Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XLIII, No. 2
September 2, 2015
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
Recovery housing opens for students From ‘Hell’s
Kitchen’ to breakdancing chef By Julie Kayzerman Editor-in-Chief
that want to give themselves the best college experience and knows that means being drug and alcohol free,” said Christopher Freeman, the community recovery supervisor of the TCNJ Clinic, which sponsors the Collegiate Recovery Program at the College. Currently, each Lion’s
Beyond the kitchen doors in Eickhoff Hall on a Saturday morning, Catering Chef Jacqueline Baldassari is probably break dancing and singing Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give it Up” into a wooden spoon. Everybody’s swingin’. This is such a groovy place. She has a boombox set up to blast some old funk and soul music while the whole staff sings along together and, in turn, works better and faster, she said. Keep on dancin’. You got to get it. Got to give it up. “I’m very energetic, I’m freakin’ off the wall,” Baldassari said with a raspy laugh. “I’ll just start break dancing ... I’ll be like ‘What? Party time!’ after I’ve been here for like 12 hours.” However, the behind-the-scenes chef from Florence, N.J., might be better known from her reality television stints on season nine of “Chopped” in 2011 and season 11 of “Hell’s Kitchen” in 2013. But while Chef Gordon Ramsey told Baldassari she was just a “diner girl from Jersey” on “Hell’s Kitchen,” to the College, she’s much more: a break-dancing chef with an infectious laugh whose culinary skills nearly
see RECOVERY page 3
see CHEF page 12
tcnj.edu
The College opens Lion’s House, an on-campus recovery program for students struggling with addiction. By Kelly Corbett Social Media Editor
Ping-pong balls bounce into cups of beer, tiny glasses of liquor are consumed in one gulp and the absence of class in the morning welcomes late-night laughter. Students are grooving to loud music with logicallylacking sentences flowing
from their mouths. “I’ll never drink again,” they’ll say, as they roll over in bed haunted by their headaches the next day. But will they actually? This is college. There is no longer a parental voice and watchful eye to reprimand every misdemeanor, and unfortunately, students are struggling to put down
Next stop: South Africa
By Ellie Schuckman News Editor
Starting this school year, the College has added to its winter study abroad opportunities with a new destination — South Africa. The three-week excursion, set to take place from Saturday, Jan. 2, to Friday, Jan. 22, is poised to enlighten students about the history of apartheid in South Africa, while examining how the tribulations have since impacted the nation. “We hope that students will get a sense of the major issues in South Africa’s history, in particular race, ethnicity, gender and the experience of colonization,” said Matthew Bender, an associate professor of history and one of the two directors of the International Studies Program. “By seeing how these issues have affected South Africans, students will get a fresh sense of how these affect their own lives back at home.” The interdisciplinary course will focus on see AFRICA page 2
INDEX:
Nation & World / Page 5
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the red Solo Cup, among other substances. In response to this climb in substance and drug abuse, the College welcomes the Lion’s House to campus this semester, as well as an array of drug- and alcohol-free late-night activities. Lion’s House, a recovery house adjacent to campus for substance abuse, is “for people
One-stop shopping with Lion’s Gate site By Sydney Shaw News Editor
Starting this semester, it’s one-stop shopping at the College for campus calendars, engagement opportunities, community service logging and more. Lion’s Gate — a new online resource — is “the hub of information for student organizations, academic and campus departments,” Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht wrote on Friday, Aug. 21, in a campus-wide email about the site. “When I first arrived in January as the assistant vice president for Student Affairs, many students and colleagues told me it’s difficult for students to know all the ways to engage in campus life outside the classroom,” Elizabeth Bapasola said. “There are many opportunities to be engaged, such as joining Editorial / Page 7
lionsgate.tcnj.edu
Lion’s Gate contains lists of clubs and resources.
and taking on a leadership role in a student organization and attending events and workshops.” Given that so many students at the College use technology to communicate with each other, the Division of Student Affairs and the Student Finance Board
Opinions / Page 8
Features / Page 12
purchased the CollegiateLink system (re-named Lion’s Gate), according to Bapasola. “Just communicating events happening on campus and student organizations that students can join is just the tip of the iceberg of what Lion’s Gate can do
for our community,” she said. Lion’s Gate includes a free mobile app with the capability to track attendance at events by using a swipe card reader. It also allows students to track their engagement experiences by building an engagement transcript that can be easily downloaded as a PDF to share for potential internships, future employers and graduate school admission offices. Besides tracking events and student engagement, community service hours can be logged and electronically verified using Lion’s Gate. Organizations can also run organizational and campuswide elections using the system. According to Bapasola, Student Government will use Lion’s Gate to run their campus-wide elections from now on. see GATE page 2
Arts & Entertainment / Page 15
Sports / Page 24
Three for Free CUB brings ‘Guy Code’ comedians to campus
Block Party Students meet new Campus Town vendors
Jessica Goldman Soccer midfielder looks to take field by storm
See A&E page 16
See Features page 13
See Sports page 24
page 2 The Signal September 2, 2015
Africa / New study abroad destination for students continued from page 1 the literature, history and culture of South Africa through readings, such as short stories and novels written during the apartheid period. Students will first spend nine nights in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, before traveling to Cape Town for 10 nights. “In addition to studying the history of apartheid, students will also get to meet and interact with South Africans, experience and come to appreciate a foreign culture and visit some beautiful natural environments like the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach,” said Assistant Professor of English Mindi McMann, director of the program alongside Bender. The program costs $5,514.08, including the $150 application fee, tuition for four credits, land travel arrangements and insurance. The cost does not include airfare, most lunches and dinners, personal expenses and gratuities. Students may go to Student Financial Assistance to discuss financial aid options for the winter program. The trip is set to be capped at around 20 students, according to Jon Stauff, senior international officer and director in the Center for Global Engagement. Those interested can fill out an application on the College’s website by Thursday, Oct. 1. “This is a unique opportunity for an interdisciplinary exploration of the South African experience in the 20th century and its impact on the present,” Stauff said. For more information, visit http://www.tcnj.edu/za.
AP Photo
Students attending the winter session will have the opportunity to visit the Cape of Good Hope.
Welcome back: Laptop stolen on first day of classes By Colleen Murphy Managing Editor
• Two male students were seen knocking over trash cans and then running into Lot 7 at 12:20 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, according to Campus Police. The students were found near the southwest stairwell where police said they smelled an odor of alcohol emanating from the men. The students failed a sobriety test and were found to be under the influence of alcohol. The two boys were carrying five 12-ounce cans of beer (three Bud Lights and two Budweisers) and one boy had under 50 grams of marijuana, Campus Police said. The two were summoned with possession of a controlled dangerous substance of under 50 grams and drug paraphernalia and underage drinking,
according to Campus Police.
• A tennis racquet was stolen from in front of Allen Hall on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11:15 a.m., according to Campus Police. The student left his racquet outside of the building for a moment as he went to his car to get something. When he came back, he saw that the racquet was gone and could not find it in the surrounding area, Campus Police said. • A fire extinguisher was reported missing from the first floor stairwell of Cromwell Hall, Campus Police reported. A new extinguisher was placed there the first week of August, and sometime between 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, and
Gate / New system launches
3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, the extinguisher was stolen, Campus Police said. Its estimated worth is $75.
• Sometime between 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, and 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, a mountain bike was stolen from a bike rack in front of Cromwell Hall, according to Campus Police. The mountain bike, described as “gray and white with a little bit of pink,” is valued at $500, and the lock is estimated to be worth $20. The owner did not have the serial number, make, model or speed of the bike and could not recall the brand of the bike lock, Campus Police said.
and 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Campus Police said. The student used the computer during her 9 a.m. class in the Business Building, but did not use it during her next class at 11 a.m. in the same building. During that second class, the student noticed that her backpack zipper was slightly opened, but was not certain if the laptop was or wasn’t in the bag at that time. After her class ended at 12:20 p.m., the student went straight to Eickhoff Dining Hall for lunch where she said she left her backpack unattended for “a second” while she went to get a drink. She then returned to her room where she took a nap. Upon waking up, the student discovered that her laptop, valued at $500, was missing, Campus Police said.
• A student’s laptop was stolen from her backpack sometime between 10:50 a.m.
Anyone with information can contact Campus Police at 609-771-2345.
Upcoming Events Dance Team Fall Auditions Thursday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. in Packer Hall South Gym
lionsgate.tcnj.edu
Clubs and organizations can better coordinate events using the network. continued from page 1 “We anticipate that by Spring 2016, all SAF-funded organizations will have all their SAF funds viewable on their Lion’s Gate organization’s profile,” Bapasola said. “This was one of the reasons why the Student Finance Board is helping pay for the system each year.” Launching Lion’s Gate has been in the works for well over a year. According to Bapasola and Hecht, a campus-wide committee researched a number of different systems and determined that ColleigateLink was the best system available in the Fall 2014 semester. The College then held a campus-wide naming contest in April, which is how the name “Lion’s Gate” was selected. This summer, student organizations
registered by building an organizational account on Lion’s Gate in order to stay recognized by the Office of Student Activities, Bapasola said. “As of August 30, 2015, there are 1,414 TCNJ students, faculty and staff using the system,” Bapasola said. “Over 270 organizational accounts are on Lion’s Gate, with over 175 events posted by them.” According to Hecht, training is available for those interested in learning how to post events on Lion’s Gate, build an organizational account, track event attendance and use other tools available through the software. The first training session is on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. in Business Building 225. The Office of Engagement staff can provide one-on-one trainings by request.
“Godspell” Auditions Friday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Kendall Hall’s Blackbox Theatre CUB Alt Show with Deleasa, Say It! Say It!, and Ernston Friday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Decker Hall Social Space “Anchorman” Movie Night Friday, Sept. 4 at 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in The Lion’s Den Food Court WTSR Underground Session 1 Saturday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Lion’s TV Studio WTSR Underground Session 2 Sunday, Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. in Lion’s TV Studio
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 3
Recovery / Lion’s House helping students continued from page 1 House is able to hold five students, as well as a mentor. It costs the same as other oncampus housing and offers the same basic amenities. Residents abide by the same rules as other dorm-style living on campus, with the exception of not being able to have guests over that are under the influence. But what exactly triggered the opening of the Lion’s House? Are college students drastically downing too much alcohol? According to a national survey, 31 percent of college students meet the criteria for alcohol abuse disorder (whether mild or moderate). In a 7,152 student school such as the College, that would mean over 2,000 kids are sipping just a little too much on that dancing juice. Furthermore, 6 percent of the nation’s college students meet the criteria for alcohol dependence — defined as “the people that are unable to stop, they crave it and they aren’t functioning the way they should be,” Freeman said. That would amount to about 420 students at the College. While many students may brush off a peer’s poor performance in class as laziness, he or she may be suffering from something much bigger. “Someone who doesn’t have a substance use disorder can put down a drink and say, ‘Hey, I’m fine,’” Freeman said. However, those who are alcohol dependent battle to plop the cup down — they crave alcohol. “Ever go driving or walking by a Burger King and you smell it and crave it?” Freeman asked, comparing the fast food cravings to the alcohol cravings many students suffer from. “It changes the brain.”
