Connector 9/23

University Crossing

â—„ UMass Lowell celebrates the grand opening of the new student center. â–şPage 4

THE UMASS LOWELL

Serving the Student Body Since 1976

September 23, 2014

Senator Warren speaks at UMass Lowell

In This Issue

David Rudderham

Mill No.5

Connector Editor

Lowell’s up-and-coming culture hub

â–şPage 6

R.I.P. George

►Page 10 Women’s soccer River Hawks break 5 game losing streak

â–şPage 12

Final River Hawk Scores Team

Score

Overall Record

M. Soccer vs. Dartmouth

L 0-4

2-6

Field Hockey vs. Hofstra

L 1-3

3-5

W. Soccer vs. Hartford

W 1-0

3-6

Volley Ball vs. SJSU

L 0-3

1-14

â–şSee Sports, Page 12

River Hawks choke on Pride Shane Foley Connector Editor

Hofstra lit up the scoreboard with three goals in the first half during last Friday’s field hockey game against UMass Lowell. Even tight defense in the second half couldn’t save the River Hawks from a 3-1 loss.

The Hofstra squad was led by Claudi MarinSamper, who had a shooting fest. She scored the last two goals off five shots to put Hofstra in the lead. “At the beginning of the season, we knew that UNH and UMass Amherst were going to be our main competition,� said goal keeper Kelsey Federico. “We shouldn’t underestimate Hofstra.�

Perhaps the largest contributing factor to Hofstra’s victory was shots on net. They had 22 of them, compared to UMass Lowell’s 11.

Our one goal of the night was knocked in by Bianca Jones, who was “River Hawk of the Weekâ€? two weeks ago. She had excellent positioning in front of the net, allowing her to grab the ball off of a shot on net by Christa Dorion. Jones then flicked the ball in for her sixth goal of the season. â–şSee Field Hockey, Page 11

Sections Op/Ed.......................... 2 A&E.............................. 6 Calendar...................... 3 Campus Life ................. 9 News............................ 4 Sports .........................10

Elizabeth Warren addresses an audience at University Crossing promoting her new book, “A Fighting Chance�

A large crowd gathered at the new University Crossing building on Friday to see one of the country’s senators speak on the current state of politics and financial distress in America.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat that has made a name for herself by focusing on issues such as banking regulation and student loan debt, came to UMass Lowell to talk about her new book, “A Fighting Chance,� now a New York Times bestseller.

The Senator was introduced by Marty Meehan who, in the introductory speech, made a call to arms to fix the ongoing problem of student loan debt. “Student loan debt exceeds Christopher Tran/Connector credit card debt,� said Mee- Democrat Elizabeth Warren came to UMass Lowell to promote “A Fighting Chance.� han.

She eventually went back to school and continued with Student loans were a recurring theme that afternoon her education until she finally received her law degree at and when Warren finally took the stage, she opened with Rutgers University in NJ. Although times were bad to be a passage from her book about her early life. Her family a law student, she only saw things get worse for students struggled financially and she had left college at the age of with student loans.

19 to get married to her then husband, Jim Warren. â–şSee Warren, Page 5

River Hawk flop

Difficulty purchasing books causes rough start to semester for students, professors Marlon Pitter Connector Editor

they are either out of them, or for some other reason, like the professor never asked the bookstore to purchase them,� Sweeney said.

Among the usual challenges of beginning a new semester, â–şSee Bookstore , Page 10 students across campus say they have been met with difficulty trying to purchase books for their classes to start this semester.

The newly erected River Hawk Shop at University Crossing was designed to help make buying books more convenient for students, according to bookstore director Ginger Defino. While some students have found the location more easily accessible, others have not found the new store extremely helpful.

Matthew Sweeney, who is currently working toward a doctorate in criminal justice, says his difficulties purchasing books predate the new bookstore in University Crossing. He says he has faced obstacles obtaining books through the bookstore a number of times. “It seems that every semester, I am not Photo Courtesy of Joseph McDonough able to find one to two books because The River Hawk Shop from the Merrimack Street entrance.

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September 23, 2014

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS Dining halls hours, a nuisance for early risers and late night patrons you won’t be able to swipe into a dining hall.

The underlying problem with the weekend hours is that many students have jobs, if not other obligations in the morning. Many with such responsibilities in the morning are currently forced to either skip breakfast, or find another place to eat.

And sure, other places to eat do exist; however, few of them accept a meal swipe. So for those who don’t have money or UCash to spend, you are out of luck.

The weekdays are a bit more reasonable.

Monday through Thursday the hours compensate for those with morning and evening classes by opening at seven o’ clock and closing around eight, depending on where you go, (Mill City Restaurant or University Dining Commons).

Sam Linstead-Atkinson UML Student

For any students who have not had the inconvenience of arriving at one of the dining halls too early or too late for a meal, don’t call yourself lucky just yet.

With University Dining Commons and Mill City Restaurant both opening at ten o’ clock on weekend mornings and closing before nine, it won’t be long before you run into this problem.

That is, unless you are one of the “typical� college students who wakes up around twelve p.m. and stumbles into the dining hall around one o’ clock for a late breakfast or lunch. If this is you, you may not make the mistake of showing up too early, but you definitely will be irritated when you start to feel hungry around nine or ten at night, only to realize that

The only issue I can raise with the weekday hours is that they close too early. For students like me, dinner before eight o’ clock is extremely inconvenient on most nights, if not impossible to include to my schedule.

The first time I made the mistake of showing up for an early breakfast, I had to wait forty-five minutes outside Fox Hall in the cold and unrelenting morning temperatures. I sat outside with four or five others students who had the similar inconvenience of being stuck outside with their stomachs rumbling and the smells of food only tantalizing them.

The next time I tried to open a locked door to a dining hall I had just got back to campus from work, and was anticipating a warm plate of food to console myself after a long day. This was obviously problematic as I instead had to call a

pizza delivery service and spend unfavorable amounts of money on long-awaited food.

All I am asking by writing this article is for an organizing of students who have experienced the same problem, and a respective effort by those organized to extend the hours in both directions. From the only perspectives I can think to look at it from, it seems that this would only benefit students and negatively impact not a single person.

There would have to be either more shifts or longer hours for each shift if this change was to take place. And at the first glimpse, this might seem like it is shifting the weight of the issue on staff members; although, in reality this would only free up more jobs for students, if students were respectively offered positions for such shifts.

THE UMASS LOWELL

Serving the Student Body Since 1976

UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR

EDITORIAL BOARD

MADDIE KOUFOGAZOS Managing Editor

CHRISTOPHER TRAN Editor-In-Chief

SARAH PACHT KACI MCLAUGHLIN Copy Editors MARIE PIERCE Advertising Manager MELISSA ALMONOR Web Manager JENNIFER VIVIER MICHAELA HYDE Social Media Managers LUCAS BROWN Distribution Manager

POSITION AVAILABLE Operations Manager AL GENTILE DAVE RUDDERHAM News Editors SHANE FOLEY NICHOLAS GIANNINO Sports Editors MARLON PITTER Campus Life Editor REGINA ALONGI JEN DESROSIERS Arts & Entertainment Editors KELLY FREITAS JENNA FREITAS Graphic Designers

JONATHAN SILVERMAN Advisor

SAM LINSTEAD-ATKINSON BENJAMIN ST. PIERRE HENRY ST. PIERRE GREG ALEXANDROPOULOS

KARLA GARCIA AMANDA DYSART JULIA BELLEFONTAINE TYLER COTE

Writers

Phone | 978.934.5017 ext. 45017 Address | University Crossing Club Hub Suite #241 220 Pawtucket St. Lowell, MA 01854

General: The UMass Lowell Connector is a non-profit student public forum serving the University of Massachusetts Lowell community. The paper is published weekly and distributed free to the university community every Tuesday.

