December 2013 Roar

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Penn State Beaver Roar

News

December 2013

Students struggle with health care law Kayla Wagner Staff Writer

krw5239@psu.edu

When it comes to college students, many don’t pay much attention to government and politics. But there is one issue that has been in the media so often it’s nearly impossible to avoid.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as ObamaCare, has been

talked about on every social media platform, in every political debate and even bashed on live television.

But one question still remains unanswered to most college students: What exactly is ObamaCare?

The act is President Barack Obama’s way of reforming health care. It requires everyone to have health care insurance beginning in 2014. Anyone who does not have health care insurance, either from

their employer or the governmentrun health care exchange, will be taxed.

ObamaCare is the future, especially for college students who will be going out and getting jobs within the next few years.

“This sounds bad but I honestly have no idea what it is,” said senior Markus Allen. “I know it’s highly talked about but I don’t really know what it’s all about.”

This lack of knowledge is common among college students, but not universal. Sophomore Michael Harrington knows about ObamaCare and said he thinks it will help.

“I think it’s a good idea but needs fixed,” Harrington said. “Everyone should have health care, but it should not raise the prices of going to the doctor or any other medical visits.”

“Everyone should be able to be treated if they need to without the

fear of not being able to pay the bill.”

With the negative connotations about ObamaCare in the media, it is hard for students to form unbiased opinions.

“I assume it’s bad. I heard Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley bashing it on the CMA’s, so it can’t be too great,” Allen said.

“If people can adjust then it will be fine, but for right now it is a broken system,” said Harrington.

I think Obamacare is a good idea, it just needs refined and improved.

A really poor effort to give everyone in America affordable health care.

The law that was put in effect in 2010 guiding the health care act.

Person in the Bistro

What is Obamacare?

A health care program Obama has provided through the health care act.

Maria Robbins Sophomore

A health care plan for the underprivelaged. It gives them a fighting chance financially.

Roger Rhoden Senior

It’s a joke to give the government more money and fooling the people into thinking Obama is a good guy.

Jimmy Bing

Mike Harrington

Sophomore

Mike Schweitzer

Senior

Gavin High

Freshman

Sophomore

Isn’t it the insurance for people that need health care?

Alexa Kim

Freshman

I honestly don’t really know, I just know it’s for health care.

Maura Francis Sophomore

Obama’s idea of universal health care.

Briana D’Itri Freshman

The Affordable Health care Act.

Elizabeth Pompe

Junior

December 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar

News

Research fair faces changes for 2014 Taylor Braxton Staff Writer

tmb5242@psu.edu

Students who participate in Penn State Beaver’s annual Undergraduate Research Fair this spring have the opportunity to win $500 if they place first in the oral presentations competition.

But recent changes to the selection process will likely mean that fewer students have the opportunity to compete for that prize.

The fair is for those students who go beyond the academic requirements, both in and outside of the classroom, and it highlights the work students have done throughout the year.

Any student can participate in the fair, especially those who are in honors classes or have the honors’ option credit.

But students who want to participate in the oral presentations portion will no longer be automatically included; they will have to be selected. Poster presentations will not change.

In the past, the committee would accept as many oral presentations as they could get, said Irene Wolf, senior instructor in philosophy and

ROAR File Photo

Students present their research projects to visitors during the 2013 Research Fair.

an event organizer.

Each person was allotted 15 minutes, but the time limit was not strictly enforced, she said.

“The students presenting in the

Student faces alcohol charges

Campus police charged Harmony Hall freshman Michael J Leitemore of Pittsburgh with consumption of liquor or malt beverage on Nov. 12.

The charge came after a Nov. 3 incident where a resident advisor found him passed out in a bathroom in Harmony Hall.

Charges Filed in Harmony Hall Cat Fight Charges have been filed against Malaya M. Pack of McKees Rocks in relation to the Oct. 26 fight in Harmony Hall. Campus police have charged Pack with disorderly conduct.

The incident involved Pack and another female student. The two were caught fighting by a resident assistant who reported them to police. When an officer arrived one of the female students said the other struck her with her shoe.

Missing Computer Found On Nov. 25 a computer from the Student Union Building was reported missing by a faculty member. Upon police investigation, the computer was found. The computer had not been stolen but simply misplaced.

beginning would run over their time and talk for 20 or 25 minutes. Then the students at the later end would be rushed for their own presentations,” said Wolf.

Wolf started the research fair with the help of JoAnn Chirico, senior instructor in sociology, more than a decade ago, before Penn State Beaver began offering four-year majors.

The committee decided it wanted to limit the number of oral presentations to eight and implement a selection process, Wolf said.

Committee members also want to make sure that everyone has the same amount of time to present their research and plan to hold each presenter to 15 minutes, she added.

Anyone speaking past the 15-minute mark will be stopped and denied a question-and-answer session with the judges and audience.

“We are advising that the students present for 12 minutes. Then they are able to have a three-minute question and answer sessions with the judges and audience,” said Wolf.

Those who do not meet the criteria for an oral presentation will be encouraged to do a poster presentation instead.

“We are still accepting as many poster presentations as we can, and they will present their research but they get three minutes and without questions from the judges,” said Wolf.