AP Photo
Many students who struggle with substance abuse may do so in secret. And while this data reflects colleges and universities nationwide, what is actually true of the College’s grounds? According to Campus Police facts provided on a flyer created by the TCNJ Clinic, between September 2013 and May 2014, there were 358 alcohol/drug policy violations, 113 on-campus alcohol/drug arrests and 40 emergency room visits due to alcohol/drugs. Furthermore, there were 82 alcohol related emergencies where TCNJ EMS responded to residential halls or other areas of campus. Lastly, there were three academic suspensions due to alcohol/drugs and two student deaths due to alcohol/drug use (it is not known if these occurred on-campus or not). That’s why the Lion’s House is such a significant addition to the College this year
for many students. There are only 112 collegiate recovery programs currently operating or launching in the country, according to the Transforming Youth Recovery 2014 Survey Report published by The Stacie Mathewson Foundation. The College is fortunate enough to have not just a Collegiate Recovery Community, but also a Recovery House for students to apply to live in. The Recovery House has an on-going application and accepts those students “that are really in recovery and have been through treatment,” said Nancy Scott, director of the TCNJ Clinic. Often those suffering from a substance abuse disorder feel isolated and alone, according to Freeman. The Lion’s House is a place where students can combat all their cravings and triggers together, alongside
their mentor, a graduate student who will hold house meetings and always steer the housemates toward better choices. Any student struggling at the College is welcome to apply, and there is no time limit on how long they can stay in the house. CAPS also offers services to those struggling with substance abuse. However, because CAPS is expected to serve the whole student body, it can only grant students a couple individual sessions. For those students seeking more one-on-one help, the TCNJ Clinic, located in Forcina Hall 124, is an alternate option. In addition to the Lion’s House, there are also a variety of late night activities sponsored by the Collegiate Recovery Community for students to have fun without alcohol or other drugs present. “One of the problems we have in Ewing is there isn’t much to do,” Freeman said. “The default activity is a party.” With this in mind, the Collegiate Recovery Program has coordinated several late night activities including a “Back to Basics” night where students participated in old-school games such as dodgeball, kickball or foursquare. There have also been “Minute to Win It” games where students would have 60 seconds to complete a random task such as blowing a feather into a bowl. These activities are open to all students and promote the message that one does not need alcohol or other substances to enjoy themselves. “We want them to graduate to different living arrangements or maybe even become a housing advisor,” Scott said. “We definitely want TCNJ to be a caring community.”
page 4 The Signal September 2, 2015
Interested in studying abroad? STUDY ABROAD FAIR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9 11 am - 2 pm ALUMNI GROVE (rain location: SOCIAL SCIENCES ATRIUM)
Sponsored by: The Center of Global Engagement
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 5
Nation & W rld
Cameraman and reporter shot dead on air
Tragedy strikes local Virginia television station
By Gabrielle Beacken Nation & World Editor
What Happened At approximately 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, ex-employee of WDBJ television station, Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, murdered reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, on live television, during the station’s morning program in Roanoke, Va. At the time of the shooting, Parker was interviewing Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, when she was shot in the back, the New York Times reported. She is the sole survivor of the attack. The shooter fired 17 rounds from a .40 caliber Glock pistol at point-blank range, according to Reuters. The shooting was filmed by the shooter’s body camera and was virally spread through the shooter’s social media accounts. Debates about gun control and violent video sharing through social media have ensued. Family, friends and colleagues share their grief and loving memories of the two slain reporters, Parker and Ward. The Victims They were the “A-Team” WDBJ7-TV news director Kelly Zuber said in an interview with USA Today. Parker and Ward were both seen as “dedicated, energetic professionals with bright futures ahead of them,” reported USA Today. Even though Parker filled the early morning shifts, she was easy to get along with and always had a positive attitude, said a colleague to USA Today. “The most radiant women I ever met,” a colleague told CNN. Ward was the “sort of person you never saw without a smile,” another colleague said to CNN. “Adam was one of those photographers who would go anywhere, do anything for you,” Zuber told USA Today. The duo was described as “two outstanding professionals,” said Mike Morgan Both,
Photo courtesy of Facebook
Parker (left) and Ward (right) are remembered as a dynamic-duo.
WDBJ7-TV spokesman, to USA Today. Parker grew up in Southwest Virginia and earned her bachelor’s degree in media art and design from James Madison University in 2012. There, she was an editor and reporter for the school’s newspaper, according to CNN. Moved in together and saving up for a wedding, Parker was in a nine-month-long relationship with boyfriend and anchor at WDBJ, Chris Hurst. When Hurst met Parker he told his mother, “Mom, I’ve finally found my teammate and my partner,” reported CNN. “She cared about her stories and took a genuine interest in what people said,” said Becky Blanton, journalist and friend of Parker, to CNN. Ward was “genuinely a good guy” said a colleague to CNN. The 2011 Virginia Tech graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in communications. “He had such a positive outlook on life, and he was so determined to put a smile on your face,” former WDBJ employee Larell Reynolds said to CNN. The cameraman was recently engaged to WDBJ morning show producer Melissa Ott. “They were the most amazing couple,” said Solina Lewis, journalist and friend to Ott, to CNN. “(They) wanted to have a family ... they would (have) made the
best parents.” According to Kimberly McBroom, WDBJ7-TV’s morning news anchor and friend of both Ward and Parker, Ward was excited to start a family and often talked about his upcoming wedding, she told USA Today. Ott was working her last day, the morning of the shooting, and saw the entire tragedy occur live. She and Ward were going to relocate to North Carolina. “Melissa was the love of his life, so he was going to follow her,” Zuber said to USA Today. Gardner was the third and only surviving victim of the shooting. The shooter “missed a couple of times” before shooting her in the back, said Gardner’s husband to the New York Times. Gardner then underwent a successful emergency surgery. Her recovery will take several months, according to The Times. Preceding Parker and Warden’s death, the two journalists were working on an hour-long child-abuse story. “They were involved in the most important aspect of journalism,” said Todd Schurz, president and CEO of Schurz Communications, which owns WDBJ7-TV, to USA Today. “Telling the stories important to their local communities.”
The Shooter The shooter wore a body camera when he shot Parker, Ward and Gardner in point-blank range. The videos of the shooting were shared on Facebook and Twitter, according to the New York Times. “Unlike previous televised deaths, these were not merely broadcast, but widely and virally distributed,” reported the New York Times. The shooter worked at WDBJ for less than a year before he was fired in 2013, reported the New York Times. The shooter was known for his rages, angry outbursts and did not get along well with others. After his dismissal, the shooter “sued the station, claiming discrimination,” said the New York Times. The case was dismissed and the station insists the accusations were baseless, reported the New York Times. While the police were searching for him, he “sent a manifesto to ABC News that spoke admiringly of mass killers and said that as a black, gay man he had faced discrimination and sexual harassment,” the New York Times reported. The shooter shot himself in the head, killing himself, during a police chase in northern Virginia, according to Reuters.
The Aftermath Parker’s father, Andy, has vowed that he will fight for more effective gun control. He urges loopholes in gun control legislations to be remedied and that the world doesn’t become “desensitized to this issue,” he told CNN. According to CNN, Andy said “he doesn’t want people to say, ‘Oh geez, this is another horrific incident,’ and then turn their attention to ‘What’s for dinner tonight, honey?’” After tragic events such as this occur, the public often thinks that a dramatic change in gun control will happen. According to Andy, it “never did,” he told CNN. “Alison was our bright, shining light, and it was cruelly extinguished by yet another crazy person with a gun,” said Andy to CNN. “Not hearing her voice again crushes my soul.”
Lessons learned 10 years after Hurricane Katrina By Candace Kellner Staff Writer
Hurricane Katrina displaced more than a million people along the Gulf Coast and nearly half of the population of New Orleans in 2005. Most residents left due to unemployment or loss of their homes. Others feared another obliterating storm. Ten years later, families scattered by Hurricane Katrina are still making their way home. In the aftermath of the storm, the Higgins-Chester family, natives of New Orleans, followed different paths, reported NBC. Following the disaster, John Higgins immediately returned to New Orleans with his wife, Carol. For Higgins and Carol, New Orleans is the only place they will ever call home. His sons, Daniel and Stephen, have also moved back to the city. Daniel, a 23-year-old medical student, made the decision to study at Louisiana State University in part because he felt as though he owed
the city something, he told NBC. “I feel indebted to the city, to a degree, because the city went through a really rough time and I left it, I was not here,” Daniel said to NBC. Donna Brazile, vice chairwoman at the Democratic National Committee, recounts the moment she discovered her family would have to evacuate. “Ten years ago, my niece called me from New Orleans to say, ‘We are leaving,’” Brazile told CNN. “When I asked her what was going on, she snapped, ‘Haven’t you heard? Katrina is coming!’” Brazile’s father only left New Orleans twice in his life, reported CNN. The first time her father left was to serve in the arrmed forces in the Korean War and the second time was when “FEMA evacuated him to Kelly Air Force Base San Antonia, Texas,” according to CNN. Brazile told CNN that she hopes that the devastation left by Katrina will not be forgotten.
“On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I’m asking everyone to pause and remember what happened 10 years ago to the city I love so much,” Brazile said. Brazile is hopeful that Katrina will teach the nation to “commit to building the economy, infrastructure and quality of life” not only for the Gulf Coast, but across America, reported CNN. However, a recent poll shows that nearly half of Americans still think that the nation is not much better prepared for future natural disasters. According to CNN, the survey shows that 51 percent of Americans said the U.S. is just as vulnerable as it was 10 years ago. At least 1,833 people died in the hurricane and floods that followed the storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, along with other natural disaster departments, was criticized for responding slowly to Katrina, according to CNN. A recent poll also finds that
AP Photo
Empty lots fill parts of a city that’s still a work in progress.
the anger and sadness Americans felt in the aftermath of the floods and deaths have faded. According to CNN, approximately 77 percent said they experienced “sadness” when thinking about Katrina, the devastation and the recovery effort since 2005. In a survey taken only days after Katrina, 98 percent said they felt great sadness. Today,
however, only 39 percent say they feel “anger,” compared to 62 percent who said the same in 2005 after the storm. Residents of the northeast, effected by Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene, say that the nation has not learned from Katrina. However those in the south, in regions that saw damage from hurricanes Ike and Irene, see the country as better prepared today.
page 6 The Signal September 2, 2015
Graduate Studies
TCNJ | Prepare Well
A graduate experience that points you in the right direction.