Business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please be aware that members of the University community are entitled free newspapers. Please take one!

All UMass Lowell students, regardless of major, are invited to join the Connector staff. Interested students should contact an editor or manager listed above, or visit the Connector Office in University Crossing 241.

Advertising: The UMass Lowell Connector advertisements reach an estimated 16,000 UMass Lowell students--their friends and families. To tap this group of

future high-income earners, contact our Advertising Manager at 934-5009.

DEADLINE for ALL advertising (TO INCLUDE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF THE UNIVERSITY) is Tuesday, 12 p.m. for the following Tuesday’s publication.

No exceptions will be made. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted.

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The UMass Lowell Connector does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any product or service advertised in this publication.

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Submission: The deadline for all submissions (to include Letters to the Editors and Opinions) is Friday at midnight for the following Tuesday’s publication.

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September 23, 2014

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ng happeni What’s us on camp th?! this mon SUNDAY

CAMPUS CALENDAR

SEPT./OCT. MONDAY

22

21

TUESDAY

23

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

24

25

Fat Chicken Eating Contest 9p.m.-11p.m.

Fox Hall Common

FRIDAY

26

OAP Sunset Kayaking @ Merrimack River Lowell, MA

SATURDAY

27

FH vs. UC Davis 1 p.m.

Cushing Field

Men’s Soccer vs.

Sacred Heart 4 p.m.

Cushing Field

Marketing Club first General Body Meeting 5:00 p.m.

Volleyball vs. NJIT 4 p.m.

Costello Gym

29

28

30

Holy Mass Moloney Hall, University Crossing 7:00p.m.

2

6

7

3 Volleyball vs.

University of Albany 6:00 p.m.

Costello Gym

Christian Student Fellowship Weekly Worship 7:35p.m.

Univ. Suites 106

W. Soccer vs.

Stony Brook 1:00 p.m.

Cushing Field

5

1

8

Christian Student Fellowship Weekly Worship 7:35p.m.

Univ. Suites 106

9

10

4 UMass Lowell Open House 9:30a.m.-1p.m.

Tsongas Center

11

Men’s Hockey Home Opener vs. BC 7:00p.m.

Tsongas Center

Calendar listings are FREE when space is available. To better ensure your listings placement, get your information in two weeks in advance by e-mailing Christopher_Tran@student.uml.edu

What Should You Do? If you are worried about yourself, a student or coworker, the university is here to help.

“UMass Lowell’s Counseling Services has resources to help—there are programs, workshops, counseling, and other offerings available to the entire campus community,” says Jacqueline Keeves, Mental Health Clinician and Prevention Outreach Specialist.

According to Keeves, if you suspect someone is depressed or contemplating suicide, you should:

Sheila Eppolito

As the nation mourns the death of Robin Williams, people are reminded of the much-needed discussion of the risks of depression and the importance of suicide prevention efforts.

UMatter, a comprehensive UMass Lowell wellness program, offers an in-person suicide prevention workshop, an online interactive suicide prevention coaching tool and other wellness related events including PAWS for Stress Relief. UMass Lowell Counseling Services program has provided tips for students, faculty and staff to recognize depression and suicide risk in themselves and others.

Telltale signs of depression include: Sleeping too much or too little; Difficulty concentrating on tasks that used to be easy; Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness; Inability to control negative thoughts; Changes in appetite; and Increase in risky behaviors including alcohol, drugs and reckless sexual contact.

Connect with the person: Ask them if they’ve been struggling and if they have thought about suicide. Remember, it isn’t important how you ask the question, but that you ask it.

Connect with resources: Reach out to trained professionals who can guide you if you’re unsure how to approach the individual.

Connect the individual with resources: Offer your concern and let them know that help is available. The best way to connect an individual with a counseling resource is to bring them there yourself.

If you’re concerned for someone’s immediate safety, call Campus Police at 978-934-4911.

Says Keeves, “When in doubt, reach out.”

For articles on depression and suicide prevention, check out the UMatter at UMass Lowell Facebook page at https://www.facebook/umatterUML. UMatter is funded through the Garret Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

For more information, contact Jacqueline Keeves.

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September 23, 2014

September 23, 2014

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NEWS

NEWS University Crossing grand opening a grand slam

Elizabeth Warren visits UMass Lowell ►Continued from front page

Alex Gentile

for the University. “Right now we’re working on a renewal of Perry Hall, and we recently completed On Tuesday, Sept. 16, dignitaries from the UMass the master plan for South Campus which is a longUniversity system, local icons, facilities personnel, term build-out,” he said. faculty and students came together for the grand Sallyann Thomas, one of the interior designers opening of University Crossing, with a lavish rib- for the project, commented that collaboration was bon cutting ceremony. a central concern in the design. “The general inteThe event began with an opening reception. Pa- rior design was trying to make the space as open as trons mingled among themselves with food, drink possible so students can collaborate,” she said. and jazz music from two student players, many Thomas continued on the openness of the conmarveling at the new construction. “This facility cept. “The reason it’s so open and glassy was to foster that kind of collaborative environment,” she said.

Once the opening reception ended, the UMass Lowell Gospel Choir came together to sing two soulful numbers, eliciting audience participation through calland-response and clapping. One of the choruses echoed an important theme of the event: “You’re deserving of more.”

The UMass Lowell Marching Band then debuted the new River Hawks fight song, “River Hawk Pride” penned by Dan Lutz, director of university bands and Deb Huber, associate director of university bands.

Samuel Linstead-Atkinson UMass Lowell Chancellor MarChancellor Marty Meehan introduced a large cast of dignitaries ty Meehan then took the stage to put is phenomenal, and UMass Lowell has a lot to be the opening of University Crossing in the context proud of,” said Geoff Combs, director of the Cam- of the university’s rapid expansion within the past pus Center at UMass Boston. five years. “This change, this project, is the biggest,” Amy Liss, associate director of Student Activities he said. and Leadership, was excited for the possibilities for Meehan suggested that the $95 million developstudent engagement. “It is so exciting, so many peo- ment is an integral part of a larger mission “that ple have worked for a long time to make this facility will enhance student life, increase efficiency and available for student engagement and student life in propel us further in our strategic plan to achieve excellence in everything we do.”

After making a nod toward the new Division One status of UMass Lowell’s sports teams, Meehan introduced Student Trustee Phil Geoffroy and Student Government Association President Amanda Robinson, who championed the recent smoking ban and “Share the Air” initiative.

Geoffroy stressed the call for leadership in a rapidly-changing world and that University Crossing is Connector Editor

Samuel Linstead-Atkinson

From left to right: Ida Iko, Laura Altenor, Vynelle White, Marly Thomas, Katherine Charles

one place where students can have a comprehensive experience,” she said.

