Writing Center encourages students to enhance work...P2
TMNT remake on the way...P6
April 10, 2012 highlandernews.net
Symposium Offers Job Outlook By Morgan Harding, Web Master
Government, law and were introduced to each of the Analysis Unit. tions explained that students a journalist. It’s an unusual national security majors panelists and heard first-hand “It’s nothing like Criminal should take every opportunity combination but it can and learned more about their field accounts of their accomplishMinds. I’m not a profiler. I to get involved before graduat- does work for many people. and future careers during a ments. Michael Falcone, 1999 analyze relationships and see ing from college. Today, we encourage young symposium called Homeland MU graduate and Deputy how to stress and break them. Retired general Keith Marpeople to look at all the opSecurity: Where tions. You don’t We Are, Ten Years have to make up Later on March 30 your mind too in the McGowan soon or too speRoom of the library cifically. Listen and Insalaco Hall to what can be 216 and 217. explained and the Dr. Brian Carso, options you have government, law and you will find and national securisomething that ty department chair is for you. That’s and organizer of what happened the event, brought to me in my life, together a panel of it’s almost like seven members who magic, but it does work for organizahappen,” Martin tions ranging from said. the Pennsylvania After a lunch State Police to the break the atUnited Nations. tendees relocated This panel then to Insalaco Hall spent the afternoon 216 and 217 educating students where keynote and community speaker Duncan members on the Campbell, Former current state of naChief of Staff, tional security and U.S. Department discussing future of Homeland career moves with Security, took them. the podium to “I thought it went tell students, terrific. I learned staff and coma lot and am so munity members glad we had seven MARY BOVE/THE HIGHLANDER about his time in really fascinating the Department Above, left, Duncan Campbell, Managing Director of Operations at Ridge Global listens while Edmond J. Hansen, Supply Ofpeople representof Homeland ficer in the Department of Field Support at the United Nations Headquarters in NYC discussed his position and responsibilities at Security and the ing Pennsylvania state government, the Government, Law and National Security Symposium in the Bevivino Library on Friday, March 30. changes that the Department the country has of Homeland Security, the Chief Counsel of the Arlington Helping to find the threat that tin of the Pennsylvania Army undergone since 9/11. private sector with the repreOffice of the Chief Counsel is now inside,” said Bringuel. Reserve National Guard spoke Campbell served under the sentative from Ridge Global for the U.S. Immigration Panelists explained to atof his mixed career as both first Secretary of Homeland the United Nations, FBI and and Customs Enforcement tendees how they became a soldier and a journalist, Security, Tom Ridge. Though the Pennsylvania State Police. within the U.S. Department involved in the field. Pennwhich ultimately brought him he said he is not really a To hear professionals from all of Homeland Security, told sylvania State Senator Lisa to his former position as the Washington D.C. guy, he took these institutions talk about about his recent success in Baker stressed the importance first Pennsylvania Director of the position. “After 9/11 everyhow they go about doing their aiding the foil of a potential of internships, one of the Homeland Security. one wanted to do something job was wonderful for me and terrorist attack, while Andrew main catalysts that brought “I found that in my personal and everyone asked, ‘What terrific for our students,” said Bringuel, an Agent Superviher to her current position life, I was able to be more efcan we do’,” said Campbell. He Carso. sor Instructor at the FBI representing Pennsylvania’s fective as a journalist because dedicated a decade of his life During the first session of academy, debunked common 20th Senatorial District. Ann I was also a soldier and a to homeland security, protectthe symposium, attendees thoughts about the Behavioral Hansen of The United Nabetter soldier because I was ing, detecting and preparing
Noisy neighbors frustrate residents
Continued on page 5
By Alexa Cholewa, Reporter
Freshmen students who live in McHale Hall are becoming frustrated with the noise coming from construction of the new apartment-style residence building. Many students are complaining about the noise level right outside their dorm rooms, which is causing a distraction to students doing their schoolwork, and it is preventing some from sleeping, students say. Since August of 2011, construction workers have been outside of McHale Hall working each day, but generally the construction starts in the morning and ends in the late afternoon. To finish the building on such a strict deadline, construction staff need to work diligently. Every morning the construction vehicles awaken freshman Kayla Kubbishan when they drive over the speed bumps. “The speed bump is literally right outside of my window. It is super aggravating to wake up to trucks bumping outside early in the morning.” AJ Nudo, Assistant Director of Residence Life, said McHale residents were warned at the beginning of the year about the construction. “Due to
construction, they’re going to hear more noise than normal for extended periods of time.” Nudo explained that each affected student has been informed through hall meetings, e-mails, and signs posted around campus, which publicize ongoing construction. Students say that no matter how persistent the construction is, they will never get used to the sound. Freshman Megan Scherer insists that construction vehicles are permanently in reverse. “All I hear is beep, beep, beep. It’s starting to get really annoying.” However, some students say the work will prove valuable to those who attend the university. “Although the construction can become annoying at times, the end results will be worth it. It will be good to have more room,” said freshman Jeffrey Smith Not all students are as optimistic as Smith about the outcomes of the new building because they will not be able to be residents. The new building will be available to those upperclassmen whohave the first pick in the room lottery. The lottery is the process that Residence Life uses to
Women’s Softball Season Members of the women’s softball team have a positive outlook for the remainder of the season
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fairly distribute housing for the following school year. Seniors get first pick. “It’s just frustrating as freshman because the likelihood of us actually being able to live in the new apartmentstyle residence building is very slim due to the rooming lottery,” said Gabriella Nygel, freshman. Most rooms in the new apartment-style residence
building will hold five students, although there will be a few that hold three. The fiveperson rooms will have one single room, two doubles, one living room, one bathroom and a full kitchen. The kitchen will be fully stocked with new appliances such as a full refrigerator and dishwasher. Nudo explained the new residence building will have amenities comparable to those
of the townhouses. “It will be similar to our townhouses we have on campus except it will only be one level.” Construction on the new resident hall, which has yet to be named, will be completed during the summer of 2012. The building will open for the fall 2012 semester and will be offered as a housing selection during the room lottery.
MARY BOVE/THE HIGHLANDER
Above, the view from a hallway in McHale Hall. Residents of McHale became frustrated from the start with the noise of construction.