Register for our Graduate Open House! September 17th
Find out more! www.tcnj.edu/tcnjgrad Or call 609.771.2300
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 7
Editorial
Getting involved with philanthropic work while at college
The Activities Fair may be the most hyped-up day of fall semester — the flyers, the free candy and all of the email lists to sign up for. It can be easy to get lost in the hundreds of options, social and academic, that will be a defining part of your time at the College. One aspect that often gets overlooked when trying to find what group best suits you is philanthropy. As an underclassman, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding extra-curricular activities that will lead to new friends, career opportunities and even Friday night plans that it is possible to forget to find an organization that will provide inner lasting and rewarding results. Getting involved with a community service designated organization is the best addition to being active in social groups for the most well-rounded college experience. The best part is there are so many ways to be a part of volunteer opportunities. There are organizations dedicated to specific causes, such as Colleges Against Cancer, as well as others that give back in a more general sense, like Student United Way. Philanthropy organizations give a new perspective on what it means to be a student leader and are a reminder that there are causes bigger than your 15-page paper that seems to be the biggest issue at the moment. You will become connected with like-minded individuals that you might have missed that chance of meeting if you were focused on organizations only related to your major. By branching out you will find new strengths within yourself that you can still apply to your future endeavors. College is a time for soul searching and finding out “who you are,” and volunteering is an invaluable experience because you find out things you are passionate about that you might not have previously known. At an age where it might seem like you can’t do anything to really change the world, service groups prove that millennials can make a real impact. You get to witness real results, whether it be finding out that the child you sponsored during TCNJAM is going to beat cancer or knowing that a dollar you raised is going to help send a girl in a third world country to school. These causes can shape the paths you want to take post-graduation or even provide you with opportunities to work for a non-profit full-time. Being involved locally is also important to the College community. It is essential that we, as the student body, give back to our surrounding area. Not only will it create lasting college memories, but it will also connect you to the larger community for years to come. I know right now community service may seem like just another thing to add to a never-ending list of things to put on a resume, but finding a cause you are passionate about will change and shape your college experience and your life for the better. — Mackenzie Cutruzzula Sports Editor
Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo and Sports editors and the Business Manager, unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.
Photo courtesy of Michael Cort
The Activities Fair is a great place to figure out what clubs would be good to join. Consider signing up for an organization that has a focus in service.
Correction:
tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Business Office (609) 771-2499 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu
Editorial Staff Julie Kayzerman Editor-in-Chief kayzerj1@tcnj.edu Colleen Murphy Managing Editor murphc16@tcnj.edu Sydney Shaw Ellie Schuckman News Editors shaws4@tcnj.edu schucke1@tcnj.edu Mackenzie Cutruzzula Michael Battista Sports Editors cutruzm1@tcnj.edu battism3@tcnj.edu Kimberly Ilkowski Arts & Entertainment Editor ilkowsk1@tcnj.edu Jessica Ganga Features Editor gangaj1@tcnj.edu Chelsea LoCascio Opinions Editor locascc1@tcnj.edu Kim Iannarone Photo Editor iannark1@tcnj.edu
Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Forcina Hall The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Gabrielle Beacken Nation & World Editor beackeg1@tcnj.edu Elise Schoening Review Editor schoene1@tcnj.edu Jackie Delaney Production Manager delanej2@tcnj.edu Alyssa Sanford Web Editor sanfora1@tcnj.edu Olivia Rizzo Kelly Corbett Social Media Editors rizzoo1@tcnj.edu corbetk2@tcnj.edu
Emilie Lounsberry Advisor lounsber@tcnj.edu Ricky Zhao Business/Ad Manager zhaof1@tcnj.edu
Last week’s issue of The Signal incorrectly stated the location of Cub Alt shows. Shows will held in the new Decker Social Space. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Quotes of the Week “Just communicating events happening on campus and student organizations that students can join is really just the tip of the iceberg of what Lion’s Gate can do for our community.” — Elizabeth Bapasola, assistant vice president for student affairs
“I represent our school everywhere I go and I always want to do that well.”
— Chloe Yelle, sophomore urban education and English double major
page 8 The Signal September 2, 2015
Opinions
Students share opinions around campus Is ‘Every Choice’ helpful?
Longer library hours?
“My freshman year the library did a passfail class (IDS 102) and they could look into doing something like that ... It should focus on male sexual assault more, which is something they should address in the future.”
“I think later hours would be helpful. I get most of my studying done late at night. I’m not able to study as effectively … unless I’m in a quiet library.”
Chelsea LoCascio / Opinions Editor
Carly Mastrogiacomo, freshman nursing major.
Chelsea LoCascio / Opinions Editor
Anna Prestera, junior special education and history double major.
“I can see both sides. It’s useful to have access whenever you want, but you can’t expect workers to be here all night. They can open different sections, like the fourth floor, to be the quieter area or maybe designating the library cafe as quieter than the other part of the extended study area.”
“I feel like sexual assault shouldn’t be happening anymore. I don’t want to be sexist, but it does happen to women more. It’s baffling that it still happens though.”
Chelsea LoCascio / Opinions Editor
Gerard Giordano, freshman political science major.
Chelsea LoCascio / Opinions Editor
Alessandra Testa, junior international studies major.
The Signal asks ... If it were possible, should the Confederate flag be banned in the US? Alessandra: “There needs to be a very clear discussion about the implications of (the flag). Since I’m not from the south, it’s not up for me to decide. People can use it for whatever they want, but not like the white supremacy (we saw) over the summer. We need to meet each other halfway, like not have it in public areas or in front of government buildings.” Gerard: “You can’t be showing the Confederate flag on state grounds. Those should be kept in museums. We can’t forget history. We have to remember it so we don’t repeat it.” Carly: “Just having one is not a problem unless problems arise from it. I was in Maine and I saw some of them. I wasn’t used to (that).” Anna: “I don’t think it should be banned, but it’s disrespectful to our country now. The flag has no meaning anymore.”
Americans find an appropriate use for the flag post-banishment.
Illustration courtesy of Raphaëlle Gamanho
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 9
‘Every Choice’ training excludes men
AVI program perpetuates survivor stereotypes being a survivor of rape, stalking or violence. Men’s struggles were merely mentioned in passing. I know you do not make up the program. I applaud you all for doing such great work on spreading awareness on campus. And I know women are affected by this type of behavior more, but it happens to men. All the time. I’ve witnessed it myself.
“It truly baffles me that in a 90-minute program, they could not even feature one male recounting his experience.” Photo courtesy of studentsuccess.org
The program teaches students how bystanders’ choices can help save people from assault. By Jonathan Edmondson Earlier this month, TCNJ Anti-Violence Initiatives sent out a campus-wide email discussing a new program called “Every Choice.” In that email, the mandatory training was described: “During the program, you can expect to learn more about power-based personal violence and how to safely and effectively intervene in situations where violence may occur in an interactive and thoughtful curriculum.” The interactive, 90-minute program must be completed by all students at the College by Thursday, Oct. 1. A few days after receiving the email, I sat down to complete the training, which had three major components: physical violence, sexual abuse and stalking.
For those of you who have not completed the program yet, the training features video testimonials, staged scenarios and quizzes to help educate students. When I first learned that the College was implementing this mandatory program, I was extremely excited. However, upon completion of the course, I was outraged and sent the following email to AVI. “To Whom it May Concern — First, I wanted to say that I’m very happy that this type of program is being required for students on campus. This is such an important issue that students absolutely need to be educated on. However, upon completion of the program, I am so upset with the lack of male representation in the video. Not a single testimonial featured a story about a male
In the future, please consider a program that has a equal representation across gender, sexual orientation and race. It truly baffles me that in a 90-minute program, they could not even feature one male recounting his experience. As a male student who has experienced this type of behavior first hand, it is very frustrating.” A few weeks have gone by and I have not received a reply from anyone over at AVI. I am disappointed and confused. There’s no reason why there can’t be equal representation in these types of training programs. With a lack of male representation, the message is being sent that either, one, men don’t experience abuse, or two, that if they have been abused, they are in the minority and do not matter. I am proud of the steps the College is taking to raise awareness over such important issues. However, in the future, I sincerely hope a different, more diverse program is selected and that students’ concerns are addressed instead of ignored.
Students long for library after midnight By Kelly Corbett Social Media Editor Ah, we meet again, library. It’s been far too long. I miss your fourth floor scenic views of campus, your wavering Wi-Fi and the scramble to find an empty study room. Not to mention your super-cozy couches, your cafe that enables my coffee addiction and all the great reads you hold that I hope to check out this semester. Yet there’s one thing I don’t miss: your early closing time. Our last encounter was finals week. It was past midnight and you were there for me as I read through my statistics textbook. You gave me everything you had, all four floors of you, all day and night during one of my toughest weeks at the College. Then, you had my back — and now you don’t. Currently during the week, you turn me away once the clock strikes midnight, and during the weekend you push me away even earlier. You offer me a strip of seating in the front of library until 2 a.m., which is thoughtful of you -- but it’s not the same. I want your wooden cubicles, couches, books, computers, all of you — all of the time. I am needy of your resources. I need you to be open 24-7 again. Please. I am a frequent lib-goer as I complete most of my coursework in the four-floored brick world of books and hard-working students. My procrastination levels dwindle once I step foot into this silent sanctuary. I’ve scribed
some of my finest works here and I have lounged in these couches until I felt strong enough to battle my exam the next morning. However, as my course load gets more challenging, I need some help. I need the library to be open longer, for my fellow students and myself. In a perfect world, all students at the College would be tucked in by midnight, homework completed hours before. However, as perfect as we seem, we falter. Assignments take longer than desired and we sink into the late hours of the night finishing up our work. I understand that the extended study area, the cafe and a small portion of the first floor remain open until 2 a.m. However, from my experience, it is always crowded and not a quiet environment. I appreciate it, but I always end up returning to my dorm after the third announcement that the library is closing — before I am officially kicked out. Once I return to my dorm to finish work, I am always tempted by my bed to sleep instead of study more. Asking the library to stay open 24-7 during the regular weeks of the semester may be a bit excessive. The library is not a 7-Eleven in the middle of a busy city. It, along with its employees, deserve some sleep. But instead of closing most of it up at midnight or before, could all of it stay open until 2 a.m.? I am the most productive in the library and I’m sure many other students feel the same. During finals week, when
Some students struggle to work during the day. I was able to stay in the library past the usual closing time, I accomplished quite a bit of work. Call me a nerd, but I used the library’s extended hours to my advantage. While the library closing early should not affect the quality of my work, it is so much more difficult to work in the dorms. Neighbors are noisy and distracting, Ethernet cords may falter and the sight of my bed just makes me want to shut my textbook and crawl under my covers. Being in the library always encourages
Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor
me to stop looking at the clock and do my work. Sometimes, depending on my schedule, I need more time in the library after it closes and I don’t want to straggle to the extended study area. As a nocturnal homework-doer, I feel that the extended study area should be banished from existence and the whole library, all four floors, should remain open until 2 a.m. Not just for me and my late night studying, but also for the diligent student in all of us that just want a quiet environment to achieve greatness in, even after midnight.
Policies The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors. The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via e-mail to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office. Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 300 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason. All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs. The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 771-2424, write to the address listed above or e-mail us at signal@tcnj.edu.
page 10 The Signal September 2, 2015
Sudoku!
Fun Stuff Bands Wordsearch
One Direction Madness Pink PSY Muse
Queen The Who Little Mix Coldplay
Wanted Take That Blur McFly
The Killers Lawson Owl City Elbow
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 11
Fun Stuff (cont.) Maze Fun!
Jokes Q: What does a nosey pepper do? A: Gets jalape単o business! Q: Did you hear about the hungry clock? A: It went back four seconds! Q: Why did the picture go to jail? A: Because it was framed. Q: How do you make an octopus laugh? A: With ten-tickles! Q: What do you call having your grandma on speed dial? A: Instagram!