According to Liss, University Crossing has been in the works for many years. “I know the last couple of years people have been planning the actual space, but for many, many moons people have known this is an important component to add to our campus.”

The most striking feature of the lobby is the wooden modern installation hanging over the stairSamuel Linstead-Atkinson case. David Damon, one of the architects from PerStudent Government Association President Amanda kins+Will, the company tasked with designing UniRobinson and Student Trustee Phillip Geoffroy versity Crossing, considers the installation a way of bringing the old and new together. a facility designed to give students the opportunity “The unifying element architecturally is this lan- to answer. “As a home to more than two hundred tern. Lowell has a history of the mills and textiles, student organizations and a center for student enso this is a representation of textiles and looms,” gagement, this building will serve the vital function Damon said. of promoting active citizenship and instilling the Damon also made a nod to further developments

tenants of leadership in our student body,” he said.

Robinson then took the stage. Robinson cited that University Crossing, amid all other developments, is special because “it is the single building that is offered to each and every student.”

Samuel Linstead-Atkinson

The cutting of the ribbon

Before the speeches began, Robinson expressed that University Crossing also would address what has been considered a major downfall to the sprawling layout of the University. “I think it’s going to connect the two campuses which historically has been UMass Lowell’s biggest issue,” she said.

After Robinson, the Chancellor introduced a long list of dignitaries who provided integral efforts to

Some statistics she had provided regarding student loans were alarming. “Over 40 million Americans are still stuck with student loan debt,” said Warren. She criticized the government’s policy on student loans for making things worse.

“You raise over 60 billion dollars in money for the government. You are an investment,” said Warren. She then spoke about how the government abuses this and cuts better deals with big banks than with students seeking higher education. “We’re just going to charge you extra to raise more money,” said Warren, in a tone mocking current Washington leaders.

Warren segued this into a story about how she created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a way for Washington to be tough on big banks.

The agency had proved difficult to start.

“Barney Frank said he will fight for it all the way,” said Warren. Warren’s idea for a bank-regulating agency was supported by politicians, many of whom were on the left.

Senator Warren noted that her idea, although it had support, had become controversial in the eyes of some high-ranking politicians. “They didn’t want to choose between angering the public or angering the banks,” she said.

The story was one where she persevered despite the cynical advice she was receiving in Washington.

She still hasn’t stopped fighting and has made raising the minimum wage and passing a new student loan bill her top priorities in addition to regulating banks.

“Is Washington going to work for millionaires and billionaires? Or are they going to work for the

greed. “We shouldn’t let big banks build a profit model based on tricking people,” she said.

During the Q&A session, questions were picked for Senator Warren, which touched upon different subjects such as LGBT rights and women’s rights in the workforce.

On the subject of women looking for leadership roles in the workforce, Warren said, “Don’t wait for someone to invite you because they will not.”

That answer was the result from a question asked

by UML student Genesis Peralta.

“It was so surreal,” said Peralta on what it was like to have Senator Warren answer her question.

“She’s a great role model for women. It’s totally amazing to see that she’s really fighting for us and equality in America.”

The crowd roared with applause when Senator Warren made it adamantly clear during the Q&A that she supports gay rights and gay marriage.

“Equal means equal,” she said.

The air was filled with support for Warren.

“I liked when she talked about being a woman leader and being fought against,” said Haley Verre, a young student on a class field trip for the day. “I Christopher Tran/Connector also agree with her on banking regulations.”

Elizabeth Warren, Democratic Senator of Massachusetts Carol Newhardt, Verre’s friend, had said, “I like rest of us?” said Warren. when she promised protecting families instead of She attributes Washington’s failure to work for big banks.” The crowd was filled with people both the lower and middle classes to greed. “It’s not young and old, but the youthfulness of the crowd in something that happened as a force of nature. UML’s new building was high for a politician.

It’s the rules we make,” said Warren on income Senator Warren spoke to this audience by inequality. driving home the issue of big banks, student loan The crowd stood and applauded when she debt and high minimum wages. “Every kid deserves maintained her position in fighting against such a fighting chance,” said Warren.

Ferguson inspires forum at UMass Lowell Samuel Linstead-Atkinson

Senator Eileen Donaghue

the establishment of University Crossing. Lowell City Manager Kevin Murphy, Board of Trustees Chairman Henry Thomas, University President Robert Caret, UMass Building Authority Chairman Phillip Johnston, Senator Eileen Donoghue and Representative of the 16 Middlesex District Thomas Golden all took the stage.

In her speech, Senator Eileen Donoghue echoed the chorus of the Gospel Choir, addressing students and eliciting a grand response from the audience.

“You need to have at least as best as private universities,” she said, “but let me go a step further.

We should have better facilities than private universities.”

Afterwards, all the speakers came together at the foot of the staircase and, with the symbolic oversized pair of scissors, Meehan cut the ribbon and a flood of blue and white balloons fell from the ceiling, punctuating the event.

Balloons popped, hands shook and goodwill was had throughout.

For questions or comments to the author, he can be reached through email at alexander_gentile@ student.uml.edu.

Samuel Linstead-Atkinson Connector Staff

In response to the events that took place in Ferguson, Mo., the Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted a forum Wednesday to discuss the incident and the ethical issues surrounding it. The conversation was an informal one, and the two microphones made it into the hands of nearly everyone in the room.

Michael Brown, 18, was fatally shot on Aug., 9,

by Officer Darren Wilson with the Ferguson police department. Brown was unarmed at the time of the shooting, and was reported by some witnesses to even have his hands in the air.

The Department of Multicultural Affairs had called for this discussion as a way to respond to the case of Michael Brown and to draw out similarities to others like it. As Leslie Wong, director of Multicultural Affairs put it, “we’re not here to find a solution.”

What was found by all of the attendees was a sense of communal togetherness. Each person to take the microphone offered their own perspective on the events in Ferguson, and many related it back to their own experiences with police.

“We know that Ferguson is not a singular or

an isolated event,” said Elizabeth Herbin-Triant, a visiting assistant professor in the Department of History. Names such as Eric Garner, Amadou Diallo and Trayvon Martin were brought up and linked to the same theme of discrimination by police.

“The issues surrounding Ferguson, Trayvon Martin and Amadou Diallo are all indicators of something

“We know that Ferguson is not a singular or an isolated event.” much greater at play and something much more deeply rooted in our society,” said Wong.

Robert Forrant, a professor in the Department of History, thought this supposed inequity of criminal profiling by police to be a result of the wealth distribution amongst society. Forrant offered, “the growing economic inequality is…exacerbated…by the question of race.” Many students agreed with this statement, as some suggested personal examples from their own experience in Lowell and the surrounding towns.

There was dispute on whether something on the scale of the Michael Brown case could happen here in Lowell. Many reported that the same basis of racial discrimination by police already exists here,

while others claimed that this was unlikely to occur on such a drastic level in Massachusetts. Regardless of this, the consensus of the room was that this conversation needed to be sustained and extended.

“I think this is something that should definitely continue,” said Henrique Urey, 23, a senior at UMass Lowell. With this and similar comments from others, many corroborated that this would be the first chapter in a much larger discussion. It was also agreed that dialogues like this do not take place frequently enough. “It’s important for people to have these conversations,” said Ikechukwu M. Iloputaife, 22.