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How to Creatively Paint Nails Check out photos and guidelines on painting nails to fit in with this season’s trends
UNIQUE HOUSING OPTION
By Megan Scherer, Reporter
A unique new substance-free housing option will be offered in the 2012 fall semester. This new housing option, known as Residents Excelling in Academics, Community and Health, will be located in the top three floors of McGowan Hall, and the 4th floor lounge will be designated for students in the R.E.A.C.H. program. “It’s just a community of like-minded individuals who aren’t going to be going out partying every single night, aren’t going to be coming back late to the dorms and just a community that just focuses on the academic aspect of things,” said Alissa Perez, the future Resident Director of the substance free housing. Perez pitched the idea of this special type of housing to one of her supervisors last November, and the idea won approval in January. Perez was inspired similar housing offered at her undergraduate college, Lehigh University. She lived in it—and loved it. “It was a wonderful experience for me and I met some really great people that I am still in touch with today. I wanted to bring that to Misericordia because I kind of saw a little bit of an underground interest,” said Perez. She said she had noticed some students who did not go out on the weekends fee disconnected from the rest of the campus community. Perez hopes that g this new option will help students to become part of a more academicfocused community. Another unique part of R.E.A.C.H is students ranging from freshman to seniors will live together in one space. Organizers will offer a mentoring program, which will allow upperclassmen to show underclassmen the ropes of the campus, according to Perez. There will be no obligations or meetings, but the mentors will be available to offer help to students with school work, personal issues, or to just provide a friend. The application process is on a first come first serve basis, but Perez says no one was turned away. Organizers say disqualifying factors include partying and a history of trouble with alcohol. Students must agree to a contract that states they are not going to participate in anything that has to do with alcohol or drugs. If rules are violated, the student will be removed from the program and placed in regular housing. Students who are 21 and over are not prohibited from consuming alcohol, but they are not permitted to have it in the dorms, and they are discouraged from becoming intoxicated. Perez said two floors are filled with current students, and there is still room for incoming freshman. Freshman Mary Bove plans to live in the substance free housing for the next school year. Bove has had continuous noise problems in McHale Hall and said she looks forward to some peace. “I honestly am sick of girls screaming and making noise after quiet hours, and running Continued on page 3
Viewfinder:The Laramie Project Look for photos of the cast depicting different characters in the dramatic production based on a true story
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April 10, 2012
News
Writing center expands, offers support to students Director Jennifer Lee and writing tutors hope to enhance the program and offer support and guidence to students on campus. By MaryKate Smith, Reporter Writing Center tutors are participating in workshops and a new Writing Fellows program to make the center more interactive and accessible to students. The Writing Center, under director Jennifer Lee, has started to expand into the campus community, with tutors visiting classrooms with workshops about research paper styles and plagiarism. Lee has also begun to offer a new Writing Fellows program. “I see it as a campus resource and a place that’s more interactive with the classes and the professors,” Lee said when asked about her vision for the center, “so we’ve already started that with the in-class workshops.” The writing center tutors present workshops several times a month for anyone wishing to attend, or professors can request tutors to come into their actual classrooms and do presentations on specific writing styles or concerns, such as AMA style in the medical field or plagiarism. Tutors provide four main workshops, which include APA and MLA formatting, close reading techniques, and timed essay writing. The workshops are designed to help students become better writers and grow more comfortable with the writing process. APA and MLA are the two most common formats for citations in college-level writing, so Lee said these workshops will be offered every semester. Workshops
may include presentations by writing center tutors, as well as examples and step-by-step instructions for assignments. The close reading techniques and timed essay writing workshop will help students with the step-by-step writing process, from beginning to end. “We’re doing a close reading techniques workshop, which would be, you know, analyzing a text, and how to basically get an essay out of analyzing a text closely,” Lee said. “And then we’re doing one pretty close to the Writing Proficiency Examination, right before that, which will help students prep for that and also just learn how to write a timed essay.” Lee has also instituted a Writing Fellows program, which would bring the tutors’ services into more classes throughout the campus community. “We’re just trying to cater to the professors, so we’re just trying to help them in whatever way we can,” Lee said regarding the program. The program will link tutors to a particular class for the semester, and fellows will work with students from that class on each major paper, from a rough draft to a finished product, Lee explained. “I know for writing intensive courses the professors are required to meet with the students and conference, but in other classes sometimes they don’t have time, so this would really be helpful,” Lee stated. Lee said she sees the Writing Center as a campus
resource that is more interactive with classes and professors than it was previously. “You know, a professor can say, ‘Go to the Writing Center, and make sure your paper gets read by a tutor,’ but sometimes we don’t know what the assignments are or what the requirements are,” Lee said. The Fellows program is beneficial to students too, said sophomore Santina Wesolowski. “It was really helpful to meet with someone about my paper from the very beginning, not just have them look at it when it was basically done,” she said. “It helped me learn the way you’re actually supposed to write a paper, and made the whole thing a lot easier.” Easing the writing process for students is one of Jennifer Lee’s favorite parts of being the Center director. “I think that sometimes students hate writing,” she said. “So I like showing them the path to how it can be easier to do, and it can be used as a tool to express themselves. And that it can be fun!” Lee has had a lot of experience livening up the writing process for students in both high school and college, and she tries to include many activities in her classroom. “You could ask any of my students. We’re always talking or moving around, and I make them get up a lot and talk to each other, so it’s more like a conversation,” she said. “I like to see them get excited, you know, about what they’re writing, instead of just like
GRACE RIKER/THE HIGHLANDER
Above, junior Natalie Dewitt gets help with her paper from junior Dana Greisback in the Writing Center on campus as sophomore Kelsie Mcnamara waits for an available tutor. ‘Oh I have to write a paper,’” Lee said. Students agree that Lee’s teaching style is different from what they usually see in college classrooms. “It’s not like a normal class,” Wesolowski said. “We have lots of discussions and get into debates about things, which makes it more interesting.” Lee’s desire to help others write better stems from a personal passion for writing. “I was always really interested in English courses pretty much all throughout school,” Lee said, “and my dad was an English professor in college in California, so that
definitely got me started on it as well.” She has been publishing her own writing, such as magazine articles, poetry, or short stories, since she was in high school. “I first published poetry, I think, when I was about 17,” Lee said. Lee taught high school English in Los Angeles for three years, then taught at McCann and Penn State Hazelton when she moved to the area with her family, before becoming the director of the Writing Center in fall 2011. Lee has made the Writing Center a totally updated place, both in what is does
and how it looks. “We took all the furniture out, and we painted,” she explained, “and then we put up some brighter posters, you know, things that you can look at and it’ll help you with the writing process.” All changes were part of Lee’s attempt to make it a more pleasant and “academic” environment, she said. “The Writing Center is a place to make students’ writing better,” Lee said. “It’s not a place where a student will come and be judged, but more of we’re here to help, we’re not here to tell the students what they’re doing wrong.”