Sudoku Solution
page 12 The Signal September 2, 2015
Features
Chef / Baldassari turns passion into reality
Kimberly Ilkowski / Arts & Entertainment Editor
Left: Baldassari sings and dances to liven up the kitchen. Right: Born in the food industry, Baldassari is right where she loves to be. continued from page 1 doubled the amount of sales during her first year at the College. Before Baldassari stepped in, sales from June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013 at the College were recorded at $520,530.49. The following year they were at $589,070.17. But when the funky chef came swinging through the kitchen doors in April 2014, sales skyrocketed to $984.797.40, according to Sodexo’s system, CaterTrax, which only accounts for about 75 percent of sales. “My parents were like, ‘Do not go into the restaurant business,’” Baldassari said. “I love it. I can’t get away from it. It’s a hardworking career, it’s not an easy job by any means, but I love it. I love feeding people, I love tasting stuff, working with funky ingredients,
teaching other cooks and chefs how to work with the stuff.” Born to cook Born and raised in the restaurant industry, Baldassari became a cooking connoisseur as a kid, hopping in and out of the seven different restaurants her family owned in the Trenton area, from doughnut shops to banquet halls. At age seven, she was ordering a medium-rare filet mignon, instead of the Mickey Mouse cheeseburger offered on the kid’s menu. At 12, Baldassari worked in the coat check room of her grandfather’s restaurant, Roman Hall, with wide eyes at the bills she was collecting from tipping customers. But it was at her job at Rat’s restaurant in Hamilton Township at 16 years old where she developed her skill set in high-end cooking. There,
Celebritease
Miley Cyrus hosts and performs at the VMAs.
By Mackenzie Cutruzzula Sports Editor
As the boys of One Direction figure out their futures this week, I was transported back to a pre-1D time in 2010 because of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards performance lineup. Thankfully not literally, because I had awful hair and style, but it was impossible not to feel nostalgia at the idea of Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato getting set to take the stage while Hannah Montana — er — Miley Cyrus hosted the award ceremony Sunday, Aug. 30. Somewhere my 14-yearold self is awkwardly dancing around to “Baby” and screaming at the idea. Making sure the past really couldn’t stay in the past, MTV pulled out all the
she fell in love with the potential that different food dishes had to offer. “I’m very creative because I have such a broad horizon of many different cuisines,” Baldassari said. “I love colors, textures and to combine them. So not only what you’re seeing is absolutely amazing looking … it also makes your mouth have a crazy party.” So when age 27 rolled around, she went on the T.V. screen to impress the judges on “Chopped” with her grilled asparagus with prosciutto and melon before being eliminated in round two on episode “1 in 100.” Not much later, she found herself living with 20 strangers, getting woken up by drill sergeants and diving into a lobster tank on season 11 of “Hell’s Kitchen,” during her three weeks on the show. And from that, Baldassari learned the greatest lesson of all: “Not to do
long TV shows again,” she joked. “It’s intense. Everything that (Ramsey is) shouting out at you, you have to remember, and if you can’t remember, you’re going to fail.” Failure is not an option But Baldassari didn’t even come close to failing. She hung up the chef’s jacket for a bit to go to accounting school. But it was too boring for the energetic chef — she couldn’t break dance and crunch numbers at the same time. She went back to her roots in high-end cooking, working at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, serving people like mathematician John Nash and his son. She even spent time at the Ivy Inn in Princeton, kickstarting the restaurant by creating the menu and designing the signature Ivy Burger, she said with a kiss to
her fingers. Now Baldassari has found comfort at the College, being around students and running the catering department in a kitchen full of dancing and laughter. “I think I’m going to stay here for awhile,” she said. But Baldassari still has her eye set on the ultimate dream: owning her own restaurant. “I would love it,” she said. “Nothing crazy, a bistro, inexpensive, affordable for everyone … that’s the dream. “Everybody should be able to have good food,” Baldassari said. “Just because you’re on a budget or you’re not making a ton of money, you’re a college kid … everybody should be able to have an amazing diner experience no matter if it’s once in your life or once a week.”
:Kanye for prez 2020
AP Photo
stops to not just turn heads, but snap necks at the ceremony. Most notably, when Taylor Swift presented Kanye West with the Video Vanguard Award. West’s acceptance speech mentioned nothing about his music videos, but rather he used his time to apologize to Swift for stealing the mic from her during her acceptance speech in 2009. West then (jokingly?) announced his run for presidency in 2020. My younger self could finally feel validated in knowing “You Belong With Me” really is the greatest music video of all time. Cyrus faced tabloids this past week as she dissed Nicki Minaj after her falling out with Swift. Minaj used her acceptance speech for Best Hip-Hop video to call the host out on her unkind words.
In a moment that is facing scrutiny for looking scripted, fans were more concerned with the performance of former feuders, Swift and Minaj coming together for “Trini Them Girls,” “The Night is Still Young” and “Bad Blood.” Proving once and for all that subtweets don’t solve problems. In other performance news — the Biebs literally soared above the audience before being moved to tears. His performance wasn’t his only headline this week as he began teasing his sexy new video for his latest single, “What Do You Mean?” While the traditional music video looks sleek and sexy, it’s the lyric video that had me gushing with another blast from my past — Ryan Scheckler skateboarding around with fellow skater, Chelsea Castro. My 14-year-old self had a really good week. As Bieber also made heads turn by supposedly throwing shade at former girlfriend Selena Gomez, the actress couldn’t hear the burns over the deafening screams of Swift’s sold out concert. The bestie duo took the stage on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to perform Gomez’s latest hit “Good For You.” Swift’s five-night residency at the Staples Center in Los Angeles marked the halfway point of her 1989 World Tour. With all of Hollywood’s eyes on the young songstress, she would not disappoint. Aside from bringing Justin Timberlake out of his fatherhood hiatus, John Legend and Alanis Morissette joined Swift for duets. But the most surprising duet shouldn’t have been that surprising at all — Lisa
Kudrow reprised her role as Phoebe from “Friends” to sing “Smelly Cat” with the self-proclaimed cat lady herself, Swift. With an agenda to end all of her feuds, Swift also brought Avril Lavigne on stage at her San Diego concert after their recent Twitter beef. Swift’s usual cat-sitter and full time boyfriend, Calvin Harris was in the audience and fans caught a glimpse of Swift mouthing, “I love you,” to someone in the crowd — presumably the Scottish disc jockey. There was another celeb in the audience that didn’t make an on stage appearance — Ben Affleck. The recent divorcee took his daughters to the concert and it appears that their nanny, Christine Ouzounian, stayed home. Unless she was on another private jet with Patriot’s quarterback,Tom Brady, wearing his Super Bowl rings. It was reported that Brady and his wife, Victoria’s Secret model Gisele Bündchen, are facing marital issues as the duo didn’t spend each other’s birthdays with one another and the model was missing from her husband’s court hearing. A source close to couple stated that the two just had a busier summer than usual, but that all is well. I am going to believe said source because I fear being traumatized by another break up between my second favorite couple. I am still recovering from Ben and Jen. Until all the facts are in, my 14-year-old self will continue dancing around to Justin Bieber, staring at a Nick Jonas poster during a simpler time.
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 13
: April ‘98
Tuition costs increase
Campus Style By Jillian Greene & Patricia Wilcox Columnists Mete Eser is a sophomore communications major with a minor in philosophy. When he’s not looking flawless on campus, he’s looking stylish at his job at Urban Outfitters in Princeton. And of course, his love for Kanye West makes him dress his Kanye best. We sat down with him to find out more …
Jessica Ganga / Features Editor
Students report on possible plans for tuition increases. By Jessica Ganga Features Editor With rising tuition costs being an issue across the country, it’s interesting to see that, even back in 1998, it was still an issue for students attending college. At the College, Marie Brzostowski and Nick Manetto reported on how the College’s tuition cost was possibly increasing from 4.8 to 9.5 percent. Students would have to pay either $11,459 or $10,839, depending on which plan was chosen. Students that attend the College today pay roughly $25,000 per year to live on campus. If only we were born in the ’80s. Next year’s tuition may increase anywhere from 4.8 to 9.5 percent, but the separation plan given to President Harold W. Eickhoff has no relation to the increase, the board of trustees, announced at its April 23 tuition hearing. Pete Mills, vice president of Administration and Finance, explained the four scenarios which could affect next year’s tuition. “Budget numbers aren’t locked up yet. The revenue side is still being looked at,” he said. “We can’t specify what the budget will be until the legislature acts on it in June.” The difference among the four scenarios presented relates to how much the state legislature funds the salary payincrease that has already been granted. “It’s an absolute commitment, it has to
be paid. The more money the legislature allocates, the less tuition will increase. “The legislature will fund the program, part of the program or none of the program,” Mills said. The range of tuition will be form $5,078 to $5,303, a difference of $225. Room and board is set to increase 2.8 percent, up $165 from this year’s $5,996, regardless of how much the legislature allocates for the salary increases. This number stays consistent because, according to Mills, “residence complexes are self-supporting — there are no tax dollars behind them. The housing budget picks up the cost of benefits and salary of anyone who works in the residence halls.” Under the governor’s current budget plan, students who pay tuition, fees, room and board face a 5.7 percent increase of $620 to $11,459. In the second scenario, if the legislature funds 50 percent of the salary increase program, tuition will increase 7.3 percent to $5,198. Those who live on campus will see their bill increase by 4.8 percent, $520 more to $10,839. If the legislature funds 75 percent of the program, tuition will increase by $295, and on-campus students will pay $460 more next year. In the final scenario, if the legislature funds 100 percent of the program, tuition will increase 4.8 percent to $5,078. Students will pay $400 more.
J&P: What’s your favorite trend? Mete: I like the baggy and simple styles that are upcoming. GQ magazine is focusing on having single colors with a relaxed fit. But honestly, to me, if you feel good you, look good. J&P: Whom do you get your inspiration from? Mete: Kanye West, not even a question. Everything he designs is different. He is not afraid to push boundaries. Nothing is over the top, there’s just the right amount of genius mixed with bold designs. J&P: Do you think there is a correlation between Kanye’s music and his designs? Mete: Absolutely. He started designing clothes around the time of his “Yeezus” album. That album is known as wild and was not liked because it was so extremely different from his other music. But his new clothing line is the same way. He is keeping it fresh and new. You have to do you and respect yourself enough to wear a style that reflects you. Keep it open-minded when it comes to fashion. J&P: Describe your style. Mete: Keep it simple, less is more. If you’re comfortable in your own clothes then you should feel good about yourself. But then again, I’ll throw in one piece that is crazier. Don’t be afraid to try bold and crazy things, as long as they are paired with something simple. It is hard to label myself in one style because style is always evolving. Urban Outfitters is not really style. The things in there are pretty decent. They have brands more like Supreme, a normal black shirt with a big logo on it, priced high. Not for me. I just can’t respect clothing like that. J&P: What are some of your favorite
Photo courtesy of Patricia Wilcox
Eser models the perfect fall look.
brands and stores? Mete: Normally you will see me wearing brands such as Freestyle, Zara, H&M, David Yurman or Banana Republic, but if it looks good I’ll buy it. I’ll buy shoes from Payless if they look good — doesn’t matter to me. I usually shop at Adidas, Zara, Lucky Brand (because their clothing lasts forever) and even Forever 21 where you can buy jeans for just $15. J&P: Describe your ideal fall outfit. Mete: Yeezy Boost 350 (the white ones) sneakers, black jeans, an army green shirt and a slouchy reversible cape. I would pair that outfit with my signature silver necklace, some rings or a watch and a few of my leather bracelets. J&P: What can you be seen wearing on a date this fall? Mete: Tan, suede Chelsea boots paired with light blue jeans and a white shirt with an oversized gray cardigan. I’d throw on a necklace, watch and larger clutch and keep my hair straight and not overdone. J&P: Is there anything you wear on the daily? Mete: I wear a necklace every day or a watch or a bracelet — never nothing on my wrist and sunglasses, typically Ray Bans in the persol style. J&P: What’s your biggest pet peeve in fashion? Mete: I really can’t stand expensive Jordans, mid-calf socks, basketball shorts or snapbacks all together. Oh, and definitely no tank tops.
