Volume XXV - Issue I

THE

Writing SNHU’s Story

PENMEN PRESS VOLUME XXV

ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

PENMENPRESS.COM

Robert Frost Renovations Bring Exciting Opportunities

Michael Carignan Staff Writer Spencer Fennell Staff Writer

If you have classes in Robert Frost you most certainly have heard and seen the recent renovations. Although they might not look like much now, they will bring many opportunities once they are finished.

The renovations consist of four new areas including an art gallery, a computer lab, the honors suite and a biology lab. The biology lab has already been completed, while the other renovations are still underway.

Many students do fully understand the opportunities that are to become available with these new additions. Dr. Steven Johnson talked about

what the renovations will offer and how they intend on incorporating them into the curriculum.

The computer lab is a spacious area meant for game design students and allows for real-world opportunities with client work. It has a large room with many high-end PC setups.

These are familiar devices to all game design students. These setups will allow them to create whatever they like, and there will also be tables for any students who want to use their laptop instead.

There are rooms next to the main room which will be utilized by students for completing projects. One is a conference room where students can meet and talk with a client or work with one another. There are also three offices, one

for the producer of the studio and two offices for the game design teachers so that they can be easily accessible for any students who may need assistance.

for SNHU. Thanks to the wonderful SNHU community, SNHU has been capable of growing more and more each semester.

SNHU has once again

shown its desire to keep growing by introducing a new media platform to campus called SNHUTV. According to Stephen Boucher, Director of Marketing and Communications, the purpose behind SNHUTV is “to shine a spotlight on the many wonderful things that are taking place throughout campus to educate, entertain and inspire our viewers.”

SNHUTV was conceived as a partnership between the SNHU On-Campus social media team and the Media Services team led by Tom Helm. Boucher adds that the idea of SNHUTV first originated with the need of providing stu-

The computer lab is making great progress and is expected to be finished by the end of September.

What was originally the McIninch Art

Gallery will also be receiving an update.

The new art gallery will open up opportunities for anyone with a focus on physical paintings and sculptures.

Johnson spoke about how it has grown and said, “In short, the new expansion there gives us room for ex. . . . . . . . . . .

Please continue to page 2

Robert Frost’s innovative new game design lab. (image credit: Spencer Fennell)

SNHUTV, Now Showcasing “300 Acres of Wonder”

Samantha AguilarHernandez Staff Writer

We have just seen the beginning of the future

SNHUTV showcases SNHU around campus. (image credit: Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez)

dents, faculty and staff with a new platform where they could freely showcase any aspect of their experience at SNHU and “have their stories told in a fun, visual way.”

As you may have noticed by now around campus, SNHUTV has rapidly made its way through every screen at the Dining Center, the Academic Center and on Channel 70.2 in all of the residence halls.

As the year progresses, however, the SNHU Community will be able to enjoy the large variety of shows SNHUTV offers at additional locations on campus. Thanks to the continuing effort and work of the SNHU On-

Campus social media team and Helm’s Media Services team, SNHUTV will soon be capable of evolving into something more than just “simple, college programming.”

“We’d love to get to the point where we’re featuring a daily or weekly student news segment by the Penmen Press, music reviews from Radio SNHU, SGA election speeches and maybe live streams of important campus events,” said Boucher.

Anyone at SNHU can share their content through SNHUTV. Students are always welcome to submit their content at s.boucher@ snhu.edu. Clubs and organizations are par-

ticularly encouraged to use SNHUTV as an additional tool to promote and showcase themselves on different screens throughout campus in hope of attracting new members.

The SNHUTV system is built with a capability for graphics which makes it possible for original video content or a simple flyer for upcoming events to appear on screens throughout campus.

If you are interested in news around campus, knowing about upcoming events or if you are simply looking for a way to make some memories while studying at SNHU, then SNHUTV is your go-to.

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editorial tHE PENMEN PRESS STAFF 2018-2019

CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nick Klotz nicholas.klotz@snhu.edu CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF Nikki Fain nikki.fain@snhu.edu ONLINE MANAGER Zach Meisel zachary.meisel@snhu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER Sultan Akhter sultan.akhter@snhu.edu S OCIAL MEDIA MANAGER NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER Maddie Covino madison.covino@snhu.edu LEAD COPY EDITOR Nick VonSchantz-Ricci nicholas.ricci1@snhu.edu NEWS EDITOR Rosa Valente rosa.valente@snhu.edu OPINION EDITOR NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu RTS & ENERTAINMENT EDITOR A NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu ENMEN ABROAD EDITOR P Rachel Romeo rachel.romeo@snhu.edu SPORTS EDITOR Catherine LaChance catherine.lachance@snhu.edu LAYOUT EDITOR Emma Sheehan emma.sheehan@snhu.edu PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Jaelle Matthieu jaelle.matthieu@snhu.edu FACULTY ADVISOR Jon Boroshok j.boroshok@snhu.edu

The Southern New Hampshire University Penmen Press is a news publication produced by Southern New Hampshire University students and funded largely by the Student Government Association of the University. It is our responsibility to inform the SNHU community about events on and around campus. The Penmen Press will print any material found to be factual and in good taste by the editorial staff of the paper. The views published do not necessarily reflect the views of Southern New Hampshire University. The Penmen Press is published biweekly during the academic year and is printed by the Concord Monitor. To contact the newspaper, please email us at penmenpress@snhu.edu.

SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF MA GAS EXPLOSIONS

On September 13, Lawrence, North Andover and Andover, Massachusetts were devastated by catastrophic gas line explosions. The disaster has left many without homes, and many more without the basic necessities of heat and food beyond what can be made in a microwave.

Immediate efforts are being made to provide relief for those afflicted, such as space heaters and hot plates, but the long term impacts remain to be seen.

At a mere forty minutes away from our campus, these communities are home for many at SNHU. Efforts have been made by administration to support students, faculty and staff.

Such as University Campus President Patty Lynott’s email that states, “For those of you who have family/friends who may need your help,

please know that we are here to support you in any way we can.”

While messages of support have been passed on, there has been little conversation and aid to support students of these areas. We all need to begin conversations that allow those affected to process.

It’s in times like these that it’s up to us, as a community, to band together. Understand that the person sitting next to you in class or your neighbor down the hall may be going through something you have no knowledge of. Simple acts of kindness go a long way in times of struggle.

SNHU has many on campus resources for a variety of needs.

The Wellness Center is available to help process emotions one-on-one as Lynott mentions in her memo.

The Cupboard, a new

food pantry located in the Student Center, offers food as well as hygiene products. Residence Life can help you with housing if need be. Kingston Hall offers an oven for cooking.

Commuters, you have access to all of these too.

Find solace in a space on campus. Find comfort in your friends and loved ones. SNHU is a home for you too, whether you’ve just arrived or you’ve been here for years. Many offices provide comforting spaces such as the Office of Diversity Programs and the Women’s Center.

To our readers, if you would like to share any ideas of how we as a community can help with relief reach out to us any time at penmenpress@ snhu.edu. It’s easy to forget the power of words.

Don’t be afraid to have a conversation. And don’t forget the changing power of sharing your story.

Robert Frost Renovations Continued from page 1

hibit displays. It also breaks it up so we can possibly have two different exhibits going on at one time, so we can have more flexibility.” This will allow for more storage of different art and allows students more room for showcasing art as well as appreciating it.

The HVAC systems have also been upgraded and now can allow for climate controlled storage so more sculptures and paintings can be housed there. They are also planning to create a digital archive so that students’ work and other works may be appreciated from

anywhere.

The hope is that this will also increase the number of people viewing the art. The gallery is expected to be finished on October 9, and the first exhibit is expected to be available for showing on October 11.

The biology lab is fully completed and many useful additions have been acquired for experiments and lab activities.

The lab area had been very small prior to the renovation and was not very practical.

It now has more sinks and better countertops that can sustain

different spills from any chemicals or other mishaps.

The honors suite has been moved from Stark to the more centrally used Robert Frost Hall.

Johnson hopes that these renovations are going to provide many excellent opportunities to anyone who wants to use them.

Whether they choose to make use of the client interactions that give real-world experience or take advantage of the new art gallery to show off work, the new Robert Frost additions are bound to pique students’ interests.

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news

Major Concert Artist Revealed to Be Cheat Codes

Nikki Fain Editor in Chief

Following last year’s success, the sold out concert by Fetty Wap makes SNHU Major Concert 2017 a tough act to follow, but CAPE is convinced they’ve got it this year.

Much like last year, seats were filled, the room was nearly bursting and bingo boards vanished into the audience at tonight’s Big Money Bingo.

Tonight, CAPE revealed that this year’s Major Concert artist will be DJ trio Cheat Codes with SNHU alumna DJ Halestorm being the opening act. Cheat Codes is known for collaborations and features in popular artists’ songs, such as “No Promises” with Demi Lovato, “Only You” with Little Mix and “Feel Great” with Major Concert veteran, Fetty Wap. For returners on campus, this may be reminiscent of last spring’s

SNHUStock when DJ group GrooveBoston came.

“If you had been to SNHUstock, it’s kind of like that kind of feel. It’s not just based on one rapper and all their songs, it’s more of a variety,” Vice President and Concert Chair Shannon Gayron said.