DUNKIN CRAZE Mixed reactions over 15 minutes of fame Communications professor charges that the appeal of viral videos is mockery. By Gia Mazur, Reporter
GIA MAZUR/THE HIGHLANDER
Above, junior Brittany Dubrawsky stops by Dunkin Donuts in Dallas on Memorial Highway on April 3, 2012 to grab a 99 cent iced coffee during a study break. Any size iced coffee or iced tea is only 99 cents for the month of April at participating Dunkin Donuts’.
Gabrielle Gattuso has been Irish step dancing for 16 years. She’s traveled to Delaware, New York, and Georgia to compete and perform with her school, The Emerald Isle Step Dancers. Every year, the months leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, her schedule gets crazy. Gattuso’s dancing has granted her many opportunities – it even landed her on the Ellen Degeneres Show. “She had had the contest going for a while, and then my grandmother actually saw on the one episode she said, wouldn’t it be fun for St. Patrick’s Day that there were actually Irish dancers dancing behind people,” said Gattuso. For Degeneres’ “Ellen’s Dance Dare,” viewers submit videos of themselves dancing behind unsuspecting people and she airs them her show. According to Gattuso, submitting it was the easiest part. “You just have to post it on YouTube and Ellen goes through, I guess, and picks them.” Degeneres is not the first to showcase viral videos she found on the Internet. Ever since YouTube became popular in 2007, shows like Tosh.0, and Web Soup have risen in fame from their broadcasting of the week’s best and most outrageous videos. Since then, anyone with a computer and
a webcam realized they could broadcast whatever they wanted to for the whole world to see. Videos could receive up to one million hits overnight because one person would find it and share it with some friends, who would then share it with their other friends, and so on. Videos would go “viral” and end up all over the Internet. Communications professor Dan Kimbrough states that “Ellen’s Dance Dare” is what viral videos should be: people having fun and being free. However, that’s a small percentage of the viral video realm. Kimbrough believes the communication form has devolved into a source of meanness and mockery. “They are created by the user and it’s usually us laughing at someone else,” he said. Kimbrough said that while it’s “fun to laugh at stuff,” viewers could miss the point of how serious situations may be. The popular “Bed Intruder” video featured a man named Antoine Dodson speaking to a reporter about the attempted rape of his sister. The video was a success due to Dodson’s flamboyant speech and use of street vernacular. Dodson spoke passionately and directly to the camera during his interview, urging residents of his housing project in Huntsville,
Alabama to “hide yo kids, hide yo wife and hide yo husband, because they’re raping err’body out here.” According to YouTube, that video has received over 94 million views since it was uploaded in 2010. It was then auto tuned and turned into a song called the “Bed Intruder Remix” by The Gregory Brothers. “Antoine Dodson we laughed at. Think of the situation: We were laughing at someone’s house being broken into and the possibility of someone being raped. We found that funny because of [Dodson’s] characterization,” said Kimbrough. “He plays to this myth of what we think of African-Americans in ghetto communities.” Kimbrough explains that the reason videos like these go viral is because it’s easy for people to sit and laugh at someone else without thinking. This is the same idea that entertained audiences during the time of the 1600’s up until the late 1800’s in the form of minstrel shows. These shows were comic variety skits featuring white actors, and sometimes African-American actors, in blackface, playing a stereotyped caricature of an African-American person. The characters were portrayed to be uneducated, lazy, buffoonish and happy-go-lucky,
which Kimbrough said is how Dodson was portrayed to the public. The root of these characterizations is racism, and Kimbrough said it impacts every race. The notion of the “Sambo” character from minstrel shows was this lazy stereotype, ignorant and hurting himself for laughs. The boys from MTV’s show Jackass is another example of society finding pleasure in someone else’s pain. Jackass has inspired millions of teenagers, and even adults, to do stupid things in order to become famous. It’s the same concept, the Internet just made it worse, explained Kimbrough. “These same stereotypes that we laughed at that were all African-Americans, have now permeated all of society. Vaudeville and the minstrel shows that we laughed at then, we’re still laughing at now. They’re just online,” he said. Kimbrough said that while communication methods and platforms have changed, society has not. “Now we laugh at everyone and everyone is a degenerate, not just African-Americans. It’s a good thing that we’ve expanded to ‘Everyone is an idiot,’ but that’s all we’re doing.”
INTEGRITY STAFF Katlin Bunton - Editor-in-Chief Ellen Hoffman - Print Editor April Dulsky - Web Editor Julia Truax - Content Manager Mary Bove - Photographer Morgan Harding - Web Master Audra Wehner - Business Manager Melissa Sgroi - Advisor
CONTACT US
CONTRIBUTORS Alexa Cholewa Dominick Dellos Michele Drago Hilary Hoover Josh Horton Patrick Hunter Shawn Kellmer Misericordia University 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612
The Highlander works to produce up-to-date, clear, accurate reporting. If any information is inaccurate or not covered thoroughly, corrections and information will appear in this area. Opinions and views expressed in The Highlander in no way reflect those of Misericordia University or the Sisters of Mercy. The Highlander Staff welcomes students, faculty and reader response. The Highlander reserves the right to edit submissions for grammatical errors and length. All submissions must be signed. Letters to the Editor and/or materials for publication may be submitted by any reader. Items can be sent via e-mail.