There are three judges for every

3

poster and for every oral presentation.

Another change is that all awards will be presented at the fair instead of at the research fair banquet.

Donna Kuga, director of academic affairs, donates the prize out of her own pocket for the winner of the oral presentations.

Wolf said she is appreciative of Kuga’s donation and thinks it is very generous on her part to do this for the students.

Wolf said that when she is at other campuses for their research fairs, they do not have an award like that. Wolf also teaches at Penn State Greater Allegheny and New Kensington campuses.

Chirico said she used to require all her students to do either a research or service-learning project. Most would do the service learning because it was easier, but she still had some who wanted to do research.

“The research fair hasn’t caught on amongst students. Research is something they don’t approach on their own. It would be nice to have students come and ask to be in it on their own,” said Chirico.

She added that students should not be hesitant to ask a professor to mentor them.

4

Penn State Beaver Roar

News

December 2013

Time to prepare for winter in Beaver County Anthony Lamont Staff Writer

ajl5715@psu.edu

Winter is here again, and that means sub-zero temperatures with an endless combination of freezing rain and snow that adds to the challenges of getting to class and staying warm.

Students from the area should be accustomed to the winter weather, but those on campus who are not local may not have spent any time in a winter climate outside of a vacation.

Freshman Albert Araiza is new to the idea of winter in the Northeast.

Araiza is from Phoenix, Ariz., where temperatures reach highs in the triple digits during the summer and remain warm throughout the year.

“As of right now I am OK with it,” said Araiza. When asked about having a winter wardrobe, Araiza pointed to his coat and said, “It’s right here.”

In contrast to out-of-state students from warmer climates, some are used to the winter weather in this area

Penn State Beaver/Justin Vorbach

The first snow of the season dusts the Nittany Lion with a wintery coat.

because they grew-up in the snowbelt.

Junior Rob Trhlin is from Cleveland, Ohio, where large amounts of snow are common.

“The winter months here on campus are pretty mild in comparison to what I am used to,” said Trhlin.

“I live in the snowbelt. We get lake

effect snow, so I’m just used to bigger storms.”

For the students living in Harmony Hall, walking to and from classes may be a bit frigid, but campus maintenance will work continuously to keep the walkways around campus clear, even when keeping them clear seems impossible.

According to the Penn State Beaver website, if temperatures drop too low, salt will not melt the snow and ice.

Students are advised to be careful as they walk across campus.

Along with out-of-state students getting acclimated to the weather, students who commute will also need to take some steps to ensure their safety and timeliness to class.

Sophomore Stephanie Clark is from Martins Ferry, Ohio, and commutes to campus daily.

“I will probably need to wake up earlier to give myself more time to get to campus,” Clark said. “I’m scared to drive in fear of an accident when the weather is bad. The thought of falling on campus scares me.”

Giving yourself a few extra minutes may prevent you from being tardy as well as keep you from speeding in attempts to make it to campus when the weather is poor.

Not all students who commute to campus share the same fear of driving

in bad weather.

“I’m good at driving in the snow.

It’s everybody else who is bad at it,” said freshman Mackenzie Hartman.

“I’m more worried about other drivers than myself.”

Another piece of advice from the Penn State Beaver website is to be sure to sign up for PSUTXT. If the campus is closed or delays the start of classes, a text message will be sent to your phone letting you know immediately. Students can sign up for PSUTXT online at psutxt.psu.edu.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advises all drivers to make sure their battery, lights and wiper blades work effectively, along with making sure that their tires are properly inflated with adequate tread.

Some other tips to follow are as simple as wearing a seatbelt and paying close attention when crossing bridges.

The most important, and perhaps the simplest, preventative step you can take is not to drive at all in winter conditions if you don’t have to.

Campus working to repair leaks in building roofs Lydia Aquino Staff Writer

lra137@psu.edu

Leaky roofs are an ongoing issue in the Michael Baker and General Classroom buildings, with the GCB needing the most work.

“Old building, not enough money,” said Luke Taiclet, director of finance and business.

The campus put in a request for a new roof on the GCB, but that will cost about $700,000, Taiclet said.

Just to find and patch the holes is expected to cost $65,000.

The GCB still has its original roof from 1968.

A roof usually lasts for 30 years, Taiclet said, making the building 15 years overdue for a new roof.

The roof over the 115A and B lecture halls and the link from the fac-

“

All I can focus on is the sound of the water landing in a bucket or hitting the floor or the removed ceiling tile.”

Joshua Nussbaum Junior

ulty offices to the vending machines in the GCB have already been fixed, Taiclet said.

Penn State Beaver has been working on the GCB roof in sections because it is easier to afford that way.

The MBB had its whole roof repaired about five years ago.

With these repairs, the roof should still be good but there are still some leaks, Taiclet admitted.

The university has plans for a complete renovation to MBB in the next year, so the roof will be addressed at that time.

The Ross Administration Building is one of the newest buildings on campus, but it has been getting some leaks as well.

This problem does have the attention of maintenance and will be patched before more damage is done, Taiclet said.