“We just thought it was kind of a, more of a wide range of audience, whereas just DJ music is fun, party music whereas having one artist, you’re limited to people who like that artist. For example with Fetty Wap, people who are fans of rappers, you’re just limited to that [genre of music]. Whereas if it’s just DJ music and just fun. . . you have a greater chance of having a better audience. We also are expect the audience to be just a little more controlled than SNHUstock,” Gayron explained.

This year’s Major Concert will again be

held in the Field House.

Rather than have the Major Concert during Homecoming weekend like last year, this year the concert will be the following weekend, on October 19th, in hopes of controlling the audience a little bit more. While CAPE is very excited for Cheat Codes, Gayron shares it wasn’t all easy pickings.

“We definitely got off to not a great foot in the beginning. We submitted a bid that we were super strong about, that we were really, really, very excited for, but because they had just recently released an album, they jumped their price up and were no longer in our budget. So, that put us on a setback.

But really, it’s definitely hard to find someone in our budget, even though we had an extra allocation of money. You still want to find something that the students are going to enjoy as well as keeping in our budget. We were definite-

Tyrron Pierce (‘21) had a friend in a similar situation who just wanted to share her story.

Pierce listened to her, which enabled her to release built up emotions.

He thought he could turn his experience with her into something important, but wasn’t sure how.

One day, Pierce was talking with his friends about how they wanted

to get more involved.

They decided they wanted to try to create a club on campus, but they didn’t know how to do so or what the theme would be. In that moment, he had an epiphany.

He decided to start an organization where students can share stories, he named it the Moonlit Society.

Moonlit Society is named after an old

CAPE’s Major Concert this year will be Cheat Codes (image credit: Emma Sheehan/Cheat Codes) ly limited. Nevertheless, we think this was a great option. . . Some were very good, some were very bad. We narrow it down to what we think the best option for our audience was. . . We thought Cheat Codes was the best option for here.”

This hasn’t deterred CAPE or Gayron’s excitement though. “I’m probably most excited to see all the students just have a lot of fun on the night and see all my hardwork that I put in – literally all of the hours I spent on this – just pay off in the end for everyone

to enjoy it. Thank you to all the students for their continuous support with all the CAPE events, especially the Major Concert!”

Tickets for the show are now available through SNHUtickets.com for $10. Doors will open on October 19th at 7 p.m.

TV show called The Midnight Society, where kids would gather around campfires and tell stories to one another. Moonlit Society’s e-board consists of Tyrron Pierce as president, Julia Brau (’21) as vice president , D.J. Maxim (’21) as secretary, Lily O’ Connor (’21) as treasurer and Thomas Ordway (’19) as visionary. Their mission is to provide students with a setting to share their stories, whether it be ghost stories, life stories or anything of their choosing. The club wants to encourage a safe environment and give confidence to students who may need an outlet.

When asked about what’s expected of the club, Pierce said he wants “to build a community

of people to let stress out because, like I said about my friend, we did that every week, and it helped so much…”

Pierce hopes to collaborate with other organizations on campus.

He’s wants to try things such as making stories for role-playing game campaigns in Gaming Club and sharing stories on Radio SNHU so other students can listen in.

Their largest event of all this year will be called the Story Fire. This is when the entire club will get together and create their own story. Once the story is completed they will present it to the Drama Club. Hopefully, together, they can bring their masterpiece to life.

The club also plans on going on a small trip

to Salem, Massachusetts for a ghost tour or to see some haunted locations.

Pierce knows that a lot of pressure is placed on students when they are on campus and hopes this club can help many students overcome their insecurities. He has worked very hard to get his club where it is now, and he believes it has been worth the effort.

“If it helps people and makes them feel comfortable on campus, if it makes them feel loved, then that’s what I want,” he said. Pierce is giving all he has to this club to make it a special place for all students who want to come and join.

Moonlit Society will meet in room 106 in the ACC every Thursday at 6 p.m.

The Unseen Side of SNHU’s Newest Club: The Moonlit Society Matt Rubenstein Staff Writer

College can be a difficult time for some students. The transition causes anxiety and stress, leaving students with an unbearable feeling of discomfort. Oftentimes, it can be difficult for a student to share what’s on their mind, as there may not always be someone around to share it with.

Moonlit Society recruits at the Involvement Fair. (image credit: SNHU)

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news

Give a Little, Feed a Lot Food Drive a Major Success

Catherine LaChance Sports Editor

The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) partnered with the New Hampshire Food Bank for their tenth annual Give a Little, Feed a Lot (GALFAL) food drive held on Saturday, September 15. More than 150 student and faculty volunteers trekked into nearby Manchester neighborhoods to collect food from residents to deliver to the New Hampshire Food Bank.

The CCEL delivered brown paper bags to hundreds of homes in Manchester a week prior to the event, and residents were encouraged to fill them with non-

perishable food items.

They were then advised to leave the bags full of food outside their homes for volunteers to grab and bring to the on-site New Hampshire Food Bank truck.

Volunteers gathered on the green space at 9:30 Saturday morning for registration and sign in. They were given

bright orange T-shirts and were greeted by CCEL student workers. Director Elizabeth Richards and guest speakers gave introductory speeches before volunteers traveled to their assigned routes in Manchester. Hannaford Supermarkets donated shopping carts for volunteers to place the col-

lected food bags in. The food was then loaded on the truck to the New Hampshire Food Bank.

CCEL student worker and GALFAL volunteer, Ryan Bailey, has been helping coordinate this event for the last few years. He says he is fortunate to be a part of an organization that is so willing to give back to the

SNHU faculty and staff gather before collecting food. (image credit: SNHU)

community. He added that GAFAL is more than just a food drive and that it’s something that shows people that by donating a small amount of food, you can be a part of a movement that collects thousands of pounds of food for people in need.

“It makes the student body feel more connected to the Manchester community and it helps to show the people of Manchester that college students are more than the stereotypes we tend to put on,” Bailey said.

GALFAL has grown tremendously in size since its inception in 2009. During its first year, volunteers collected an impressive 4,225 pounds of food.

The amount more than

doubled in 2017 when 132 volunteers collected 8,680 pounds. 7,624 pounds of food were donated this year.

“It could not have been done without the massive number of volunteers that seem to come every single year with such enthusiasm, energy and willingness to help,” Bailey said.

“The generosity of the Manchester community never ceases to amaze me.”

Once everyone completed their route, volunteers were treated to a barbecue on the Green Space. The impact of each volunteer’s hard work was on full display as the food bank truck got filled with food to be sent to those in need.

about this.”

Kappa Chi member Hannah Selzer (’21) believes that the goal of the event was “to prevent suicide and learn how to talk to friends who are struggling…I think it brings a lot of new ideas. It’s not every day [that we] talk about

it.”

“Talk Saves Lives” Offers In-Depth talk About Suicide

Nick VonSchantz-Ricci Copy Editor Suicide is a difficult topic for many of us to talk about. Serious discussions about suicide are not common, but such discussions encourage awareness and action, which are the building blocks of prevention.

On Monday, September 10, Kappa Chi collaborated with The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) to bring Talk Saves Lives, a program that encourages individuals to become educated about this often-misunderstood concept.

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The program was one of many events occurring nationwide as part of National Suicide Prevention Week, which spanned Sunday, September 9

to September 16. Lisa Riley, Board Chair of the New Hampshire Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), led the discussion.

She broke down the conversation into four parts: the scope of the problem, research methods, prevention and warning signs.

Attendees were treated with free ice cream before the program began.

Many staggering statistics were presented at the beginning of the program. Global deaths from suicide total 800,000 and in the U.S., suicide ranks as the tenth leading cause of death.

The terminology that is often used when discussing suicide was addressed throughout the program. Riley advises using terms such as “died by suicide” and “ended his/her life”

rather than “committed suicide” or “successful/ failed attempt.” Riley emphasized how the word suicide has an aura of shame surrounding it and it is important to dispel such connotations.

Prevention was among the many key topics discussed.

“Access to mental health care is imperative,” said Riley. “Being proactive about your mental health is a sign of strength and a sign of courage.”

There are numerous risk factors for suicide such as depression, anxiety disorders, family history and prolonged stress, but not everyone who possesses these risk factors will develop suicidal thoughts or actions.

Suicide is incredibly complex and everyone who has ended their life had a unique situation that put them at risk.

Although it can be difficult, speaking with those whom we are concerned about can have a significant impact. “Keeping someone safe from suicide requires a dialogue,” said Riley. “Honest and open conversation is the right way to talk

AFSP offers many programs that students can get involved in.

Also, Riley encourages everyone to save the suicide prevention hotline into their cell phones as a contact. The number is 1-800-273-8255.

(image credit: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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news

Alternative Break Locations Revealed: Travel and Serve with CCEL Nick Klotz Editor in Chief There are some opportunities that are rare to get outside of college.

Elizabeth Richards and her team at The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) know this.

Today at the Involvement Fair, CCEL announced the trip locations for Alternative Break (AB). Through this program, students have the chance to spend their spring break traveling to a community service project. The AB locations are always highly anticipated, and this year is no exception.

Four week long trips will be offered this year, as well as two weekend trips.