Gabriella Lengyel Heather Marsicano Gia Mazur Grace Riker Megan Sherer MaryKate Smith
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CAPS CORNER
At The Counseling & Psychological Services Center (CAPS), support is available and no concern is too big or too small. Counselors are available to support you in a non-judgmental way using a holistic perspective - attending to mind, body and spirit. Our hope is that through counseling services you are able to create more balance, peace and serenity in your life. We invite all students to utilize CAPS Center services including individual therapy, group therapy, consultation services, referral services, psycho-educational programs and/or crisis intervention. Services are free and available to all full-time matriculated students. For more information about the CAPS Center and resources visit us on the e-MU tab “Campus Life.”
UPCOMING EVENTS Awareness Fair April 11th from 11am to 1pm Expand your awareness about organizations and opportunities that support our global interconnectedness by stopping by the tables that will be set up in the dining hall. CAPS Day Tuesday April 17th 11-1:30 pm Join the Peer Advocates, Sexual Assault Facts & Education (SAFE) Peer Educators, Healthy Options Peer Educators (HOPE), Substance Abuse Peer Educators and Active Minds in Banks Lobby on CAPS Day STOP BY in The CAPS Center OPEN HOUSE for food, beverages and some special surprises. Students who stop by the CAPS Center will be entered in a drawing to win 2 Round Trip Tickets to NYC courtesy of Martz Trailways. 3rd Annual Active Minds Screamfest April 18 at noon - National Stress Out Day! Join Active Minds at noon in Rosenn Plaza (near McGowan Hall) for this 3rd annual screamfest. All faculty, students and staff are encouraged to come out and scream for 10 seconds. Also stop by Banks Lobby from 11-1:30 pm to get information on National Stress Out Day! This is a fun event covered by local media so stop by and have a SCREAM! Sexual Assault Awareness Week Starting Sunday, April 22-Friday, April 27 The Sexual Assault Facts & Education (SAFE) Peer Educators & Peer Advocates will be working together to promote Sexual Assault Awareness on campus throughout this week. Please show your support by attending events that affect so many people. Statistics highlight 1 in 4 college women are sexually assaulted during their college career; 1 in 33 men are sexually assault during their lifetime and 80% of Sexual Assaults involve alcohol. A list of Sexual Assault Awareness events will be available on Channel 10 and other campus media. Please attend and show your support for sexual assault survivors and loved ones. Mercy Kids Spring Day April 22nd Peer Advocates will host 20 to 25 children (from Mercy Services in Wilkes-Barre) on campus for a day of fun. This yearly event also exposes disadvantaged children to the idea that college could be a possibility for them in their future. The children also are exposed to some positive role modeling from the Peer Advocates as well. (Some of these same children were recipients of the gifts from the Wish Upon A Star program in December).
Arts & Entertainment
LET’S
TALK
FASHION
April 10, 2012 3
Recipe for Disaster: A Collegiate
y r a n Culi
Column
By Michele Drago Fashion Columnist
Heather Marsicano isn’t just a junior communications major at MU. She has a list of outstanding accomplishments already under her belt: a degree in photography, service as a volunteer firefighter for the past 10 years, and a serious case of style. Two years ago, she added a new role to her list: jewelry designer. Miss Heather’s Signature Spinneries has officially opened on Etsy and it’s time for all to see Marsicano’s unique style. Having a class with Marsicano this semester, I became a loyal fan of her gothic style and the way she expresses it with dainty bows, skull cameos, and unexpected dresses. It’s always refreshing to see a fashion sense unlike any other and the fact that her hair is partially dyed hot pink—my favorite color—made me like her even more. It didn’t hurt that she admitted to watching endless cat videos on YouTube either, another hobby of mine. There’s a certain feminine twist on her gothic style and her online store is no different. I give Marsicano major props for her ability to juggle classes with making jewelry and being able to manage her Etsy page. While her Etsy site was supposed make its debut in Fall 2011, school, work, and everything else have caused a few challenges along the way. Besides the setbacks, she decided to finally open around the Ides of March and has seen nothing but success thus far. As I toured Etsy and Miss Heather’s designs, I became quite the fan of her Skull Lady Cameo Ring. The ivory skull lady cameo placed on a silver setting can be worn with just about anything. Its style is the perfect accessory and statement piece for an outfit. To my surprise (and this is my favorite part about the item overall), the ring was a mere $10, an unbeatable price for a one-of-a-kind ring and for any Etsy page I’ve seen before. Marsicano
says that she tries to keep her pieces between $15-$35, an affordable price for those who want to shop her site. Her price range may also be a result of the way her site came about in the first place. “I started making my own jewelry two years ago because I’d find something in stores or online that I couldn’t afford to buy. I hated that I couldn’t afford fancy, good quality jewelry, so I decided to try making my own and after one piece, I couldn’t stop,” said Marsicano. Her items range from chokers to necklaces, rings, and earrings. I’m a firm believer that fashion is what you make of it. As a student, the college budget is quite tight and it’s times like these when it’s crucial to stretch a dollar. It’s important to find new outlets and ways to add to your wardrobe while being able to have money to eat for the next few days. You know, sometimes we have to sacrifice for fashion. It’s always important to get to know the girl behind the jewelry. “Fashion is something that screams unique. $500 jeans that look just like $20 jeans at Wal-Mart, is a rip off. I feel that fashion doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. I shop at the Salvation Army all the time and I love it. It’s cheap and a lot of the time I find things that I haven’t seen before,” said Marsicano. She follows the trends of steampunk and the unique Japanese Lolita style. Marsicano knows what it takes to make her business successful and she’s destined to do just that. “I love being my own boss. No rules. I can create what I want, when I want with no deadlines.” As the semester slowly comes to an end, so does Let’s Talk Fashion. With one column left, it’s almost time to say my goodbyes and end this semester with a bang. As I think about columns, I know how to end it the right way and I hope you’re surprised--next time.
Misericordia chapter of PRSSA Interested in public relations? Creating valuable business contacts? Gaining hands on experience?
