chronicle

The Girls Next Door performing “Winter Song” in honor of the season.

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REGINA IANNIZZOTTO

Tour Around The World

The Alana Steppers started things off with the first performance of the night.

REGINA IANNIZZOTTO

REGINA IANNIZZOTTO

REGINA IANNIZZOTTO

REGINA IANNIZZOTTO

All the money raised through the raffle went to the Relay for Life.

Arts Kickin’ It With KJ: Last Edition Before 2013 B6

The Chronicle

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

By KEVIN JACOB Staff Writer Hello everyone and welcome back to another awesome edition of Kickin’ It With KJ. We’ve had some really strong music releases as of late and I think that when we come back for the spring semester we will have an even stronger set of releases that will be coming out from mid December to mid January. But until then, let’s start off with what we have now.

Wiz Khalifa O.N.I.F.C.

After the slightly disappointing Cabin Fever 2 which came out merely a couple of months ago, Wiz has released his sophomore LP with O.N.I.F.C. The album starts off strong with a nice intro and “Paperbond” and “Bluffin” sound like vintage Wiz. But then Wiz starts to throw in a lot of filler. Songs like “Let it Go,” “Time,” and “It’s Nothin” are just flat and are straight up uninteresting. Although there is a bit of filler on the album, there are some great tracks on here.

“Rise Above,” which was produced by Pharrell, is probably the strongest song on the whole album, and “Initiation” is definitely going to be a well-talked about banger amongst fellow fans of the Taylor Gang general. I even like “The Plan,” with the trippiest of them all in Juicy J. Then you have songs like “No Limit,” which is unnecessarily 9 minutes long. Even though there was a lot I didn’t like about this album, there was a lot I liked about it. It was an improvement from Cabin Fever 2, and it was way better than his freshman release Rolling Papers. Taylor Gang fans have finally gotten that Wiz LP that he promised he would give.

Rating: 7.5/10

Tuki Carter Atlantafornication

After listening to Wiz’s “Rise Above” on O.N.I.F.C., I realized that I had never heard much of Tuki Carter before. He’s newer to the Taylor Gang roster, and his new mixtape has just been released, so I decided to give it a listen. It sounds very Taylor

Gang-like with a lot of smooth beats. “Still Ridin Clean” with Juicy J starts off the tape with a bang and it doesn’t stop from there. It’s just smooth cut after cut, and Tuki’s unconventional flow works, for the most part.

He’s definitely original with his flow and I really enjoy his style.

Also I haven’t been able to stop playing “Snoozing” for the past week. Definitely a tape that you should check out.

Rating: 8/10

Dizzy Wright SmokeOut Conversations

Now, let me start off by saying, yes I know this has been out for a while. But after some random YouTube-ing the other day, I found a cypher done over Jadakiss’s “Ain’t None of Y’all Better,” and out of the whole Funk Volume team (I, for the record, can’t stand Hopsin), found that this kid Jarren Benton and Dizzy Wright had ripped the freestyle the hardest. So, I decided to check out Dizzy Wright for myself. I started with SmokeOut Conversations, and for the most part, I thought it was really solid.

Dizzy Wright keeps it real on this record about various topics and you can tell that the kid is genuine. He’s kind of like Big Sean— if Big Sean was real and actually could rap.

He’s got some tracks where he’s flexing, such as “Can’t Trust Em” and a low-key banger in “Solo Dolo”. But the best tracks on this tape are the ones where Dizzy is just reflecting, and no other song better tells you about Dizzy Wright then “Remembered.” For me, this is the best song off the tape, and it just shows you that this kid is serious

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/ MYCANON

Wiz Khalifa’s album O.N.I.F.C is an improvement over the so-so Cabin Fever 2. about trying to be one of the best.

Be on the lookout for Dizzy in the future. I’ve got a really good feeling about this one.