Two locations return from last year’s AB, both week long trips. They were so popular and the learning opportunities so plentiful that the CCEL team felt it compelling to offer them again. The Dominican Republic trip lets students work in learning centers with Outreach360, one of CCEL’s partners, to help kids strengthen their

English.

“The Dominican Republic is a country that relies heavily on tourism, so those English skills are very important for people to be successful and productive in that country,” said Richards.

The trip to the Dominican Republic is being coordinated by Nicole Clark and Izzy Proia. It costs $1000 to go.

Twelve spots are available.

Students also again have the chance to go to Washington D.C. on a trip that focuses on urban homelessness, and the unique factors that make it such an epidemic in the nation’s capital. While the work students do is dependent upon the needs of the Steinbruck Center, the organization CCEL volunteers with, last year students were working in soup kitchens, food banks and organizations that assist those experiencing homelessness, as well as work with groups that offer job training and low-cost thrift stores with professional clothing.

The Washington D.C. trip has 11 spots available, will cost $250, and is coordinated by Hannah Lewis

and Savana Melanson.

Each trip aims to allow students to explore a particular social issue.

These are decided by the two student leaders in the office, Jay Jenkins and Jess Pantano, based upon what they think their peers would be most interested in learning.

Last year, CCEL was amazed at the SNHU student body’s response to Hurricane Irma.

“After Hurricane Irma, [students] came to us asking when they can go,” said Richards.

That’s why a trip to North Carolina is being offered this year. The trip to Washington, North Carolina will see students visiting an area hit hard

by Hurricane Matthew.

“What we’re trying to help people understand is that in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, it’s very difficult for a city or a town to house out-of-town volunteers, because they’re housing people who live there who do not have their homes,” said Richards.

Instead, students will be seeing a community three or four years out from a natural disaster

From the Dominican Republic trip last year. (image credit: CCEL)

Pictured, Nicole Clark and Hannah Lewis in D.C. (image credit: CCEL) in Pitt County. Students Richards. how animal therapy can will be able to look at who One trip will be to be used to help people has gotten help and who Boston, where students with disabilities. Full hasn’t, and how different will make connections Circle Farm specializes in social identities impact between domestic vio- equine therapy. the availability of relief. lence and homelessness, This trip is being coorThis trip is coordi- working with the YWCA dinated by Rachel Milton, nated by Katie Brunelle of Cambridge and Rosie’s it’s free and there are thirand Caylin Viets and will Place, the first women’s teen spots available. cost $500 with ten spots shelter in the United To apply, one must available.

States. submit an online In the final week long “Prior to Rosie’s Place application. option, students will opening in the 70s, it Decisions are made be able to visit Arches was really believed that based on responses to an National Park in Moab, homelessness was a man’s essay question.

Utah. The group will be problem and that women “What we’re looking observing the purpose did not experience home- for is clarity and depth and history of national of thought, reflective parks while working to thinking about why peoremove invasive species, ple serve and experience plant new plants and in community service or trees, repair and replace leadership: something fences and other kinds of that tells us this is a perenvironmental work. son that wants to get Nine students will be involved in something,” able to participate with said Richards. “Anybody coordinators Ryan Bailey looking for a cheap travel and Jess Pantano for a lessness. Women were experience is going to be cost of $700. dressing up like men to very disappointed. These This year CCEL also sneak into shelters, be- trips are a lot of work.” decided to include week- cause they had nowhere However Richards end trips as part of AB. stresses how rewarding else to go,” said Richards.

“The students who The trip to Boston is these AB trips are. “The lead our program were free and there are thirteen students that go on these worried that a week-long spots available. It’s being experiences will tell you trip is sometimes hard coordinated by Adriana they are life changing. for people, whether they Giordano.

That these are the kinds have plans with family or Finally, students can of opportunities you can they’re on a sports team stay in New Hampshire only get in college. It that travels or they’ve working at Full Circle really is a phenomenal already made plans Farm in Newport. experience and everyone with their friends,” said Students will be learning should apply.”

“The students

that go on these experiences will tell you they are life changing.”

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Nick Klotz Editor in Chief

page 6

news

Students Learn and Thrive in Kingston Hall

Maddie Covino Community Relations Manager The always changing and ever-growing campus of SNHU recently opened its most ambitious building to date with Kingston Hall.

Ribbon cuttings feel routine for students at this point. Campus President Patty Lynott recognized this in her opening remarks, noting that for the past fifteen years SNHU has opened at least one new building every year.

“Most people don’t realize how many people worked how many hours to get to this point. We put up buildings faster than any organization, not just a school’s. I am talking companies. We put them up quickly and that takes a village,” said Lynott One could say SNHU has gotten pretty good at building by now.

Student reception to the building seems to back

Derek Smith Staff Writer Every fall, SNHU students make the big adjustment of moving into their new residence halls.

Those students are greeted by Resident Assistants (RAs), some who are brand new to the position and some who are veterans of working in the Office of Residence Life.

However, each RA has the same goal: to make their residents feel at home.

Sara Einsmann (‘21) is an RA in Lincoln Hall and this is her first year taking up the position.

Einsmann decided to become an RA due to her own struggles during her freshman year.

that claim up. This is evident when one walks by the floor-to-ceiling windows and sees students, many of them residents of other buildings, hanging out in the lobby and enjoying the amenities.

“As soon as I see students walking in through the door their eyes just light up… they feel like they really lucked out getting assigned to this space,” said Elaina Hill, assistant director of student learning and leadership.

The lower community area, which is open to all students, is decked out with pool and shuffleboard tables, a kitchen, televisions, breakout-friendly workspaces, a Penmen Print-enabled printer and even classrooms.

“Campuses are intentional communities.

The old model was your dorm over here and your academic buildings over there,” said University President Paul LeBlanc.

It’s been a new trend in college housing to incorporate student learning into residence halls. The

Kingston Hall is designed with learning in mind. (image credit: SNHU Residence Life) concept has been played Each room’s energy us- the fifth floor you get the sionate about student sucwith in Tuckerman and age can be tracked on a see the Merrimack River. cess and the transformaMonadnock common touch screen in the main Its beautiful,” said Katie tional power of education. areas and has achieved lobby, and Residence Life Snipes (‘21), a fifth floor For those coming out of great success. As a result, intends to incorporate resident assistant. high school, their living Kingston will be home to the statistics into “Floor The $320 million dol- situation is a big part of some traditional classes.

Wars,” a competitive tradi- lars SNHU has spent on that coming of age [and] Residents of Kingston tion in residence halls. the Hooksett campus is no discovering who you may also notice some esThis environmentally small sum, however the are,” said LeBlanc. “[This pecially green additions to conscious attitude pairs highly successful COCE dorm] is emblematic of the building. For example, nicely with the panoramic online education program an ongoing and very subthe showers shut off after views afforded by the up- can often overshadow the stantial commitment that thirty minutes and each per floors. campus operations of the the board has and that we room has a light dimmer “If you go all the way university. have to traditional underand its own thermostat. to the end of the hall on “I think we are pas- grad education.”

Meeting New RA’s on Campus

Kingston’s RA staff excited for the new year. (image credit: Residence Life) “I struggled a lot my first year with homesickness, so I was hoping to be able to build a community where it would feel [like] home,” Einsmann said.

When asked about her favorite part of being an RA so far, Einsmann

said she enjoyed “building a community within my floor and establishing meaningful relationships with my residents.”

Einsmann believes the one thing that really makes her floor stand out is the kitchens available to

residents. “My hall has the ability to cook, [which] makes it special because it really makes it feel like home.”

First year RA Siena Hoaglund (‘21) is an RA in New Castle Hall.

According to Hoaglund,

there are so many things that she likes about her job and her hall, but her favorite part of being an RA so far is “working with my fellow staff (laughing along with them), facilitating fun events in the dorm (spreading joy) and generally building connections with my residents.”

Hoaglund decided that she wanted to become an RA because she “quickly fell in love with the community-building aspect of the job.” She “wanted to be able to help new students feel welcome, make new friends and develop connections with their fellow residents.”

Hoaglund thinks her hall is special because New Castle is a small-

er building on campus and “the residents of New Castle have a better chance of getting to know each of their neighbors and getting to understand their RA’s on personal levels.” Hoaglund also thinks highly of her colleagues, whom she describes as kind, understanding and funny individuals that help build a friendly community on campus.

Einsmann and Hoaglund are only two of the many RAs that hope to make SNHU students feel more at home while they are at college. However, all of the RAs hope to be a useful resource that students can trust to help them adjust to their new environment.

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news

New Honors Director Lowell Matthews Hopes to “Pick It Up a Notch” Giuliana D’India Staff Writer The University Honors Program has recently undergone a major change. When a position as the new honors director opened up, Dr. Lowell Matthews knew the position would allow him to make the difference he wishes to see in the world.

Graduating from SNHU with his undergrad and becoming a part of the faculty in

2012, Matthews has always been an active participant in the university’s community.

Teaching many different Organizational Leadership classes, he has also had the ability to engage with numerous students on campus.

Being the new honors director has given Dr. Matthews the platform he needs to achieve his dreams.