By Hilary Hoover Culinary Columnist
Relaxing with a good movie pair it with any other dish to is just the thing to wind down obtain all of your vital amino the end of the year. Between acids. I have been told that it projects, papers, and exams, has a consistency like Bulgar college students need to find Wheat. an outlet to keep from burning To cook it, I simply boiled 2 out. To balance out my busy cups of vegetable juice on the schedule, I take a ballet class stove, added the freekeh, and on Fridays to celebrate that let it absorb the moisture like I have made it through the a tomato risotto on very low week. It allows me to chanheat. nel frustrations in a positive As for the ratatouille, I fried way. However, a Friday night chopped onions, celery, bell movie is sometimes just what pepper, and spices in a frying you need to take the edge pan with olive oil, just to take off of a rough week. I made the bitterness from the onions a movie-themed dinner this and let them caramelize. I week based off of the movie chopped up all of my vegetaRatatouille. Can this dinner bles and put them in bowls. be pulled off in one take, or Add enough vegetable juice will I require some Hollywood to the frying pan to lift up the magic to create this week’s entire caramelized mixture Recipe for and pour Disaster? into a pot The Recipe: Ratawith a lid. touille is First, add 1 green bell pepper chopped the potatoes a French peasant and carrots dish that is 1 red potato chopped because made from they take 2 stalks of celery chopped seasonal the longest vegetables to cook. cooked to Without let½ cup of chopped carrots perfection ting it burn with just completely, 1 zucchini the right after about amount of seven 1 yellow squash spices. It’s minutes, quite fun ½ cup halved grape tomatoes add the to say, but squashes a pain to and mush1 small red onion spell. The rooms. If Disneyyou see that 1 cup of baby bella mushPixar it is stickmovie ing, add a rooms chopped made a bit more pun out of vegetable Olive Oil its name juice. Next, when, add the toRed Pepper Remy, a matoes and rat with let the mixBlack Pepper a taste ture reduce for high for about Sea Salt cuisine, 10 minutes. creates the Then, add V8 or vegetable juice beautia bit more ful dish juice to keep 1 cup of freekeh for a food it moist uncritic. My til serving. Cook Time: 30 minutes Ratatouille At this finds itself point, the deviatfreaky ing from the original French freekeh should be done abrecipe and adding a little of sorbing the vegetable juice. my personality as well. Upon first taste, I realized Ratatouille is traditionally that it seemed like it wasn’t made with eggplant, but I cooked because it was kind of couldn’t find one that I liked chewy. I added more tomato at the grocery store. In the juice and watched it absorb spring, produce is flown in rapidly into the mixture. from different parts of the Upon tasting the comworld, mostly the southern bination of flavors, I was hemisphere. What I like best impressed by the subtleness about this dish is that it is of the freekeh and the spicy very flexible to accommodate ratatouille. Absolutely delish! for any variety of produce, no I could imagine myself in the matter the season. To add warm lazy sun and the sound some more sustenance to this of the Mediterranean Sea hearty dish, I will be servcrashing against the rocks in ing it with a side of freekehthe distance. Unfortunately, which adds drastically to the it was actually the sound of disaster because I have no cold rain and ever-changing idea how to cook it. Freekeh weather beating down on MU. is dried green wheat that is Freekeh. Very Freekeh. found in the Middle East and Questions? Comments? North Africa. Like quinoa, it Email hooverh2@misericordia. is a complete protein which edu. means that you do not have to
Housing Option, continued
Continued from page 1
HEATHER MARSICANO FOR THE HIGHLANDER
Above, Marsicano’s pieces that she sells on Etsy.
around drunk, when I have an 8 a.m. or test the next day,” Bove said. The noise was not the only thing that convinced Bove to participate. Her friends are also going to live there next year, which made the decision that much easier for her. Perez hopes the housing option will be embraced by the rest of the MU community. There are going to be programs on weekends for students as alternative options to going out, said Perez. This
will help to keep students occupied and become closer to fellow R.E.A.C.H members. Activities ranging from board game night to camping trips will be offered as budget allows, said Perez. Perez hopes that once she graduates next year someone will assume responsibility and keep it going for years to come.
4
Sports
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Team focuses on tough competition After returning from tough spring break play, the womens softball team feels confident for the rest of the season. By Josh Horton, Reporter After starting the season with a tough spring break trip to Clermont, FL, the softball team decided to put their 3-7 record behind them and focus on getting better in time for conference play. “I think just being back home and getting to play on our home field made a huge difference,” said Caitlin Cromley, junior pitcher and team co-captain. “Our hitting just turned around big time. In Florida our hitting was sporadic, one game would have a couple hits and only score one or two runs a game and then when we get back home we caught fire with our hitting.” A big reason why the Cougars experienced such trouble in Florida had to do with the quality of its opponents. MU faced many nationally ranked opponents including Moravian University, over whom the Cougars won 4-3. In addition to the Moravian win, MU head softball coach Jennifer Probst feels her team’s extra-inning victory over Muhlenberg was a key moment for the Cougars this season. “In Florida we played Moravian, who is a very, very tough opponent,” Probst said. “We were actually down two or three runs late in the game and we came back to win the game [4-3] in extra innings. I think that was the moment when these girls realized how good we could be and that we are never out of any game we play.”
Freshman Kristi Seiler gave the Cougars the win with a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth. Seiler is one of many freshman playing key roles on this year’s squad. Fellow freshman Mallory Getts fills two of the most important roles on the field, as she is the team’s shortstop and leadoff hitter. “The freshmen have played a big role this year and I know I am asking a lot when I have a freshman in the leadoff spot and the four hole, but Kristi and Mallory have been great for us all season.” Probst said. Probst also feels every upperclassman on the team has stepped up this season. “Every single girl who has returned from last year’s team has come back as a better player than they were last year,” Probst said. “When you add them to a talented group of freshman it really makes us a very tough team to beat.” Neumann University found out just how tough it is to beat the Cougars on March 29 when the Knights came to Anderson Field for a twin bill. MU walked away victorious in both games, but it wasn’t easy. The first of the two games couldn’t be decided in seven innings, so the teams went nine innings before determining a winner. The Cougars won the game 11-10 on a walk off single by Jen Cory that allowed Kat LaBrie to score easily from third base. The Cougars also won the
nightcap by a score of 11-10 in a game shortened to just five innings due to darkness. Megan Hardy and Schyler Yatsko hit back-to-back homers to win the game for the Cougars. “I think it just shows how tough we are to beat and how much heart our team has,” Probst said of the doubleheader sweep. “We really are a true team and we have a very tough lineup and I think that is why the girls have been as successful as they have been.” The Cougars are 14-8,
including 11-1 in its past 12 games and 3-1 in the Freedom Conference, as of March 30. Cromley expects her team to be in the hunt come playoff time and feels if they continue to hit the ball as well as they have been they will be very tough to beat. “One of the things I always tell the girls is ‘Hitting is contagious and most of the time one hit sparks a million hits,” Cromley said. “We are seeing that a lot now and we have just been on fire and it’s so much fun.”