Campus Town Block Party welcomes students
Photo courtesy of Tyler Switsky
Students have fun playing outdoor games during the block party.
By Olivia Rizzo Social Media Editor
Dotted with blue tents, the main road of Campus Town attracted groups of residents as they celebrated the opening of their new home on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The Campus Town block party, organized by the Campus Town Resident Advisors (RAs) welcomed students to the official
opening of new apartment buildings and shopping area. The block party featured vendor tables of some of the new businesses that are set to open this fall. Free merchandise and food enticed students to visit all of the various tables and to gain more information about the up-and-coming attractions. “It’s a really great way to get the campus
to see Campus Town and see everything that is going to be offered,” junior special education and history double major Jenn Pagliaro said as she walked through the block party with friends. One of the new places students will be able to enjoy in the fall is Mexican Mariachi Grill. The family-owned restaurant offered up free samples of homemade chips, salsa and quesadillas for students to munch on as they walked through the streets and ventured over to other vendor tables. Students could cool off with authentic Mexican drinks like Horchata, which contained rice and cinnamon, provided by the stand. “I think it’s a good way to get everyone excited about the new restaurants opening up,” junior English major Shina Patel said as she sampled the offerings from Mexican Mariachi Grill, “but I would have liked to see other restaurants here, as well.” Students can’t wait for the newly minted eateries to open their doors for business as they try to guess which new storefront will open up first. Not to be outdone by the free samples of food, Spencer’s Savings Bank
and Enterprise Carshare passed out free merchandise with their company’s name and logo printed across backpacks and frisbees, all while offering helpful information to interested students. Energy was kept up thanks to music provided by WSTR and games and activities hosted by the lively RAs. Campus Town RAs provided free soft pretzels with a selection of dips for students to enjoy. Students could also play a game of Cornhole or Ladderball as they soaked up some of the last warm rays of the summer sun. “It’s been really fun going around to see some of the things that will be open soon and being able to meet some of the people living in other buildings,” senior graphic design major Klara Blazek said. Students were also able to press their luck by entering a raffle contest and trying to win fish in a ping pong ball toss. Laughter and shouts of joy punctuated the afternoon activities as they took in everything Campus Town has to offer. Pagliaro reflected on her afternoon spent with friends, saying, “I think Campus Town has done a really good job of incorporating itself into the TCNJ community.”
page 14 The Signal September 2, 2015
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September 2, 2015 The Signal page 15
Arts & Entertainment
Taylor Swift shines on ‘1989 World Tour’
AP Photo
Swift kicks off the night with ‘Welcome to New York.’
By Elise Schoening Review Editor
A ticket to the 1989 World Tour this summer will buy you so much more than just two hours of Taylor Swift pop songs. Fans who have not previously attended a Taylor Swift concert should prepare themselves for a night of special effects, empowering speeches and countless surprises. Before the show even starts, a look around the crowd will reveal that this is not your average concert. Almost every audience member is dressed up in an elaborate costume with an oversized, light-up poster to match. At the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Friday, July 10, fans were dressed as cats, cheerleaders and vari-
ous characters from Swift’s music videos. I even spotted one group of girls dressed as trees, a tribute to Swift’s hit song, “Out of the Woods.” Before taking the stage, Swift has had a number of talented pop musicians open for her each night including Shawn Mendes, Vance Joy and HAIM. As the sun was setting, Swift hit the stage launching right into “Welcome to New York,” the first song off “1989.” The setlist for the night consisted of a lively mix of old and new songs. “We have a lot of different people here tonight,” Swift said. “But the one thing I do know that we have in common is the fact that when we feel great amounts of joy or great amounts of pain, we turn to music — that’s why we’re here tonight.”
Swift paid homage to her past by incorporating older songs into the show. Classics such as “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “Love Story” and “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together” were remixed and performed with a refreshing, new sound. It is during these remixes that Swift’s vocals truly shine. Her rock rendition of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is a clear departure from the bubbly pop hits she is known for. The new version of the song demonstrates how versatile Swift is, as well as how much she has grown as an artist since the release of her debut country album in 2006. “Style” was another highlight of the show. Each night of the tour, Swift invited new surprise guests to walk the stage runway with her while the hit single played. Some of the celebrity appearances thus far include Lena Dunham, Ellen DeGeneres and Julia Roberts. The crowd at MetLife Stadium was in for a particularly good night as the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team joined her on stage, following their world victory, along with supermodel Heidi Klum. The Weekend also took the stage later in the night to perform his hit single, “Can’t Feel My Face.” Swift truly puts on a show for her fans. She and her crew of backup dancers were on their feet the entire night with elaborate costume and set changes to match each song. In addition, each audience member was given a light-up bracelet upon arriving at the stadium. The bracelets
changed color to sync with each song that played. To look around during the show into a sea of bright flashing lights and smiling faces was a great reminder of how special the night truly was. Perhaps one of the best things about the pop star is how downto-earth she is. Swift took frequent breaks between songs to connect with the crowd and offer words of wisdom and encouragement. “You are not the opinion of someone who doesn’t know you,” Swift told the crowd. “You are not in any way damaged goods if you’ve made mistakes in your life and you are not going nowhere just because you haven’t figured out exactly where you want to go yet.” That’s the thing about Taylor Swift — she goes out of her way
to surprise and please her fans, whether it is through special guest performances or by handpicking a select few audience members to hang out with her after the show. One way or another, Swift always finds a way to make each and every one of her fans feel valued. The concert continued well after midnight with Swift performing a total of 19 songs. Despite sitting in the very last row of the MetLife Stadium, I had one of the best nights of my life. While this was my first time seeing Swift perform, I truly doubt it will be the last. I can only imagine what kind of surprises she will prepare for the next tour but I know I want to be there to experience them live, hopefully from the first row.
AP Photo
HAIM warms up the crowd with a medley of songs.
NJCF members inspire faith with Soul Café Students explore religion through performances By Brandon Agalaba Staff Writer
The College’s New Jersey Christian Fellowship hosted a Soul Café on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the Spiritual Center, where students could discuss religion in between bites of homemade desserts and sips of lemonade. A series of diverse performances began the night’s festivities as several different students took the stage. Sophomore music and education double major Caitlin Curran performed a cover of an Alicia Keys song while junior biology major Ryan Koenig played songs by Vance Joy. Sophomore nursing major Yvonne Njoku offered a riveting spoken word piece about God, which incorporated references to The Beatles. Junior sociology major Matthew Richards played the saxophone, and an a cappella group known as Voice Of Hope played a cover of “Soldier” by Gavin DeGraw along with a medley of songs by Hillsong United.
The night wound to a close with speaker Jonathan Walter, author of three books and member of InterVarsity’s NYC Urban Project, taking the stage. Walter’s poem was a powerful piece about Netflix, the exploitation of people and our corrupt actions in the modern age. He also spoke about hatred in the post-modern world and how “we are all one people.” Walter delivered a formidable message with his poem, which opened his listeners’ eyes to the dilemmas they face in the world — adding a new layer to the event. Walter shared candid anecdotes with the audience about how he became the man he is today, such as the racism he faced while growing up and how he was able to pay for his college education. He also touched upon self-acceptance through the love of God, not taking advantage of Christianity and accepting people for who they are. Walter believes people should devote themselves to Christianity, realize God’s
love for them and that “Jesus transforms us (so that) we might transform the world.” Students found inspiration in the evenings performances. “Everything went well,” sophomore English major Kamy Reyus said. “The performances were all great.” NJCF President Keren Park, a senior special education and psychology major, also informed students of the club’s future events, such as “Eick Outreach,” which is meant to help those who work at the dining hall. Sophomore English and secondary education major Noelle Tripodi also enjoyed Soul Café and found a powerful message in the performers words. “The event had a comfortable environment and Walter spoke of God’s grace in his message,” she said after the event. NJCF hosted a successful Soul Café that provided students with an atmosphere for discussion, entertainment and snacking in an open environment that allowed everyone in attendance to learn more about themselves and their faith.
Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor
NJCF brings students together.
page 16 The Signal September 2, 2015
CUB holds ‘Three For Free’ comedy show
Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor
Left: Barnett’s comedy focuses on relatable topics like relationships and drugs. Right: Soder jokes about dog shows and being self-conscious. By Melissa Natividade Correspondent With ridiculous antics and a penchant for inflammatory tactics, Kevin Barnett and Dan Soder of MTV’s hit show “Guy Code,” were joined by fellow comedian Aparna Nancherla at the College Union Board’s Three For Free Comedy Show on Thursday, Aug. 27 in Kendall Hall. The comedians from “Guy Code” have been busy touring the country with the cast of its spin off series “Girl Code,” and treated students at the College with a performance before their final tour date in Boston. While the crowd couldn’t wait for the show to begin, the comedy crew could not wait for it to end, as they joked about the College being set in the middle of the forest. “I see people out there running, but I don’t think it’s for the exercise. I swear I saw wolves in that forest out there and now, frankly, I do not feel safe,” Soder said.
The New York-based comedians played on all things uncomfortable and relatable, including drugs, relationships, being politically correct and the unnecessary nature of raisins in cinnamon treats. “One day I decided to get a cinnamon bun with my coffee because, you know, why not, but what did I get when I bit into this thing — raisins. Fucking old grapes, man,” Barnett said. “My father did not come here on a boat from Jamaica for me to have to sit here eating raisins I do not want — I blame Obama.” After his set, Barnett introduced the hilariously awkward Nancherla. As self-deprecating as they come, Nancherla opened up with her recent trip to Australia. “I stayed in a hotel room for two weeks by myself but they gave a room with two beds,” Nancherla said. “The whole time I was there, I wanted to bring a gentleman caller home just so when we got back to my room I could be like, ‘This is your bed, thank you so much for
joining me. If you have any requests this is where you can find the coffee filters and the Bible. See you in the morning! Oh please don’t talk, it upsets me.” She went on to share her experiences about living in New York City, like incessant cat calling she swears couldn’t have been aimed at her. With the audience in tears from both laughter and a pinch of sadness at the similarities between their lives and that of Nancherla’s stories, she wrapped up her portion of the show by sharing her recent experiences on Tinder and its wide array of not-sochivalrous gentlemen. “Hi! I like hairy Indian women. You look nice,” Nancherla read from the app. When Soder took the stage talking about cigarettes and drugs, he couldn’t help but laugh at how everyone in the audience was flabbergasted and just wished for nothing more than to run and tell the nearest responsible adult. “Now I feel like an old truck driver
giving a drug speech. I wanted to talk about drugs but you guys are really good,” Soder said. “You guys know that marijuana is legal now in Colorado, like you walk into the store and you just buy it. But I hate it because I grew up there and now all of my stoner friends from high school that I’m supposed to do better than, own and operate their own dispensaries and they’re like the most successful people I know. Do you know how much that messes with your head?” Soder looked back into his past and explained that a lot of things can mess with your head, like the strangely sexual undertones of commentators at dog shows or growing up self-conscious for looking like a bobblehead doll. He ended the night on a high note, exploring how his “pothead ways” are why he gets along so well with children and actually cares about if they get away from the monsters in the basement or not.