“The motivation for me to put my name in the hat was because I

had such a positive experience with my undergraduate program when I was in the University Honors Program. I want to make a program where the students can walk around campus and rock their honors gear. I want the students to be so motivated and feel a part of a special community," he said.

Matthews has already started making changes to engage the students more. In Robert Frost 112, there

is a new honors lounge.

Come Thanksgiving time, it will be fully stocked with brand new furniture and tables for honors students to come together and work. Matthews said, “I have a dream of walking by at any point of the day and seeing this honors lounge full”.

With the current lounge not being actively used, students now have an opportunity to gather in a private meeting area as well as a common room.

Starting a new position may come with some challenges, but Matthews is taking each day as an opportunity and turning the honors program into what the students and himself have envisioned. A student of Matthews' said, “we want to be engaged, we want to be challenged, and we want to pick it up a notch” and that is exactly what he plans on doing.

“I would like to get to the point where every

student in the honors program is going to be able to answer two questions. One is ‘Why am I here, and why am I a part of this honors program?’ and two is ‘what is the change that I want to see take place in the world?'" said Matthews.

With a personal philosophy of his being that students should be able to apply what they are learning, the University Honors Program is sure to have prosperous years ahead.

and-a-half years later. Co-owners David Booth, Lisa Booth and Danielle Perreault launched the business with the desire to provide the area with wholesome, made-toorder smoothies.

“We wanted a place for the community to have real, healthy food available to them,” said David Booth. “The inspiration was to expand on the health and wellness orientation of our fitness business.”

Every smoothie is free from fillers and artificial additives and is made with whole fruits and vegetables. The creative flavor combinations expand well beyond strawberry-banana.

For something tropical, the “Recovery” smoothie boasts mango, spinach, pineapple, banana and ginger. The most popular option is the Coffee Blast, a filling mix of Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, banana, peanut butter and chocolate whey protein powder.

In addition to smoothies, Green Bike

offers several smoothie bowls and acai bowls, which are even more popular than the smoothies. “The acai berry is a fruit that comes from CentralSouth America and has a great deal of nutrients and antioxidants in it. That’s the base and it’s topped with fruits, vegetables, grains and seeds,” said Booth.

The Green Bike bowl features blended acai topped with raspberries, coconut, blueberries, kiwi, chia, walnuts, strawberries and granola.

For an unconventional option, the BeeHealthy bowl ditches the acai in favor of blended avocado, spinach, blue algae and dates topped with pomegranate, cocoa nibs, coconut, granola and honey. All bowls contain a spectrum of colors, textures and flavors, ensuring no two spoonfuls are the same.

Yogurt parfaits and a selection of wellness shots that can be added to any bowl or smoothie, including wheat-

grass, hemp protein, goji berries and chia seeds, round out the menu.

Green Bike further connects itself with the community by sourcing as much of its produce locally as pos-

sible. Their main local supplier is Goffstown’s Berry Good Farm.

Booth has also found a unique way to minimize waste. “What we don’t use…we compost and we take [the scraps] to a community

garden run by Families in Transition,” said Booth.

Whether it’s a quick breakfast, post-workout snack or light lunch, a trip to Green Bike is not only satiating, but revitalizing.

Green Bike Smoothie Bar Makes Healthy Eating Simpler

Nick VonSchantz-Ricci Copy Editor

It’s no secret that consuming generous amounts of produce is an essential component of a healthy diet.

Fruits and vegetables are unprocessed sources of a myriad of healthful nutrients, yet many of us are under-consuming these vital nutrition warriors. The folks at Green Bike Smoothie Bar in Manchester’s Millyard area have set out to remedy this issue.

Green Bike is a part of Fortitude Health and Training, a community health club specializing in private and group training. The property also includes Fortcycle, an indoor cycling studio.

Although all three businesses share a space, Green Bike is open to the public, not just Fortitude members.

Fortitude opened its doors about six years ago, while Green Bike and Fortcycle came along about three-

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Passions at Play: SNHU’s Summer CamP, Bank of NH Pavilion Nikki Fain Editor in Chief Nick Klotz Editor in Chief My summers were spent here at the Pavilion as if it were my backyard.

I see the crowd lined up at the door, decorated in Paramore and Foster the People t-shirts, just like my own. The faces from my middle school and high school are joining me in this homecoming.

Now I’m here with my university, and it feels like bringing home your college boyfriend to meet your parents.

SNHU went to summer camp this year, taking up residence at The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, NH on June 20.

A whole crew of students came too, with specialties ranging from architecture to social media, and even rock n’ roll, all in the name of real-world education.

The Pavilion is a music venue tucked away in the middle of the ever-popular tourist spot of the Lakes Region. Growing up here, it’s hard to imagine being without it, but its beginnings were muddy.

Literally.

Twenty-three seasons ago, RJ Harding and his father purchased the property for their hotel business.

Paramore performing at the Pavilion. (image credit: Nick Klotz) It was just a field, acquired to protect their nearby hotel. They weren’t using the space, and a local radio DJ, Bob Adams, approached the pair.

Previously, Adams had been putting on a yearly, free show at the local landmark arcade, Funspot.

He was displaced from Funspot and needed a new location, and the rest is history.

“It was a bit of an accident,” said Harding, now president and purveyor of the Pavilion.

Now the venue is consistently ranked the best in New Hampshire, and among the best in the United States. Recently, the venue has been scooped up by Live Nation, a giant

President RJ Harding. (image credit: Nikki Fain)

in the live entertainment business.

Remarkably though, the Pavilion hasn’t lost its local flair.

“We don’t want people just walking out of here, after seeing their favorite artist saying ‘Oh he was, she was awesome.’ We want them saying, ‘That place was awesome,’” said Mike Seymour, chief operating officer and financial officer.

It’s a homegrown underdog, kind of like SNHU, making it the perfect place for the university to set up shop.

Entering the amphitheater, not only was I greeted by those I grew up with, but also my classmates. I notice the video advertisement for SNHU above my head, showing the different student experiences.

Samantha AguilarHernandez, a second year at SNHU, worked in a team of undergrads who produced this video.

“The thought of this video being projected and seen by thousands of people including bands like Paramore and Thirty Seconds to Mars is exciting, it really takes my breath away just thinking about it,” said Aguilar-Hernandez.

Outside the amphithe-

ater, the grounds have always been full of vendors, games and other stands.

SNHU students are littered around the campus, showing off their talents.

The Magic Hat Stage is a signature element to the Pavilion’s local atmosphere. The Pavilion offers this stage to support New Hampshire artists. One is always sure to find someone they know at least once a season.

The SNHU Rock Band (formerly known as Patrick and the Swayzes, this time under the name Space Force) could be found at this stage, drawing a decent crowd.

“Last year we played for Avenged Sevenfold, this year we get to play

for Paramore, so it’s pretty awesome… They treat you like a king here at the Pavillion,” said lead guitarist Tony Coughlin (‘19).

“This is a class, technically. We do get credit for it...” said vocalist Patrick Ducharme (‘19).

The sound of bass guitar and drums could be heard from the other side of the grounds at the SNHU tent. Under the tent, the game designers were handing controllers to the crowd.

“It really pushes you to work harder on your games when you have a big crowd to show it off to. It kind of gives you the motivation that you need to make something really fun,” said Brian Conant, a senior game design student.

It was hard not to appreciate the students living the dreams they had when they were kids. And now they were inspiring a new generation to make games.

Also under the tent was a nine-year veteran of the Pavilion. Steve Pouliot stood with his big camera around his neck and a backpack full of gear, mingling with the SNHU On-Campus social media team.

In the 80’s, Pouliot cut his teeth on a film camera, but the high school hobby fizzled out. Later,

when digital came around, Pouliot was sucked back in. Now he gets to spend his summer nights taking pictures of rock stars, a teenage dream that I was living, too.

“I’m shooting Slash, and I’m looking through the camera like ‘This guy’s an effing icon. This is cool.’

I generally don’t have that moment until after I get home, and I’m looking at pictures, and I’m editing and thinking ‘wow this is really good, this is really cool’,” said Pouliot.

For the rest of the night, it seemed like Steve was everywhere, be it showing the social media team how to get a good shot or mingling with the guests.

These were his people.

And it was later that it was clear that Steve, and the rest of Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, had made SNHU their people too.

With photo pass in hand, I stood behind the barricade that others were all but trying to climb over.

I saw my idols, Paramore, up on stage, and I was living a dream too.

“Shoot. Shoot a lot.

Shoot everything. Shoot local bands. Don’t worry about getting paid,” said Pouliot. “Go get good at what you do. Then you can worry about charging people for it later.”

SNHU students showcase their work at the venue. (image credit: Nick Klotz)

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opinion

Manchester needs to improve public transportation

Josh Warshauer Staff Writer

As someone who comes from a larger city with decent public transportation, I don’t own a car. I can drive, but I don’t need to drive as frequently as most Manchester residents.

When I first got to campus, I noticed that, despite being the state’s central city, it is nothing like any major city near my home in New York. The city functions more like a suburb than a major city and that boils down to its troublesome bus system.

Most cities in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest have their cities built in a distinct style. They were built to be dense and walkable and as a result have better transportation, especially in larger cities. Manchester, however, seems to operate differently. Whenever I plan to go somewhere I either have to get a ride

from a friend or take an Uber. I’ve tried to take the bus, and it is absolutely miserable.