April 10, 2012
BOILING POINTS By Josh Horton Sports Columnist
Let me start off by saying I am far from a soccer expert, far from a die-hard soccer fan, but I am a citizen of the United States. Although the United States isn’t exactly known for it’s soccer, the Americans have qualified for the Olympic Games in every attempt but three. Unfortunately the “futbol” fans in the States won’t be able to watch their country take on the world in the summer Olympics to be held in London this summer. You can now add 2012 to 2004 and 1976 as the collection of years the United States soccer team has failed to qualify for the Olympic Summer Games. Am I shocked? Well yes. The reason I am shocked is, because of how it happened. After 90 minutes of soccer the Americans held a 3-2 lead. However, stoppage time proved to be fatal for the United States. El Salvador crushed the hopes of every American soccer enthusiast as they scored a rather shocking goal in stoppage time. The shocking goal I speak of is similar to the goal the United States scored on England in the last FIFA World Cup. Yes, it was indeed that bad. Jaime Alas of El Salvador fired a shot from a far distance and it eventually found the back of the net after trickling off of Sean Johnson’s hands. Is the keeper entirely to blame for the United States failing to qualify for this summer’s Olympic games? No! I don’t often use the exclamation point in my columns,
because I feel in most cases it is just unnecessary. But, I apologize for being unable to resist the urge this time. Many “soccer fans,” have been calling Johnson out for his lack of skills at the split second when he couldn’t come up with the save. Well, here is what I have to say to them. Have you ever made a mistake at work? Chances are unless you are some kind of super human, you have in some way screwed up once, twice or like me a million times. Does that all of a sudden make you the worst employee in the history of workers in the United States? I doubt it. With all of this being said Johnson is a human, who happens to be a soccer player on a national team. Let’s be honest soccer isn’t the first word to come to mind when thinking of United States tradition. I have never heard the phrase, “It’s as American as a good soccer game.” I must say one thing, it is nice to see so many Americans recognizing the sport of soccer and actually being enthusiastic about it. But, they are going about it in the wrong way. Support your team, support your country and don’t throw one player under the bus when an entire team failed to qualify for the Olympics. Contrary to most soccer diehard’s beliefs, the sun will indeed come out tomorrow. So where does United States soccer go from here? Well, to the World Cup. A tournament in which if I recall correctly, they did pretty well in last time.
PATRICK HUNTER/THE HIGHLANDER
Top, junior Caitlin Cromley pitching against Manhattanville during a game on March 24 where the Cougars won 17-3. Above, freshman Samantha Hare missing a swing in the softball game against Manhattanville.
Womens LAX sets sights high Womens lacrosse bands together to accomplish goals set for the season. By Dominick Dellos, Reporter Junior midfielder Sydnie Battle knew this season was going to be different from last year’s after the MU women’s lacrosse team’s first two games in Myrtle Beach, S.C. After losing 22-12 in their first game of the season to Catholic University ranked 10, they turned the tide and won the next game by 11 goals over Medaille. “Putting up 12 goals on a team as good as Catholic University is impressive and says a lot about our team,” said Battle. “It shows that we can hang with teams we may not have been able to in the past.” The Cougars finished the 2011 season with a record of 3-13, including only one conference victory. With a talented group of freshmen joining the team for the 2012 season, the Cougars look to leave their past struggles behind as they make strides as a program. “Everyone has talent and the ability to contribute,” said Robyn Fedor Stahovic, head coach. “All the girls bring something to the table, we’re just working on getting it to click and fit together.” Stahovic is optimistic about the newcomers and believes that with a more complete roster, the future is bright. “In the past, we’ve had to take players out of their natural position and put people in
positions that worked for the team,” said Stahovic. “Now we can put a player in a position best served for them rather than the team, and the team can come together.” Freshman attack Melina
can’t put the ball in the net. We’re all in it together.” While coming together as a team on the field is a work in progress, the team chemistry off the field is something of which Stahovic is proud.
PATRICK HUNTER/THE HIGHLANDER
Above, Lycoming junior Lindsay Schilling defends against MU senior Krista Shenk during a home game on March 23 on Mangelsdorf Field. Juliano was recently named women’s player of the week in the Freedom conference after tallying 12 goals and four assists in two games. “It says a lot about the team because everything is a team effort,” said Stahovic. “If we’re not winning ground balls, we
“They get along very well,” said Stahovic. “For the spring break trip the girls always want to drive. There is a mutual respect for one another on and off the field.” The team features a couple players who previously had never played girls lacrosse
because their high school did not provide the opportunity to do so. According to Stahovic, women’s lacrosse includes basic athletic motions and concepts from other sports, making it easy to adapt after understanding the rules and nuances of the game. Battle, for instance, picked up the stick last season for the first time, and through support of her friends and teammates, has become an asset to the Cougars. “The team supports girls that have never played before,” said Stahovic. “The girls are invested in the team and know helping one another out will make the team better.” The team has their eyes set on a few other goals for this season. “Obviously we want to have more wins,” Stahovic said with a smile. “But I really want to be a team that competes on both sides of the ball. I also want to see players that have been in the shadows come to the forefront. For juniors and seniors, it’s their time to shine.” The Cougars know there are some improvements that need to be made in order to reach the goals set in place. “We need to shoot the ball more,” said Ali Sacco, sophomore. “Most Continued on page 6
Celebrate National Library Week with fun events and activites sponsored by your local library! Tuesday- April 10 Boolean Bowling- 2nd floor, 11:30am-1:30pm iPads Belong @ the libary!-Noon, group session Basket Raffle to Banks- Lunchtime Wedensday- April 11 MU Clubs’ “Trick My Book Cart” Contest- 4pm Libary Club Secret Cinema shows MILK-3rd floor, 9pm Book Swap- 9am to 4pm Cupcake Social-TBA Thursday- April 12 Hot Dog Cart- 11:15am-1:30pm Friends of the MKB Libary Bake Sale- 11:15-1:30pm “Baubles for Books” Jewerly Market- 11:15am-1:30pm Golf Contest- 11:30am-1:30pm Basket Raffle- 11:30am-1:30pm Book Swap- 1st floor, 9am-4pm Guest Libarian- TBA Friday-April 13 Airplane Contest- 11:30am-1:30pm Book Swap- 1st floor, starting at 9am Basket Raffle- Drawing at 3pm
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Gamers ‘camping’ in Banks Lounge To pass the time in between classes, commuter students play video games and encourage others to join them for fun.