Also expressed was the aspiration of reaching out to larger numbers of people as the event came to a close. “I wish that we could take this conversation...to the whole campus,” said Ahmad Lassonah, 26, a local resident.

The notion to extend this forum to the entire UMass Lowell and the Lowell community was agreed upon by everyone that had a chance to speak. “It is a necessity to understand how we are all impacted,” said Leslie Wong.

If you have questions for the author, contact samuel_linsteadatkinson@student.uml.edu.

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September 23, 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mill No. 5: A hipster amusement park

September 23, 2014

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ‘American Idiot’: 10 years later Marlon Pitter Connector Editor

Jen Desrosiers Connector Editior

Built in 1873 and owned by The Appleton Manufacturing Company for which it served as a textile mill until the early 19th century, Mill No. 5’s original purpose was to be a weaving and spinning mill that was entirely powered by steam. Today, the old mill building has been transformed into a sort of hipster amusement park that offers an exciting shopping experience and a vast array of quirky and whimsical shops.

Everything about Mill No. 5 is unique, from its interior, which is made up of bits and pieces of salvaged historic buildings throughout Massachusetts and New England, to the independent cinema, which will showcase classic films and live music. No matter what your interests are, you are bound to find something that you like at Mill No. 5.

The Tone Loft Opened by the Rothrer family, the Tone Loft offers a selection of specialty and vintage instruments along with lessons in guitar, bass, percussion, vocals and piano.

The Luna Theater On the day of its grand opening on Sept. 20, The Luna Theater showed a variety of movies including Frank, Obvious Child, Snowpiercer and Moonrise Kingdom. Along with independent movies and cult classics, the theater will host events such as live music and various theater performances.

Be sure to stop by Mill No. 5 every first Saturday of the month for The Marketplace Series: a monthly indoor flea market of vintage and handmade goods from a variety of local artists and vendors!

250 Jackson St. Lowell, MA-facebook.com/millno5, millno5.com

Botanie This florist offers a variety of plants from succulents, tillandsia and Japanese Kokedama moss gardens to artsy plant arrangements. Buyers can also choose from a variety of jewelry made from recycled brass and copper.

Henry St. Pierre Connector Staff

Jen Desrosiers/Connector

Indie Game Spotlight: ‘The Swapper’ Brendan Jacques Connector Contributor

Crafted by the team of developers at Facepalm Games, “The Swapper” pulls you into its world like few games are ever able to do. With its haunting soundtrack, beautiful art direction and chilling themes, this game is able to capture the beauty and loneliness of space with a befitting elegance. This commitment to atmosphere is further bolstered by its deceptively simple puzzle design and a story that consistently questions what it means to be alive and what individuality even means when you’re surrounded by clones of yourself.

These clones come courtesy of the aptly named Swapper, a gun capable of creating clones that mimic your every movement and swapping your soul into the bodies of said clones.

While this concept is fairly easy to get your head around at first, the game is able to create a myriad of unique puzzles with this mechanic, which only get more complicated with additional mechanics, such as shifting gravity. The feeling of solving any of the game’s puzzles is gratifying in a way I haven’t found in a puzzle game since “Portal.”

But that isn’t where the real genius of “The Swapper” lies. Rather, it’s in how the game forces you

Green Day’s iconic punk rock opera, “American Idiot,” turned ten this Saturday. Before Sept. 20, 2004, this generation had never seen – nor heard – anything like it. But now, all around the world, “American Idiot” is a household name.

“American Idiot,” Green Day’s best-selling album since “Dookie” ten years prior, flew off shelves in music stores everywhere upon its release. The album sold more than 260,000 copies within its first week, a true feat in the modern music industry. The album went on to sell 15 million copies worldwide, six million in the United States alone.

The album starts off by telling the story of the character Jesus of Suburbia as he leaves for the city because he hates his town. Later in the story, St. Jimmy and Whatsername make appearances as Jesus of Suburbia’s morals and love interest, respectively.

The best tracks on “American Idiot,” aside from its five platinum singles, are “St. Jimmy,” for its fast-paced punk rock style that Green Day haven’t really

played since “Nimrod;” and “Give Me Novacaine,” for its soft, acoustic-guitar-tracked verses and crunchy electric guitar choruses and solo.

The album has led Green Day on to some of the biggest tours and shows of their now-27-year musical career, including playing to about 130,000 people over two days at National Bowl Milton Keynes, England in 2005, where they filmed the live DVD “Bullet in a Bible.”

Since then, the album was transformed into “American Idiot: The Musical” in 2009 and arrived on Broadway on April 20, 2010 with 422 performances before touring the rest of the country and the world. The musical features additional characters compared to the album, as well as additional songs from the band’s 2009 record “21st Century Breakdown.”

This summer, Kerrang! paid tribute to Green Day’s landmark record by releasing a cover album of “American Idiot,” featuring some of today’s biggest bands in the alternative, pop-punk and hardcore music scenes.

Notable covers on the Kerrang! edition include 5 Seconds of Summer’s cover of “American Idiot,” Neck Deep’s cover of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” Escape the Fate’s cover of “Give Me Novacaine” and Falling in Reverse’s cover of “She’s a Rebel” with a screamo breakdown included free of charge.

With everything that this album has accomplished, it’s almost certain that “American Idiot” will be one of the most celebrated albums of our generation.

The Yik Yak attack

Vinyl Destination This small and independent vinyl shop can easily be described using its own description: “It’s all vinyl, and that’s final. We’re a mom and pop record store celebrating vinyl, spun at 33 and 45 rpm. We buy and sell.”

ArtSylum Run by self-proclaimed “art mongers and purveyors of handcrafted oddities and necessities for the discerning individual,” Artsylum sells whimsical artwork made by both local and national artists alike.

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to question the ethics of using such a device. On one hand, discovering that any fall can be survived by placing a clone below you and swapping into it was amazingly gratifying, seeing my original body crash to the ground in a lifeless heap gave me pause. Are the clones I’m throwing around actually lifeless shells I can do with what I wish? Or am I

Space Station. While their dialogue is generally well written and well-directed, the story they try to tell is confusing and annoying. I was paying attention to every story sequence the game threw at me, but by the end I still had no idea who my character was or what any of the people I was doing missions for actually wanted to do outside of the broadest, general ideas. And it only gets more complicated when clones and alternate personalities and “alternate souls” are mixed in as well. It didn’t serve to hurt the experience of play in any major way, but it’s a shame that a messy story holds back a game with such a great commitment to atmosphere.

Regardless of my issues with the story, “The Swapper” is an incredibly unique experience that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique game that will stick with you long after the credits roll. “The Swapper” Courtesy of Facepalm Games is available on PC and Mac for $15 and on Playstation 3 and Playstation 4 for $20. committing murder with each clone I send falling to its death? The story is at its absolute best when it leaves you pondering these questions as you move Final Grade: Aforward hoping for answers.

Sadly, this silence is broken somewhat by the appearance of other survivors aboard the Theseus

The Connector had the privilege of publishing the treasures of “Yik Yak” in last week’s newspaper. Well, guess what? We’re back to print even more Yaks for this week! Now that most of the UMass Lowell populace should have a familiarity with this addicting application, let’s jump right into some of this week’s best Yaks.