“I want to become an ergonomist, so I notice a ton of the faults with the buildings I enter,” said junior Joshua Nussbaum.

“Each time I see or hear a leak in a roof, I think of the inconveniences it causes. It takes time and energy to both fix and prevent the error, but it delays other unrelated actions.

“All I can focus on is the sound of

the water landing in a bucket or hitting the floor or the removed ceiling tile.”

Weathering in general wears on the roofs, so they need constant upkeep.

But Taiclet said damage can also be linked to the chemicals that local power plants release into the atmosphere.

And once holes appear in the roof, they can move to a completely different area, not even near the original leak.

Locating the leak is a very hard task to do from the inside of the building, he said.

Roofs expand and contract so as they get older they become more vulnerable.

The roofs on the campus build-

ings are mostly built-up roofs. Taiclet explained that a built-up roof has layers to it so the water cannot get in.

The roof on the MBB will be changed to a modified roof which has different installation. That process will make it much stronger.

The roofs are long and flat, which Taiclet said can lead to damage because water can sit and eventually find its way into the building.

Water will find a way.

As for the leakage, “It can be hazardous when walking through the hallways as well as a distraction while learning,” said freshman Mackenzie Hartman.

During this coming summer, Penn State Beaver plans to hire contractors to inspect the buildings to prevent future leaks, Taiclet said.

December 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar

News

5

Campus offers personal trainer Lindsay Bangor Senior Staff Writer

lmb5793@psu.edu

Are you ready for a new you?

Students have a lot going on in their lives and adding a fitness regime into their busy schedules can be near impossible.

Luckily, the Wellness Center is now offering a personalized approach to help students stay on track and incorporate weekly fitness goals.

Robert Beahm, a certified personal trainer, is now working at the Wellness Center. He offers one-on-one sessions with students and faculty members.

Beahm holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Slippery Rock University and a master’s degree in health and fitness from the

Robert Beahm

University of Pittsburgh.

Beahm’s ultimate goal is to show students the proper way of exercising and to share his knowledge and love

for fitness.

“I want students to be able to use the facility correctly,” said Beahm. “I want to help people execute exercises properly and effectively.”

Beahm’s philosophy is to maintain short-term and long-term goals, so clients can keep moving forward and see results.

“I want them to commit to a lifestyle change because that is precisely what it is,” said Beahm.

Assistant Athletic Director B.J. Bertges said she is excited about Beahm being a part of the Wellness Center.

“He pays attention to clients’ needs, which is huge,” said Bertges.

“Students should really utilize him.”

“Using Rob for personal training sessions is completely free to stu-

dents,’” Bertges added. “His service falls under the money allotted for student activities.”

Beahm is only on campus Wednesday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. and works with people individually or as a group.

Any Penn State student, faculty member or alumni can work with him.

Three campus staffers, Dee Mooney, Beth Hewitt and Mari Pierce, have formed a workout group together.

They have group exercise sessions with Beahm weekly and are having a great time while reaching their fitness goals.

“My goal is to tone and lose weight,” said Mooney, staff assistant in academic affairs. “I want to

stay active throughout the year, and working out with Rob is certainly a great way to do it!”

With exercise stations that Beahm sets up, the ladies are able to strengthen their muscles at their own level.

“I like how individualized the workouts are to your own personal fitness level,” said Pierce, assistant professor of Administration of Justice.

“Rob also gives exercises that can be done at home.”

Beahm said he hopes everyone on campus can use him as a resource.

“I am here until the end of the semester as of now,” said Beahm.

“I hope that I can continue throughout the year and work with as many people as I can.”

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Penn State Beaver Roar

Viewpoint

Managing Editor of Content Ben Keeler

bak5266@psu.edu

Managing Editor of Production Caitlin Vodenichar cav5119@psu.edu

Photo Editor Dante Massey

dwm5299@psu.edu

Copy Editor Mike Brayack mib5566@psu.edu

Page Designers Amanda Palombo amp5831@psu.edu

Nancy Paoletti

nlp5099@psu.edu

Taylor Braxton

December 2013

Take your SRTEs seriously

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

You have the right to a better education and the responsibility to do your part.

You may be asking yourself, “How can I get a better education? I’m already at Penn State, one of the top universities in the country. How can it get any better?”

The answer to that is that you have the ability to make the education a little better, and it’s really pretty simple.

Complete the SRTE for each and every class you take!

The Student Rating of Teaching Effectiveness is your tool to tell the faculty and administration what you liked about each class, and what could be improved.

During the final two weeks of every semester, ending the last day of classes, students are encouraged to log into Angel where they can simply click a link for each class to fill out the short SRTE. It really couldn’t get much easier.

Though it may be easy, it’s a big responsibility.

Just because you have the ear of the administration doesn’t give you license to rip into the teacher you hated this semester. The feedback should be a little objec-

ADS FOR CLUBS

tive and a lot constructive.

If you call your teacher nasty, then you need to explain why you feel that way.

On the flip side if you have an instructor that you absolutely loved and who made your meaningless semester worth living, don’t simply give all sevens and say “he was great, change nothing” in the comments. That doesn’t help either.