play,” said Ruth. As the only girl in a group of gamer guys, Ruth said more women should join in. “I feel the whole gamer girl concept and the fact that it’s taboo for girls to be into video games is like stupid,” said Ruth. John said video games aren’t gender-specific: anyone can play. “We don’t look down on her for being a girl, I mean, she’s better at Bioshock than I am,” said John. Playing has been a favorite pastime of the Whitesells since grade school, when the siblings received a PlayStation for Christmas one year. They credit this gift for developing their interest in gaming. “I remember playing “Crash Bandicoot” and games like that. As I got older my taste evolved and I played better and more advanced games,” said Ruth. The Whitesells have over 100 video games. John said his favorite is a tie between “Uncharted 3” and “Rayman” because everyone can participate. His personal favorite is the “MetalGear” series. Ruth’s favorite game is “Bioshock” because of its survivalhorror aspect, she said. The siblings enjoy games with elaborate plots and story lines. “They have advanced sto-
ELLEN HOFFMAN/THE HIGHLANDER
Top, sophomore John Whitesell, junior Ruth Whitesell and first year Matt Zito relax in the Banks Student Life Center while playing video games. Above, John and Ruth Whitesell enjoy a game of Rayman Origins for PS3 on Wednesday, April 4. rylines. It’s all intricate and falls together so I like them for more of the story-telling. It’s kind of like books for me, but, I mean, I still read books,” said John. They say games that feature weaponry are not necessarily violent. “MetalGear Solid,” for example, has an anti-war and anti-nuclear message even though the game features a soldier. “Those are the games, I like to play. I don’t like to play games that are like, ‘Yeah kill ‘em all!” said John. One of the game developers the Whitesells appreciate is
Homeland Security, cont’d
Continued from page 1
the country for where we are today. Campbell described homeland security today as hometown security, agreeing with Martin’s comment. “The terrorist of the world could be anywhere but we the people are everywhere,” said Martin. They describe the threat against the country as ever changing and ever evolving, confident that cyber terrorism is the next step. The panel agreed that the best form of protection is the average citizen. “If we get hit with an attack of this again, its due to our lack of vigilance. The person will have to live, move, and exist among us,” said Martin. Government, law and national security major Bryan O’Donnel didn’t know a lot about the field he hopes to enter upon graduation but now feels sure of his decision to work with the FBI’s BAU unit. “I didn’t know a lot of what I now know before this event. My mind is kind of a mess right now trying to take it all in. I would recommend that all future students in this major go to this symposium,” said O’Donnel. Carso agrees and feels much more informed after the sym-
By Gabriella Lengyel, Reporter Commuter students and brother-sister pair Ruth and John Whitesell love video games—and they are using gaming as a social activity on campus. The Whitesells and friends encourage others to join them in the Banks Student Center. They say it is a way to meet new people who also live in the gamer world. “It’s kind of a way to get people who are also interested in it to come over and hang out with us,” said Ruth. John is even thinking about creating a club that would explore the gamer world, using Banks as his meeting place. The Whitesells bring their own equipment from home instead of renting it from Student Activities because they have saved files on their system and they could not save data on a rented system. They would also have to return the equipment at stated times. The gamers bring a PlayStation 3 complete with console, controllers, and cables. Sometimes other gamers bring different systems, including the Wii. The Whitesells prefer to play in Banks Lounge instead of the Commuter Lounge because they didn’t want to monopolize the television to play video games when other people may want to watch television instead. “I’m not dissing the Commuter Lounge or anything. I just feel like we can be ourselves more and that’s what I feel in this area,” said Ruth. “It’s their place, and this is our place.” The gamers like the privacy and the comfortable couches in Banks. The size of the television also makes game play a lot better. “It’s bigger than the T.V. I have in my house,” said John. The Whitesells find themselves playing more at school than they do at home, but they try to make sure their gaming doesn’t interfere with their studies. “If I have work to do, I don’t
April 10, 2012 5
“Quantic Dream”, based out of Canada. The company created a detective drama genre game called “Heavy Rain”. The game is about a father who is trying to save his son after he failed to save his other son from being murdered. The game is also known for its facial expressions, as it has some of the most advanced graphics, according to John. “There is real human emotion behind it and you feel like your living his life,” said Ruth. The game is really realistic with the aspects of a fatherson relationship.
posium. He is also excited for the future of the Government, law and national security program. “We have had a great response, but this helps people understand that this is a cutting-edge program that prepares students for graduate level programs and also a vast marketplace for employment after graduation, not just in national security,” said Carso. Several panelists joked about coming back and while Carso is unsure if they will have this event next year, he does know they will have it again in the future. “I have to compliment Dr. Carso and Dr. MacDowell for bringing together such a diverse panel of subject matter from law and government across the spectrum. For me it’s an opportunity to share with students my passion for public service and some tips on why government service is the kind of career that can take you from college throughout your life,” said Baker. For more information on the government law and national security major contact Dr. Brian Carso at bcarso@misericordia.edu.
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Students act for change in Laramie
MARY BOVE/THE HIGHLANDER
Above, sophomore Jackie Paluszek and Jasimine Busi act as the older generation of Laramie during The Laramie Project on March 29.