(Disclaimer: “Yik Yak” is an anonymous app where people post sometimes disturbing things, with disturbing spelling and grammar to go along with it.

The posts are published just as they appeared on the app, minus, of course, any profanity). Let us begin.

“So i did meet one cool/attractive girl but it turns out i was going to the wrong class. Life of an engineering major” “It is unrealistic to expect a guy to be 100% accurate while peeing. Some drops just weren’t meant to make it” “Plot twist: Professors use Yak” “College students be crossing the road like “hit me, I got tuition to pay” “Never trust a kid who still wears his class ring” “Not sure how to break the news to my dog that he is adopted” “If you don’t cross the street completely unaware of your surroundings or with regard for motor vehicles, are you really a UMass Lowell student?”

“Saw some construction workers laughing on the bridge today. Now I know what they’re really building; a friendship” “Why is it that I only notice how dirty my room is right before I want to start my homework?”

“A girl walked past my dorm today, so i guess you could say things are getting pretty serious” “shout out to the guy that just whipped out his razor flip phone, i didn’t even know those still existed… you do you man” “*At wedding in 8 years* I remember when I first met her. We were both on the shuttle to south and I yakked that she could sit on my face any time, and it was history from there.”

“University of Construction, Massachusetts” “Why, how and when did scooters become a thing again?”

“When you do something embarrassing in public and check yik yak to if someone posted anything about it” Check out the Yik Yak section in the Connector after you go on Yik Yak! If you see your Yak here, congratulations on your publication. If you don’t see you next week.

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September 23, 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Some advice for a nicer life Review of Have A Nice Life’s ‘Deathconsciousness’ Benjamin St. Pierre Connector Staff

We all experience moments of pure bliss upon finally finding the thing we didn’t even know was missing. Like a sickness that has finally been remedied by a medicine you didn’t even know existed. Like a feeling that, although there may be numerous incomplete structures within your being, you’ve at least found partial betterment through a material with which you can build. Something like this occurred to me the other day.

Music is an integral part of human identity; what you listen to can shape or effect your view on the world, your view on people and even how you view yourself. And music, being an art form, is constantly experimenting with new sounds and ideas, as the artists try to convey emotions, thoughts and their own existence through words and sound. They convey the abstract through the concrete. It’s great.

While taking a lazy day a few weeks ago to do nothing else but discover new music, I stumbled upon a band whose sound I’ve never quite heard before. It filled a void in me. Have A Nice Life, out of Middletown, Conn., incorporates electronic, droning melodies with reverbed vocals, both acoustic and electric guitar and an overall gloomy and enshrouding atmosphere that completely immerses the listener in the world each song creates. The band’s debut album, “Deathconsciousness,” actually first released in 2008, but it was re-released this past Tuesday on iTunes (which caught my eye). It may have been a good amount of time since its release, but it is no less amazing, and an iTunes release broadens the potential audience.

The album, in short, is riveting. It’s like electric folk music with a hint of metal and hard rock influence strewn meticulously about. It’s all about experimentation and creating music that combines instruments you’ve never heard pieced together before. My imagination is at work while I listen to it. Songs like “Bloodhail,” “I Don’t Love,” “Holy F*cking Shit: 40,000” and “Earthmover” bring to mind the scene of a gala in which the guests are robots and the only sustenance being served is motor oil; or outside, where faceless workers are

changing trees to fit a new world through a process of turning bark to computer chips. You’re immersed in a world in which the “sights” and sounds become infinitely more relevant than what is being said, as the reverbed vocals become almost hard to hear, and interpret, when the instruments stand out so much, and deservedly so.

I believe Have A Nice Life to be a band that deserves recognition for not only being somewhat enigmatic and weird, but also for doing weird well. To be successful, you need something about you that sets you apart from the rest of the pack. Have A Nice Life succeeds at being different and weird enough to succeed by having its distinct sound remain a mystery. What are they, exactly?

I don’t know. Their music is addictive; I suggest you try it for yourself, as it’s something you’ve most likely never heard before.

Overall, “Deathconsciousness” is a more exciting yet uneasy work of art.

It’s fine, experimental art, and deserves to be recognized as such. Have A Nice Life has certainly made my life better.

Courtesy photo

Final Grade: A-

Still ‘Friends’ after 20 years Amanda Dysart Connector Staff

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first “Friends” episode, we’ve compiled some of our favorite quotes and facts from the series.

Fun Facts • Before becoming “Friends,” other potential titles were “Friends Like Us,” “Six of One,” “Across the Hall,” “Once Upon a Time in the West Village” and “Insomnia Cafe.”

• Ellen DeGeneres turned down the role of Phoebe.

• Phoebe and Chandler were originally going to be supporting characters.

• In the first couple of episodes, Monica and Rachel’s apartment was No. 5, which was changed in later episodes to No. 20 – they noticed the apartment was situated too high in the building to have such a low number.

• While the series was nominated for 62 Primetime Emmys, Courtney Cox was the only member of the cast who was not nominated for her work on the show.

• James Michael Tyler, who played the role of Gunther, originally got the part because he knew how to work an espresso machine.

• The final episode was the fourth most-watched series finale in U.S. television history.

Courtesy of Warner Bros./NBC

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Quotes • “I’m not so good with the advice… Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” – Chandler • “Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?” – Phoebe • “Yeah, it’s like a cow’s opinion... it just doesn’t matter. It’s moo.” – Joey • “Isn’t that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?”

–Rachel • “Guys can fake it? Unbelievable! The one thing that’s ours!” – Monica • “First divorce: wife’s hidden sexuality, not my fault. Second divorce: said the wrong name at the altar, kind of my fault. Third divorce: they shouldn’t let you get married when you’re that drunk and have stuff drawn all over your face, Nevada’s fault.” – Ross

CENTRALPERK CHANDLER GUNTHER INSOMNIACAFE JOEY MANHATTAN MONICA PHOEBE RACHEL ROSS WESTVILLAGE

R E U N N W U H H Z K S B D H

N G P T P S T L O R P R S Z W

O A X H T V R T E T G S R M O

A L T J O K I P G U O T F E R

S L J T U E L U N R U S L U J

I I Q L A A B T E L P I L R F

S V I U R H H E D L P N Y V D

I T U T A E N N B O X K U Z J

Z S N F R Z L A A I B P X E D

R E L D N A H C M E P Q Q M M

C W K F F O K R A C H E L O Y

H D F K D E D P G E G C S N E

W G J L E Y Z W Z T D P H I O

I N S O M N I A C A F E C C J

Y A C X E U Y F N R B G I A Y

September 23, 2014

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CAMPUS LIFE Jiri ‘George’ Banecek passes away Michael Caizzi Connector Contributor

It is always a sad event when somebody dies young, especially when they’re one of our own. Jiri “George” Banecek, a man whose warm smile and delicious eggs greeted the students of South Campus at breakfast for over a decade, sadly succumbed to a battle with liver cancer at the age of 56 over the summer.

Cheryl Dion, the supervisor of the South Campus Hawk’s Nest and a close friend of Banecek for twelve years, spoke about him with the kind of affection in her voice usually reserved for a loved one who has been a facet of everyday life. She spoke of how he emigrated to the U.S. from the Czech Republic for better opportunity, but never forgot

his homeland. She told of how George would often talk and tell stories of what it was like there, and even play Czech music.

