The Towerlight (Nov. 11, 2015)

Towson’s campus and community news source

TheTowerlight.com

Nov. 11, 2015

Illustration by Christine Kim/ The Towerlight

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November 10, 2015

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November 10, 2015

T OWSON TRENDING Week of 11/03-11/09

Towson Campus Activities Board announced on Nov. 6 that the previously titled “Fall Fest� with headliner Fetty Wap has been rescheduled. Fetty Wap will perform at the “January Jam� in SECU Arena on Jan. 28, and tickets can be purchased online starting Nov. 13. Football beat the Maine Black Bears at an away game on Saturday, Nov. 7 with a final score of 10-7.

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Opinion

November 10, 2015

Editor-in-Chief Carley Milligan Senior Editor Cody Boteler News Editor Sam Shelton Assist. News Editor Sarah Rowan Arts & Life Editor Annie Sragner Assit. Arts & Life Editor Robert Wood

Sports Editor Assist. Sports Editors Jordan Cope Tyler Beard

TU wants to charge me $2,000

It’s an asinine fee. We’re not paying it.

Staff Writers Tim Anderson Nilo Exar Tyler Young Christine LaFrancesca Caitlin Wolfarth Kati Day Kristin Helf Helen Grafton Hailey Miller Ryan Permison Photo Editor Patrick Burke

Staff Photographers Cody Boteler Adrilenzo Cassoma Carley Milligan

Video Producer Sarah Chmielowiec Staff Videographers Stacey Coles Joseph Hawkins Tyisha Henderson Proofreaders Desmond Boyle Kayla Baines Kira McCall Chris Petrides General Manager Mike Raymond Lead Designer Sydney Adamson Art Director Kara Bucaro Production Staff Daniel Andrews Christine Kim Jenn Crimmw Webmaster Hafiz Aina

Hey, Towson community. Did you know that the University wants me to pay over $2,000 for access to public records?

I know. Crazy, right? Let me explain a bit.

A smartphone was found in the women’s swimming and diving team locker room almost a month ago, Oct. 16. We reported on it the next day. When more than a week passed without any important updates, I filed a Maryland Public Information Act request on behalf of The Towerlight. I filed my request Oct. 26.

Maryland’s public information law allows members of the public to request access to any sort of record or document created or maintained by a government body or public institution. The federal government has a similar law.

There are, of course, exemptions. Not every document has to be released and parts can be redacted, for a variety of reasons.

I requested copies of emails sent

between members of administration, the police department and the athletics department. It is not an uncommon move for journalists to request access to emails that are sent to and from public officials and employees.

My hope in submitting the request was that I would be see some emails that shed some light on the situation – who was or may have been responsible, what the University was doing about it, why the investigation was being handled entirely by TUPD, that sort of thing – since nobody from TU has said much of anything.

Ten days later, I received a letter from one of Towson’s lawyers, Barbara English.

The letter told me that the costs of compiling the records I requested would run between $2,280-2,453.07 and that it would take between 50-55 working hours.

Bullshit.

There’s no way it would take more than a few hours for someone in OTS to run a few keyword searches and compile all the emails that match the request I made. There’s no way it would take more than a couple of hours for a lawyer to redact things from those emails.

Yeah. 55 hours is a ridiculous estimate of time. Even more ridiculous, though, is the $2,000 fee that I was told I’d have to pay.

Do you know what I could do with $2,200?

I could pay rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Baltimore City for two months.

I could buy about 30 weeks worth of groceries, assuming $75 a trip.

I could buy an Xbox One, a Playstation 4, a Wii U, a Macbook Air and still have $248 left over.

I could buy 1,004 gallons of gas from the Royal Farms on Joppa Road.

I could buy 73 floor tickets to see Fetty Wap in January, when CAB brings him to campus.

There’s a lot I could do with over $2,000. Instead, the University wants me to pay that much to look at a few public-record emails.

I’ve got some problems with that.

I’ll start with the legal argument.

Maryland’s public information law does say that requesters can be charged for the time spent finding and preparing documents and for printing costs.

However, the law also says that those charges can be waived if the

person requesting information is doing so “in the public interest.”

A nonprofit, student-run newspaper that’s requesting information about criminal activity at a public university? That sounds like the public interest to me.

Let’s go a bit further than that, though. Ethically, is it at all right for a public institution to charge me, a tax-and-tuition paying student for access to public information?

I pay the University over $9,000 each year for tuition and other fees – thank god for my Honors College scholarship that helps pay a lot of that – and I spend my time actively trying to make this campus a better place.

I have formally requested that the fees be waived. I have not yet received a response from the University.

At this point, it’s ridiculous that we don’t know more about what happened in that locker room. It’s ridiculous that nobody has been reprimanded. The University has not handled this situation well, and charging one of their students over $2,000 to try and find out some more information shows a continued mishandling of the situation.

Circulation Staff Nilo Exar Jasmine Edwards Jasmine Edwards

8000 York Road University Union Room 309 Towson, MD 21252 business: (410) 704-5153 editorial: (410) 704-5141 editor@thetowerlight.com thetowerlight.com

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Commentaries, letters to the editor, editorial cartoons and other editorials express the opinions of their authors and not necessarily the views of the newspaper.

The Towerlight does not discriminate based on age, color, condition of handicap, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. ©2015 by The Towerlight, 8000 York Rd, Towson, MD 21252. All rights reserved.

Please Recycle!

The records we asked for:

What the University told us:

“access to and a copy of any email correspondence, sent between members of the President’s Council, Towson University Police Department, the Athletics Department or any combination of the three, between the dates 10/16/2015 and 10/23/2015, that relate to the incident on Friday, October 16, in the swim team locker room where a smartphone was found that may have captured video or still recording or audio recordings or mention any or any combination of the following terms: ‘swim team,’ ‘diving,’ ‘Pat Mead,’ ‘Maureen Mead,’ ‘Adrienne Phillips,’ ‘Jake Shrum,’ ‘coach,’ ‘smartphone,’ ‘phone,’ ‘recording,’ ‘recording device,’ ‘investigation,’ and/or ‘police.’”

• Our request requires “members of the different divisions within the University’s Office of Technology Service to search the emails of the persons specified during the relevant time,” and that requires “coordination of the work among different individuals.”

• Legal counsel ”must review the records” to see if any of them are exempt from disclosure.

• It would take a total of 50-55 working hours to complete.

• It would generate a fee between $2,280-2,453.07

Opinion

November 10, 2015

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Looking for more columns?

Praise for the Black Student Union As a transfer student and a generally anti-social person, getting involved isn’t necessarily at the top of my list of things to do at the moment. I am involved with only two organizations on campus and I’m glad I found the best ones to suit my interests, needs and everything in between.

Along with the support for the people at the Towerlight, I am a member of the best organization of successful, generous, welcoming, fun and most good-looking group of Black young scholars that Towson has to offer. The Black Student Union is greatest example of community and family that I have experienced at Towson.

This is in no way any type of spon-

sorship or a quick plug that was set up by the e-board of BSU, I personally just feel like they are so amazing.

This past Saturday, they held the “Ebony Lounge,� a showcase where lots of people showcase their talents.

And I’m not going to lie, whenever I see any general talent showcase I always expect at least one bad performance, someone who has the a major case of stage fright, or generally someone who isn’t up to par with other performers for a variety of reasons. (I’m secretly judgmental, but who isn’t?)

Everybody, every performer, every single person who graced the stage in the West Village Commons Ballrooms that night was so good, so confident and had such amazing stage presence, there was never a dull moment.

The events that they hold are always fun and always get to meet

Are both web exclusive this week. Be sure to check them out online at www.thetowerlight.com/blogs.

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awesome people that you can become awesome friends with.

The meetings are actually great, too. They always talk about pressing issues in our community and lead underclassman through group discussion or talk directly with them and provide great examples of good citizenship, friendship, relationships and lots more that are predetermined before every meeting.

Through these discussions, everyone can get a great representation of what Black excellence is and what they should be looking up too as they grow older.

BSU is doing a fantastic job of providing that extra family blanket to freshman and transfers and anyone in the organization, like me. To those who have not joined or don’t know about BSU, please do yourself a huge favor and join immediately.

It’s lit!