Rating: 8/10

Game Jesus Piece

Oh boy. After the low-key mess that was the R.E.D. album, I was intrigued to hear Game’s new LP. I will say that I’m a pretty big Game fan, but I feel that he’s fallen off in the last couple of years mainly due to constantly name dropping and copying a lot of people’s styles but I’ve wiped the slate clean and decided to give Jesus Piece a chance.

I’m very glad that I did. First off, it starts strong with “Scared Now,” which includes one of Meek Mill’s best verses that he’s

ever done. Game is menacing, and he’s starting to keep the name dropping to a low. The next song is “Ali Boombaye,” which is not only the best song of the album, but it is to me, definitely one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. The track includes 2 Chainz and Rick Ross, and honestly it’s probably one of the only 2 Chainz verses besides “Mercy” that you will actually enjoy. He kills it.

The beat is monstrous to with a type of yell/chant being heard in the back. It’s awesome. Straight up.

The title track “Jesus Piece” is dope, although I wish Kanye had a verse besides just doing the chorus. “Heavens Arms” actually shows that Game has been killing the game (no pun intended) and just lyrically demolishes this track. “Name me King,” “Can’t

Get Right,” and “Freedom,” everything is a banger. Every track is strong. Game’s Jesus Piece is definitely one of the best albums of 2012 and it could be considered Game’s best album of his career. Do yourself a favor and go buy this one because you won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 10/10

Well all, it’s been a great year, and 2013 I feel will be even better. I think I’m going to do a “best-of” list when we come back next semester. I think a month will give me time to actually recap the year we had in music in 2012, and to actually make sure picks (don’t worry Chief Keef is gonna be high up). Until then, have a Merry Christmas and a good new year. We’ll be here when you get back!

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

Arts

The Chronicle

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Favorite Holiday Films to Give You a Chronicle Cuisine: Party Foods Fast, easy appetizers for the harried hosts of holiday parties Boost During a Stressful Time of Year Party Punch

By CHRIS SURPRENANT Arts Editor

With finals looming over our heads and the holiday season in fullswing, December is a complicated time of year. We have so much to worry about, yet so much to look forward to in the coming days. Keeping that in mind, I’ve compiled a brief list of movies that remind us of the most important things in life that we should always keep in mind as we finish up a stressful semester.

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) If you don’t know the story of George Bailey and his guardian angel Clarence, then I implore you to watch this immediately.

Starring James Stewart, the film tells the story of a selfless man (Stewart) who is constantly betrayed by the world around him.

The coldness of others causes him to find himself in dire financial straits, amongst other problems, and prompts him to consider suicide on Christmas Eve. After getting drunk at the local bar and crashing his car, his guardian angel (in-training), Clarence intervenes. He pretends to be drowning, allowing George to save him. Still bitter, George wishes he had never been born.

Clarence, hoping to earn his wings, shows George what his hometown, Bedford Falls, would have been like if he had never been born.

Instead of a town with filled

friendly neighbors and prosperity, Bedford Falls became Pottersville, named after George’s corrupt boss. Instead of the idyllic world George helped to create for the citizens of the town, it’s a worse place without him. Even his wife Mary (Donna Reed), in this alternate world, was met with unhappiness, becoming a spinster librarian.

In the end, SPOLIER, George sees the light and decides life is worth living after all. George, who was in danger of losing his business, is miraculously saved by the compassion of a friend.

Surrounded by his wife and children, he realizes life is worth living if you are surrounded by the ones you love.

At this time of the year, it’s not so much about the gifts and commercialization of the holidays, but rather about the importance of family and good friends. In the end, if you’re surrounded by people that care about you, then you’ve got all you’ll ever need.

A Christmas Carol (1984) George C. Scott’s stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in my favorite adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Scrooge, a bitter miser to the highest degree, views Christmas to be a time of year where he cannot even afford an act of kindness. Visited by the ghost of his partner Jacob Marley, Scrooge meets three spirits who seek to teach him the true meaning of the Christmas season.

The ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet To Come show him how his choices have affected, and will continue to affect, others around him, including his kind-hearted, but suffering employee Bob Cratchit. Of course, Tiny Tim is there too, uttering the famous line, “God bless us, every one!”At the film’s conclusion, Scrooge sees the error of his ways, finally having realized compassion and kindness go farther than any amount of money he could ever hold onto.

A story with a clear moral, A Christmas Carol reminds us all that everyone can benefit from a kind word or gesture, not just during the holidays, but all year ‘round.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Today, we live in a world where kids know a lot more about things that are usually best-left to adults. They’re not allowed to just be kids and enjoy the bliss of childhood. George Seaton’s Miracle on 34th Street reminds us all that the holiday season is a magical time of year for the young, as well as the young at heart.

Starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn, the story focuses on a Macy’s department store Santa (Gwenn) who truly believes himself to be the man in red, calling himself Kris Kringle. Initially a sensation with parents and children alike, it seems that Kris will stay on to play Santa Claus. However, Doris Walker, event coordinator at Macy’s, does not partake in fun, not allowing herself, or her young daughter, Susan, to believe in anything seemingly fantastic.

Soon, Kris’s sanity comes into question, and Doris decides she must fire him. He ends up at Bellevue hospital, where he believes all is lost, until Doris’s friend, Fred Gailey, believes him to be the real deal. Fred helps get Kris released, backed by practically everyone in New York City, including the doubtful little Susan.

The film concludes with Susan getting her one Christmas wish that she confided to Kris, proving to all involved that Santa really does exist.

During this time of year, anything can happen. It’s a time when the New Year is around the corner, and we can start fresh.

It’s a time to show children that there is more to the world than just cynicism and bitterness. It’s a time for us all to remember to take a break from the hectic dayto-day and think about the good we can do for others, and in turn, ourselves.

Ingredients • 1 bottle of Hawaiian fruit punch • 1 bottle of lemon-lime soda • Rainbow sherbet • 2 lemons • Plenty of ice Preparation 1.

Place ice in a large punch bowl, covering the bottom 2.

Add ¾ of the bottle of the fruit punch, combining

with ¼ of the bottle of lemon-lime soda (this may

be altered to taste) 3.

Add healthy scoops of rainbow sherbet 4.

Cut up lemon slices (to preference) and let them

float on top of the punch 5.

Add ladle to serve, and enjoy Pigs In A Blanket Ingredients • Little Smokies sausage • Crescent rolls • Parmesan cheese • Garlic salt Preparation 1.

Preheat oven according to directions on crescent roll package 2.

Unroll, leaving 2 triangles of crescent rolls.

3.

Pinch seam together and cut lengthwise into 5 strips and then cross-wise to make 10 strips.

4.

Roll each strip around one sausage and place on a greased cookie sheet 5.

Add dash of garlic salt and cheese to each sausage 6.

Bake according to crescent roll package directions Baileys Irish Cream Truffles* Ingredients: • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate morsels • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 tablespoon sweet butter • 2 egg yolks • 1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur Preparation 1.

Melt chocolate, Baileys and heavy cream together over very

low heat.

2.

Whisk in yolks, one at a time; mixture will thicken. Whisk

in butter.

3.

Refrigerate overnight, or until firm.

4.

With spoon make small balls. Roll in powdered sugar, co

coa, chopped nuts, sprinkles, etc.

5.

Makes 16 servings. *Recipe courtesy of Assitant Layout Editor Jennifer O’Connor

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Opinion

The Chronicle

December 11, 2012

The Chance of a Lifetime

By ASIA EWART Contributing Writer

Studying abroad was always something I was sure I wanted to do in college; who wouldn’t want to spend a semester taking in the culture of another country? I kept saying to myself “I’m going to do it! I’m going to have an adventure like characters in the movies!”, but a part of me did not believe I could do it. It seemed too farfetched.