“He always said how he would go back there one day,” said Dion. “I like to think that he did.”

But the thing Dion emphasized most was Banecek’s love for the students. The camaraderie he enjoyed with them was something special, and he would often say it was the best part of his job. He would often affectionately talk of seeing his regulars each day, even if that one simple interaction was a breakfast order. He loved and was loved by everyone that knew him.

“His absence leaves a big void here among the students and his coworkers,” says Dion.

All those that knew Banecek also knew the care

and devotion he put in to serving his students. His warmth and kindness helped make it a little easier for everyone to get to that 8 a.m. class, and to simply exist in those ungodly hours of an early morning. He loved us all, and his passing leaves an empty space that will not easily, if ever, be filled.

Though Banecek has passed, and breakfast will never be quite the same again, he will never truly be gone. The memory of him, and what a damn good bacon, egg and cheese he could make, will stay with all his regulars forever.

There will be a benefit held in Banecek’s honor at the Polish American Veterans Club on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The PAV is located at 201 Coburn St. in Lowell.

Bookstore, campus out of sync ►Continued from front page

books through the River Hawk Shop, students have “Every employee is supposed to approach cusWhile some books students have tried to pur- also shared mixed feelings about the new book- tomers and ask for their schedules, so we can literchase were temporarily unavailable, there were al- store’s location and convenience. ally walk them to where the book is,” says Defino. ternative options, some better than others, to obtain Sweeney says not having to travel between North “Then we explain the shelf tags in case they came their required class materials. and South campuses for books is a positive aspect back down and it’s busy or they can’t get to someOne possible solution was to “special order” their of the new location. one.” books through the campus bookstore. By paying “Being a South Campus major, I constantly had Even in taking these measures, Defino says, other for books in advance, books are sent to the store to go to North to purchase books for North cours- circumstances may arise resulting in students not and students are notified upon their arrival. For es, as well as online courses,” he said. “It was the being able to acquire their books and she would one anonymous student, his experience was not as biggest pain.” “have to look at each one specifically.” smooth, he says.

In addition to less travel, Sweeney also says he “Are they not finding it because the professor “I received an email saying my order was ready. has seen lines and wait times decrease dramatically hasn’t given us the information? Are they not findHowever, when I went, they kept saying it was not in the new bookstore, as compared to the two pre- ing it because they didn’t have their schedule and ready and to come back tomorrow,” he said. “After vious ones. they’re trying to remember what class they have?” a week, I went in and gave said Defino. “It’s on an indithem all of my information vidual basis.” and confirmation number, Moving forward, Sweeand they finally put my orney says he thinks buying der together. It was a long books from the River Hawk and tedious process.”

Shop can be improved with Delays in purchasing more coordination between books can put students and the textbook manager and professors in awkward poprofessors. sitions when classes comAt the same time, profesmence. For some professors, sors like Sandra Miller and tough decisions have had to Kimberly Blanton say they be made on whether or not are considering what they to wait for everyone to accan do to make their stuquire their books and how dents’ experiences better in to conduct their classes in and out of the bookstore. the meantime.

Miller says, retrospective“From past experience, ly, that she could have orI’ve learned not to introduce dered an extra copy of her assignments that require the required text and put it in the book until the third week library until students were of class or so,” said adjunct able to obtain the book.

Photo Courtesy of Joseph McDonough English Professor Melissa Blanton says she may conThe River Hawk Shop at University Crossing sells textbooks for both North and South Campus classes.

Juchniewicz. sider reducing the number Associate history Professor Shehong Chen says “One thing I will give them credit for is that they of textbooks required for her classes in the future, the bookstore not having the required books for her have many registers open, and it reduces lines of 30 possibly removing them from her classes altogether. class affected her teaching. to 40 down to no more than 15,” he says. “I had to “I’ve thought about eliminating a textbook. They “I have to organize my teaching entirely differ- go a few times this year and waited no more than 10 are so expensive, and students are already borrowently,” said Chen. “I can’t assume that the students minutes to get to the front of the line.” ing too much money,” says Blanton. have the books.”

The ease of finding and purchasing one’s books, Miller says, though she is not as familiar with stuIn the meantime, students say they have tried to however, is one aspect that the aforementioned dents lacking books as full-time professors may be, obtain books for classes through online third-party anonymous student says he does not feel has im- she would like to see this issue addressed. sellers, and their efforts have met mixed results. proved.

“Students do not need their UML sweatshirts and “I used Amazon, and the service was fast, easy, “I think it is harder to get books than it was be- Snickers bars,” she says, “but they do need books.” and the customer service was great,” said the same fore. It was less chaotic, and everything was more anonymous student. “It was also less expensive.” organized,” he says.

Connector staff writer Tyler Cote and contributor AmFreshman and political science major Tyler FarDefino says her employees are trained to help stu- aris Torres contributed to this article. ley, on the other hand, says he had a “terrible expe- dents navigate the book stacks and find the items rience” after buying books online through valore- they need. She also says that because most of her books.com. employees are students, they can “understand the Along with their difficulties obtaining certain student’s perspective.”

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September 23, 2014

SPORTS Worst to first to worst to who knows?

Henry St. Pierre Connector Staff

To say this Red Sox season has been a disaster is beyond an understatement. Coming off winning the World Series in 2013, a season when most baseball writers had picked them behind teams such as the Rays and Blue Jays to win even the AL East, there were high hopes around Red Sox Nation that the team would go for a repeat.

However, there were question marks surrounding the team, especially involving the departure of center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and shortstop Stephen Drew (before he was re-signed in May). These two veterans were replaced by Jackie Bradley, Jr. and rookie phenom Xander Bogaerts, respectively. Will Middlebrooks, a player who is still valued for his potential power, would be the everyday third baseman.

Jon Lester would continue to be the ace of the pitching rotation, with John Lackey and Clay Buchholz

behind him. Things were exciting around Fenway. Our team won the World Series for the third time in a decade! Then, well, the season started.

Nobody really understood why the Red Sox were a BAD team. They weren’t mediocre, they weren’t slightly below-average; they were terrible.

Sure, some individual performances were pretty good - Jon Lester had arguably the best season of his career, Brock Holt was a dynamic leadoff hitter who sparked numerous wins and made tremendous plays at seven positions, and even the hyped rookies (Bradley Jr. and Bogaerts) showed flashes of potential, with Bradley’s golden glove (perhaps he will win one someday) and Bogaerts going through stretches when he showcased an above-average bat, despite some shaky fielding.

Also, David Ortiz put up another 30-homer season in which numerous people doubted if he could do it again. Come the All-Star break, the team was not really a team as much as

it was a collection of baseball players.

That is why, on the morning of the trade deadline, July 31, Red Sox All-Star pitcher Jon Lester and attimes-clutch outfielder Jonny Gomes were traded to the Oakland Athletics for their slugging Cuban outfielder, Yoenis Cespedes. I don’t really want to say the Sox got the better end of the deal, but I’ll just say that at the time the Oakland A’s looked like a lock to win the AL West; now, the A’s are battling the Seattle Mariners for a wild card spot, and another wild card spot will likely go to whichever team doesn’t win the AL Central between the Tigers and Royals.