Explain why you liked the instructor. Positive feedback allows instructors to incorporate more of the good stuff into their classes.

Don’t forget about the comments sections. Those can be some of the most valuable information. If you only fill in the bubbles, the instructor does not have much to work with.

It goes back to the old saying that you cannot fix what you don’t know is broken.

The same goes for administrators; if they don’t know there is a problem, they cannot fix it.

That means that the administration has a responsibility to listen to what you have to say and take action, if necessary.

If students are expected to take the

SRTE process seriously and provide critical feedback, it should not fall on deaf ears.

SRTEs can not only improve the overall education but also guide teachers in improving their classes and enhancing student learning.

For professors – and we all know who they are – the SRTEs serve as a warning sign for them to straighten up and fly right, because if they don’t, they shouldn’t be teaching students who are paying for a quality Penn State education.

While tenure might prevent a professor from being let go, it shouldn’t allow the professor to continue to teach poorly. The administration can still call those people to carpet and confront the issues.

And that’s why the SRTEs are so important. They let the faculty and administration know when they’re going a good job, and certainly when they’re doing a bad one.

Bottom line, treat the SRTEs as you would any assignment and use them as an opportunity to talk honestly and openly with the administration.

tmb5242@psu.edu

Senior Staff Writer Lindsay Bangor lmb5793@psu.edu

Advisors Terrie Baumgardner tbm2@psu.edu

Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu

Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu

Reflections at semester’s end With Christmas and the end of the semester, perhaps even the end of your time as a student, looming on the horizon, now is the perfect time to reflect on all the things you’ve learned.

I’m not suggesting that you actually learned anything in any of your classes.

No one is naïve enough to believe that you will actually retain any amount of information you were tested on.

Instead of focusing on unimportant details like how not to get sued for libel or how to make a bridge that won’t collapse and kill hundreds, focus on the fond memories.

Think of the good times.

Remember how that partner was supposed to do half the work, but didn’t because he or she knew you would pick up the slack?

Remember how that ever-so-mean-

Mike Brayack ingful grade you worked so hard to achieve plummeted because you had the audacity to place your faith in another human being?

How about that instructor or professor — notice the word isn’t teacher, because that would imply that you are actually being taught — who made you so glad that you spent how many thousands of dollars to have your time wasted with their inane pettiness?

Remember when you still thought people were fundamentally good and

were motivated by higher principles than “screw you, got mine?” College really set you right on that misconception, didn’t it?

Remember that? Good times.

See, you really did learn a lot of useful information. Even if you don’t remember all the specific details you were quizzed on, you at least got some general themes down.

For instance, not everyone is worthy of responsibility. Not everyone who has authority deserves it or can be trusted not to abuse it.

That’s a lesson that’ll never become obsolete, at least until everyone decides to try that whole not-being-a-jackass thing.

Or until you die alone, unloved and forgotten. That last part was added to lighten the mood. Merry Christmas!

Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: roareditor@psu.edu by the 20th day of each month.

Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number.

Free advertising space is offered to any university-recognized organization or club to promote upcoming events.

The space is limited to one eighth-page ad per club per edition. To reserve space, email The Roar business manager at: roarbusiness@psu. edu.

The content and opinions of this publication reside solely with the authors and not with the Pennsylvania State University or the Penn State Beaver Student Activity Fee Committee.

December 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

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Students face U.S. holiday culture shock

Winter break traditions bring new cultural opportunities, fun for campus’ international students Marissa Patmon Staff Writer

mnp5130@psu.edu

Winter break is just around the corner and for many students that means spending some quality time with their families at home.

For international students that is not always an option. Many of them have had to make alternative arrangements.

Freshman Zohair Ali, an energy engineering student from India, is planning to visit Los Angeles, where his aunt resides, for the winter break.

Being from India, Ali said he is not accustomed to celebrating the traditional winter holidays that are prevalent in the United States, but he is excited to experience them.

“In my desire to come here, I didn’t give the holiday season much thought because that is

“

In my desire to come here, I didn’t give the holiday season much thought because that is something I do not celebrate. But coming to the U.S. and learning about the culture and the traditions, I am excited to experience this time since this is something I have never done.”

Zohair Ali Freshman

something I do not celebrate,” said Ali. “But coming to the U.S. and learning about the culture and the traditions, I am excited to experience this time since this is something I have

never done.”

The freshman class this year has brought an influx of international students to the Beaver campus, many of whom have not experienced the American holiday season and are not used to getting time off from school during November and December.

Freshman Yangxu Wu, also known as Camille, is an accounting major from China.

She plans on visiting wherever her Penn State Greater Allegheny friends decide to visit, whether California or Florida.

“When people started explaining Christmas to me, it reminded me of a tradition that we celebrate in China: Spring Festival,” said Wu. Spring Festival is based on the Lunar Calendar. The tradition entails being around family and preparing specific meals for a 15-day period.

Although Wu will not be around for the festival this year, she is satisfied with experiencing the winter holidays.

“I heard that there were a lot of discounts during the break, so I’m really looking forward to that, and the food of course,” said Wu. Freshman Ana Paula Garcia De Andrade, an aerospace engineering student from Brazil, has plans of going back home for winter break to spend time with family and friends for Christmas.