More than half of TU students who drink reported one or more negative consequences when drinking alcohol. (NCHA, 2015)

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News

November 10, 2015

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Community aims to improve Towson Project Towson presenters suggest changes, new ideas

friends and connections that would benefit them in the future.”

Senior Papy Elongo, who attended the event, said that he wanted to see “a really transformational idea.”

Community members gathered “I know this isn’t really for the Project Towson conference a competition but, it would be Nov. 5, where speakers pitched great to see a presentation that new ideas about reimagining and included globalization,” he said. transforming the Towson area.

“International students face a lot Coordinator for Civic Engagement of issues and I want to see someone Kevin Albano said that Project have an idea to change that.”

Towson was about seeing and Professor Yulia Hanansen inspiring change. proposed a mosaic mural series “We want to see everyone’s ideas that would be cost-effective and and we want to see those ideas virtually maintenance-free. come to life,” Albano said. “This is “Putting mosaics around anyone’s chance to make a change campus, whether it’s an empty and enforce a new program, create wall or hallway, will boost student something and get invested in mood and positivity,” Hanansen something that they are deeply said. “It seems like it would cost a passionate about.” lot to make and up front, it could Senior Ceanne West proposed a seem a little pricey, but due to the plan involving a partnership with extremely little maintenance and the counseling center to implement it’s durability, these works of art more effective counseling groups will last for years and won’t be a for students with drug or alcohol hassle for anyone to take care of.” addiction, while trying to improve Alpha Kappa Psi member Eric Towson’s response to suicide Robles said that he was glad his prevention. fraternity was involved in Project “I want people to know that Towson. they have a support system and “It was interesting seeing the more importantly, hope,” West things that everyone is dedicated said. “Being alone or actually feelto,” Robles said. “The mosaic idea ing alone came be harmful to your was beautiful and Hanansen is mental and physical health. It’s incredibly talented. Honestly, it was important that students know that just really nice to see the Towson suicide is something that can be community together and engaged in spotted and you can be a part of making this campus someone’s healthy and our community recovery.” around us as great The presented We want to see as it has the potenideas varied over a everyone’s ideas tial to be.” broad spectrum of and we want to Albano said that topics from mental he was glad to see health to augmented see those ideas audience members reality simulations. come to life. and participants start Visiting graphic interacting after the design lecturer James KEVIN ALBANO had Cosper said that he Coordinator for Civic Engagement presentations concluded. wants to create a simulation where physical images will “This was what it was all for. be paired with computer-generated Seeing everyone so interested in sensory input. the things they just heard that “It’s hard to explain, but basically they rush over to talk to others and I want students to be able to scan begin connecting,” Albano said. a real-life image and have text, “It’s awesome seeing people getting or sounds, or something computer excited about change.” generated to accompany it,” Cosper The Towerlight will spend the next said. “This would be exploratory few weeks working on a series where for students. It would mostly be we speak with those who presented student-made, which would be an at Project Towson and feature their incredible way for them to make ideas in our upcoming publications.

“

Nilo Exar/ The Towerlight Local leaders, Towson University students and administrators attend Project Towson Thursday, Nov. 5.

Flourishing within natural limits A book published in 1972, “The Limits to Growth,” used computer modeling to show that, under a “business as usual” scenario, global civilization was headed for collapse.

The idea makes sense. Earth is a closed system, meaning there are no inputs or outputs, and we have made a habit of using nonrenewable resources.

We don’t get new material magically delivered to Earth. Outside of the occasional meteorite, what we’ve got on this planet is all there is.

In response, Brian Fath, a professor in the biology department, in a team with other scientists, worked on a book called “Flourishing Within Limits to Growth.”

The book was published in July.

Our global footprint and the resources we use have already overshot our biocapicity, the absolute amount we can use on this planet, Fath said in a book talk Wednesday.

“Meaning that we’re, essentially, borrowing from future generations to survive at our current standard of living today,” Fath said.

The authors worked with the same modeling system from the 1972 book, with some adjustments.

“We need to work out ways to incorporate what nature does into this model and into human society,” Fath said.

One point that Fath made was that there are “no trash cans in nature.”

Meaning that nothing really goes to waste. Everything in the natural world serves a purpose. There are no landfills. Nature uses what it needs, reuses what it can and doesn’t use what it doesn’t need.

People can talk about recycling all they want, but it won’t be enough.

Yes, recycling is important, but more importantly, I think we need a culture shift where we just don’t use as much.

We eat too much. We produce too much trash. We drive our own vehicles too often. We don’t reuse enough and we definitely take too much for granted.

Fath also pointed out the majority of interactions in nature are mutualistic.

While people like to think of nature as savage and brutal, there’s actually a lot of cooperation out there.

That’s another attitude we need to adapt. People act like economics is a zero-sum game – if I have more

money, you’ll have less money. But that just isn’t the truth of how economics works. A growing economy is good for everyone. A rising tide lifts all ships, and all that.

To emulate living a bit more like nature, the team behind the book made some modifications to the model that they ran.

The new model accounted for a reduction in resource use, investment in pollution abatement, a “revenue neutral” green tax and a ten percent investment in education and research.

Under this new model, the team found a global society that wasn’t facing imminent collapse.

I won’t say that one book put together by one team is enough to be a definitive work, or that the model should be taken as gospel. But I will say that Fath made a lot of really, really good points when he spoke about his work. As we currently exist, we just might be screwed. In fact, we probably are.

So let’s make some changes. Let’s use less. Let’s appreciate what we’ve got instead of constantly seeking more things.

--To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com.

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News

November 10, 2015

TU, iDebate Rwanda teams argue effect of body cameras Members of the Towson University debate team hosted the NonGovernmental Organization (NGO) iDebate Rwanda team Friday, Nov. 6, for an educated debate on the merits of police body cameras.

After the debate was done, audience members filled out a secret ballot, indicating their stance on the subject to decide the winner. The audience voted in favor of the TU team’s stance.

The iDebate Rwanda team argued for the affirmative, saying that officers should wear body cameras. TU argued against the idea. iDebate Rwanda co-founder Jean Michel Habineza is a 2012 Towson University alum. During his time here, he was also a member of the debate team under the mentorship of Director of Debate Beth Skinner and coach Chris Baron.

Habineza used the skills he learned at Towson to create a debate program.

Now in its third year, iDebate Rwanda works with over 600 students.

TU is the last stop on the team’s eight-week US tour. While on Towson’s

campus, the students received a historical tour from TU Assistant Debate Coach Ignacio Evans prior to the event.

The iDebate team, composed of Maya Musenga, Clemence Mbabazi and Ekisa Monique, argued for police body cameras. Towson debaters Ben Goodman, Korey Johnson and Sierra Underdue* argued against them.

With the emergence of the Black Lives Matter campaign, the uprising in Baltimore and minority deaths by some police, the debate team wanted to host an open debate to possibly come up with solutions.

Each side had two speakers argue their points for six minutes each, and then the other team had three minutes to counter. Following this, the audience had 15 minutes to ask relevant questions to either team. Then both teams were given a short amount of time for rebuttal.

Members of the Baltimore Urban Debate League participated during the open discussion section and asked critical questions to both teams.

“The Urban Debate League goes into local high schools in Baltimore and uses debate as a tool to facilitate

Nick Mason/ The Towerlight Members of the Baltimore Urban Debate League attend the Nov. 6 debate in the West Village Commons. the growth of young minds,” BUDL representative Ryan Bowens said.

TU Assistant Director of Debate Amber Kelsie said that she was excited to have the BUDL at the debate.

Rwandan teammember Musenga began the discussion by listing some causes for why police may perform acts of brutality: a feeling of power, powertrips, and other reasons. Being on the affirmative team, Musenga pointed out that body cameras could give more

conscience to an officer’s actions before acting on them. She said that police get attacked as well, and these could prove whether self-defense was needed.

Musenga’s peer, Mbabazi also pointed out that cameras could change the relationship between the public and the police by creating empathy.

“Facial recognition software is troubling,” Towson representative Goodman said.

Goodman and his teammates said

that if the software were implemented, there could be even more profiling of suspects and thousands of people would be scanned regularly.

Johnson began her debate by quoting musician Lauryn Hill’s “Mystery of Iniquity,” which concerns police brutality and claims that the police force is systematically militarized and racist.

--To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com.

Open Forum on Student Fees for FY17 Interested in learning about the process for determining proposed fee increases?