Meanwhile, Cespedes has been unstoppable since joining the Sox, and he is exactly the type of hitter the team needs behind David Ortiz, at least for a few more years. Also, the Red Sox made another big splash by signing another Cuban outfielder, Rusney Castillo. Castillo is small but powerful, with speed and a good bat, and should be another great Red Sox

for his contractual seven years.

All in all, the season is memorable for being completely unmemorable. That is, besides the huge trade at the deadline. Hopefully the trade for Cespedes and signing of Castillo pave the way for the Sox to be more aggressive this winter. Jon Lester, feel free to come home if the owners don’t low-ball you. Other veteran pitchers likely available will be James Shields, who knows the AL East, and Phillies star Cole Hamels. There’s also quite the logjam in the outfield. Cespedes, Castillo, Bradley, Jr., Victorino, Craig, Betts, Nava, Holt… some of these guys will be gone come next season.

Perhaps some will be packaged in a deal with some top minor-leaguers for a superstar - somebody like, I don’t know, maybe Giancarlo Stanton (may he recover from that terrible injury first). A few superstar hitters and pitchers next year, and who knows, maybe we’ll be worst to first to worst to first.

Fantasy advising center week four Shane Foley Connector Editor

Welcome to week 4, where nobody is right! That’s typically the case for people who try to make any long term judgments based on the little football we have seen, and I assure you, we’ve only seen a little football. For instance, Buffalo won their first two games. Some are saying that the Bills are the future.

Anybody want to put up 100$ on the Bills to win the Super Bowl this year? Didn’t think so. After three weeks in the season, people want to predict the playoffs already. By now, you should have a good understanding of who has been performing on your team. The thing to do here is to be smart. It may be a good idea to start dropping the scrubs on your team, since non drafted players are starting to show up now, but hold on to your big time players. Here’s who to play next Sunday.

Start Them: Tony Romo: I understand, nobody wants to start Tony Romo.

However, this is a prime envorinment for Romo to put up numbers.

The Saints secondary is still looking weak. Drew Brees is also still going to let the ball fly. The Cowboys are playing a team that gives up a lot of points, and they are going to need to score a lot to be that same team. It’s a perfect match.

Doug Martin: Martin’s knee is guaranteed to be fine by next Sunday, unless there is something ESPN didn’t tell us. The Steelers defense is weak, but they are not stupid. Troy

Polomalu will have a tail on Vincent Jackson the entire game. The Buccaneers are going to need secondary options, like Martin, especially in the passing game.

Julian Edleman: I would not be surprised if I found out Brady and Edleman ate lunch together. Brady has proven Edleman is his best friend, and against a stout run defense in Kansas City, Brady should be airing it out a lot. If you’re in a PBR league, this should be a no brainer.

Brain Hartline: Hartline used to put up the best numbers in Miami before Mike Wallace arrived. With Moreno hurt, Hartline may be able to recapture the past, with Charles Woodson on Wallace all day.

Kirk Cousins: If he is still available after Robert Griffin III’s injury, you should have him on your team anyways. If your quareterback is on a bye this week, or unable to play, Cousins should light it up against the Giants.

Don’t Start Them: D’Angelo Williams: Baltimore has the 8th ranked run defense in the league. Newton should be throwing the ball on Sunday, not handing it off.

Alex Smith: If you are in a small league, he is probably a backup anyways. However, there are other quarterbacks that aren’t going up against an almost-solidified Patriots defense.

Randall Cobb: I love me some Randall Cobb, but it’s not the week to start him. Chicago is in the Top 10 for pass defense, and Jordi Nelson is still the top option for Rodgers.

►See

Fantasy Football, Page 11

September 23, 2014

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SPORTS

The MLB playoff picture Benjamin St. Pierre Connector Staff

First and foremost, for clarification, all predictions presented in this article are as of Thursday, September 18.

With this baseball season being the third to feature a second Wild Card team per league, a greater number of teams, throughout the season, consider themselves to be more in the playoff race than out of it. But now that the calendar summer is winding down, the baseball regular season is too, and only a select few teams remain in the race, if they have not already clinched a playoff berth. October nears, and that means postseason baseball.

In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles have already clinched the East, while the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have won the West.

The Central division has been a tight race since the Kansas City Royals ex-

perienced a remarkable turnaround, going from playing good to great baseball earlier in the summer. The Royals have long been poised to aspire to excellence as a ball club, and with the likes of James Shields, Salvador Perez, Eric Hosmer, Billy Butler, and Yordano Ventura at the helm this season, they seem ready to make a real playoff run for the first time in twenty-eight years. For this, the Royals will make the first Wild Card spot, as the Detroit Tigers will win the Central.

The second Wild Card spot will go to the Oakland Athletics. On July 31st, Oakland general manager and sabermetrics patron Billy Beane made a bold move in trading prized Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes for our beloved Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes.

While, obviously, the Red Sox were not expecting a significant turnaround in the team’s overall performance from Cespedes, he has showcased an affinity for the city and the

team, and proves to be a valuable asset in the future, so long as he is extended, or is signed in free agency following the 2015 season.

Meanwhile, in Oakland, Lester has pitched admirably and even dominantly, while Gomes is doing what he does, as a part-time slugger and clubhouse presence. But with the loss of Cespedes, their former cleanup man, the A’s offense fell into a spiraling decline of production and power (partly remedied by trading for Adam Dunn), and began an awful stretch of bad baseball. Despite this, though, I believe the Athletics have enough pitching and just enough hitting to squeeze into the playoffs. The Mariners are playing extremely well, but the A’s are ahead of them this late in the season. Though, in reality, it’s a toss-up between the two.

Because we’re mostly all Sox fans, we tend to have an American League bias, and due to my admittedly-long

American League analysis, I have to limit my National League opinions to fewer sentences.

The Washington Nationals have already clinched the East, while I believe the St. Louis Cardinals will hold onto the Central, and the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the West. The first Wild Card spot will go to the San Francisco Giants, and the second to the Pittsburgh Pirates. I may be following the current standings to formulate these predictions, but this late in the season, to do so is rational.

Ultimately, to get to the point, I believe it will be an Angels versus Dodgers World Series. Californians have all the fun, apparently. But, the Angels will come out victorious, as they have the balance of power, pitching and clubhouse chemistry that will prevail the other teams’. And if I’m wrong, that wouldn’t be the first time.

Unethical influence: the NFL’s demise Tyler Cote Connector Staff

Kids wearing a Tom Brady jersey or doing the Riverdance like Chad Ochocinco are just two examples proving that the NFL has a strangle on American culture and in nearly every household.

However, in the past year alone, the NFL has suddenly been struck with scandal, violence and political issues that were previously unimaginable.

The Washington Redskins name case, a murder case, multiple domestic abuse cases, child abuse and the worst crime of all: poor judgment and action by the leader of this multibillion dollar organization.

The two-game suspension handed down to Ray Rice for the video of him dragging his unconscious fiancé out of the elevator was nothing short of disturbing, and it was made clear that he had been the one who struck her and knocked her out. With this evidence, straight from the words of Rice to the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Goodell still only instilled the two-game suspension.

After an apology by Goodell for acting “wrong” in his investigation of Rice, the video of Rice actually striking his wife surfaced via TMZ. This was unsettling, affecting not only the female fans in the NFL, but everyone.