Garcia De Andrade said there is not much difference between the holiday season in the U.S. and Brazil, with the exception of Thanksgiving.

“Instead of the celebration of Thanksgiving during November, we celebrate the Proclamation of Brazil, which is held on Nov. 15,” said Garcia De Andrade.

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Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

December 2013

Student treks to Mt. Everest base camp Mike Brayack

Senior Staff Writer mib5566@psu.edu

Imagine this scenario.

For days, you have been trekking higher and higher through the mountains of the Himalayas with your companions, the air getting thinner and thinner with the rise in altitude.

Each day, you wake at 6 a.m., have a meager breakfast and then, aside from an equally meager lunch, you hike until you are too exhausted to move.

Yet for that day of herculean effort, you only gain 2,000 feet of elevation. Why? Because you had to go 800 feet down to find a way forward.

For four months, you have prepared your body for this, walking, hiking or running 15 miles per day. Now you realize you did not prepare nearly enough.

You are sick from unclean water. By the end of your month-long trip, you will have lost 40 pounds and you will require antibiotics for two months after.

However, in the distance, you can see Mt. Everest rising above you, beckoning. And you know that it is worth it.

For senior psychology student Brandon Cahall, 40, this scenario was more than idle fantasy: It was a reality.

In May 2012, Cahall and two friends, Chuck Jesky and Pete Friday, along with a small group of others, trekked to the South Base Camp of Mt. Everest in Nepal.

The South Base Camp sits at an altitude of 17,598 feet and is a rudimentary campsite used by those seeking to climb Mt. Everest itself.

Jesky’s and Friday’s motivation for the excursion was the extreme nature of the hike, said Cahall.

But for him, the trip was also a pseudopilgrimage: Nepal is the birthplace of Buddhism.

Cahall said that though he does not know enough about Buddhism to consider himself a Buddhist, he does find the principles both

interesting and appealing.

Along the way to the Base Camp, Cahall and his group stopped at a few villages and towns. At those places, Cahall visited the small Buddhist temples.

“They might have 10 or 15 monks who live there and have never left, having lived there their whole lives,” said Cahall.

Much of the time for the trip was spent traveling through the mountains, where the temperature would “feel like 60s” during the day before plunging at night, said Cahall.

After the day’s trek, camp would be made and the dogs would arrive as usual.

“They wouldn’t beg; they would just bark all night and then follow you for a little while the next day before stopping,” said Jesky.

One of the local guides told Jesky that Americans say the dogs keep them up all night, but people like him can’t sleep if the dogs stop because the barking keeps evil away.

“It was almost like they were protecting you,” said Jesky.

Eventually, the group arrived at their destination, the South Base Camp.

Due to the season, there were no other climbers.

“It was desolate,” said Cahall. “You wouldn’t even know what it was by looking at it.”

Though at that point Mt. Everest looked close enough to be an achievable goal, Cahall knew that was misleading.

The true dangers of the climb would still be ahead and were not something their group had planned, prepared or paid for. Going any further up the mountain would have required a more expensive permit.

Getting to the camp was challenge enough, Cahall said.

“I’m very proud I could do it. It was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done,” said Cahall.

Not all the excitement of the trip happened outside of civilization. Before heading out into the wilderness the group spent five days in Kathmandu, the capital and largest

Pete Friday, Brandon Cahall, the Sherpa guide and Chuck Jesky arrive at the South Base Camp at Mt. Eve

city of Nepal.

At the time of their stay, Nepal was in the midst of political unrest, with protests and shutdowns taking place in the city.

Cahall and Jesky were on a rickshaw during such a shutdown. When the man pulling the rickshaw encountered a group of protesters, he abandoned both the cart and his clients, leaving them to face the crowd alone.

By taking clients, the rickshaw driver had broken the rules of the shutdown.

One man came out of the crowd with a knife and cut the rickshaw’s tires. Then he turned to Cahall and Jesky and asked where they were from.

“I told him ‘We’re Americans,’ and he said ‘Don’t you worry; this will be OK,’” said Jesky.

Americans are popular in Nepal because of money they provide, Jesky said. “Americans are the best tippers in the world.”

The group’s time in the city also gave insight into difficulties beyond politics faced by the people of Nepal, even in urban areas.

Only 40 percent of the Nepalese have access to electricity. And even those connected do not have constant access due to power shortages.

“At our hotel they would provide power for three hours per day. All the people were so grateful, but all the tourists and Westerners were like, ‘Wait, you mean there’s no air conditioning for these other 21 hours?” said Cahall.

The time spent trekking was an even deeper lesson in lifestyle differences.

Outside water. Tho instead rely Urban or ru sally poor, as Though h sumed, Cah from drinki antibiotics f home.

Lack of another chal Nepal’s ro in poor con tains.

According 43 percent o weather road

erest, 17,598 feet above sea level.

of cities, there is no running ose who live in the mountains on water from ground sources. ural, the water quality is univers Cahall found out first hand. he treated all the water he conhall suffered intestinal problems ng the local water. He required for two months after returning

roads and infrastructure was llenge the group faced, said Jesky. oad network is small and mostly ndition, especially in the moun-

g to the World Bank Group, only of the Nepalese have access to allds.