I understand calling the bus miserable perpetuates the stigma against public transportation. One of the issues with the system, however, is that it is frequently late, despite only arriving every forty-five minutes. This is compounded with the city’s excessive traffic.

The stigma against public transportation is also rooted in classism, yet people often forget that reliable public transportation is the backbone of a successful city. Transit especially helps people at the bottom of the income scale to rise out of poverty. Mass transit is also helpful for students seeking off-campus employment.

Students who own vehicles are exposed to a far greater selection of jobs than those who do not. Most off-campus employers require

a student to have their own transportation.

Reliable public transportation may be an effective solution.

It’s possible that the city of Manchester believes that the cost on implementing an improved program would outweigh the benefits.

If the demand is not significant enough, then change is unlikely to come. The widespread use of cars as well as Manchester’s relatively modest size may have lead to officials to the conclusion that reform is not needed. Conversely, an improved public transportation system would serve as a selling point for the city and easier commutes and increased opportunities for area residents.

Manchester’s public transportation was not always this problematic. Manchester had a streetcar system back in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This system was

Tight parking behind New Castle. (image credit: Josh Warshauer) more expansive than system. This led Man- wonder why Manchesthe current bus system chester to become the ter has not even conand was most definitely car-dependent city that sidered implementing more reliable due to the it is today. a system of it’s own. It inaccessibility of cars.

Today, this trend is unfortunate reality The car became seems to be reversing. that not everyone has a commodity follow- Many cities are now access to a car, so iming the conclusion of creating light rail sys- plementing a rail trail World War Two. Man- tems to make it eas- system would be benechester, like most cit- ier for citizens to get ficial not just to college ies of it’s size, decided around without a car. students, but to the city to ditch it’s streetcar Upon seeing this, I as a whole.

the fall semester, students found that the rest of the dining hall had actually remained the same.

Personally, I would infer that the color

choices of the new furniture pieces are supposed to promote more school pride and the modern decor is just another example of SNHU’s constant cycle of trying to

improve. However, with the other outdated elements of the dining hall, the new furniture looks very out of place. “[The tables] hurts my eyes,” said one stu-

New dining furniture shines a light on what’s to come

Rosa Valente News Editor

Any returning SNHUdents who have been in the dining hall may have noticed a few changes to the decor. The once red and black wooden chairs and wooden tables have been replaced with more modern looking blue and white chairs and plastic, stark white tables.

These new pieces were installed around graduation time in May 2018, and one would have thought that perhaps the rest of the dining hall was also going to be getting a new look.

Imagine the surprise, when upon arrival for

SNHU invests in some new furniture. (image credit: Rosa Valente)

dent, who would prefer to remain anonymous.

“It’s too white, especially when the sun hits it.”

Between the blue and grey carpeting and the neutral, tiled transition between the two main eating spaces, the original feel of the dining hall was very subdued and cozy. There were the little pops of color with the rust-orange and baby blue walls and the tables and chairs to accent it. Overall, it was a warm and inviting place to walk into and sit down to have a meal with friends.

Now when you walk in, you are greeted with a shock of white and dark blue that doesn’t belong

with the other elements surrounding it.

Perhaps the interior designers of the dining hall were trying to give the students a taste of what’s to come. With all the other renovations happening on campus, it’s very possible that the dining hall is somewhere on that list.

However, until that time comes, it would have been better to stick with the comfortable feel of the dining hall than this new vibe that makes people’s heads spin.

It may have been outdated before, but at least it all went together and people didn’t get headaches from looking at it for too long.

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Arts & Entertainment Granite Con: A Community Showcase for Artists

Emma Sheehan Layout Editor Zach Meisel Online Manager

On September 8 and 9, fans and creators alike gathered in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire for the 15th annual Granite State Comic Con. The convention featured many cosplayers, vendors and even panels from pop culture guests like The Shape of Water’s Doug Jones and Seasame Street’s Caroll Spinney.

While many see conventions as a way to interact with their favorite celebrities and other fans, there is another often overlooked community within the convention scene: the artists.

Most comic cons reserve an area of their exhibition space for artists to promote their work and sell pieces for convention goers. At Granite Con, art included everything from traditional prints to hand-sewed dragons and colorful coasters.

Conventions are unique in that they give artists from all over a chance to gather together and experience a sense of community. Lisa Reinke, a fandom-inspired coaster creator from Exeter, New

for 12 years and attends about five or six conventions per year. For her, conventions are an important way for artists to gain exposure to a larger audience. “It’s either going to be crazy amounts of people loving your stuff or just crazy amounts of people who want to do commissions.”

SNHU student Gabriel LaForge was able to attend Granite Con this year as an exhibitor, showing some of his work in game art at SNHU’s Game Design table. Though he attended the con as an exhibitor to

vention displaying some of his 3D modeling work. (image credit: Emma Sheehan) Mara Carpenter, a comic book artist from Rhode Island, gave some advice for upcoming artists looking to start showcasing at conventions.

“I would recommend that they start small. Do a lot of research beforehand about what kind of things you should bring and what you should get for your setup. Ask a lot of questions from other artists – don’t be afraid because we all really want

Artists Mara Carpenter and Andy Earwaker. (image credit: Emma Sheehan) Hampshire, believes the HB Comics agrees that conventions give artists events like Granite Con an opportunity to interact are especially important with each other and grow. for the artists who attend.

“I think this is where “[Conventions are the] creativity is flourishing, best place to do it. It’s this is where the art scene the only place in some is really at. Everybody’s instances.” feeding off each other and John Wenzel of getting better at whatever TerriDragon commented craft they enjoy doing.” on the exhibition mentalReinke believes comic ity of conventions. “This cons are a great place to is basically a showcase showcase art and has been for the dragons… [We] a fan of various different hand out a lot of cards, but franchises like “Lord of the people usually go to the Rings” and “Supernatural” website and order them.” since she was about 12 Wenzel and his wife, Terri, years old. work together creating No matter what type plush dragons based on of art it is, the communi- different pop culture ty-driven atmosphere at characters. John helps, but conventions gives artists Terri creates the dragons a place to connect with and sews them together.

Lisa Reinke sells her pop culture coasters. (image credit: Emma Sheehan) fans and showcase what TerriDragon has dragthey do. Alan Hebert of ons representing a wide variety of characters – ev- “show off what SNHU can to help each other. We’re a erything from Edgar Allen do for the gaming com- very small and tight-knit Poe and Lizzie Borden to munity,” he also appre- community, and we’re Disney characters and su- ciates the opportunity to not afraid to talk to you. perheroes. “It’s just some- interact with other artists. Just put yourself out there, thing very unique that al“When you come in really be proactive and be lows [Terri] to express her and you actually carry fearless.” artistic talents.” John and an exhibitor badge and LaForge had addiTerri live in Rochester, people address you more tional words of advice for New Hampshire and at- often, it’s a different feel- artists. “Push as much as tend conventions and re- ing. It’s more like ‘I’m a you can. Make sure your naissance fairs throughout part of this.’ They see the art is as good as it can be, the country and Europe exhibitor badge and they and even if you think it’s with TerriDragon. walk over and they’re like not ready, still bring it just For many of the artists ‘Hey, you want to talk in case. It’s always still a who attended, tabling at about something?’ or learning process, so if you conventions has become ‘Hey, how’s it going?’. It’s bring in some of the stuff a major part of their lives. very interesting.” you think isn’t worth it, it Katie Pereira of 3D Your SNHU student Gabriel is because it shows how SNHU student Gabriel LaForge attended the convention displaying some of Life has been creating art LaForge attended the con- much you have improved.” his 3D modeling work. (image credit: Emma Sheehan)

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arts & entertainment Spencer Fennell Staff Writer

Spider-Man Swings Into Your Controller in open world games, making a traversal system that’s fluent and fun.

The swinging is very momentum based and allows you to pull off some impressive long jumps if you time a swing just right. Another plus is that the webs actually attach to buildings around you rather than the skybox, a problem in previous entries, so your immersion can stay intact and so you aren’t able to just swing around in the ocean for no reason.

This really allows you to traverse New York at high speeds and look stylish while zipping over towards a group of thugs robbing a jewelry store.

Just as traversing the city really makes you feel as though you are SpiderMan, the combat does

an amazing job of this as well. Just as you swing from a building you can either perch upon a lamp post and survey the area or zip straight into combat and begin crushing criminals. The combat is comparable to that of the Batman Arkham games but much more agile and dodge-based.

Spider-Man is much more fragile than Batman, you can’t really take too many hits before it’s game over, so to stay alive you’re going to want to rely on your Spidey sense and make use of the dodge button frequently.

There is also an emphasis on aerial combat, as Spider-Man can launch enemies into the air and not have to worry about being stuck between a bunch of thugs. The com-

bat is really smooth and Spider-Man, more often than not, does exactly what you dictate. The fast movement and the ability to beat up around 50 guys at the same time really has its ways of making you feel like a superhero.

Being Spider-Man is the main focus of the game, and he is great to control, but what’s a good Spider-Man without a good Peter Parker? Pete has a good amount of spotlight here with his segments outside of the suit being short and sweet.