As I write, I will be returning home to New York City in two weeks, after three and a half months of living in London, England. What was in the works since freshman year became a reality; I did it! Months of creating potential schedules, meeting with my advisor, and keeping my grades up paid off for the better. I received my acceptance email earlier this year to Regent’s American College London and remember, first, my jaw dropping, and second, my loud squeals echoing throughout Albertus Hall. This was London I was going to be living in: tea, Big Ben, the Queen, double decker buses, the works! Where would I visit? What would my classes be like? Would I come across as spacey because I was American?

I had so many questions, and only

a few months time to get some answers.

I will never forget my first reaction stepping out of the Piccadilly Circus Tube station after taking it from Heathrow Airport; my eyes grew wide and began to water, and I mumbled “Oh my God, I’m in London…” That feeling has stuck with me all semester. I have made friends here from across the U.S. – Missouri, California, New Hampshire – and we visit places like Buckingham Palace, or have afternoon tea at Harrod’s, or shop in the Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, and it hits me time and time again that I am here, doing what I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. It is a feeling that never fully sinks in.

Coming here in the fall, I knew that I would be missing out on a large chunk of family time. I tend to visit home more in the fall than the spring, and have missed Columbus Day weekend, Halloween, and Thanksgiving this past semester. This was the first Thanksgiving I have ever spent away from home. Initially, it felt very lonely. Friends on Facebook were so excited to be with their loved ones, and I was in a country where it was just another day.

Luckily, the dining hall here – the Refectory – cooked a Thanksgiv-

COURTESY OF ASIA EWART

Asia Ewart in front of the Tower of London.

ing lunch for the American students to enjoy. Being a vegetarian, I was able to enjoy bits and pieces of it, and that was good enough for me. The receptionist of our dorm, William, was also able to stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to the TV in the common area! All of the study abroad kids laughed and enjoyed the performances being shown; it was such a great bonding moment for all of us.

Emphasis on American holidays was not the only difference I have come to notice between England and America. They range from the little things – names for things are different, traditions like afternoon tea – to the bigger things, like how to live your life. “Keep Calm and Carry On” really does apply here. Talking to a friend, he explained that compared to the British, Americans are always stressed and angry about something. Here, everyone makes a cup of tea and takes their situations as they come; that is a mentality I would like to bring back home. I have learned that, when out of food, buy a sandwich from Tesco (the local supermarket), never expect to get a seat on the Tube at 6 p.m., and once you are sixteen or seventeen, you are basically an adult. Life in England is more eventful; there is never a dull moment. There is always a museum to visit, or a play to see, or a pub to be social at; it never ends.

It is not easy saying goodbye. I have met so many amazing people and had amazing experiences here in London. A year from now, I will look back and remember visiting Paris twice in one month, and walking in the beautiful Regent’s Park to clear my head, and stop to wipe the tear from my eye. If anyone ever has the opportunity to study abroad, they should take it. You gain insight and understanding about life and yourself that you would not have staying home. It is a priceless journey, and I am so happy I was able to be a part of it.

Volume 81 Issue 16

It’s Cookie Time!

Word Search L S R R ME HG I N P I G F R Y S D GA E L E R L N S O B C C S HB I U G I

D B L C T H D L R C S I F E D B E R N

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Gingerbread Snickerdoodles Peanut Butter Sugar Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Oreo Fortune

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Gingerbrea Snickerdoo Peanut But Sugar Chocolate C Oatmeal Ra Oreo Fortune Double Cho Gingersnap Biscotti Black and W Mallomars Lady finger Shortbread

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

Opinion

C9

The Chronicle

How to Avoid Being the Grinch, Scrooge, or a Bad Santa this Holiday Season

By CAROLINE MURRAY Advertising Manager

We all have that one friend who is blasting Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving, decorates as if someone at Macy’s personally asked to use their house for a holiday photoshoot, and bakes three-dozen cookies before you can say “HO-HO-HO!” Although we appreciate the enthusiasm, there is just one problem.

It is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year” and we already cannot wait for it to be over.