December 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar

9

Photos courtesy of Brandon Cahall

Above, the group visits a Buddhist monastery in Pingboche, Nepal. At left, Jesky and Cahall pose with a holy man in Kathmandu.

Photo courtesy of Brandon Cahall

Considering such hardships, the general attitude of the people was not what one would expect by American standards, said Jesky.

Though the conditions of the exhausting trek that he had spent months unsuccessfully preparing for were, for them, the norm, Cahall said the people were still mostly happy.

“Even in Kathmandu, a city with millions crammed together, they were peaceful, happy and always smiling,” said Cahall.

For Jesky, the harshness the local people faced daily and with a smile showed just how much the Western world is unused to difficulty by comparison.

“They’re so used to having a hard life,” said Cahall.

10

Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

December 2013

Pittsburgh clubs Does twerking have the music twerk for you?

Luc Saunders Staff Writer

lxs5326@psu.edu

Want to see an internationally recognized band that’s not popular enough to play a large stadium venue? Want to see a band and only pay $15 at the door? Pittsburgh’s club scene has just what you’re looking for.

Stage AE is very noticeable in its location next to Heinz Field. It’s Pittsburgh’s largest venue for small bands. It’s used for accommodating larger independent acts that are not able to play gigantic shows at First Niagara Pavilion or Consol Energy Center, where festivals or large acts headline.

Bands that headline Stage AE are acts like punk band Less Than Jake or metal acts like Slayer.

Freshman Frank Santilli said he was amazed by how large Stage AE was compared to Mr. Smalls, another venue for small bands.

“It’s too big for smaller bands to headline and usually the bigger bands that headline suck,” said Santilli.

Santilli was referring to the time at Stage AE when he saw Between the Buried and Me, a progressive metal act that opened for Coheed and Cambria.

“The staff was very kind and operated smoothly,” he said. “And it also was an easy place to navigate around and was not very crowded.”

According to Stage AE’s website, it has an indoor and outdoor venue.

Indoor it can hold up to 2,300 people, while the outdoor capacity is 5,500.

Santilli didn’t try any of the food there but said it had a bar atmosphere. “The sound quality was also great,” he said. “You could hear the band from anywhere in the venue.”

There were also bouncers guarding the stage, which can be strange because some bands prefer not to have bouncers. Places like the Altar Bar in the Strip District have bouncers in the crowd.

One of Pittsburgh’s most unique venues is Mr. Smalls Theater.

Mr. Smalls is located on Lincoln Avenue in Millvale. The venue has a varied past. Over its history, it has been a Croatian church, a skate park and a recording studio.

Originally only a punk venue, it is now opened to other acts and genres.

Freshman Kyle Aurin saw English folk-punk singer Frank Turner at Mr. Smalls this summer. He said the people at the venue were really nice – not just the staff but the overall crowd.

“No one was mean or rude. Everyone was chill,” said Aurin.

He said it was cool that the building was an old church. The bar part was really nice; it was a balcony that could only be entered if you were over 21.

“It took a little long for me to get my food because there was only one guy manning the grill, but it was one of the greatest burgers I’ve ever had,” Aurin said. “The place is perfect for small bands.”

One of the smallest venues in Pittsburgh is the Smiling Moose on East Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side. Freshman Alex Ribeau said, “This place is awesome for small bands.”

The Smiling Moose is separated into two levels, with shows being upstairs. Ribeau said, “Shows get wild and really crammed so you can barely move in there.”

Bands that play the Smiling Moose are hardcore acts such as A Wilhelm Scream, which played there Nov. 20. Ribeau said the food is typical bar food, and wristbands are given out to make sure underage people don’t drink.

“The back exit has a bunch of headless baby dolls hanging from the walls and that was pretty cool,” he said.

On days when there are no musical acts, the Smiling Moose functions as a normal bar. It also has other non-music events such as trivia nights.

Most of these venues charge around $15 to $30 for a ticket at the door. It gets a little pricier if the tickets are bought online because of service charges.

Chris Best Staff Writer

ckb5141@psu.edu

Thanks to Miley Cyrus, the dance move twerking – when you squat down, stick your butt out and shake it up and down repeatedly – has become a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm, including the Penn State Beaver campus.

The term “twerking” originated in the early 1990s, in the context of the bounce music scene in New Orleans. Evidently, twerking has been around a long time.

However, it was introduced to the general public when artists such as Beyoncé Knowles, Rihanna and, most recently, Cyrus started to display these dance moves again.

At the MTV Video Music Awards in August, Cyrus captured national headlines when she twerked onstage with Robin Thicke during a rendition of his hit “Blurred Lines.” Many chastised her, saying the dance moves were too lewd and sexual, even for MTV standards.

Since then, twerking has generated mixed reactions, even from Penn State Beaver students.

“Anyone can twerk nowadays,” said freshman Marqua Geter. “It’s become more and more socially accepted and is something that’s popular in parties today, especially involving girls.”

“

It’s become more and more socially accepted and is something that’s popular in parties today, especially involving girls.”