Are you interested in learning about the mandatory fees all undergraduate and graduate students pay?

Join University and Student Government Leaders on Tuesday, November 10th from 4-5pm in the Loch Raven Room in the University Union.

This forum will provide an opportunity to share information on institutional needs to support student services for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

Refreshments will be provided.

News

November 10, 2015

Entrepreneurship minor launches Innovators pitch ideas during Nov. 5 kick-off

business or innovation.

Three students, international business major Jiali Chen, computer science major Camy Chhetri and business major Amir Choe presented Student and community innovators their vision for a new application pitched ideas and shared experiences called “Eyesee.” at the College of Business and Eyesee would allow students Economics’ entrepreneurship minor to browse and get notifications for kick-off event on Nov. 5. campus events, as well as allowing club Director of the new minor Jan Baum officers to manage their clubs more said that the entrepreneurship minor, efficiently by adding which launched this specific meeting and semester, is not just Creativity is the event information. for business majors. number one skill that The creators of Eyesee “It is truly an interdisciplinar y CEOs are looking for believe it is innovative ideas like theirs that minor,” Baum said. in employees today, businesspeople are “Studies show that the ability to think of always looking for. entrepreneurs come “Businesspeople from content areas new ways to solve have so much to or disciplines rather existing problems. invest and they are than business. Our always craving new goal is to infuse JAN BAUM Director, Entrepreneurship minor ideas, so why not an entrepreneurial show them what we ethos throughout the have, and if they’re interested, they’ll university and make it a hallmark of invest,” Chhetri said. a Towson University degree.”

Sophomore business administration The initiative to create an majors Megan and Meredith Price, entrepreneurship minor was who founded Café Enactus in Stephens spearheaded by University System of Hall, also attended the kick-off.

Maryland Chancellor Bob Caret. Baum They saw a need and an opportunity said entrepreneurship is one of Caret’s to create such an establishment in top three priorities.

Stephens, as there had previously only There are similar programs at been vending machines. The cafe’s other Maryland public universities, stock includes iced and hot coffees, including University of Maryland muffins, salads, wraps and other quick Baltimore County and University of meals.

Maryland College Park.

Megan and Meredith Price started “Innovation and entrepreneurship their business plan in Fall 2014 as are economic drivers for both local and freshmen. The namesake for the national economies,” Baum said. café comes from their club, Enactus, The minor was developed in the last which is derived from the words one or two years, according to Baum.

“Entrepreneurial,” “Actions” and “Us.” The minor program consists of 18 “It’s a social entrepreneurship required credits. However, Baum says club, so you solve problems in the that two classes, ENTR 110 “Creativity community and try to find sustainable and Idea Development” and ENTR solutions to help empower the people 215 “Start-up Basics” classes will affected by those problems,” Price said. provide students with valuable skills Baum reinforced that students from regardless of how far they progress in every discipline are encouraged to take the minor. classes and take on the minor, saying “Creativity is the number one that many students have the skills to skill that CEOs are looking for be marketable without the know-how in employees today, the ability to of how to market themselves. think of new ways to solve existing “The entrepreneurship minor will problems,” Baum said. help any student in building their During the kick-off event, select own business rather than relying on students presented to the audience what’s out there,” Baum said. “This through a series of quick “elevator pitches” to sell their idea for a new is a chance to chart your own course.”

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News

November 10, 2015

Q&A with Maryland state senator Jim Brochin Democrat James Brochin represents District 42, which includes parts of Baltimore County, in the Maryland State Senate. He has served in his position since 2003. He is also a member of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review and the Special Committee on Substance Abuse.

According to his website, Brochin is “an independent thinker who places policy before party.” Brochin visited campus Nov. 3 to speak at the Student Government Association meeting. Below is The Towerlight’s conversation with Brochin following his speech.

What is your favorite memory from your undergraduate years?

I didn’t go to Towson. I went to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I did an internship my last semester of college and I was three credits short, so I did come here and take one class. I took Richard Vatz’s Persuasion and Rhetoric class, which is a good memory. He is a very good professor, and now I get to do talk radio with him, which is equally fun, especially when I beat up on him over talk radio.

How do you plan to contribute to building a better Baltimore?

By serving in the Senate and by not taking sides as far as party goes. I’m a Democrat, but I shouldn’t be voting Democrat, I should be voting for the best political policy. That’s exactly what I’ve done for the past 13 years.

You’ve shown support for medical marijuana. What is your position on recreational marijuana?

I don’t support it. I don’t think you should put it in front of people. The people who support recreational marijuana think, ‘Well, somebody’s either going to smoke it or they’re not.’ There are a lot of in-betweeners who, if you put it in front of them, they probably would not be thinking about it. But if they’re walking down Allegheny Avenue to Strapazza, and there’s a pot dispensary right next to it, or they’re with their buddy who is over 21, they’ll say, ‘Hey, let’s go get high today. That’s a great idea.’ Normally, they would just be thinking about going to Strapazza and getting a slice of pizza. I don’t think government should be promoting people getting stoned, because I think pot demotivates.

Medical marijuana is fine if you’re suffering from glaucoma, or cancer, or anything like that, but I don’t think we should incentivize people to smoke pot.

Why should students care about local politics?

I think at the end of the day, the more engaged you get, the more internships you can make yourself available to, and you can hit the job market with a running start, which is a good thing.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AT

the towerlight Monday - Friday 9-5 University Union rm. 309

Sarah Rowan/ The Towerlight State Sen. Jim Brochin speaks to the SGA at a Nov. 3 meeting.

Why did you decide to come to Towson?

I taught here for thirteen years and it’s a great university. It’s part of my district and I never say no. At least, I try not to say no.

- Compiled by Sarah Rowan

Jobs

November 10, 2015

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Hey Tigers!

Earn your stripes—and some extra credits Montgomery College Winter Session 2016 January 4-21 New Online Classes Register by January 3 at 11:59 p.m.

October 29: In Barton House, an unknown person took an inspection citation from the elevator.

October 29: In the University Union, an unknown person took a TUPD poster from the Union.

montgomerycollege.edu/wintersession Facebook.com/montgomerycollege 240-567-5000

October 29: In Scarborough Hall, a student was cited for an alcohol violation.

October 29: In Cook Library, a student had their property taken after leaving it unattended.

Montgomery College is an academic institution committed to equal opportunity.

October 31: In Scarborough Hall, three students were referred to OSCCE for an alcohol violation.

The Towerlight’s “Police Blotter� is a representative sample of crimes occurring on and off campus. The blotter is not intended to be all inclusive.

For a list of all crime reports, visit www.towson.edu/police.

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November 10, 2015

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By 1943, the accelerated program condensed a four-year BS degree into three years to get students into military service or civil service jobs faster.

In 1946, the Arts and Sciences program is introduced in the form of a two-year junior college. This is done to assist returning veteran teachers in “jump starting” their education so they can advance to a four-year liberals arts college or university—an attempt to move veterans quickly into jobs.

Wiedefeld Gymnasium opened in 1942, and was razed in 1968 to clear the way for Cook Library

In 1947, student enrollment totaled 600.

Tuition charge for all students was $100, $216 if you lived on campus and had a meal plan and $416 if you were from out of state.

During the 1944-1947 academic years The Towerlight newspaper was published monthly and the June issue often served as the yearbook for the graduating class.

Homecoming began on campus in 1949 with the first parade, although the first homecoming queen was not elected until 1953.

Fifth graders from the Lida Lee Tall school lining up to buy war stamps in 1943 Students exiting Richmond Hall c. 1947

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To be continued…

Share your memory: TU150.towson.edu

Cover

November 10, 2015

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A social media “app-raisal” ANNIE SRAGNER Arts & Life Editor @anniesragner

Modern social media allows users to conscientiously sculpt their online identities and carry a savvy mindset into their real lives.

Studies show that teens spend an average of nine hours using social media daily, a three-hour increase since 2004.

To grasp exactly how Towson students utilize social media, The Towerlight conducted an online survey.

Of those who responded to the survey, 58 percent said they find social media either “very important” or “somewhat important” to their lives. No one said it is “not very important.”

While Facebook was once the dominant social media platform, that may be changing – at least among the college-aged demographic. According to the survey, 30 percent of students said that Snapchat was their favorite platform, while only nine percent said the same of Facebook.