April 10, 2012
LAX, cont’d
Continued from page 4 players on our team would rather give up the ball for an assist than score a goal,” said Stahovic. “I want all the players to believe in themselves and their ability, and take shots.” Building individual confidence is something that is important in every sport, and specifically in sports with a lot of scoring, like women’s lacrosse. “You have to understand that there are a lot of goals scored,” said Stahovic. “If you get down three or four goals, you have to be tough mentally and answer right back.” According to Stahovic, when the Cougars play tough teams keeping focused for the entire 60 minutes is essential. “Discipline, focus, and fundamentals and down the stretch it’s what matters,” said Stahovic. “You can’t be complacent because if you take one deep breath five balls are in the cage before you know it.” As the Cougars work toward making playoffs later in the season, Stahovic has advice for her players to live by. “Don’t just work hard, work smart,” she said.
Upcoming Games: 4/11 vs. US Merchant Marine
Top right, sophomore Courtney Bieber plays a pastors wife as well as other characters throughout the show of The Laramie Project in Lemmond Theater.
4/14 at Manhattanville 4/17 vs. DeSales 4/21 vs. FDU
Far right, graduate student Jeff Kelly acts out his role as an interviewer and spoke with other characters about Matthew Shepard’s death.
4/25 at Kings 4/28 at Eastern 5/1 Freedom Championship Begins
Right, first year Alexandria Smith shows emotion on stage as a friend of Matthew Shepard during scenes from The Laramie Project on March 29 in Lemmond Theater.
All home games are played at Mangelsdorf Field.
Turtles in half shell return in upcoming film Paramount plans to release an updated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film in 2013. By Shawn Kellmer, Reporter The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise is getting a reboot in the form of film, scheduled for release Christmas 2013. The new live action film, currently in preproduction, is set to be produced by Michael Bay and his production company Platinum Dunes. The film will be directed by Jonathan Liebesman, who has directed Clash of the Titans. It will be released by Paramount. The TMNT first hit the pop culture radar through specialty comic shops in 1984 by way of low print run black and white comic. The comic proved so popular that several more prints of the first issue were made, eventually selling more than a million copies, making it the best-selling comic at that time. The creators, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, signed a deal with Surge Licensing not long after their initial success. What resulted was a pop culture explosion of licensed materials including, but not limited to, a cartoon, a comic
published by Archie Comics based on the cartoon, video games, socks, pajamas, breakfast cereals, a hostess pie, and four theatrically released films. In 2011, Nickelodeon and its parent company Viacom International, bought the TMNT franchise from Peter Laird for an estimated $60 million. Viacom is also the parent company of Paramount. Bay has already made announcements of changes to the franchise under his direction. The one of the two most significant is going to be a name change to “Ninja Turtles.” The second major change is going to remove the ooze from the origin story and instead of having the Turtles as mutants they are simple going to be space aliens. Fans of all ages are voicing their discontent all over the internet. Their displeasure with Bay and his new film has caused Bay address his public. Several press releases have been posted on his website, www.michaelbay.com. One of the statements confirms the
Turtle Timeline
November 1983TMNT Created by Kevin Eastman
May 1984First TMNT Comic Released
March 1990First TMNT Movie Premieres
name change but says that it came from the Paramount offices and that he ultimately supports it. “Paramount marketing changed the name. They made the title simple. The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers. Everything you remember, why you liked the characters, is in the movie. This script is being developed by two very smart writers, with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles. They care very much about making this film for the fans. Everyone on this team cares about the fans. Just give them a chance. Jonathan, the director, is a major fan of the whole franchise. He’s not going to let you down.” Timothy Grammes, a freshman at King’s College, has fond memories of the original series. “A reboot is not necessary. All they are doing is taking everything that our generation finds nostalgic and trying to profit from it. See Transformers.” “Bay’s version totally devi-
September 1997TV Series Starring First Female Turtle
March 1991Second Live Action TMNT Premieres
ates from the source material, which is the cartoon, which deviates in later seasons from the comics,” said Grammes. Justin Jon Nepenthe, a sophomore at Luzerne County Community College, doesn’t want to see this new reboot. “Not this way. Maybe if it was something that captured the essence of the original, but this just feels wrong. Every time this subject comes up I can picture the ooze that made those turtles mutants. I have no idea how to reconcile that with this new rip off. “ An answer to distraught fans was posted to Bay’s site. “Fans need to take a breath, and chill. They have not read the script. Our team is working closely with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles to help expand and give a more complex back story. Relax, we are including everything that made you become fans in the first place. We are just building a richer world.” Not all of the issues dealing with the TMNT continuity stem from Bay and his upcom-
February 20034Kids Cartoon Hits TV Airwaves
December 2001Fourth TMNT Comic Released
ing film. “I didn’t even watch any turtle movies after TNMT 3, I had no desire,” said Grammes. “The first season of the cartoon followed the comic pretty closely, but once they got into the third and fourth seasons, they deviated and did more slapstick stuff, while the comic maintained a pretty serious overtone.” Not everyone is upset with there being a reboot. Some want updates and they want them to be good. “I thought Transformers sucked and most of the movie was the ending fight scene,” said Kovalcin. “They need to bring back the turtles and other things like Scooby Doo and Johnny Quest but with new, but still good content.” Jessica Kovalcin, sophomore Luzerne County Community College, grew up a turtle fan. “I think the reboot is necessary because they kick ass and need more movies. Kind of like the old school Scooby Doo.” “Michael Bay has done nothing for the advancement
July 2009Turtles Forever Animated Movie Premieres
March 2007Fourth TMNT Movie Premieres in CGI
of the universe of any reboots he has been involved in,” said Grammes. “God bless the writers for trying to create something new and exciting with old material that we remember fondly.” He said Bay’s directing style is sketchy. “He has all of these quick cuts and close-ups with explosions and loud sound effects recently, like he HAS to follow a mold for a ‘Summer Blockbuster’. The only film of his I enjoyed was The Rock. Pearl Harbor was horrible; it’s the shining example of what Michael Bay can do with history,” said Grammes. “But on a serious note it infuriates me, because it’s going to be horrible. I mean, who knows. MAYBE it’ll be good. But I’ll have to hear it from a very credible source before I go see it, yet this movie may go on to make him even more money.” “I’m going to die a little inside if four movies from now we see these ninja aliens go back to their home planet,” said Nepenthe.
August 2011IDW Begins New TMNT Comic
October 2009- TMNT Sold for $60 Million
December 2013New Live Action Film Set for Release