We have all been there and, besides the pressure from finals breathing down our necks, there are plenty of reasons not to feel quite enamored by the holiday season yet. It could be the lack of funds hindering gift purchases, or it could be the vacant chair at the dinner table this year, or maybe it is the odd snowless weather we have encountered. The reasons are endless and while everyone else is getting ready to go caroling, or lighting the first candle for Hanukkah, you are stuck plotting ways to avoid any holiday cheer.

Let’s face it, “the most wonderful time of the year” can turn into the most “horrible time of the year,” for those who cannot seem

to get into the holiday groove. It is easy to forget that underneath all the presents, decorations, and over-the-top desserts lays the true meaning of Christmas or any holiday for that matter. There is always a reason to celebrate and be thankful this festive season. You do not have to mimic the Grinch’s curmudgeonly attitude anymore and here’s how:

1. Count your blessings There is much to be thankful for this holiday, from the tiniest of life’s pleasures to those well deserved entities; we sometimes forget how truly blessed we are.

Having a home to call our own, clothes on our back, and food in our bellies is more than some people can even hope for. When you are upset that grandma knitted you another hideous sweater this year, just be thankful you have something warm to wear this winter, even if Rudolph’s face is crocheted on it.

2. Spend quality time with your family They annoy you about your significant other, argue over who gets the last turkey leg, give you a curfew when you are home, and sometimes are cruel for no reason. They are also supportive,

caring, and would do anything for you. They are your family and this winter break is the perfect time to show how much you appreciate them. Do not sweat over whether or not purchasing the perfect gift is in your budget. They would settle for a dinner where you actually converse with them instead of texting on the phone they bought you. Bake cookies with mom, help dad decorate the house, and watch movies with your siblings. You might not be as jolly as Buddy the Elf afterward, but your family probably prefers it that way.

3. Give back The saying goes something like this: it feels good to give back.

Sure, the majority of us convince ourselves that we are going to give back during the holidays.

We say that at some point during the week, we will help out at the local senior citizen home, work at a soup kitchen, or shovel our neighbor’s driveway for free. The truth is watching Modern Family or playing Assassin’s Creed usually gets in the way of our selfless thoughts. They remain just that and dissipate into the cold evenings as our minds drift elsewhere. This year, why not actually follow through with these

thoughts? Not only will it help strengthen the community, but it will make you feel as good as Santa Clause does after he completes his final delivery; it really will.

Okay, so that first rout – the one that involves acting bitterly, seclusion from the family, and being selfish – may be the more familiar path. Scrooge got away with it for some time until a couple of old spirits set him straight.

Ted Geisel, creator of The Grinch.

Guy in Main Lounge: “The smell of Home Depot is the taste of Ninety-Nine’s corn.”

Guy in Main Lounge: “The day I buy an eyebrow pencil is the day I die.”

Girl in Main Lounge: “I don’t understand how people could be racist when every single country has such great food.”

Guy 1 in Main Lounge: “I hear coffee is good for you - something about your heart.”

Guy 2: “What, it makes it beat faster so you die faster?”

Guy in Dorm: “Who gets to decide how many sheets of paper are in a ream? Why can’t I choose?”

However, dear reader, the chances of a ghost arriving at your bedside are pretty slim. You are not the only one singing the blues and certainly are not alone in the battle for holiday cheer. That is what makes this time of the year so special. People come together to support one another, but first you have to help yourself. Count your blessings, spend time with the family, and make time to give back. It is just that simple.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Guy 1 in Main Lounge: “You would get mad if we shaved your eyebrows?”

Guy 2: “Who wouldn’t be mad if you shaved their eyebrows?”

Girl in Main Lounge: “His grandma has a wiglet - a female toupe. It fell off at a christmas party. He’s full of fun stories.”

Girl in Dorm: “I feel like I’m yelling over music that’s not occurring. I’ll stop yelling.”

Girl in Dorm: “R.Kelly’s a classic. Let’s be honest.”

Girl in Dorm: “Skittle down!”

Girl 2: “It’s okay. It’s a green one.”

Girl 1: “Oh okay. Who likes green?”