‘Nightcrawler’ reveals the dark side of modern news By Brandon Agalaba Staff Writer
Released in September of 2014, “Nightcrawler” stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom, a driven and intelligent man who is determined to have a successful career in broadcast news. Bloom eventually gets a job as a “nightcrawler,” a person that works during the night to capture scenes of death, violence and
crime on camera for television news outlets. He will do anything to make a name for himself, even if it means committing morally objectionable actions in the process. Gyllenhaal excels in the film with his portrayal of Bloom as he blurs the line between actor and character. He succeeds in bringing out Bloom’s personality as a polite, yet creepily unnerving person.
With the guidance of director Dan Gilroy, Gyllenhaal is truly scary when he brings out the vile nature of Bloom, as seen when he screams into a mirror after he suffers a setback in his work. Gyllenhaal captures the deviousness of Bloom hidden behind his seemingly inoffensive exterior with a performance that never falters throughout the entirety of the film. The acting from the supporting
Gyllenhaal brings out the vile nature of his character, who is a ‘nightcrawler.’
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cast is also impressive. Rene Russo plays Nina Romina, a member of the news station where Bloom works. Russo portrays Romina into a cold and ruthless woman that will play any footage for the news stations, regardless of the violence it may portray or the moral implications of her actions. Riz Ahmed plays Rick, a young man who works with Bloom. Ahmed depicts the character with such impressive energy and realism that Rick feels like someone that audience members might work with or know in their own life. It is the convincing acting throughout the film that really pulls viewers into the twisted world of “Nightcrawler.” The cinematography is another strong aspect of the film. It is filmed in a clear but arresting way that shows everything that happens in vivid detail. The night scenes are filmed in a particularly interesting way, which often show strikingly dark and intense shots of Bloom speeding in his car, as well as the grisly events that Bloom captures on film. The cinematography in “Nightcrawler” is consistently great, and it turns the film into an enthralling and always exciting affair.
Perhaps most importantly, “Nightcrawler” is a thoughtprovoking film. It incorporates various themes into the storyline, such as how the news today is often extremely negative, violent and ghastly. It also addresses the idea that lying about what actually happened in an event can attract more viewers, which ultimately corrupts the nature of modern news. These themes are successfully introduced with the increasingly malevolent actions that Bloom commits throughout the film, such as when he threatens his own partner and tampers with the car of his competitor in order to get ahead. “Nightcrawler” brings up these themes in a way that is successful without patronizing the audience. The film makes you think about the state of current news, and it does so in a gripping, intense manner. Overall, “Nightcrawler” is an extremely impressive film. It has superior acting that makes the characters believable and noteworthy, fantastic cinematography that really brings out the world that Bloom lives in and intriguing points that make the viewer contemplate how news works today. The film is a thriller that takes you through the ugly and vicious reality of nightcrawling.
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 17
Ness depicts diverse characters
New YA novel focuses on real people By Kayla Whittle Staff Writer
Whether you’ve heard of Patrick Ness or are just looking for a new book to read, “The Rest of Us Just Live Here” is a young adult novel to look out for. What if you aren’t the chosen one, the hero wrapped up in a prophecy, but one of the extras in the background? Ness explores the concept of what happens to these normal people while someone else is out saving the universe. The story follows the everyday character of Mickey, who is simply trying to survive high school and graduate before his school is blown up — again. He is a typical student in a modern world that is almost exactly like ours, apart from the whole potential of the world ending due to crazy things like alien invasions, zombie attacks and ancient prophecies coming to pass. It seem like every time the “chosen ones” — the group of people you’re used to reading about in young adult fantasy who are fighting for humanity — find a new problem to fight, the average citizens must also fight to keep their lives normal. It’s a fun concept, filled with characters who are incredibly intricate and hilarious, despite the fact that they’re used to being overlooked in stories. Ness also excels at weaving a great deal of diversity into his novels through his main characters. Mickey had fooled around with guys before he realized that he does
This week, Nick Landoffi, WTSR assistant music director, highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into their weekly rotation.
Band: Beach House Album: “Depression Cherry” Hailing From: Baltimore, Md. Genre: Smooth Electronic Slow-Pop Label: Sub Pop Photo courtesy of Goodreads
Mickey learns to accept himself and ask for help from his peers.
prefer girls, and also struggles with severe OCD. Yet, Ness is sure to make this just one small part of his life, not the defining feature of the novel. It is refreshing to see main characters live with mental illness, as well as how friends must sometimes help those who cannot help themselves. The reader pieces together the overall problem of the world from how it bleeds over into Mickey’s life. While he’s battling the everyday problems of high school, the “chosen ones” are battling the forces of evil. As the plot rolls on, the danger to Mickey and his friends grows from minor
car accidents to potentially loosing their lives if the “chosen ones” can’t win their battle in time. The chapter titles are particularly funny because they use dry wit to describe what’s happening to the heroes, all while Mickey is living out his life as best he can. Throughout the book, Mickey changes from the typical outcast high school senior into someone funny and complicated enough to be your best friend. He learns how to accept himself, how to ask for help and how to live a life where he isn’t always in control.
Brynn Stanley debuts album From musicals to songwriting
Photo courtesy of Brynn Stanley
Stanley’s debut album ‘Hello California’ is a sultry, jazzy release. By Jonathan Edmondson Staff Writer
What do you get when you mix east coast Jersey soul with sun-kissed California melodies? Brynn Stanley. Stanley, who grew up in Basking Ridge, N.J., moved to California in 2013 after reaching a standstill in her career. “I was playing the same cover songs at the same venue over and over,” Stanley said in a recent phone interview with The Signal. “My music career felt a little stale — I was either going
to let it go or grow as an artist.” Before she left for the west coast, Stanley began writing a song called, “Be My Summertime.” Her boyfriend saw incredible potential in her songwriting — something she was trying for the first time. Together, they completed the song, shot a music video and started an IndieGoGo campaign in order to raise funds to record her first album. Stanley didn’t always dream of being a musician, although she grew up with her father playing classics like The Beatles.
She attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and was originally a psychology major. It wasn’t until her sophomore year, when she auditioned for a production of the musical “Hair,” that she began to consider pursuing music. “I was offered the lead in ‘Hair’ and I kinda freaked out,” Stanley admitted. “I had this decision to make — take it and face my fears, or not take it and live in regret.” She ultimately accepted the role, a decision in which she says “changed her life.”
Stanley continued playing leads in musicals, including “Cabaret,” throughout her college career and eventually switched her major to musical theater. When she graduated, she turned to performing in cafés and private events throughout Jersey before making the move to California in 2013. Stanley’s debut album, “Hello California,” which is available on iTunes, is a strong eight track record. Her voice is sultry and jazzy and fits smoothly into catchy melody lines. She is reminiscent of a younger Sara Bareilles, experimenting with style and mood throughout her record. The album’s lead single, “Be My Summertime,” is radio-friendly, oozing with sugar-coated pop melodies. The titular track shows off Stanley’s big, Broadwaystyle belty voice over a jazzy instrumental. The rest of the album, too, is a delight to listen to. Stanley’s songwriting is simple. Her lyrics are not bathed in metaphors or undetectable messages. She’s a down-to-earth artist with a pure, unadulterated love for music and singing. Most importantly, she’s representing Jersey all the way on the west coast, serving as an inspiration for many up-and-coming Jersey-based artists.
Beach House is a name that has been in the electronic conversation for quite awhile now. The group, consisting of Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, has seen a decent amount of praise and has been touring successfully for years. This album, however, seems more focused on creating a space for emotion to grow and transform. They spent their time focusing on weaving slow and precise melodies in and out of timid vocals. It’s a step back from heavy synths and layers of sound to tight and controlled instrumentation. Many songs on this album feature a slow and melodic ebb and flow, keeping a central idea close to heart. The two said they wanted to focus their energy on creating an atmosphere with each song on this album, giving the listener less hooks and choruses and more emotional charge. Must Hear: “Sparks,” “Space Song,” “PPP” and “Beyond Love”
Band: AWOLnation Album: “Run” Hailing From: Los Angeles, Calif. Genre: Heavy Dance Pop Label: Red Bull Records AWOLnation is the acclaimed and successful side-project of Aaron Bruno. With the 2011 release of “Megalithic Symphony,” he saw huge success with the single “SAIL” and other big songs. “Run,” however, could be even more megalithic and symphonic. Bruno kept true to his silent promise of keeping AWOL weird and not trying to cash in on any pop success he might try to search out. “Run” poses itself as more technical and complex than “Megalithic,” in that Bruno really opened up new ideas and stretched his musical capabilities. On this album you’ll find trippy, almost frightening dirge-like songs, like “Run,” but you can also find seemingly happier and more pleasing tracks, like “Headrest For My Soul.” What you will also find is a technical prowess, where Bruno builds upon his fusion of multiple styles — mixing acoustic rock and pop with a newly found appreciation for EDMbased breakdowns and orchestration. Must Hear: “Run,” “Jailbreak” “Headrest For My Soul”
and
The Art Gallery at TCNJ presents
page 18 The Signal September 2, 2015
FLUCTUATIONS:
TCNJ ART FACULTY
EXHIBITION 2015 On view September 2 - October 11, 2015 Art Faculty Panel Discussion September 2, 2015 at 4:00PM in AIMM 125 Opening reception 5:00-7:00PM in TCNJ Art Gallery Musical performance by Moon Hooch 6:30-8:00PM in the courtyard behind AIMM The exhibition includes artwork by faculty members Anita Allyn, Josh Brilliant, Chung Chak, Dickie Cox, Belinda Haikes, Kenneth Kaplowitz, Kyle LoPinto, Elizabeth Mackie, William Nyman, Jordan Rathus, Philip Sanders, Marcia Taylor, Liselot van der Heijden, and Mauro Zamora.
TCNJ Art Gallery
2000 Pennington Road Ewing, NJ 08628 609-771-2633
Gallery Hours Mauro Zamora, Guerilla Tactics, 2015 Acrylic, ink and ink-jet print on Photo-Tex on canvas
Tues, Wed, & Thurs 12:00-7:00PM Sun 1:00-3:00PM
4 6
LIONS
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 19
AROUND THE
DORM 5 3
Michael Battista “The Ref”
George Tatoris Sports Assistant
Matt Bowker Staff Writer
Otto Gomez Staff Writer
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Michael Battista, asks our panel of experts three questions: Is bad press actually good for the NFL, who are the favorites in the NL and AL East and should the Chicago Blackhawks be ready to drop Patrick Kane?