Marqua Geter Freshman

In fact, twerking is one of the first things you will see at a Penn State Beaver party, said sophomore Lamont Wright.

“Girls just love to twerk,” he said, “and I love to watch.”

“I mean, you wouldn’t catch me doing it in the classroom or at dinner,” said freshman Joei-ann Williams. “I twerk only if I’m with my girls at a party or some type of function where that is appropriate.”

Twerking is relatively acceptable, but it’s evident that people should recognize the time and place for such action.

Which brings us to the question, is twerking saturating American culture?

“I wouldn’t say it’s over saturating our culture,” said sophomore Cody Zanaglio. “Like many dance movements in the past, twerking will experience its height of popularity, followed by a decline in popularity, where a new dance craze will take its place.”

December 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

New consoles aren’t the rave at the Beave Xbox One and Sony PS4 aren’t what they’re cracked up to be Julianne Bosley Staff Writer

jeb474@psu.edu

After a hard day of classes, students often allow themselves time to relax and unwind.

Despite having numerous options to de-stress, many choose to play video games.

With the recent release of the Xbox One and PS4 systems, gamers across campus may find themselves trying to balance college with a new, innovative gaming system.

Available as of Nov. 24, the Xbox One offers a means of combining several sources of entertainment so that individual computers, TVs and consoles are unnecessary.

According to Microsoft’s website, the Xbox One is a voice-operated system designed to allow multi-tasking.

When compared to the previous Xbox 360 models, the new system is much larger in size and runs quieter.

The Xbox One has an eight-core processor compared to the 360’s three-core processor and 8 gigabytes of memory compared to the 360’s 512 megabytes.

However, the Xbox One requires a constant Internet connection, and has a hefty $500 price tag for the console, with individual games costing $60.

These features, both good and bad, deter some students from purchasing the system right away.

“I will eventually buy an Xbox One just because I’m a hardcore Halo fan and I really want to continue the storyline.

First, though, I’m going to play my friends’ PS4 and Xbox One to compare and see what they are really like,” said freshman Dominic Rossi.

As with other students who play video games, Rossi’s time spent gam-

Courtesy of Sony

Courtesy of Microsoft

ing has substantially decreased since starting college.

“I play three hours a week, if that,” he said.

“Now I have studying time, girlfriend time and family time.

I try to balance all of that out with gaming.”

Meanwhile, Sony’s PS4 focuses on the gamer’s personal wants and needs. The PS4’s website states that the PS4 offers the ability to watch

numerous TV shows and movies.

It also claims the PS4 will feature personalized settings and content, and contains an app that synchronizes smart phones and tablets with the gamer’s profile to download games to

11

the console at home.

The new system offers different features than the previous model, the PlayStation 3, including an innovative, re-vamped wireless controller.

The PS4 is upgradeable with a chip containing eight x86-64 cores, and 8 gigabytes of GDDR5 memory compared to the PS3’s 256 megabytes.

The PS4’s console costs $399, and the camera comes separately for $59.

Additionally, PS4 gamers now must pay a subscription fee to play online.

“I do not really plan on buying either console,” said freshman Tristan Morrison. “The new Xbox is really expensive, and I heard it has to be online all the time. I’m not going to be a big fan of that.”

In addition to the high costs and other concerns, both systems have been reporting problems for users.

The Xbox One is having issues reading some game dics, while PS4 users have reported flashing lights and involuntary shut downs.

Both manufacturers are working on fixes.

Morrison plays video games for roughly 40 to 50 hours a week, but does not think balancing college and gaming is difficult.

“As long as you understand what you’re learning, it shouldn’t be a problem,” he said.

Sophomore Ben Clark also does not plan on buying either console, but if he had a preference, he said it would definitely be the PS4.

“They both are really expensive, and I really don’t have time in my schedule for video gaming,” Clark said. “The Xbox One is also pretty much a means of spying. When you’re in view, it has facial-recognition and other features that are kind of sketchy.”

When balancing school, life and video games, Clark has trouble finding the time for lots of gaming.

“I’m a PC gamer, so I’ll play PC games about 20 hours a week,” Clark said. “I’m a light studier and a strong test-taker, so for me it isn’t too difficult to at least find some time to relax.”

12

Penn State Beaver Roar

Features

December 2013

The ROAR/Dante Massey

Sidney Bates shows off his almost full-body ink. Bates has invested about $1,100 in his tattoos.

Thinking about inking Amanda Palombo Senior Staff Writer

amp5831@psu.edu

From anchors to tribals and “mom” hearts, tattoos have become increasingly popular. College students have been getting inked more and more. But what exactly is the

obsession with getting tattoos?

“It’s all about expression,” said senior Markes Royster. “People our age find different ways to express themselves and getting tattoos is one of them,” he said.

Royster has 15 tattoos, all symbolizing something, except for one.

“I have a lion’s head. It doesn’t really mean anything. I just felt like getting it,” he said.

Junior Rob Agurs has eight tattoos on his arms, chest and back, in varying sizes and shapes. “I have the Pittsburgh city skyline on my back. It was pretty pointless,” Agurs

admits. “It’s actually from a Wiz Khalifa song.”