With this skyrocketing usage of technology, there is much debate over the long-term effects of social media.

Cylor Spaulding, an assistant professor in the

mass communication department, has noticed a careless attitude caused by social media in his students.

“They think they understand social media because they are on these networks, but they don’t understand the impact it can have on them or how to use it strategically,” Spaulding said.

Many are concerned about the toll social media takes on our real social lives. Although it is called “social” media, this phenomenon may be more like antisocial media.

“I feel like it makes the social people in life less social and the less social people in life more social,” sophomore Zoe Winslow said.

“The more introverted people are going to not care what people say and they are going to find people that have different interests. The more social people are more afraid that stuff is going to come and ruin their reputation, so they limit what they do.”

Social media also lowers inhibitions when it comes to face-to-face interactions.

“If you were going to ask someone on a date in person, you might feel anxious about it or you might be worried about the rejection,” Spaulding said. “But on social media, people

Illustration by Jenn Crimm

cal things,” Spaulding said. “When I was workaren’t really worried about that because it’s like, ‘well whatever if they reject me it’s not in person ing at the agencies, we had to go in and edit our so I don’t really have anything to lose.’” clients’ Wikipedia pages because they didn’t This widespread relationship that technology want them to talk about certain things, so they users have with social media also impacts how were trying to frame their own message. Back we function independently. then when it first started, no one though any“It’s going to create a sense of individualthing about it, but if a business tried to do that ism, but not necessarily in a good way. It’s also now, then that’s a red flag.” going to create a dependence on technology,” Winslow expressed some skepticism of the Spaulding said. security and privacy promThe breakdown of direct interised by social media plataction and the shift to technology forms.

If it keeps going to as necessity rather than luxury “I’ve been hacked.” can influence the way individuals way it is, we’re going Winslow said. “I got text act collectively. messages from people telling to have an even “If it keeps going to way it me that I’m writing things further erosion of is, we’re going to have an even on their Facebook wall. I further erosion of sense of comhad to change my password sense of community. munity,” lecturer Andrew Reiner and do damage control. It ANDREW REINER said. “There are neighborhoods was an invasion of privacy, Lecturer where people get together and do so throughout the years it’s things together— but that’s the exception, that’s going to be harder to have any sort of private life not the rule anymore.” without being skeptical.”

This rampant cultural shift also makes it difWinslow is not alone in her thoughts on ficult to define one’s real world identity from an social media privacy. Other applications, such online persona. as Snapchat, promise users that their photos “I tend to think of it as curating, because you disappear after sending. are going to such lengths to make sure that the “As for Snapchat, I believe that they disapsmallest details are being perceived a certain pear, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t way,” Reiner said. “There is this gnawing fear be retrieved,” Spaulding said. “I’m sure that beneath all of it, this anxiety that you are going Snapchat has some kind of backup system, to appear as less than perfect. I think it breeds so I’m sure in some way, shape or form they this completely paralyzing social perfection.” are archived. You just have to be really careful This drive for excellence sweeps beyond our because anyone can go in and see that.” social interactions and causes society to want Only 50 percent of those surveyed who use this perfection in all aspects of life. Efficiency “anonymous” apps like Yik Yak said that they is closely valued and technology allows us to do trust the application not to disclose their identimore than ever before. ty. The other half either didn’t trust anonymous According to our survey, 64 percent of stuapps or had never given the issue any thought dents reported to prefer using social media on before. their readily accessible smart phones rather It was just a little over a year ago that Towson than sit down at a computer.

University student Matthew David Cole used “I think we are doing more and faster, but YikYak to post a threatening message, and was more and more studies show that multitasksubsequently located and arrested using the ing is a myth,” Reiner said. “Yeah, you can do GPS coordinates of his phone. a bunch of things at once, but there is no real “It’s not as anonymous as you think,” critical engagement when you are just surface Spaulding said. dwelling and not doing much.”

After his trial in July, Cole entered a plea deal, As a member of the executive board of the paid $57 in court fees and has been placed on Latin American Student Organization (LASO), unsupervised probation until February 2017. sophomore English major Emely Rodriguez Reiner teaches an Honors Seminar called “The merges her professional life with her online Search for Intimacy in the Age of Facebook.” In social life. She promotes and advertises for it, he has students conduct experiments – some LASO while managing her personal account go on a social media “cleanse,” others go into from the same Twitter profile. dining halls on campus, alone, and eat a meal “Other than Twitter for advertising and prowithout using technology, books or homework moting, I’ll use social media to look at what’s to distract them. new,” Rodriguez said. “Like if Drake posted a “In a culture in which we are so terrified of new video or if there are new vines, because not looking like we’re connected so that we that’s always just funny. I like things that lift fit in, it’s like a splash of cold water saying it’s you up and keep you up to date.” not that hard to be disconnected and out of This update-oriented framework of business the loop,” Reiner said. “It’s not the end of the and the crafting of public images have closely world. It’s a way to get some students to reexamevolved along with the growth of social media. ine the relationship they have because so many Spaulding worked directly with public relations people say I never really thought about it.” agencies during the rise of social media.

-- Cody Boteler contributed to “At that time, we were doing a lot of unethithis article.

“

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Arts

November 10, 2015

Movie Review: The Peanuts Movie

Charlie Brown throwback KYLE CASEY Contributing Writer

For many college students, memories of watching the Peanuts holiday specials as a child are closely valued.

From “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the Charles M. Schulz series has touched kids and adults alike throughout the years.

The franchise headlined by Charlie Brown and Snoopy hit the big screen this weekend with the debut of “The Peanuts Movie.” Set in the wintertime, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and other favorites such as Linus, Lucy and Peppermint Patty rendezvous for a tale centered on Charlie Brown.

When a new girl moves across the street from Charlie Brown and joins the group’s class, Charlie is taken over by infatuation for the new addition to the friend group. The movie is centered on his attempts, and many failures, to woo the attractive young girl.

From practicing his dance moves, to admirably writing a book report on “War and Peace,” Charlie Brown franti-

Courtesy of Flickering Myth

cally strives to gather up the courage to make conversation with the girl, but often to no avail. Complementing Charlie Brown’s story is a love ballad scripted by Snoopy and his yellow sidekick, Woodstock, in which he battles the famous Red Baron in order to win over Fifi, a fellow pilot. The Snoopy branch-off scenes are entertaining, but can drag on at times. The movie as a whole, though, does not drag on. The swift pace of the story provides pleasurable viewing.

While “The Peanuts Movie” can be

interpreted as a kid’s movie, isn’t the Peanuts series really for all ages?

Despite the new storyline, much of the classic concepts stay the same.

From Lucy’s secret affection for Charlie Brown, to the bickering between Woodstock and Snoopy to Schroeder’s iconic piano scenes, the film does the series justice as an extended version of the classic Peanuts stories.

This film won’t supersede any of the famous Peanuts holiday specials, but it is still a treat to watch.

I give this film eight out of 10 stars.

Fetty is back ROBERT WOOD Assistant Arts & Life Editor

Fetty Wap will, in fact, be coming to campus on Jan. 28 for the “January Jam,” in SECU Arena, Towson’s Campus Activities Board announced Nov. 6. The tickets for the concert go on sale Nov. 13 solely on Ticketmaster.com.

There is a two-ticket maximum for each OneCard. They will be $30 for the floor, $25 for the lower bowl and $20 for the upper bowl.

The rescheduling of Fetty Wap was not as difficult as some might think.

“Fetty Wap and his manager were really eager to reschedule because they were just as disappointed as we were that, because of medical reasons, he couldn’t come,” CAB director Brianne Wade said.

Wade was told that Fetty Wap would be mostly available for dates in January.

“We talked to athletics, figured out what date in January we could theoretically get into SECU Arena, and they shot us back January 28 pretty quickly, and

we proposed it to him, and he got the contract signed and everything done pretty quickly,” Wade said.

Initially, Fetty Wap’s management told CAB that it was alright for them to announce him as the Fall Fest performer, even though CAB knew of his accident. It was only after Fetty Wap had several medical appointments that his doctor said he shouldn’t fly, for fear of blood clots forming, which could cause a major heart attack.

“It was one of those things where it was disappointing, but it was completely understandable and I think the students were really great about being understanding about it,” Wade said.

With Fetty Wap coming to campus, his arrival does not disrupt CAB’s plans for Tigerfest next semester.