These sections never feel drawn out or too long, as the main point of the game is being Spider-Man, but I enjoyed every time Peter was being himself.

Peter is very well portrayed in the game as your usual pun-loving scientist, and

even MJ is portrayed fairly frequently in the story line not only as a main character but as Peter’s partner.

Peter and MJ have an unsteady relationship in the game, which keeps you invested in their problems.

It really makes them feel human and they even get along here and there and cooperate in some forced stealth sections that don’t make you want to rip out your hair.

These sections are usually started because MJ wants a scoop on one of Peter’s infamous enemies and she sneaks into an overly dangerous situation. hese sections don’t differ significantly from each other besides adding a few gadgets here and there and during one point where you can direct Spider-Man to grab

people and string them up like ceiling lights.

Overall, this game is a huge success and finally capitalizes on the full potential a Spider-Man game has.

The story is captivating, although it would have been much better if all of the promotional material didn’t spoil the twist that Mr. Li was Mister Negative.

The gameplay is finally what everyone would expect from a Spider-Man game with the quick, momentous movement and agile, brutal combat.

Insomniac has really made even more of a name for themselves with this phenomenal entry in the Spider-Man universe and I expect great things from the DLC’s that are to come.

Thanks to movie magic Ryan's character, Patty is suddenly If anybody was considered beautiful watching a lot of and considers what Netflix this summer she is going to do. Her than you very likely options: become pophad seen the trailer for ular, get into sports the show "Insatiable". or something else.

Upon seeing the trail- She then instead deer, I immediately found cides to get revenge. the show problematic.

Based on the trailer Why you ask? Once alone it already seems you see the trailer you problematic.

Debby get a monologue from Ryan seems to play a Debby Ryan talking character who seems about how her life to be like Carrie White was miserable, sim- had she not developed ply because she was telekinesis. plus-sized.

However, once She goes on about seeing the show you how it made her feel notice that Patty does alienated and how not get violent revenge. much she hated it. Instead of murder she We then see her hit in decides to compete the face by a homeless in beauty pageants. guy. Afterwards she At first glance the is suddenly magically premise looks confusskinny after she has her ing and the trailer is jaw wired shut for the very deceiving. This summer. can easily infuriate

many viewers in it of itself. the trailer and the show have also been under massive controversy as it has been widely believed that the show was promoting fat shaming and that it sent a terrible message that one must be thin to be considered beautiful.

The show had defended itself stating that they were trying to be satirical and using the comedy.

The creator had said that she herself has struggled with body image issues of her own and believed the show had a powerful message to deliver.

The show is also very problematic on numerous social issues and will not be winning any medals for progress.

We first see pageant coach Bob Armstrong

be accused of sexual assault on a child, something horrifying that happens in the real world.

This is used as a joke and a way to vilify an angry pageant mother.

The writers also seem to think LGBT setrotypes and reinforcing the idea that bisexuality is not real, is funny.

We also get insensitive jokes about cancer, negative stereotypes on people who speak with southern accents, statutory rape, to blatant racial insensitivity.

Not only is the message problematic, but the characters are as well. Not a single character is likable whatsoever.

Whether you look at how selfish and cruel Patty, her mother and Cora Lee are. To how Noni is used as no

more than a homophobic joke. Stella Rose acts like shes reading from a community college textbook on "How to be Evil".

Christian, someone whose acting was somewhat better and was more convincing as a creep. Too bad he wasn't charming.

Bob Armstrong is another selfish and greedy character using Patty for nothing more than material gain.

When I was talking about racial insensitivity, I was mostly referring to the characters Donald Choi, and Dee. Dee is a plus-sized, African-American, Lesbian beauty pageant competitor.

There is nothing wrong with Dee being any of those things but when she is used as nothing more as a

token to educate the other girls and not given any personality of her own it becomes problematic as it seems like she was thrown into the show so they wouldn't look like they were fat-shaming.

Sadly, it's as if there was no care put into her characterization.

Donald Choi is problematic because he is based entirely on negative Asian-American stereotypes.

He is used to be no more than an uncool, and unsexy friend to the girls and not given any individual character or personality.

I could go on and on about everything wrong with this show, but then all I'm going to do is describe the entire show and it's bad enough that something this bad exists.

The thrill of zipping through the skies, running across rooftops and defeating criminal scum has never felt as good as in the new "Spider-Man" game that has recently been released to PlayStation owners everywhere.

Spider-Man games have for sure had their ups and downs, but this one really places itself at the top of the food chain when it comes to any other game featuring your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The biggest thing that makes or breaks a Spidey game is the web swinging as that’s what you will spend most of your time in New York doing. Insomniac really nails the biggest issues

Josh Warshauer Staff Writer

Insatiable: bad jokes and fat shaming

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arts & entertainment Eminem Fights to Remain Relevant on “Kamikaze”

Nick VonSchantz-Ricci Copy Editor

Rap Icon Eminem rocked the hip-hop community on August 31 when he dropped “Kamikaze,” a surprise album that served to address his previous release and those who spoke out against it.

Ever since the release of “Recovery” in 2010, Eminem’s music has been decidedly less aggressive and hardcore and more pop-influenced than in his early years. This was taken a step further about nine months ago when Eminem released “Revival,” which showcased a newfound “woke” persona. The album garnered a lukewarm response from critics and fans, some of whom disapproved of the album’s anti-Donald Trump bent and overuse of pop features and rock samples.

Kamikaze is Eminem’s attempt to

give fans more of what they wanted: less politics and more of the mudslinging, crude lyrics that defined the Slim Shady persona of the late 90’s. “The Ringer,” the albums first track, succeeds tremendously. The fiveand-a-half-minute song has no hook, but the lyricism is larger than life and Em’s dynamic flow effectively conveys his anger.

On “Lucky You”, Eminem addresses his frustration with modern hip hop and how he has been phased out during recent years despite his influence on the genre. He is joined by Worcester-based Rapper Joyner Lucas, whose intense, chopper-style flow blends well with Eminem’s hard-hitting delivery.

The album is not without its handful of duds, however. “Nice Guy” is a piano-accented tune about an unstable relationship

featuring up-and-comer Jessie Reyez. The song feels like an amalgamation of incompatible parts and Eminem’s verses are shockingly dull.

Disses permeate the album. Many of the targets are modern rappers such as Lil Yachty, Lil Xan, Lil Pump, Machine Gun Kelly, Tyler, The Creator and Joe Budden. Although verbally attacking others was a trademark of Eminem’s early days, many of these disses seem totally superfluous, and some have ignited pointless rap beefs.

On “Not Alike,” which features longtime collaborator Royce da 5’9”, Eminem spends an entire verse mocking rapper Machine Gun Kelly due to an incident that occurred on social media six years ago. This led to Kelly releasing his own diss-track, “Rap Devil,” thus further igniting

in-crime Lou Miller, gather an all-female crew to create the biggest heist of their lives. Following a plan that took Debbie 5 years, 8 months, 12 days and counting to devise, the crew attempts to steal a Cartier necklace that’s worth more than $150 million dollars. An A-list cast of Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina and Mindy Kaling add to this film more than just bling.

Though it has just been a couple of weeks since the film’s release, stars of the film are calling critics ‘unfair’ for judging the all-female gang for not being able to bring the excitement

the way Clooney and pals did in the previous American heist films.

Gary Ross directs the all-female spinoff of the original Ocean’s trilogy

by Steven Soderbergh, so the differences between the trilogy and Ocean’s 8 are clearly noted in the film. Though the spinoff lacks the big car chases, the face-to-face combats and the big action scenes, comparisons between films only serve to heighten Ocean’s 8 own, unique sparkle. They’re what make the film shine.

What makes Ocean’s 8 stand out over Soderbergh’s trilogy is representation of women. Each female of the gang uses their own qualities and talent for

“Kamikaze” Album Cover. (image credit: vulture.com) the feud. The fact that since expressed regret soundtracks (“Lose Eminem felt compelled regarding using the Yourself ” from 2002’s to start beef with a slur, but the offensive 8 Mile, “Phenomenal” 28-year-old rapper in word is damaging to from 2015’s Southpaw, the first place is beyond one of the albums more for example), it’s a solid comprehension. effective bangers. closer to an entertainEven more concernThe album con- ing, albeit inconsistent, ing is Eminem’s use of cludes with “Venom,” album. a homosexual slur to which comes off the Kamikaze will not insult Tyler, the Creator soundtrack of the up- go down in history as on the song “Fall”. The coming Marvel film of a hip-hop masterpiece, word is blurred, even the same name. While it’s no “Marshal Mathers on the explicit version, far inferior to many LP,” but it is a welcome but it’s use is still unac- of his other songs that return to Eminem’s feceptable. Eminem has have been used on rocity on the mic.

Ocean’s 8 Brings Female Crime Gang A Shiny Success

Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez Staff Writer

Even after a couple of years after the 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters, audiences still seem to find an all-female adaptation, reboot or spinoff of Hollywood classics difficult to like. Clooney’s famous crime gang installment returns to the big screen with a whole new image for big money heists with an all-female cast.

Ocean’s 8 shows the bloodline of the legendary conman put into action in the heels of another member of the Ocean’s family. Danny Ocean’s sister, Debbie Ocean, along with her partner-

the successful execution of what could be considered to be America’s biggest heist.