Now with Rice released and suspended indefinitely the second time through, Goodell’s business decision and terrible judgment has called the league’s ethics and morals into question. The NFL, being the powerful organization that it is, was allegedly unable to get their hands on the video from inside the elevator, but TMZ was able to?

Goodell’s office received the video, but (allegedly) it was lost before it got to him. With his decisions, Goodell has put the NFL in danger of plummeting. In addition to the Rice controversy, one of the greatest running backs of our time, Adrian Peterson, has found himself in a case that

is going to be difficult to get out of. Peterson turned himself into the cops two weeks ago and was indicted for child abuse.

Although gruesome pictures of his child’s legs were released, Peterson is still employed by the Vikings and has not seen any suspension for violating the league’s conduct policy. We must wait to see how this particular situation pans out.

Also, Arizona Cardinals Running Back Jonathan Dwyer was arrested on two accounts. He head butted his wife for refusing his sexual advances and later, threw a shoe, striking his 17-month old son.

Dwyer spent the night in jail; however, he post-

Courtesy Photo

Roger Godell has been under heavy fire.

ed bail, just as Peterson did. Both of the abusers are still on their respective teams, and the league has

Continued from Fantasy Football

EJ Manuel: The dual threat quarterback worries me when he’s going up against possibly the best front 7 in football. CJ Spiller may end up being his top option again, because the Texans are going to get after the quarterback, and take away those top options like

Sammy Watkins.

Leshaun Mccoy: The 49ers defense knows how to stop runners. Mccoy’s case might be helped if Foles can call his number through the air, but the Eagles don’t want to run the football on Sunday.

taken no course of action. Goodell sitting back on his heels only makes the situation worse.

Having this image for the league is terrible and will continue to be, for they will forever be tagged as child and domestic abusers. Goodell’s lack of action will make a lasting impact on what the NFL stands for, which will likely be detrimental to the league.

Dan Snyder is one of the few men in America still adamant about keeping the nickname “Redskins” for his football team in Washington. To some this may be seen as a derogatory term that degrades all Native Americans, who were tagged with this name in a racist and discriminatory manner hundreds of years ago.

On the contrary, Donald Sterling, who was illegally taped, was removed from being the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers for the degrading things he said about African Americans. People applauded NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for his course of action.

Roger Goodell is more focused on selling tickets to the games of today than changing the wrong morals. This type of appeasement is becoming bothersome to those around the league, and combining this situation with the others, Goodell’s position is in real trouble.

The NFL is one of the most powerful corporations in America, across the board. However, they are so powerful that it won’t be noticed that they are in decline until they are close to the bottom.

With the public spotlight on them at all times, it is important to make the right decisions when considering subjects like abuse, murder and unethical matters. Unfortunately for the NFL, they have not been making the right decisions and the only way to improve is a restructuring of the corporation from the top before they find themselves down at the bottom.

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September 23, 2014

SPORTS River Hawks knock off St. Bonaventure, 1-0 UMass Lowell Athletics

LOWELL, Mass. – One goal proved to be enough for a team that had been in a scoring drought as the UMass Lowell women’s soccer team defeated St. Bonaventure, 1-0, in a non-conference match, on a warm and muggy Sunday afternoon at the Cushing Field Complex.

Sophomore Taylor Chianese (Chepachet, R.I.) got the game’s only goal and senior goalkeeper Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.)

made it stand up as the River Hawks snapped a five game losing streak. UMass Lowell improves to 3-6-0. St. Bonaventure, a member of the Atlantic-10 Conference drops to 4-5-1.

“It’s always good to get a ‘W’,” said UMass Lowell Head Coach Joel Bancroft. “We were good on 50-50 balls and we carried the play in some stretches

and we chased the ball in others.”

The River Hawks jumped on the board first in the 20th minute of play. Sophomore Taylor Chianese (Chepachet, R.I.) was on the receiving end of a perfect pass from freshman Shannon Groffie (Toms River, N.J.) and neatly deposited the ball in the upper left hand corner of the net.

“We’ve been working on combination play, our final ball,” said Bancroft. “We want a more organized idea of what we hope

real confident ball, she doesn’t make it more difficult than it should be.”

Once the River Hawks had the lead, the job of protecting it fell on the shoulders of Carlson.

Carlson made six saves, some of them spectacular, but was quick to credit others.

“Great defense starts with the forwards putting pressure of their back line and then the midfielders and so,” said Carlson.

“Everybody makes the next person’s job easier. Defending starts at the top and trickles down.

A couple of golden scoring opportunities did “trickle down,” but Carlson shut the door tight with point blank saves on a shot off the toe of Gabrielle Balseca and then, moments later, Abby Maiello late in the second half.

“When you step on the field, you have a job to do,” said Carlson. “You just have to take it play by play. You can’t focus on one thing. If you make a great save; it’s done; it’s over; you have to move on to whatever is next.”

The shutout was Carlson’s second of the season and the seventh of her career. St. GoRiverHawks.com Bonaventure had a statistical edge except on the scoreboard. the Bonnies outshot UMass to accomplish and we executed Lowell, 19-12 overall and 8-3 on that.” target. The visitors also had a It was Chianese’s third goal 5-3 edge in corner kicks. of the season and the first for the The River Hawks have a River Hawks in more than 451 week off before returning to acminutes of play. tion. UMass Lowell will host “Taylor is very composed Stony Brook University Sunday when she has the ball, her strike afternoon, September 28, at the rate is very high,” said Bancroft. Cushing Field Complex in what “She does a very good job of is the America East Conference shaping the goal. She strikes a opener for both schools.

U P C OM I N G

River Hawk Games Tuesday, Sept.23

7 pm M. Soccer vs. Fairfield

Friday, Sept 26

7 pm

Volleyball at UNH

Tuesday, Sept. 26

3 pm

Volleyball vs. UNH

Saturday, Sept 27

1 pm

Field Hockey vs. UC Davis

Saturday, Sept. 27

4 pm

Volleyball vs. NJIT

Saturday, Sept 27

4 pm

Men’s Soccer vs. SHU

For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com

Field Hockey loses to Hofstra continued from Front Page

Despite giving up three goals in the first half, the defensive unit for UMass Lowell played a very tight second half.

Hofstra had the ball deep in River Hawk territory several times, but they could not find the back of the net again.

Federico, who piled up nine saves in the game, led UMass Lowell’s defensive unit. The second half saw Federico out of goal a lot, making critical stops with the ball. She did not give up any goals in the second half.

“I just tried to step out of the net and be more aggressive,” said Federico.

Christopher Tran/Connector

Christopher Tran/Connector

Bianca Jones scored the loan goal for the River Hawks.

As far as improvements, corner defense may be a reoccurring issue for the blue and white. Hofstra scored twice off corners in the game. A subtraction of those goals would have meant a tie game for UMass Lowell.

This meeting between the Pride and the River Hawks only marks their fifth field hockey meeting in history. The River Hawks still haven’t beat Hofstra, as they have five losses and one tie.

“They [Hofstra] didn’t let us get anything easily,” said Jones.

UMass Lowell looks to avenge their loss by winning against UC Davis this Saturday.

Charlotte Loehr of Hofstra evened the score at 1-1 in the first half.