D10

Sports

The Chronicle

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

Fixing the BCS System

By JACKSON WANG Executive Editor

It’s that time of year again, where the computers make the decisions that will give some teams a chance of a lifetime, while keeping others out of the fun. Yes, I’m talking about the BCS system once again.

Just like last year, everyone knew the number one team in the nation would be playing for the national championship. But as for the number two team, that answer would be revealed by the computers.

The second ranked BCS team was Alabama this year, which will play Notre Dame for the national title on Jan. 7th.

This is the problem I have with the system. First, I believe Alabama’s loss to Texas A&M was just as bad, if not worse, than Oregon’s loss to Stanford if you’re comparing style points. So why does Alabama get to go?

I don’t think it’s fair that Alabama gets to go just because they play in the SEC. Not every team

in the nation is going to be in the SEC. Oregon played a tough schedule this season competing in the PAC-12 conference. I think Oregon can compete for the national title just like Alabama, but obviously that won’t happen.

Here’s another problem I have with the BCS system. Georgia went from being one play away from competing in the national title game to playing in the Capital One Bowl. I don’t have anything against the Capital One Bowl, but I believe Georgia deserves a BCS bowl, more deserving than Northern Illinois.

And again, nothing against the non-BCS schools, I am usually cheering for those teams to make a run and mess up the computer, but I just think Georgia is more deserving than Huskies.

The arguing and the complaining about the BCS system will lessen when they finally institute a playoff system in 2014. But I’m still not fan of the four-team playoff. I’m a fan of an eight-team playoff system where the BCS conference title games matter and

the little schools get a shot at the national title.

Here’s what I think the playoff system should be: Make the BCS conference title games matter. Every BCS conference should install a championship game. NCAA loves money, so this is another way to do so.

The winners of the conference championship games go to the playoffs and get a shot at the national championship. Losers don’t make the playoffs and lose the chance at the national title. So teams have to win their conference title in order to be able to play for the national championship.

I don’t care that the best teams play in the SEC. Every college program wants to go there for money and publicity. You want the money and television exposure, you have to pay the price which is beating the best of the best to go to the playoffs.

And since there are six BCS conferences, six teams will fill up eight of the playoff spots. The other two spots will go to the two highest ranked non-BCS schools.

Yes, I understand they play an easier schedule, but the NCAA basketball tournament allows little schools a shot at the national championship, why can’t football do the same thing. No one complained about VCU or Butler making a run to the final four.

I don’t see why people would have a problem with Boise State or Northern Illinois making the same runs in the college football playoffs.

If anything, I think people will cheer on the little schools to

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Nick Saban is leading Alabama into the BCS National Championship game on Jan. 7th. make a Cinderella run in the playoffs since sports fans love rooting for the underdog.

And since the NCAA loves making money, the eight team playoff will consist of more football games, which means more money.

Besides the money, my point is no matter what the playoff format

is, four, eight, sixteen, or thirty two teams, there will always be arguments on who should get in and who shouldn’t. That’s why I believe making the BCS conference titles game for each conference count will remove that conflict. If you don’t win your conference, you don’t get shot at the national title. It’s that simple.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Teams have been trying to get into the SEC to boost their chances of a BCS berth.

We tweet weekly updates from our own little space in the Twitterverse.

Follow us @strosechronicle.

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

Sports

The Chronicle

D11

Yankees Offseason at a Glance

By NICHOLAS BUONANNO Staff Writer After the New York Yankees could not live up to their franchise expectations of winning the World Series, Yankees General Manager Brain Cashman now has to try make key free agent signings and trades this off-season so that the Yankees can improve for 2013. But with owner’s orders to cut back the team’s payroll down to $189 million by the 2014 season; Cashman will have to make upgrades considering that new budget. On the top of the general manager’s list was to sign back three veteran pitchers in Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Hiroki Kuroda all on one-year contracts.