1. With all the negative media around the NFL this year, can this benefit the game and get more people watching? George: As celebrities like Donald Trump and the Kardashians probably always say, any publicity is good publicity. This adage can be applied to the NFL, as well. Sure, some of the players — and commentators — may be scumbags, wife beaters, idiots, dog-fighters or short-tempered meatheads. Some NFL players are just awful people. I think the NFL should go further. They need to find a way to get money from the shortcomings of their players’ characters. They need to make a “Real Quarterbacks of the NFL” or an “NFL Survivor” type show. America needs to revel in these people’s horribleness just as they already revel in the horribleness of other celebrities. If anything, this publicity indicates that America is ready for a NFL reality show spin-off. Hopefully the NFL will answer that call. Matt: I think it will have quite the opposite effect, actually. The NFL will lose fans due
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to the ever-expanding list of suspensions, criminal charges and teammate-punchings. Every die-hard NFL fan will stick around no matter what dumb thing Goodell decides to
do this week. The fans that the NFL will lose are the occasional fans. With all of the growing negativity surrounding the league, it will cause some viewers to distance themselves
from the tarnished reputation of the league. I know if I already had lukewarm interest in the game I would be less inclined to watch a sport where possibly deflating footballs is equal in punishment to knocking your wife unconscious in an elevator. Or at least it is in Roger Goodell’s eyes. Otto: There has been so many off the field issues in the NFL recently, and they haven’t just come this year. Deflategate, Geno’s jaw issue and others were just adding on to the issues of Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice and Richie Incognito. Because of all this, the NFL has never been at a lower point. This doesn’t make more people watch games, in fact I believe it does the opposite. Those who are not big fans of the sport are going to start developing a very bad perception of the league and these current events are definitely making them less likely to ever watch a game. For those who are already fans, these events have made them ashamed and sad to see their favorite players act this way.
George gets 3 points for suggesting NFL survivor and other entertaining reality ideas. Matt and Otto get 2 points each for making points about the interest of casual fans.
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2. With the baseball season heading into the final stretch of the regular season, who are your picks AL and NL East? George: The season belongs to Queens. The New York Metropolitans will dominate the National League’s East, West, North, South,
Left and Right. Every direction you can think of belongs to the Mets, they can’t be stopped. 2015 is the year of Mr. Met. They have some of the best pitchers in the MLB right now, never mind the National League. As for that other appalling league — totally irrelevant.
Why bother wasting words on that paltry bunch of ballplayers when the kings have already been crowned? Matt: Easy. In the NL East, the Mets are clearly the favorites. With a dominant pitching staff filled with three legitimate aces, the Mets have opened up a sizeable gap between themselves and the perpetually underachieving Nationals. With the addition of Yoenis Cespedes, the Mets finally have a feared hitter in the heart of their lineup. The AL East is a much closer division, and probably the best in baseball. But, the favorite has to be the Blue Jays. The Jays have been on fire since acquiring Troy Tulowitzki and David Price at the trade deadline. Paired with the likely MVP Josh Donaldson and a lineup littered with power, the team can outscore anyone. And with seven games remaining between them and the secondplace Yankees, it’s only a matter of time
before they euthanize the aging Yankees into oblivion, where they belong. Otto: The east divisions for both the American and the National League have been so exciting this year. The Blue Jays finally got over the hump with some great trade deadline acquisitions, the Yankees have hung around all year, defying all predictions, the Mets have made everyone believe through their nasty pitching staff and the Nationals have just disappointed anyone who watches the sport. I think the standings will stay as they are: the Jays will win the division, with the Yankees getting the wild card. On the National League side, the Mets will win their division, and the Nationals will not even compete for the wild card. The Yankees have too much hitting and experience to fade away in September while the current division leaders are just too strong on both sides of the ball to choke.
Otto gets 3 points for citing early difficulties. Matt gets 2 points for mentioning recent trades and George gets 1 point for not talking about the AL East. 3. Patrick Kane was recently dropped from the cover of “NHL 16” due to the ongoing police investigation surrounding him. Should the Blackhawks be ready to drop him as well to avoid bad PR? George: No way should Kane be dropped because of a little “investigation.” The man’s just too good at hockey for the Blackhawks to kick him off. When Nixon was being “investigated,” did the team he play for — the team called America — kick him out? No. They almost did, but in a symbolic gesture of humility and honor, both traits that Nixon is famous for having, he stepped down from the presidency. What does all this politics have to do with hockey? I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps I’m suggesting for Kane to take a cue from Tricky Dick and put down the hockey stick before the Blackhawks impeach him. Matt: Absolutely not. There is no way the Blackhawks would let Kane leave, especially after signing him to a monster eightyear deal that kicks in this season. The team would be on the hook for too much dead cap space to just let one of the most dynamic players in the entire NHL walk.
Players of Kane’s caliber are tough to find in today’s NHL and a replacement would be hard to find. The Hawks need Kane now more than ever, so he is there to stay for the long haul, despite the allegations and ongoing investigation into the alleged sexual assault case. This isn’t Kane’s first run in with the law, and it may not be his last, but outright cutting him would not be a teamfriendly move or financially responsible. Otto: Patrick Kane has been under a lot of scrutiny in the past couple of weeks and has started to face the penalties for his actions. While I do not think he should be released from the team, he should be suspended and not cleared to play until police investigations are over and a verdict has been determined. While they are allegations, it’s important to take them seriously and keep up with the investigation. If proven innocent, he doesn’t deserve to lose his job. That’s why I think he should just be on the bench without pay until the courts find out what happened. Many times athletes are found innocent so it’s important not to issue a ruling until all the evidence comes out.
Otto gets 3 points for suggesting a good PR move. Matt gets 2 points for mentioning the large contract and George gets 1 point for the Nixon comparsion.
Otto wins Around the Dorm 8-6-5.
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page 20 The Signal September 2, 2015
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 21
Sports Cheap Seats
Jason Pierre Paul: Not worth the danger By Matthew Ajaj Correspondent
With the 15th overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Jason Pierre-Paul out of the University of South Florida. The backlash was immediate. This was a Giants team that already boasted three proven, high-quality defensive ends in Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka. Jason Pierre-Paul (more commonly known as “JPP”), on the other hand, had but one year of Division I college football experience on his resume. What set Pierre-Paul apart was his freak physical talent, as demonstrated in a 2009 video uploaded to YouTube featuring the massive defensive end as he gracefully executed 13 backflips, one after the other. Giants fans did not know it yet, but General Manager Jerry Reese had found a gem in JPP. After a quiet rookie campaign, JPP stepped into his sophomore season with a great opportunity — starters Tuck and Umenyiora were nicked up for most of the 2011 season, often missing games or playing hurt. The 22-year-old Pierre-Paul more than made up for the lost production — he completely transformed the New York defense. In the regular season, JPP posted a monster stat line of 72 tackles and 16.5 sacks. Pierre-Paul
stupefied opposing offenses with his raw ability and strength, often singlehandedly breaking up running plays and taking down quarterbacks before they could even look downfield. His most memorable highlight occurred in Week 14 when he blocked a would-be game-tying field goal at the last second against the division rival Dallas Cowboys to seal a crucial win. JPP was awarded a first-team All-Pro selection and, more importantly, led a hot defense at the end of the year in the New York Giants miracle playoff run to win Super Bowl XLVI. Jason Pierre-Paul was on top of the NFL world as one of the league’s best defensive players after just his second season. His best seemed yet to come. However, it was not to be. In the years that followed, Jason PierrePaul would no longer resemble the superhuman juggernaut he was in 2011. His play was noticeably less impactful, and his numbers were especially underwhelming. JPP would frustrate fans with complaints of nagging injuries, particularly in his back and shoulder, which he claimed to be affecting his play. Nonetheless, in 2014 (a contract year) he played all 16 games and posted his best numbers since 2011 with 12.5 sacks and 53 tackles. The 2015 offseason rolled along, and with JPP’s contract up, the Giants offered him a long-term
deal worth $60 million — he was not satisfied. JPP instead intended on receiving the franchise tag to earn a cool $14.8 million for 2015. Unfortunately for Pierre-Paul, his quest for more cash would come back to bite him. On Saturday, July 4, Jason Pierre-Paul sustained a hand injury from a fireworks accident at his home. He was transported to a hospital and had his right index finger amputated days later. PierrePaul reportedly refused to see the Giants medical personnel that had come down to Florida to examine him, and since then he has established very little contact with the Giants organization. Understandably aggravated with JPP’s handling of the ordeal, the Giants later pulled their $60 million offer. The organization has tried to remain sentimental with Pierre-Paul’s situation, but frustrations are beginning to boil over. The Giants are now left with a tough decision: let JPP sign the $14.8 franchise tender or let him go. These appear to be the two most likely scenarios. Letting Pierre-Paul stay is definitely the more difficult decision. JPP is no longer an elite defensive player, his play has been inconsistent, his constant appearances on the injury report have grown tiresome and he still does not seem to possess the qualities of a true leader. Frankly, he is not worth
Pierre-Paul faces criticism after he injured his hand.
$14.8 million. It is important to note that Pierre-Paul is solely at fault for his current situation due to his own carelessness, and he has only made things worse by largely rebuffing the Giants organization. Given these facts, the Giants would owe Pierre-Paul nothing but a cordial thank you for his years of service. Leaving JPP off the 2015 roster would also free up $14.8 million in cap space for next year, which the team could use much more efficiently by bolstering their defense and resigning franchise quarterback Eli Manning. Ultimately, letting Pierre-Paul go would be the right decision for the New York Giants organization.
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Jason Pierre-Paul faces an arduous road ahead. He must find a way to adapt to his missing appendage and become a productive NFL player once again. JPP is an amiable albeit immature figure that people want to root for; he is still a young, talented player that will undoubtedly get another chance. It might even be in his best interest to join another team mid-season or simply wait until next year to fully recuperate and adjust. Big Blue will always appreciate what Jason Pierre-Paul brought to the organization, but in all likelihood it appears that JPP has made his last sack in a New York Giants uniform.
Cheap Seats
Little League World Series teaches bigger lessons By Anthony Caruso Staff Writer Each August, thousands flock to a small town in Central Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series. These 11-to-13-year-old kids play the sport to its purest —for the love of the game. Sure, winning and losing matters in this double elimination tournament. However, the biggest part of this entire experience is to interact with each other. They get to put their towns on the map during these two weeks. But the friendships are what is going to last longer — as they get to hang out with each other in The Grove, or in the pool. The games are played on pristine fields at Volunteer and Howard J. Lamade Stadium. The championship
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Japanese Little Leaguer celebrates a run.
games are hosted at Lamade Stadium, where more than 100,000 people took in the three championship games this past weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 29, Japan went into extra innings to defeat Mexico in the International Championship game. A few hours later, Lewisberry, Pa. outlasted Pearland, Texas, for the United States Championship. Lewisberry, Pa., who was representing the Mid-Atlantic region, was trying to become the first overall championship for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1960. That year, a Little League team from Levittown, Pa. won it all. On Sunday Aug. 30, two undefeated teams took to Lamade Stadium in from of 42,000 fans. The majority of the fans were in red, as they were rooting for Red Lands Little League, but they saw Japan overcome an early deficit for an 18-11 win. After scoring eight runs in the first inning, Japan’s Manager, Junji Hidaka, fired up his team. His actions worked, as the far Eastern hitters wound have 22 hits in the game. “I told the players it doesn’t end until it ends,” he said through a translator after the game. The Kitasuna Little League followed with seven in the second and four more in the third. They added an additional five runs in the sixth, putting the game out of reach. This same Little League team also won it all in 2010 and 2012. Plus, Japan has won it all 10 times, including four in the past six years. They have won the second most overall championships, as Taiwan has the most with 17. Japanese pitcher Daiki Fukuyama began the game on the mound, however he did not make it past the first inning, as he was removed without an out being recorded. After another pitcher, Hidaka gave the ball to Nobuyuki Kawashima, who lived in California for four years, before moving to Japan.