The film leaves the audience with the final message of never under-

estimating women, especially when all eight prove that they are capable of bringing chaos to one of America’s most prestigious events: The Met Gala. From Rihanna’s

(image credit: Warner Bros)

outstanding hacking skills to Hathaway’s pure intuition, the crew ultimately overcomes all of the obstacles in their path in a whole new elegant, wicked style.

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arts & entertainment “The Predator” Misses Its Shot

Zach Meisel Online Manager After a string of bad sequels, Director Shane Black seemed like a saving grace for the “Predator” series – the perfect choice with his particular style of comedy and having portrayed Hawkins in the original film. Sadly, Black’s entry into the franchise

doesn’t quite live up to the original, and only barely manages to surpass the previous sequels. Thinly written characters, unimportant plot elements and poorly edited action sequences show that “The Predator” should have spent more time preparing for the hunt.

Former Army Ranger Quinn McKenna (Boyd

Holbrook) is being sent away on a loony bus after his team was brutally murdered by a strange alien. McKenna was the only one to escape and was able to send off some alien technology before he was caught. The bus changes course to a government institution to question what he saw and where the missing technology

(image credit: 20th Century Fox)

is. Soon, McKenna is on the run from both a government agency and an alien only known as the Predator. With only a ragtag team of ex-soldiers and a scientist, he must save his family and kill the aliens that threaten everyone.

“The Predator” doesn’t try to break new ground with its story. An alien crashes on earth and goes on a murderous rampage while the government tries to cover it up. It is something very familiar and yet each iteration has something new that keeps it mildly interesting. There are many parts that feel like they should be important but end up being irrelevant. No one comes to these movies expecting an intriguing and thought-provoking plot.

They come for blood, guts and gore of an alien tear-

ing through people, and it delivers for the most part.

In the end, the story serves its purpose in getting the film rolling and keeping the film from getting stale.

While the story doesn’t detract from the movie, the lackluster action and poor editing does. Many of the action scenes are unintelligible, and it is impossible to tell who or how people are killed. The fast pace, the humorous quips and gags and the many explosions and mutilations try their best to keep the film on its feet, but they can’t fix the problem. With a lack of good action, it is difficult to sit through the character banter when there will be no payoff at the end.

The acting performances are not awful, but the characters themselves are written poorly and it

is difficult to care about them.

Keegan-Michael Key as the wisecracking ex-soldier Coyle and Sterling K. Brown as government agent Traeger are good for a few chuckles, but they never move beyond the occasional funny one-liner. Black’s style of comedy is the most redeeming parts of the film, but it can’t make up for what is missing.

In the end, Black gives a reasonable attempt at creating a callback to the goofiness of 80’s action flicks. It has plenty of quips, explosions and body mutilation, but lacks interesting characters and the ability to create a cohesive action scene. “The Predator” is not for anyone who is looking for anything more than a generic explosion and blood-filled action movie.

a Hidden secret in this Hair-Raising Visual Novel

Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez Staff Writer

Indeed, appearances can be deceiving. At first glance, Doki Doki Literature Club! looked like an innocent, romantic game for anime fans. Who would have thought that a simple game would keep me away from my computer for a couple of days?

Believe me or not, I still look at my computer screen in fear.

Doki Doki Literature Club! is a free single-player, visual novel developed by Team Salvato. Though it has been a year since the game was first released, Salvato’s unique creation continues to horrify its players to this day.

Doki Doki Literature Club! follows the protagonist/player as he joins his school’s

literature club after being invited by his childhood friend, Sayori, the club’s vice-president.

The protagonist then meets the rest of the members, Yuri, Natsuki and the club’s leader, Monika.

The majority of the game requires the player to make choices that will impact the direction the plot takes.

As he progresses in the game, he will build relationships with each one of the characters while taking part in the club’s activities.

The choices the player makes throughout the game can lead to three possible endings and a pretty well-hidden secret ending.

In addition to holding conversations with the game characters, the protagonist will be capable of creating poems with a list of words that represent three

of the four girls in the club which will help to unlock additional scenes for each girl.

Certainly, what first appears to be like a lighthearted, sweet dating simulator, radically changes into a psychological horror game that constantly breaks the fourth wall.

The game will suck the player deeper into the game by requiring them to access the game’s files and delete specific ones in order to advance further in the game; the game will take the horror to a higher level by adding and deleting files automatically from the game without the player’s knowledge. And if that doesn’t frighten you enough, then the dark turn that the game takes in Act Two will surely disturb you.

Unexpected glitches, freaky sounds, and

horrific dialogue will surely make you wonder whether the game is really damaged or something beyond your expectations is about to occur. Eerie, right? The game itself contains themes such as suicide, self-harm, mentions of depression, and graphic images of death which makes the game not suitable for the weak-hearted or those who are easily disturbed.

Though the game has been positively received worldwide earning it a couple of IGN awards such as “Most Innovative Game”, and nominations like “Trending Game of the Year” of 2018, there are certain others that find it to be inappropriate, and even threatening for younger audiences. One father from England, Darren Walmsley, firmly be-

lieves that Doki Doki Literature Club! may have contributed to the death of his 15-year-old son, Ben Walmsey this past February. Though there is no clear evidence of whether or not the game was linked to Ben’s passing, parents and authorities from Greater Manchester Police’s Public Protection Division have warned about the risk it represents to children and young people.

Though the game tries hard to hide its true nature to its players, it still warns about its content ahead of playing. Just as the game starts up, a content warning will pop up in the game and alert the player about the content they are about to see throughout the game. Additionally, online stores such as Steam will display in

the game’s key information section, another content warning while categorizing the game as a horror genre game.

It is easy to say that the warnings are definitely there, the matter is whether the player decides to read them or not.

Doki Doki Literature Club! is a horror game that really gets under your skin.

However, if you enjoy the type of game that explores something more than simple jump scares and abandoned asylums and makes you feel uncomfortable, then Doki Doki Literature Club! will definitely be the best horror game you have ever played.

If this really doesn’t fit your style, then I recommend staying away from it, unless you plan on disposing your computer afterwards.

the penmen press

penmen abroad

Jaime Mailloux Lead Videographer So you’re finally abroad…Woohoo! While the majority of what you feel is elation and a heaping helping of wanderlust there are also some accompanying fears. One of the most common fears is looking like a tourist or standing out in a presumably negative way. It is important to remember that wherever you go you are a guest in a different culture, so be respectful and mindful of that.

How you present yourself is the first thing anyone anywhere will form an opinion about, so it’s of considerable importance that you are mindful about your appearance.

First things first, keep the sweats and university

Jaelle Matthieu Photography Editor Studying abroad is one of the most life-changing things a college student can do; however, having some reservations is normal.

One of them being that studying abroad requires getting on a plane.

There is no need to be ashamed though.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 8.1 million to 20.1 million Americans are scared of flying.

Actor Ben Affleck admitted his fear of flying on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show.

Other aviophobes, people who are scared of flying, include Sandra Bullock, Royce White, John Madden and Madonna. Clearly, you are not alone in your fear.

Establishing this

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How not to look like a tourist abroad

t-shirts at home. That kind of attire is what has perpetuated a rather unflattering stereotype of Americans abroad.

Step your fashion game up a little. You don’t need to have the latest trends or buy a whole new wardrobe, but a fresh put together look is always in fashion.

Along with that, be aware of what each culture deems respectable clothing in certain situations and in general. For example, in some cultures ladies are expected to cover their shoulders and gentlemen to remove their hats when in churches. A little research ahead of time is always recommended.

Take an abundance of photos while abroad. It’s great to see a picture of that one magical night you and

your friends took a midnight walk on the streets of Paris and be transported right back to that moment.

Those pictures are snap shots of moments that you can treasure forever, but there is no need to be inconsiderate or disrespectful in order to capture a memory. Remember you might be studying abroad but there are people all around you going to work, running errands and living their daily lives.

The best thing you can do is research common practices ahead of time.

In some places it is considered rude to eat with your left hand, and in other places speaking over a hush tone on the train will get you a very angry “shhh.”

Each culture has different table manners, ways of

addressing people and so on. Keep in mind you may not understand or agree with the logic of these cultures, but you must respect them. Adopting these new norms will surely make your life easier and less awkward.

Besides, what’s the point of going abroad if you only stick to the same habits you practice at home.

There is a lot more that you learn about not looking like the ultimate tourist abroad but these are some good points to consider.

You’re going to embarrass yourself at some point and that’s okay. It’s a learning process.

Research and talk to people and be aware of yourself and your actions, and you’ll begin to understand how to function in your new environment.

(image credit: Jaime Mailloux)

How to Deal With Pre-Flight Jitters

point may help you feel less embarrassed; however, it doesn’t really help you get on the plane with confidence.

Here are a couple of tips and tricks to overcoming the dreaded pre-flight jitters.

Educate Yourself: According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the chance of a plane crash is one in 11 million. The Administration’s latest initiative, Nextgen, has discovered “innovative technologies and procedures to make flying safer, greener and more efficient.”

Not only have they been improving the planes we travel on, but they have also upgraded the testing standards for pilots.