The Yankees are ready to depart with some key players that helped the team win throughout the 2012 season. Players like outfielders Nick Swisher and Raul Ibanez are expected not to sign back with the Yankees. Swisher is seeking a big seven year con-

tract worth over $100 million and Cashman wants no part with that amount of money. A late addition before last season’s trade deadline; veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is also a free agent this offseason. So far there have been no announced meetings between the organization and Ichiro.

The main concerns going into the Winter Meetings for Brain Cashman were to find a third baseman to start next season for the injured Alex Rodriguez. Alex is expected to undergo another hip surgery and will be out at least six months. One third basemen that Cashman is interested in is former Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis. After Cashman met with Youkilis’s agent twice, the Yankees were then ready to make the third baseman a one-year, $12 million offer. Youkilis is coming off a down year, in which he batted .235 and hit 19 home runs, but he is a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner at third base; he also has experience playing first

base. The Yankees are also interested in third basemen from the Baltimore Orioles Mark Reynolds but at this point no contract has been offered to him.

Another position that is a concern for the Yankees is catcher, since last season’s starting catcher Russell Martin left the Yankees to sign a two-year, $17 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since there isn’t a big market this off-season for big name catchers, Cashman has spoken with some free agents like A.J Pierzynski. Another option the Yankees are thinking of doing is letting younger prospects like Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine, or backup catcher from last season Chris Stewart get the start this year.

Since the free agent market is not big for some of the positions that they Yankees need to fill, Cashman has said that he is willing to hear out trades for Curtis Granderson, who led the team in home runs last year. Two young starting pitchers that he said he

would be willing to part with are Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova, but no trade rumors concerning any

of those players have been reported at this point.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Centerfielder Curtis Granderson has been known to be on the trading block.

New Orleans Hornets to Change Name to Pelicans

By CONNOR HICKS Staff Writer Yes, you read that correctly.

The New Orleans Hornet are expected to be renamed the New Orleans Pelicans as early as next season, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports. While many fans of the franchise are shaking their heads in disbelief and basketball fans outside of New Orleans have been cracking jokes at every available opportunity, the owner is serious about it.

Tom Benson, who bought the team earlier this year, had made it known that he wanted to change the team’s nickname to something related to Louisiana, as hornets are not characteristic of the state. Commissioner David Stern had no objections to this, and said that he would in fact support this

change as he told ESPN Los Angeles; “I don’t have any objection to anything that the Hornets want to do name-wise because I’m sure it will be sensible… They have to pay certain fees. There’s a timing schedule. But, I think the Hornets might have a friend in the league office to help expedite the process when they decide on a name.”

There has been speculation that the name change has been a ploy by Bobcats owner Michael Jordan to change his Charlotte franchise’s name back to the Hornets.

The Hornets, with just five wins and fourteen losses, have the worst record in the Western Conference. The team’s struggles as of late can be traced back to the acquisition of Eric Gordon in the Chris Paul trade. Gordon, a budding star in the league, has played

very few games for the Hornets since his arrival in New Orleans due to a lingering knee issue.

While they have certainly acquired good young talent in first

“My prediction is that becoming the Pelicans will make them tougher.”

Connor Hicks overall draft-pick Anthony Davis, and tenth overall draft-pick Austin Rivers, without Gordon the team will go nowhere fast.

While the Brooklyn Nets have seemed to revive a failing fran-

chise by making the move from Newark, New Jersey, one simply cannot help but wonder what effect this name change will have on the Hornets.

My prediction is that becoming the Pelicans will make them tougher. While the thought of a seven-foot, unibrowed Pelican in Anthony Davis is undeniably terrifying, think of how the name change will affect the team as a whole. They will be mocked endlessly by both players and fans of opposing teams, fans will unlikely sport Pelican snap-back hats or big Pelican athletic jackets; they will have no choice but to toughen up.

It’s like Johnny Cash’s song, “A Boy Named Sue”, in which Cash sings of a boy who became hard-nosed after his father named him Sue right before he left him

and his mother. The Pelicans will have to “get tough or die”, as Cash put it. They are left with no other options.