“We’re going to be starting looking into artist selection process pretty soon,” Wade said. “We’re going to have a Tigerfest survey being released in the next month or so, and hopefully we start looking into booking artists before winter break.”

Daylight savers BRITTANY PATRICK Columnist

Just a few nights ago, our clocks turned in reverse by one hour – some by our own hands, others by the mysterious workings of technology.

The shift in time has been impending as our mornings and evenings have been growing darker by the day.

Suddenly I find myself feeling exhausted by the end of the day, when just a few months earlier I would have been ready to stay out past midnight.

This time of year invites us to fall back a little, to turn inward and allow our bodies to rest, renew and hibernate. The end of daylight savings offers the perfect opportunity to tune in to what your body needs, be it more sleep, better nutrition, mindful movement or some combination of the three.

With winter not too far off, hit the ground running with these tips, and conquer the dark, cold months ahead with positivity and health.

Rise early: This time of year, when the sun rises and sets early, is when we should be striving to soak up as much natural light as we can. When

you wake, resist the urge to immediately look at your phone. Instead, throw back the blinds and allow the morning’s light to first wash over you. Trading the blue light of your phone first thing in the morning for natural light not only saves your eyes some strain, but the exposure to early a.m. rays allows your body to wake more naturally.

Move more: It’s easy to blame your dwindling motivation for exercise on the cold and dark days that turn us off from moving as much as we did in the warmer months.

Plan to get your blood pumping for at least 30 minutes each day. It could be an early morning yoga session, a brisk walk at lunch or making the commitment to hit the gym after school or work. Exercise is an incredible mood booster, and moving your muscles will aid in a deeper, more healing sleep.

Eat what’s in season: There’s a reason we crave warming fruits and vegetables this time of year, it’s what is in season.

-To read the rest of the column, visit thetowerlight.com

Arts

November 10, 2015

Paint expressions JESSICA RICKS Staff Writer

Senior painting and art history major Nessi Alexander-Barnes’s art studio in the Center for the Arts is reflective of xyr* work and creative mind. Xe* paints with oil, watercolor and ink paint, which cover the table in the center of the room. The walls hold several large paintings on cloth of the animal characters xe creates. Although Alexander-Barnes has been drawing xyr whole life, xe really got into it at the age of 15.

“I kind of just grew into it organically,” Alexander-Barnes said. “My family has always been really interested in art and art history. My mom was an artist so I kind of just got into it naturally.”

Xyr serious art education began in high school where xyr professors were very serious about art, and provided good feedback as well as high-end materials to use.

After deciding to major in science, Alexander-Barnes avoided art for two years before deciding to continue xyr art education at community college before coming to Towson. Although Alexander-Barnes decided not to take on science as a major, xe still enjoys science and frequently incorporates it into xyr art.

“I loved chemistry and I really get into the chemistry of my paint,” Alexander-Barnes said. “I look at pigments a lot. It’s basically colored dirt suspended in something that acts like fat. They have slightly different uses and slightly different textures and they interact with each other differently.”

Alexander-Barnes recently received the William Denner Award and scholarship for painting. In addition, xe has also been involved at shows in

the Towson Arts Collective. AlexanderBarnes is also member of Maryland Federation of Art, Maryland Art Place and was previously a member of Towson’s art history club and LGBT club. After leaving Towson, AlexanderBarnes plans to go into an MFA program. Xe is currently applying to as many schools as possible and will take whichever school offers the best combination of aid and education. After graduation, xe plans to teach painting and studio art.

Alexander-Barnes is mainly inspired by art history and xyr own experiences as a gender queer person. Xe turns personal feelings about those experiences into artwork, and creates characters that are symbolic of these themes.

“It’s the root of everything,” xe said.

“My characters are created in a way that art historians pick apart.”

Alexander-Barnes sticks with art because of the process of coming up with the symbolism and solving problems that arise. Not only that, but xe can have a voice.

“I can have a voice in art as a nonbinary trans person that I wouldn’t be able to have otherwise,” AlexanderBarnes said.

As for how people receive xyr art, it’s not as important that people see it in the way that xe does, AlexanderBarnes said.

“I would like my work to be charming enough that people get into it and then they’ll realize what I’m saying and then the meaning becomes clear because they’ve gotten invested in how it looks,” Alexander-Barnes said. “But mostly I’ll be happy for anyone who looks at it.” *Editor’s note: Alexander-Barnes prefers the use of the pronouns “xe” and “xyr” in place of “she” and “her,” or “he” and “his.”

Courtesy of Nessi Alexander-Barnes

Painting called “Traveling” by student Nessi Alexander-Barnes.

November

Events:

14–20, 2015 For more information, visit www.towson.edu/iew

Saturday: Piñata Workshop

Intensive Cambodian Classical Costume Making Workshop Sunday: Around the World Monday: Flag Rotation Faculty Opportunities Abroad Country and Culture Research Workshops “Sounding the Spirit of Cambodia” Gallery Talk Cambodian Classical Music Workshop J.A.M. Session Tuesday: “New York Times” Talk Lunch and Learn Mocktails Around the World/Speed Friending “The Pope in Cuba from a Cuban Perspective”

Wednesday: Study Abroad: Career Services Panel Thursday:

Friday:

Foreign Languages Fair Film Screening and Reception: “The Illusionists” International Sports Workshop: Badminton Chalk the Flags A Fulbright Grant for YOU ELC 30th Anniversary Celebration International Pub Quiz Multi-Lingual StrengthsQuest Scholarship Series–Challenges and Tips International Café

On-going: International Book Display

Study Abroad Info Sessions Sounding the Spirit of Cambodia: Khmer Music & Dance-drama

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18

Arts

November 10, 2015

Alum band finds soul Album review KRISTIN HELF Columnist @kristinelise_

Parks Landing is an indie pop/rock band still in its infancy.

They’ve been compared to Death Cab for Cutie and Best Coast, but when their first EP “Little Planes,” comes out later this month, you’ll hear songs that could come from a band none other than this one.

Parks Landing is made up of Towson alumni who graduated between 2009-2014. Niki DiCarlo sings, Dan Ciarrocchi plays guitar and Tom Colegrove plays drums to complete the trio.

“You don’t have to be a music major to do music when you get out of here,” DiCarlo said. “I feel like my psych degree definitely had influence as well. Just thinking about thinking.”

Although none of them majored in anything music-related, they all said they wouldn’t be where they are today if not for their education and time spent at Towson.

In August, Dicarlo, Ciarrocchi and Colegrove headed to an Airbnb in North Jersey, where they spent two weeks recording the album.

Ciarrocchi knew producer Rob Freeman, who’s produced albums by bands like Gym Class Heroes and Hit the Lights, from working with him in a previous band. “[Freeman] was pretty much on the top of my list as far as people who I wanted to record with,” Ciarrochi said. “Luckily it worked out, and it’s fantastic.”

The three stayed at a sort of “hippie haven,” run by a woman named Mercedes, who mentioned to them that there was a loose bear terrorizing the neighborhood, and advised the group to lock their doors at night.

“I feel like a bear wouldn’t care about a locked door,” Ciarrocchi said.

“I mean, it’s a bear.”

KRISTIN HELF Columnist @kristinelise_

Courtesy of Taylor Morden

Towson alum-comprised band “Parks Landing” in their new music video, “Voices in My Head.”

Still, they managed to stay alive and record an album they’re all proud of.

“I think going into the studio we thought it would be more indie,” DiCarlo said of their debut sound.

“But after Rob came in and produced some stuff, we finalized our sound.

It was more pop than I think we’d expected. I mean we like the sound, so it’s cool, but it’s kind of surprising.”

Their writing process for the EP was intensely collaborative.

“When we first got together I had a couple songs that I’d already written, and then I brought them to the guys and they put their spin on it,” DiCarlo said. “We’re still kind of figuring out our creative process as a whole.”

Because the writing of the music was a group effort, each song reflects all three of their personal styles and tastes.

Individually, they’ve been inspired by a wide variety of genres.

“I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, all those grunge bands,” Colegrove said.

“Then I kind of branched out and started getting into jazz and fusion music, country.”

At this point in their career, the band’s sound doesn’t fall in line with any specific genre as pop, rock, and indie all emanate from each song,

they said. The 90s alt rock influence is definitely there as well, reminiscent of Third Eye Blind, who Ciarrocchi and DiCarlo both love.