In the top of the second, Yugo Aoki hit a three-run home run to cut the lead to 10-5. Then twin brothers, Kengo and Shingo Tomita, hit solo homers. Fukuyama did not let his troubles on the mound affect him at the plate, as he hit a two-run double to make it 10-9. Japan tied the game in the third after Shingo Tomita hit another solo home run. Then, just three batters later, Masafuji Nishijima hit a three-run home run to give Kitasuna a 13-10 lead. “They put the bat on the ball,” Tom Peifer, Pennsylvania manager, said. “They hit pitches I’ve never seen kids, especially 12-years-old, hit.” It was 13-11 going into the fourth. After several scoreless innings, Japan added five in the top of the sixth. Lewisberry, Pa. had a powerful offense, but Kawashima was able to shut them down. After coming in the second inning, he gave up one run and two hits over five innings. “[Sunday] my fast ball wasn’t good enough,” Kawashima said. “I knew my breaking ball had to be on the corner — down low — where the batters can’t reach too far or it just get them off-balance.” The United States team fell to 15-35 in the final against international competition. But while Lewisberry, Pa., was upset over the outcome, they did become the first team from Pennsylvania to win the United States Championship since Shippensburg in 1990. Also, they were a part of the championship game that set a record for most runs with 29, which was previously 23 in 1947. The 10 runs in the first inning and 30 hits for Lewisberry were a record, as well. In addition, the eight-run deficit is the largest ever overcome in a Little League World Series game. “There are a lot of tears, even from myself, to know that the run is over” Peifer said. “But we quickly told them, ‘When we leave here, let’s get the tears out, because there is nothing to be sad about.’”
page 22 The Signal September 2, 2015
WED 09.02.15 DOORS 6:00PM SHOW 6:30PM FREE ADMISSION
Courtyard Behind AIMM Building In conjunction with
FLUCTUATIONS: TCNJ
Art Faculty Exhibit 2015
Opening reception: Sept 2 / 5:00 - 7:00PM
TCNJ Art GallerY
Rain Location: Black Box Theater in Kendall Hall
The School of the Arts and Communication
X
September 2, 2015 The Signal page 23
Women’s soccer expands the game Cheap Seats
Women’s soccer is at its highest interest point since 1999.
By Kevin Luo Staff Writer
This summer, the United States Women’s National Team won the hearts of the national public with their amazing run in the Women’s World Cup, capped off by the stunning 5-2 victory over Japan in the finals. During the run, I read the story about two national team players, Meghan Klingenberg and Morgan Brian, living with ESPN NBA Analyst and former head coach Jeff Van Gundy and his family. Something about this story fascinated me to no end. Quick Disclaimer: Klingenberg
AP Photo
became one of my favorite athletes recently and Van Gundy coached one of my favorite teams ever, the Yao/T-Mac Rockets. However, the thing that made this story interesting to me was the fact that two starters on the best women’s soccer team in the world had to live with a host family during most of the year. If two of the best players in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have to live with host families, what is the living situation like for the bottom level players? Van Gundy was set up with Klingenberg and Brian through just casual conversation with the managing director of the Houston Dash, Brian Ching. Ching
told Van Gundy of a host family program that the Dash have for their players. Many other NWSL teams have similar host family programs. This story shined a bright light on the financial situation of the league. National Women’s Soccer League teams operate with a salary cap of $265,000. The top players in the league make between $20,000 and $30,000 per season. The lower level players make less than $7,000 per season. In comparison, the MLS minimum salary is about $50,000 per season. Professional women’s soccer in the United States has had financial issues since its inception many years ago. The thought was that when the famous ’99 team gained the public’s attention, that women’s soccer in the United States would increase in popularity. But, the excitement with this team didn’t last as emphasized by the financial issues in the professional leagues. Multiple professional women’s leagues in the United States have failed to last over the last decade, most recently Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). Following the triumphant run the United States Women’s team had in this past World Cup, American sports fans — especially people who cheered on the national team — have an opportunity to prevent the NWSL from experiencing the same fate. Over 25 million people watched the Women’s World Cup Final, breaking the U.S. viewing record for a soccer game. More people watched the final than watched any game in the most recent NBA Finals.
Women’s soccer has never been hotter in the United States than it is right now. This is the perfect time to use the momentum of the Women’s World Cup to grow the women’s game as a whole, specifically the NWSL. All of the biggest Women’s National team stars play in the NWSL. Hope Solo plays for the Seattle Reign, Alex Morgan plays for the Portland Thorns, Carli Lloyd plays for the Houston Dash. The NWSL and USWNT have the potential to grow the game hand in hand. Following the World Cup, many people were talking about how it was unfair that the U.S. Women only left with $2 million in prize money compared to $35 million to the champion German men and $9 million for the American men who came in 11th place. However, talk is cheap. This disparity should further emphasize the need to grow the game. If you’re a fan of the Women’s National Team, you should want to watch the women’s game more than once (or twice — the Olympics) every four years. You can attend a game or watch them online if you don’t have a team in your local market. All NWSL games are either on YouTube or FoxSports (I know, I’ve watched a handful of Houston Dash games since the World Cup). The league is quality soccer and the players are great personalities and role models for youths, both male and female. They’re not interested in growing the game for themselves. They want the game to grow for the future of women’s soccer that currently idolize them and cheered them on every minute of their World Cup run.
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Sports
Goldman raises bar post-rookie season
Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Now a sophomore, Goldman has raised the bar this season with her sights set on growing as a standout midfielder.
By Michael Battista Sports Editor
The 2014 women’s soccer season was full of trials and challenges for every player and coach on the team, including then-freshman, economics major Jessica Goldman. After winning the NJAC title in 2013, the incoming class of new players had a lot of expectations focused on them. Goldman noticed this right away. “As a freshman it’s hard to come into such a successful team and really comprehend the level that we play at,” she said. But after that brief bit of adjustment, Goldman season’s skyrocketed into an award winning effort. Playing in all 22 games (20 of which she started), she was able to net eight goals — the third highest number on the team. She also yielded eight assists, and
took a total of 29 shots on goal throughout the season. For her efforts, Goldman was awarded NJAC Rookie of the year for 2014. However, she knows the effects of playing at such a high level. “I think winning the award last year puts a target on my back,” she said. “I’m very proud of that achievement, but I am aware that it adds pressure.” She also realizes that it sets a bar for her to reach in 2015, however Goldman doesn’t mind to reach farther than she’s gone. “Even though that achievement is great, I’m not keeping the bar there,” she said. “I want to raise the bar for myself and continue to grow as a player in order to ultimately help my team get better.” The team had an impressive run in the 2014 NCAA tournament making it all the
way to the Elite Eight, beating opponents such as Allegheny College, Williams Smith College and Misericordia University. Goldman was even the deciding factor in the Williams Smith game, where she scored the game winning goal in double overtime. “We had a fantastic turn around from a loss to Montclair to the NCAAs,” she said. “We played some of our best soccer in the tournament.” The team’s run came to an end, however, after a close 1-0 loss to Williams College in the quarterfinals. The whole run showed Goldman just what being in a tournament can do to a player. “That loss to Williams in the Elite Eight was something I’ve never felt before,” she said. “Being apart of the tournament and getting so far brings something out of you. I so badly want to get to a final four, and I know
we’re good enough to do it this year.” The team now has to prepare for the new season, with the first game on Tuesday, Sept. 1 against Gettysburg College. Goldman, now a sophomore, has high hopes for the team pointing out the strong class of new players joining the fray. “The incoming class has a lot of talent and I think they can really add something special to this team,” Golman said. “We have one player, Arielle (Curtis), that has been doing very well stepping into the back line while we have a few injuries. They understand that they need to work hard to earn playing time, and does everyone on this team, and I think the fans should be very excited to see this new class.” “We have so much talent and heart and I’m extremely excited for the season to start and for our 2015 team to show what we’re all about.”
Yelle serves the campus on the track and off By Mackenzie Cutruzzula Sports Editor The College is known for priding itself in its versatile student body — Chloe Yelle is no exception. The sophomore urban education and English double major can be seen representing the College on and off the track. As a College Ambassador and member of the women’s varsity track and field team, Yelle is proud to be a Lion. “Whether it’s in class or outside of the campus, I know that, even when not literally, I am always wearing my Ambassador stripes and my uniform,” Yelle said. “I represent our school everywhere I go and I always want to do that well.” Yelle was excited to represent the College over spring break when the team traveled to University of Miami for the Hurricane Invitational. Even far from home, her school pride shone bright helping her to be mentally focused on victory. “I enjoyed doing well in the meet because that meant more recognition for our school outside of the local area,” Yelle said. “Being part of this team and this school is something to be proud of and I
Lions’ Lineup September 2, 2015
I n s i d e
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Yelle is looking forward to improving as a sophomore.
love showing that off.” As a student-athlete, Yelle has found that having a team aspect in her college experience has the most rewarding part of her success so far. Having a close-knit group has provided her with support and role models while trying to figure out how to balance academics and athletics. Being part of the team as a freshman helped Yelle transition from high school to college by fine tuning her leadership and time
management skills. That experience lead her to want to be a role model for freshmen in her shoes. “I want freshmen athletes to know that the commitment is worth the time,” Yelle said. “And after you put in all that time, don’t be afraid to show what you’ve got just because you’re a freshman. It can be intimidating, but you made the team for a reason — embrace that.” Yelle has embodied her advice and
carried out the team’s long standing tradition of excellence as a freshman in the spring of 2015. Earning All-NJAC Second Team in discus throw with a toss of 38.33 meters, Yelle wasn’t afraid of hard work. Her dedication paid off, taking home second in the discus, the toss that earned her All-NJAC honors, and fifth in the shot put with a mark of 11.22 meters. Beyond these events she’s never been hesitant to take on new challenges. Having always participated in the shot put and discus, she was excited to learn two new events entering the collegiate level — hammer throw and weight throw. Yelle wants to give 150 percent this year in order to improve the events she knows well and more so, to fine-tuning the events that are newer to her. As a freshman, Yelle bested her personal records from high school, but is not content just yet. She has her sights set on higher marks and is looking to get better at every practice. Yelle believes in leading by example and her hard work does not go unnoticed. Yelle represents the true spirit of the College because she doesn’t wait for opportunity — she is constantly seeking it.
46 53 Around the Dorm page 19
Jason Pierre Paul page 21
Little League World Series page 21
U.S. Women’s soccer page 23