Maybe, just maybe, owner Tom Benson knows exactly what he’s doing. Maybe he wants this young team that has been known for a lack of toughness to transform into the nitty-gritty Pistons of the 90’s. It’s a long shot, but it’s possible. New Orleans certainly doesn’t lack the young talent to make it happen.

Until then, may the fans enjoy their still masculine basketball jerseys while they are still considered up to date, because it won’t be long before they are pledging their undying allegiance to the baddest bird in the tropical region.

D12

Sports

The Chronicle

December 11, 2012

Volume 81 Issue 16

Golden Knights End Losing Streak at AIU

By JOSHUA NATOLI Sports Editor The College of Saint Rose Golden Knights men’s basketball team ended their two game losing skid with a win at American International University against the Yellow Jackets. The Golden Knights upended the Yellow Jackets 67-62 in Springfield, Massachusetts this past Saturday afternoon after falling to both Pace and Assumption despite starting the season undefeated with four wins.

The “big three” of the Golden Knights consisting of senior guard Andre Pope, junior center Dominykas Milka, and freshman forward Tyler Sayre all contributed immensely to the win. Pope finished tied for the game-high in points with sixteen. Sayre shared the game-high in points contributing sixteen and also grabbing

seven rebounds. Milka controlled the glass on both ends grabbing seven offense rebounds and eleven defensive rebounds for a total of 18. Milka also contributed offensively, pouring in fifteen points. Bench production was an unusual issue in this game for the Golden Knights. Eight points in total were contributed off the bench by junior forward/center Jin Hong, junior guard/forward James Wilson, and junior guard Eric Sinko.

The biggest contribution came from an unlikely source in junior guard Dan Mundweiler’s biggest game for the Golden Knights to date. Mundweiler found himself doing a bit of everything on the court for Saint Rose. On top of twelve points, Mundweiler also contributed five rebounds, dished out four assists, and snuck in four steals.

Although Munweiler’s statis-

SHAWN BERMAN

Guard Dan Mundweiler did a bit of everything for the Golden Knights.

tics stand out, his clutch play in the final minute is what sealed the deal for the Golden Knights.

Mundweiler went four of four from the free throw line to give Saint Rose the lead in the fourth quarter, which would not be let up.

The first half of play became a game of runs as Sayre started off the Golden Knights by scoring ten of the team’s first twelve points, opening up a 12-5 lead.

Turning the tide, the Yellow Jackets, led by senior Sesso Ikpah and junior Spencer Braithwaite, who each scored 15 points, went on a 14-2 run before halftime to head into intermission leading Saint Rose 28-22.

After halftime the two teams went back and forth like prize fighters. After the score was tied at 36 seven minutes after the break, the Golden Knights went up 42-36 on the Yellow Jackets, who then went on a 15-4 run, erasing the deficit and regaining control of the game. The Golden Knights fell behind by seven points until Milka sparked a 7-0 run, netting an and-one play after a lay-up and a foul, tying the game at 56.

Going down 59-58, the Golden Knights stepped up their clutch play with point barrages by Mundweiler, Pope, and Milka, who each scored from in the paint and at the free throw line to gain a lead it ultimately did not let go, giving the Golden Knights their fifth win of the season.

The Golden Knights improved on their turnovers, which have been a consistent problem with them this season. Averaging fourteen turnovers a game, Saint Rose gave the ball up twelve times, with only three instances occurring in the second half of play.

Another positive in the turnover department is the assist total.

The Golden Knights dished out a total of 17 assists against the Yellow Jackets, three more than there average per game.

Saint Rose looks to ride momentum from this win this week-

SHAWN BERMAN

Tyler Sayre continued his stellar freshman campaign at AIU.

COURTESY OF SAINT ROSE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Dominykas Milka controlled the glass on both ends with 18 rebounds. end at the Adelphi Holiday Tournament. The Golden Knights will face Bridgeport at 1:00 p.m. fol-

lowed by a match against Philadelphia on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.