Parks Landing is looking forward to hosting an all-ages CD release party at the Ottobar on Nov. 21—$2 for under 21, $10 otherwise.

Just two weeks before they play the Ottobar show, a music video for the EP’s first track “Voices in My Head” will premiere on YouTube.

They also have a short documentary coming out in early-to-mid November, featuring footage of the band in the studio, answering some questions and just hanging out.

Through the twists and turns of their growing success, the band still honors Towson for giving them their roots.

“Towson is probably the place where I learned to be a really critical thinker, when it came to my own consumption of media and whatnot, which in turn influences how I create it at the same time,” Ciarrocchi said.

“So I think just having echoes of my past professors still influences a lot of what I’m doing today.”

For more information about the band, their upcoming events and general antics, they can be found on Facebook: facebook.com/parkslanding, Twitter: @parkslanding, and on Instagram: @parkslandingmusic.

Want to hear about Parks Landing’s newest EP? Check out the album review in This Week’s Spin on this page.

Courtesy of Taylor Morden

I’ve gotten to know the band “Parks Landing” pretty well in the last few weeks through interviewing them for this issue of the Towerlight, and then giving their debut EP an extensive listen so I could give you my honest opinion of it.

Let me just say now that I’m so grateful I haven’t yet had to speak with or review a band whose music I genuinely didn’t like. That would be so awkward, and something I’m not yet at all prepared for.

Especially since all three members of Parks Landing seemed like such completely nice people when I spoke to them, I’m relieved I don’t have to sit here and write, “0/10 this album is bad, do not listen to it!”

Now, as a general disclaimer, I don’t listen to a lot of music that would be considered “indie pop.” I know Parks Landing doesn’t want to box themselves into a particular genre, especially this early in their career, and I don’t want to do that to them either.

But while they’re not exactly pop-influenced, this EP does have a pretty pop-y sound.

First, a brief summary of the band’s history: it’s short, as they only just got together this March.

They went into the studio this past summer and recorded with producer Rob Freeman, former guitarist of post-hardcore band “Hidden in Plain View.”

Freeman has primarily recorded with post-hardcore and pop punk groups, from “Sound the Alarm” to solo artist Ally Burnett.

Niki DiCarlo sings the five catchy tunes on the EP, backed by drummer Tom Coleman and guitarist Dan Ciarrocchi.

DiCarlo’s voice perfectly accompanies both the pop and rock aspects of their music.

She’s melodic, but edgier than the average bubble-gum pop princess, and Dan’s rhythmic guitar playing fully complements it.

Coleman has been described by

his bandmates as an extremely talented and flexible drummer.

Coleman has personally been inspired by almost every genre, and that wide variety of influence shines through in his drumming.

When it comes to the band, there are no weak spots.

Individually, these musicians are all immensely talented and their sounds work even better when put together.

As far as the music goes, my favorite overall aspect is the lyrics.

They’re deeply personal, revealing and relatable to both the bohemian Baltimore artist and suburban Towson college student.

In “Filters,” something as simple as the way a couple takes their coffee speaks more generally of the reasons their relationship failed: “Saccharine won’t help mask the bitterness in you / So keep convincing yourself I’m to blame, too,” DiCarlo sings.

In “Another Coast,” the last song on the EP and my favorite of the five, Dicarlo sings, “Oh I’m missing something I can’t identify / Imagining perfection as an attainable goal.”

Even the most casual listener won’t be able to help but feel that Parks Landing has put their bedtime thoughts into words.

My one criticism of the album would be that it sounds a bit overly-produced, but that’s coming from someone who likes her music lo-fi. I enjoy listening to the older albums and EPs of established bands because they tend to be more raw, simple demos on Bandcamp that directly point to the innocent, naivety and early energy of starting a new band.

Basically, if you like listening to music and feeling like you’re in the basement of someone’s mother’s house while hearing a group of great musicians who are still undiscovered or just underground, then this album may not be for you.

However, if you prefer a more polished sound that still reflects the musicians’ natural talent along with indie pop vibes and intimate, original lyrics—then definitely check out the five songs on Parks Landings’ “Little Planes.”

Puzzles

19

November 10, 2015

Crossword Sudoku

? ?

Turn to page 20 for answers to today’s

9-10-14

● Each row and each column must

contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily

outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages

with the number in the top-left corner.

KenKen® is a registered trademark of Nextoy, LLC. ©2014 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Universal Uclick for UFS. www.kenken.com

Puzzles

?

INVITE YOU TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A PASS (ADMITS 2) TO THE ADVANCE SCREENING, VISIT lionsgatescreenings.com AND ENTER THE CODE: TLHGMJ2 The screening will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at a Baltimore-­Area theater NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED. TWO PASSES PER WINNER. EACH PASS ADMITS ONE. SEATING IS NOT GUARANTEED AND ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. EMPLOYEES OF ALL PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS, LIONSGATE AND THE TOWERLIGHT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL. THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13. NO ONE UNDER 13 WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT A PARENT OR A LEGAL GUARDIAN.

IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 20

/THEHUNGERGAMESMOVIE |

/@THEHUNGERGAMES | #MOCKINGJAYPART2

20

Sports

November 10, 2015

thriving through opportunities Towson running back Darius Victor looks to capitalize on his time at Towson Assistant Sports Editor @tylerbeard2

Sometimes things just fall into place at exactly the right time, and that’s something junior running back Darius Victor will never take for granted.

“I was fortunate,” Victor said.

“Everything just fell on my side and I thank God every day, I’m just really blessed.”

Victor’s early fortune began when his family was relocated from Liberia to Maryland by the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program.

Victor was 5-years-old at the time his family was moved to Manassas, Virginia.

A few months later, the family moved to Hyattsville, Maryland, where they remained through Victor’s childhood.

“It’s real humbling knowing that I made it out and there’s so many stories about families that haven’t made it out,” Victor said. “I’m just real blessed and fortunate for my family, and I don’t want to ruin it or not make the best of it because I know most people don’t get that from where I come from.”

At a young age, Victor’s family instilled in him the values of humility and taking advantage of the opportunities that are laid out for him.

Victor seldom missed out on his opportunities, including one that he was exceptional at, football.

Victor had parents who worked every day for him and his four siblings, which helped create a tight bond between himself and his older brother, Kevin.

“He started playing football first and I used to go to his practices,” Victor said. “One day, Coach asked if I wanted to play football, I said yes, and I loved it.”

On the field, Kevin was referred to as “Big Vic” and Darius was called “Little Vic.” Victor credited Big Vic as the reason he started playing because of how he wanted to be just like him and how they were always on the football field together.

Victor played the running back position right away, and his first run that he remembers was a 40-yard pitch for a touchdown.

This type of play carried into high school years, where he played football at Northwestern High School. In his senior season, Victor ran for 2,017 yards and 31 touchdowns.

His high school numbers earned him looks from many different colleges but Victor fell in love with Towson University.

“The family environment, atmosphere, c o m m u n i t y, coaches and players were huge for me,” Victor said. “I grew up in a big family so having a family vibe is the reason that I’m here.”

Victor also joked that his Boys and Girls Club team he played on with his brother was called the Tigers, with black and yellow colors.

“I started out as a Tiger so I may as well finish one,” Victor said. “I just love this place. I love the coaches, players and it was a great decision. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”

Victor played right away for the Tigers as freshman and was the No. 2 running back behind current NFL free agent Terrance West. He finished that season with 629 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. His freshman season was good enough to earn 2013 CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“I got to learn from the best at this level of all-time,” Victor said of playing with

West. “He’s a big bro to me and just seeing the way he ran, making the best out of every play, was just great. I don’t think I’d be where I am, as far as I am, if I didn’t come here and sit behind Terrence and learn from him and the coaches.”

Victor became the starting running back after West left for the NFL and finished his sophomore season with 1,305 rushing yards, along with 12 touchdowns.

He was named First-Team AllCAA and became the focal point of Towson’s offense.

His play even encouraged his

best friend, Joseph Uwku, to write a song about him. Uwku rapped throughout high school and has even written some small songs about Victor in the past.

Then he came up with Victor’s theme song, “Vito,” which is now played during every home game when Victor makes a big run.