Remove and Replace Upon lift off, thoughts of crashing may immediately overwhelm the senses.

(image credit: Medical News) John DiFrancesco (‘19), a SNHU student who just got back from studying abroad in Florence, Italy, has some tips for overcoming your anxiety.

DiFrancesco said, “When I go through heavy turbulence, I like to tilt my head back a little and close my eyes and imagine I’m somewhere else, either on a bus going down a

road with a lot of pot holes or on a boat going through the water and hitting a few little waves.”

Removing threatening thoughts of crashing and replacing them with harmless thoughts of everyday life can greatly transform the mood of the entire flight.

Keep Busy: With flights that could po-

tentially last up to 18 hours, some may very well spend the entire time thinking about crashing.

Instead of doing that, create a checklist of things, whether they be work related or not, that can be used for entertainment while en route.

These could include perfecting a resume, completing paperwork,

reading a book, watching a movie or making a friend.

Make sure the length of the checklist coincides with the length of the flight so you are busy the entire time.

Go to SNHU’s Wellness Center: Those who would prefer to talk through their fears with a certified professional can go to the on-campus Wellness Center located in the back of the Student Center.

The Wellness Center not only provides oneon-one counseling, but they also have sameday appointments and many resources at their disposal.

Whether you try one or more of these coping mechanisms above, make sure you don’t allow your fear of flying to get in the way of an experience of a lifetime.

the penmen press

Catherine LaChance Sports Editor You walk onto the mound and hear the roar of 2,200 baseball fans chanting your name. They’re on their feet with their hands in the air — this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s the moment you get to play in front of your home crowd. It’s the moment you get to show them everything you’ve been training for. After each inning, the cheers grow louder and louder and when you strike out your final batter, the whole crowd erupts with ecstatic emotion.

They jump to their feet as they chant your name as you finally show your family and neighbors what you can accomplish on the mound.

SNHU’s Endy Morales (’19) experienced this moment during game one of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) summer championships when he struck out seven batters over seven innings for the Valley Blue Sox in front of his home crowd at McKenzie Stadium in Holyoke, Massachusetts on August 8.

“We were up 2-0, and I struck out the guy with a fast ball, and I froze him up. I just turn around, double fist pump and say ‘let’s go.’ I felt like I was at Fenway,” reflected Morales on playing in front of his home crowd.

“Everyone stood up and my whole family was in the same section they sit [in] every game. It was cool because they were cheering for me

sports

Endy Morales Finds stride in holyoke, ma

Endy Morales winds up for a pitch during his summer with the Blue Sox. (image credit: Endy Morales) that time. For the first first time, I focused on actly what I’ve always no regrets, however. It time, I got to showcase a baseball plan.” dreamed of, and I did it still hurts that he faced my skills to my home Morales prepares to in a playoff game too.” these injuries and setcrowd.” throw the ball during Morales’ trek to backs, but his summer Morales led the Blue a game with SNHU. earning the Robin success helped him Sox to a 5-3 win that (image credit: SNHU Roberts award wasn’t heal. night, before helping Penmen) all that easy. Injuries “I had everything I the team capture their Morales had been and financial difficul- wanted,” he continued, second straight NECBL gearing up for his mo- ties plagued Morales’ referring to his high championship title. At ment to show his home career after graduating school days. “But at the end of the summer, crowd his talents all high school, a time in the end of the day, that Morales was honored year. It’s something he his life when he was didn’t mean anything with the Robin Roberts felt he deserved, and at peak performance. because I didn’t get to award, a title given to the practice and hard He was ranked the play (at West Virginia). the best starting pitcher work he put in every number one pitcher Baseball was really in the NECBL. Morales day paid off in the in Massachusetts and tough at that point in finished the season fashion he dreamed of. 146 in the nation. He my life. I went through with a 1.13 ERA. Not only did he put his transferred twice, once multiple ACL surger“I knew that result best foot forward, he from UMass Lowell to ies. I went into West at the beginning of the did so in front of the West Virginia and then Virginia with a tear.” season,” said Morales people who mean most from West Virginia to “Baseball has reenon receiving the Robin to him: the Holyoke SNHU. He faced mul- tered my life,” he conRoberts award. “In or- community. tiple injuries includ- tinued. “All that hype der for me to pitch that “I’m a product of ing a severe ACL tear I had in high school well, I needed to know Holyoke,” Morales said. which prevented him is here [with the Blue I was the best pitch- “I hope I can say I’m from playing at West Sox]. I have one more er in the league. I set the epitome of what Virginia, a DI institu- year left [of NCAA elweekly goals, checked Holyoke is. It’s such a tion he attended on a igibility], maybe two, the stats, and when I tight community. My baseball scholarship. and I’m taking the saw my ERA, I was like back bone is all be- He was never able to very same approach to ‘let’s go keep it up.’ I cause of Holyoke and live up to his full po- succeed.” didn’t change the way everything else is stuff tential and was never Additionally, baseI acted; I just changed that I just added. So, completely satisfied ball is the reason why the way I approached for [Holyoke] to see with his on-the-mound Morales is the first my game plan. For the me [play] well is ex- performance. He has person in his family to

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go to college. Baseball gave him the drive to do well in the classroom, so even if he chose not to play baseball at the collegiate level, he still believes he would’ve gone to college, because he would have still matured in the classroom as a result. You can’t just be an amazing baseball player and not have academics to back it up.

“Baseball gives me my routine,” said Morales. “It gives me responsibility, it gives me something to be proud about. It gives me an escape. There’s a lot of kids whose dream is to play professional baseball, and I’m at an opportunity where I can do that.”

After the summer he had with the Blue Sox, Morales expects to earn a starting position for the 2019 spring season with SNHU. Afterwards, he plans to get drafted during the 2019 MLB draft. If that doesn’t work out, however, he says he will be happy as long as he focuses on a strong career path. Ideally, he would like a position as a border control officer in Puerto Rico so he can get involved with the island’s baseball scene.

Whether he ends up in the MLB or in Puerto Rico protecting our borders, he hopes to inspire others the way his friends, family and neighbors of Holyoke did for him. They have his back and he wants to have the backs of others. He may not be able to reach 100 people, but if he can reach just one, that would be more than enough. All it takes is one to get the ball rolling.

the penmen press

Catherine LaChance Sports Editor Tom Marriott (’21) danced into the locker room after scoring his first two goals of his collegiate career against St. Thomas Aquinas on August 30.

Marriott scored two of the eventual six goals of the game to lead the Penmen to a 6-1 victory over the Spartans.

He and his teammates celebrated the goals by singing and dancing in the locker room.

“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” Marriott said. “Everyone celebrated with me in the locker room. It was like one big party.”

Since these first two goals, Marriott scored twice more and racked

sports

page 16

Tom Marriott Dances into 2018 season

Tom Marriott brings the ball upfield. (image credit: SNHU Penmen) up an additional five model for the players. assists.

I want to be making a He did not make one difference in the games.” goal last year.

These practices Going into this with Milton worked season, Marriott knew in Marriott’s favor. He he needed to make a came out firing right change in regards to away, scoring early in his game. He wanted to the opening game and improve and contribute continuing to score more in games by scor- throughout the next few ing goals and adding games. assists.

Additionally, orgaMarriott, who is nized practices with the from England, arrived whole team during preto SNHU two weeks season allowed Marriott prior to preseason this to learn more about his summer to practice game and about how his with Head Captain and teammates’ compliment Starting Goal-keeper, his.

Daniel Milton (’19).

“Tom made a step Together, they worked up this year and he is on Marriott’s techniques a crucial player for us,” and strategized tactics said teammate Alex Marriott could improve Satrustegui, who leads upon before the start of the nation in goals. “He the season. has the ability to score “I was working hard, and assist and he makes especially in the gym the team play. I personand I was finding those ally love to play with little techniques that I him because I know he was missing last year,” is always going to make said Marriott. “I knew a perfect pass. He is still this year I had to play young and he has a great a big part in the team. future ahead of him.”

I’ve already been here a Tom Marriott celyear; I had to be a role ebrates a goal with his

teammates in their opening game. (image credit: SNHU Penmen) In addition to his teammates’ support, Marriott said his onfield improvement is due to his dedication to his off-field preparation. This includes diet, sleeping and being in the right frame of mind.

“It is what you do off the pitch: what you eat, how you sleep, drink that help with improvement,” said Marriott.

“It’s just those little finer details that will push me to the next level. You can talk to the guys in my room. I always have my oats, the protein. They say I’m going to turn into an oat one day. I eat so many oats because I do believe that’s healthy.

Bananas, yogurt, chicken, rice. If you don’t eat right you’re not going to have energy to play.”

Marriott hopes all this training and positive energy from his teammates will pay off in the near future. He said his goal is to win a national championship with the Penmen. After he graduates, he hopes to get drafted to the MLS. Being at SNHU, he said, he is in a position where he can do that.

“It’s the fact that SNHU is so nationally recognized,” Marriott said about SNHU. “My dream is to go and play professional soccer, so being at an institution that is so nationally recognized is something to me. If I play well I know someone’s watching. My goal is to win a national title. We want to win this conference and we want to win every game.

My aim for this program is to win a national title.

We want to be the best.

I think this program backs up why I want to win.”