The song is available on iTunes for purchase under “Vi70 (Vito)”

by JooZy Joe. “So one random day, I’m on Instagram and I get a notification and I read that it’s about me,” Victor said. “I didn’t know he was making a song about me and the first time I clicked the link, I couldn’t believe he was talking about me. I put it on the speak-

ers in my house, it’s loud, and I’m yelling, crying and dancing at the same time.”

Victor was happy that the song captured him as a person, as someone who is grateful for the opportunities he received.

As the season comes to a close, Victor hopes that more opportunities open up for Towson football, including playoffs.

“We know that it’s not easy,” Victor said. “Each week, anything can happen. We have to come out humble and not let this win streak get to our head. I think we have good leaders to instill that into the rest of our players and we’re just hungry. We love winning and don’t want to lose another ballgame.”

9-11-14

● Each row and each column must

contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily

Solutions to Puzzles appearing on page 19.

Patrick Burke/ The Towerlight

Running back Darius Victor after scoring a rushing touchdown in the game against Holy Cross at Johnny Unitas Stadium on Sept. 19.

outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages

with the number in the top-left corner.

KenKen® is a registered trademark of Nextoy, LLC. ©2014 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Universal Uclick for UFS. www.kenken.com

TYLER BEARD

sSports

November 10, 2015

21

tigers split colonial road matches Towson defeated Northeastern Sunday, but fell to Hofstra Friday JORDAN COPE Assistant Sports Editor @jordancope26

Towson split a pair of Colonial Athletic Association matches this week, defeating Northeastern Sunday in Boston, and falling to Hofstra Friday in Hampstead, New York.

Sunday, the Tigers defeated the Huskies 3-1.

“It is really important for us to bounce back and beat Northeastern on Sunday,” senior Haley Pa’akaula said. “It puts us in a position that we can still possibly host the tournament. It also helps us gain our confidence going into a big match against James Madison.”

In the first set, Towson earned a 25-7 victory.

After dropping the first point of the set, Towson went on a 12-0 run to take a 12-1 lead. Towson later

went on a 4-0 run to extend its lead to 22-5 before closing out the set.

“We came out really strong in the first set,” Pa’akaula said. “[Jocelyn] had a really long serving run that gave us momentum to finish the set quickly.”

While the Tigers dropped the second set 25-22, the team rebounded in the following two sets and earned a 29-27 victory in set three and a 25-16 victory in set four. In set three, Towson trailed Northeastern 23-18 but went on a late 4-0 run to pull within one point.

Towson later took a 26-25 lead after a pair of attack errors from Northeastern before closing out the set on a 2-0 run.

In set four, the Tigers got out to a fast 7-3 lead thanks to an early 4-0 run. The Tigers later responded with another 4-0 run to take a 12-8 lead before taking the set and win-

ning the match. Friday, Towson fell to Hofstra 3-2.

“Hofstra is always a solid team and this time around we didn’t play as cleanly as we did the first time around,” Pa’akaula said. “We made more errors and were always fighting from behind.”

“

We are really excited to get another shot at James Madison. It’s senior night which makes it even more special.

HALEY PA’AKAULA Outside Hitter

The Tigers dropped the first set 25-23.

The Tigers held an 11-9 lead midway through the set, but a 5-0 run

from the Pride put the Tigers down three points which prompted Metil to call a timeout.

After the timeout, Towson went on a 3-0 run to tie the game 14-14.

Towson later went on a 4-0 run to take a 20-18 lead, but Hofstra responded with a 4-0 run of its own to close out the set.

In set two, the Tigers earned a 25-14 victory. Towson jumped out to an early 4-1 lead after a 3-0 run.

Towson later went on another 3-0 run and a 4-0 run before winning the set and evening the match 1-1.

In set three, the Tigers fell 25-22.

Towson held a 14-12 lead midway through the set, but a 5-0 Hofstra run left Towson trailing 17-14.

Although Towson went on a late 3-0 run late in the set, Hofstra held on for the win after scoring on the final two plays.

In set four, the Tigers earned a

25-23 victory to force a decisive set five. Towson got out to a fast start thanks to an early 3-0 run.

Although Towson got out to a fast start, Hofstra responded midway through the set with a 4-0 run to cut into the Towson lead.

Despite the Hofstra rally, Towson hung on and won three of its last four points to secure victory.

In set five, the Tigers fell 16-14.

Towson took an early 2-0 lead in the set and were one point away from closing out Hofstra, but the Pride went on a 3-0 run to win the set and defeat the Tigers.

Next week, the Tigers will close out their regular season as the team battles James Madison Friday at SECU Arena and Delaware State Sunday in Dover.

“We are really excited to get another shot at James Madison,” Pa’akaula said. “It’s senior night which makes it even more special.”

22

Sports

November 10, 2015

Why Gloves Should remain off in hockey Talks of banning fighting in the NHL surfaced, but there is still room in the game for it JORDAN COPE Assistant Sports Editor @jordancope26

The National Hockey League is perhaps the most unique of the four major professional sports in the United States.

Played by men from across the world of different shapes, sizes and ages on a sheet of ice with blades on their feet brings a level of excitement that no other sport can match.

Aside from the obvious, however, the NHL possesses a characteristic that no other major sport does: Fighting.

If players drop the gloves and are willing to serve a five-minute major after their scuffle, they can re-enter the game.

Many old school hockey types think that fighting should be kept in the game, while others think that it should be ousted.

While the argument for banning fighting from the sport raises valid

points, this unique characteristic is something that should ultimately be kept in the game.

Many times when players drop the mitts, it is an attempt to try to turn the momentum of the game in their team’s favor.

On March 23, 2012, the Winnipeg Jets trailed the Washington Capitals 3-1 approaching the midway point of the second period.

After an ensuing faceoff, former Jets center Jim Slater and Capitals center Brooks Laich dropped the gloves.

Slater clearly came out the victor over Laich in the scrap, and Winnipeg went on to score two unanswered goals in a 4-3 come from behind win over Washington.

Along with swinging the momentum of a game, fighting in hockey is a way for players to defend their

teammates.

Capitals fans will never forget the moment former Penguins winger Arron Asham instigated Jay Beagle into fighting.

Beagle (not known for fighting) was clearly outmatched by Asham (an enforcer in the league) when he was knocked out in a fight at Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center in October 2011.

After the fight, as Beagle lay on the ice unconscious, Asham made a “good night” gesture as he proceeded to the penalty box.

The next time the Capitals and Penguins squared off, former Capitals defender John Erskine (another known enforcer in the league) and Asham went toe to toe not long after the puck drop.

Erskine defeated Asham in the scrap, and there was no funny busi-

ness in the next meeting between the bitter rivals.

Clearly, fighting in hockey is more than just a barbaric and senseless street fight.

By dropping the mitts, players can swing the momentum of the game into their team’s favor and defend their teammates from dirty plays that occur on the ice.

Although critics of fighting in the NHL say that it is a bad influence on young fans and gives the game a bad reputation, this unique characteristic still has a place on the ice.

While fighting will likely remain on the ice this season, it will be interesting to see what the league does with fighting in the future.

Photographer/ The Towerlight

Former Capitals defenseman John Erskine drops the mitts with former Penguins winger Aaron Asham.

CHEER ON YOUR TIGERS IN THE SEASON HOME OPENER! STUDENT TICKETS ARE FREE WITH YOUR ONECARD!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16 · 7 P.M.

VS.

sSports

November 10, 2015

Win streak continues TYLER BEARD Assistant Sports Editor @tylerbeard2

Towson extended its win streak to four games after a 10-7 win over the Maine Black Bears Saturday night.

“Chemistry and leadership has pulled this team together,” Head Coach Rob Ambrose said. “Tough times can expose your personality and we had this last year with injuries and youth.

This season, our leaders have done a great job. I give all the credit to the kids.”

It was another defensive battle for the Tigers (6-3, 4-2 CAA) as the team held the Black Bears (3-6, 3-3 CAA) scoreless until a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordan Dunn cut the lead to 10-7 with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Towson responded with a drive that lasted over seven minutes. Redshirt senior quarterback Connor Frazier helped lead the offense down the field with four completions for 33 yards, including a 7-yard pass to junior wide receiver Jacquille Veii.

Veii’s catch brought Towson down to Maine’s 20-yard line and was short of the first down by two yards. Head Coach Rob Ambrose chose to go for it on fourth down, but junior running back Darius Victor was tackled for no gain.

Maine had a chance to even the score with less than three minutes left in the game and quarterback Drew Belcher connected with wide receiver John Hardy for 26 yards on third down.

The play brought the Black Bears to midfield but their drive stalled after an incompletion and 4-yard rush from Belcher. The Black Bears faced fourthand-three at the Tigers’ 48-yard line and the Tigers forced an incompletion from Belcher, which ended the drive.

Victor rushed for 30 yards on the next possession, which was enough to run out the clock for the Tigers’ win.

Victor finished the game with 101 rushing yards and one touchdown.

“It was a very pleasant surprise,” Ambrose said. “For the last month, we’ve had to prepare and plan with options A, B and C. His reemergence helped recreate our identity and

allowed us to be in a better position.”

Towson’s lone touchdown was setup by its defense after senior cornerback Donnell Lewis stripped the ball from running back Nigel Beckford late in the third quarter. Junior linebacker Eric Handy scooped the ball and ran it 20 yard to Maine’s 6-yard line. It only took two plays for Victor to get into the end zone and helped jumpstart an offense that struggled in the first half.

The Tigers only gained four yards on their first two offensive possessions and failed to convert a fourth down conversion early in the second quarter at the Black Bears’ 32-yard line.

The first points of the game came off a 19-yard field goal from Sam Hurtwitz at the end of the first half, which gave the Tigers a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The win keeps the Tigers’ CAA title hopes alive but the team will need to win on the road against William & Mary (7-2, 5-1 CAA) on Saturday. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m.

“Everyone knows their role and they’re prepared,” Ambrose said.

“They’re ready for a really tough challenge against William & Mary.”

USTORE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Haley Pa’akaula Volleyball

Senior Haley Pa’akaula led the Tigers to a 3-1 victory over the Northeastern Huskies Sunday in Boston after recording 12 kills, 11 digs and two aces.

victories for both teams CHRIS WELLS Staff Writer @cgwells00

Towson swimming and diving kept their momentum rolling from last week as both men’s and women’s teams left George Washington University victorious.

“George Washington swam very well and made our team step up to the challenge to pull out victories for both teams,” Head Coach Pat Mead said. “[It was a] great way to finish the dual meet season this fall.”

The men’s team dominated from the start, winning twelve events en route to a 182-72 victory.

Junior Nick Breschi led the charge with a first place finish in both the 100-yard backstroke event (51.50) and the 200-yard backstroke (1:54.30).

Senior Matt Hans came out on top of his fellow Tigers in the 100-yard freestyle event with a time of 46.50.

Following Hans was senior Zach Brech (47.92) in second, and senior Matt McKenney in third (48.46).

Hans wasn’t finished there, as he picked up his second victory of the day in the 50-yard freestyle event (21.19) with Brech finishing in a close third (21.60).

McKenney continued his successful day with a first-place finish in the 200-yard butterfly event with a time of 1:50.52, and grabbed up another win in the 100-yard butterfly (49.81).

Junior Jeremy Liu won the 100yard breaststroke with a time of 59.07, senior Joel Todd finished third (59.67).

The Tiger team of Breschi, Hans, Liu and McKenney all followed their individual success with a team victory in the 200-yard medley relay in 1:33.75.

The women’s team won ten events in its 192-102 dual meet victory. Junior Macy Arnold started her impressive day with a win in the 50-yard freestyle event in 24.59 and freshman Kara Powell finished third (25.34).

“The women’s team was led by Macy Arnold with three wins, and the men’s team was led by Matt McKenney, Matt Hans Nick Breschi and Jeremy Liu,” Mead said. “Good meet for both our men and women.”

Arnold kept rolling as she won the 500-yard freestyle event with a time of 5:03.60, and senior Hannah Snyder finished in second (5:07.20).

Senior standout Jenna Van Camp won the 200-yard breaststroke event in 2:21.23.

The team of Arnold, Van Camp, senior Charlotte Holz, and freshman Tara Goss earned a first-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:47.17.

Younger Tigers performed well, as freshman Ashley Illenye won the 1000yard freestyle event in 10:24.69, followed by fellow freshman Ryan Ulrich in second-place (10:40.40).

“Diving was led by Molly [Arceri] and Natalie [Szopo] each winning one board,” Mead said. “The Pitt invite will be our last competition for the fall.”

The Tigers have a week off as they prepare for the Pittsburgh Invite from Nov. 20-22.

“It is a different format and the focus will be more on individual success at that meet,” Mead said. “I am confident it will be a great experience for the team.”

23

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24

Sports

November 10, 2015

Bonds of brotherhood CHRIS WELLS Staff Writer @cgwells00

Some students go to college to pledge a fraternity. Some run for positions in their university’s student government association. And other men join the rugby team.

The single, oval-shaped leather ball does more than just get tossed around. It unites roughly 50 men into a culture, a bond and a brotherhood.

For Tim Shields, the word “brotherhood” has literal and figurative meanings, as he and his brother are both members of Towson’s men’s rugby team.

“Me and my brother are really close, he plays outside center and I play wing, so we have a connection on the field that has been in the making since we were little,” Shields said. “The guys I’m not actually blood brothers with and the guys I came up in the ranks with since I was a freshman are the closest friends I’ve ever had in my life.”

After this weekend’s win against Salisbury, the team is 6-1 for regular season, and 2-0 for postseason.

The love of the game is strong, but playing alongside one another is what these players thrive on.

Teammates have each other’s backs on and off the field.

“We play for each other because I

know when you see someone go into a tackle, and you know someone is going to try and take the ball from them, you’re immediately there over top of them taking hits from the other team just to protect your guy with the ball,” senior member Tyler Honeycutt said.

For Honeycutt, the brotherhood within the team has had the most impact on his life.

“

One hundred percent [this sport], has changed my life for the better. I’ve got it tattooed on my leg.

TYLER HONEYCUTT Senior member

“No matter where you go you have a boy with you and he’s always by your side,” he said. “I can look back and realize I’ve always had someone to lean on no matter what it is, and I know I’ve been there for plenty of people.”

The team conditions together twice a week, practices on field twice a week and says they love every minute of it. Even when players might need a break and don’t want to play anymore, they can’t walk away.

“I think the thing that it comes back to is the intensity,” senior

member, John Schuberth, said.

“Every time I think I might stop playing I always have a draw to come back, it’s almost like it’s an addiction.”

Even outside of the team, Schuberth said, the men are all close friends and support one another.

“You form relationships playing this more than in any other sport I ever played,” he said. “Something about the game just draws us together and builds a special bond.”

The sport of rugby is intense, and is unlike its cousin sport football because of the fast paced nature of the game. Yet, it’s that exact style of game play that the players love most.

“Practice is intense, more intense then I’ve had in other programs,” junior member, Anthony Bria, said.

“When I played football in high school it was more relaxed, rugby practice is different, everyone comes out and it’s intense.”

No different than any other team or school, players will come and go, but the bonds teammates have formed will be with them even past their time at Towson.

“These are the guys I came into college with and the same dudes I’ll be hanging out with after college too,” Bria said. “You play a sport and its cool, but if you’re not going to love your team it’s hard to play.

That’s one thing I love about this team, I love every one of them. I’m

part of a fraternity too, but sports is just a different bond.”

These brother-like bonds have fueled the team to play with inspiration all season long.

“It’s not about just being the star player it’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself,” Shields said. “We have someone on our team that is battling a sickness right now and he’s what we’re playing for this season. He’s our incentive this year to go as far as we can.”

Towson defeated Salisbury 13-10 in a close, gut wrenching game to win its first ever Potomac Rugby

Conference Championship Saturday, Nov. 7 in Severna Park. This victory avenged a 36-13 loss from earlier in the season on Oct. 17.

The Tigers are ranked 5th in the nation, and will move on to play in the national playoffs Nov. 20-21 for the fifth straight year.

The brotherhoods formed throughout the team are like tattoos, they said, it’s going to be with them forever.

“One hundred percent [this sport], has changed my life for the better,” Honeycutt said. “I’ve got it tattooed on my leg.”

File photos Patrick Burke/ The Towerlight

Towson plays Salisbury earlier this season, Oct. 17, on Burdick Field where they lost 36-13 before their comeback this weekend.