Initially tattoos were used to mark slaves in ancient cultures, but now it’s a whole different world.

“It’s much more socially acceptable now than it was way back when,” sophomore Stephen Galma-

rini said.

Galmarini has a rosary tattooed on his arm, in memory of his grandmother.

“She would pray the rosary every Inking See Page 13

Features

December 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar

Continued from Page 12

night, once for each child and grandchild. I wanted to get it for her,” he said.

Galmarini isn’t the only one who got a tattoo to pay tribute.

“I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to get,” said sophomore Brandon Ross.

“When my parents died, that was when I knew what I wanted. It’ll always remind me of where I came from and the memories I shared with them.”

Ross has a half sleeve on his arm with a cross and rose vines with the saying “with struggle comes strength.”

Freshman Briana D’Itri also has a tattoo. Hers is a quarter note on her ribcage.

“I love music, so I thought it was appropriate,” she said. D’Itri got her tattoo as an 18th birthday gift last September.

Students are getting more and more creative with what and where their tattoos will be, but they’re not the only ones who get them.

B.J. Bertges, assistant athletic director and volleyball coach, has a few tattoos as well.

“Overall I have five. You can’t see most of them because of what I wear to work,” said Bertges.

Bertges has two in particular that hold special significance.

“I have a Celtic symbol on my wrist that I got when I was in Ireland last year. It was the trip of a lifetime, and I think that was a cool way to commemorate it.”

Bertges also has “Ohana” tattooed on one of her feet.

“My friend and I went to Miami and actually went into Miami Ink, the tattoo studio. Well, after I went in and left without actually getting one, I went back in and got it,” she said. “I had to get a tattoo at Miami Ink to say I got it at Miami Ink!” Even though tattoos are becoming more of a social norm, there are still words of caution from people who do have them.

“If I could go back I wouldn’t get them,” Royster said. “I’m going to be 50 years old with all of these tattoos, and I’ll have to cover them up with long sleeves. I don’t mind them now, but I will later.”

The ROAR/Dante Massey

Above, Brandon Ross displays an arm tattoo memorializing his parents. At bottom left, Natalie Gamble shows off the ribbon tattoo on her wrist. At bottom right, Roger Rhoden proudly wears just one of his many tattoos.

13

Regional Job and Internship Developer Stephanie Demaro also cautioned against tattoos. “In a 2001 study done by Vault.com, almost 60 percent of employers said they would be less likely to hire someone with visible tattoos or piercings.”

“Visible tattoos in the workplace can be viewed both positively and negatively,” Demaro added. “The perception can be based on the environment in the workplace or the field of interest.”

Demaro said that in a more relaxed environment, tattoos are usually acceptable, but as a general rule of thumb, they should be somewhere where they can be hidden easily.

“I do not know if obsession is the correct word or individualization better describes why so many have taken the tattoo plunge,” said Demaro.

She said that there may be many different reasons behind people’s fascination with inking.

“Some may want to express their creativity or feelings. Others may want to hide beneath their tattoos for various reasons. Some may want to rebel against what is expected of them, and others may just simply like how their tattoos make them feel and look,” she said.

Demaro said a recent study showed many different opinions that employers have about tattoos.

She said that one employer claimed tattoos “make a person look dirty” while another admitted that he would not want to hire a candidate with tattoos.

Some said that tattoos are often the first thing talked about after a candidate leaves an interview.

Demaro has a small secret of her own.

“Yes, I am one of the many who have a tattoo. But for those of you who know me, it is not visible in the workplace,” she said.

Demaro had some good cautionary words for those undecided about getting a tattoo.

“For those of you who have already taken the visible tattoo plunge, you can try to remove, coverup or locate a job search site that is specifically tattoo friendly,” she said.

“Otherwise, ‘thinking before and where you are inking,’ is a good rule to follow!”

14

Penn State Beaver Roar

Sports

December 2013

Men’s basketball dominates Lions start off the 2013-2014 season strong.

Anthony Lamont Staff Writer

ajl5715@psu.edu

Four games into the 2013-14 season, the Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team finds itself with a 4-1 record.

With wins coming against Saint Vincent, Hiram and La Roche colleges, Beaver’s only loss during the season has been to Point Park University Nov. 13.

The team’s most recent win came Dec. 3 in its first Penn State University Athletic Conference matchup against Penn State New Kensington on the road, 100-78.

One word to describe the team’s level and style of play is “electric,” said freshman guard Anthony Frenzley.

Frenzley’s description does well in providing imagery for the atmosphere and intensity the Lions bring to the court. Fast break offense, fullcourt pressure and high-flying displays of athleticism have brought the team to where it is now.

“Our readiness and ability to compete at a high level have been driving our success,” coach Marcess Williams said.

The team opened the season against non-conference opponent Point Park. The entire game was a back-and-forth battle. With the Lions in the lead in the second half, Point Park’s Gabe McNeal drained a three-pointer from the corner that tied the game and swung the momentum away from Beaver’s bid for victory.

While defeated 95-89, the team battled hard against a well-funded program that competes in the NAIA division II level.

“That game really would have been a great victory for us against a team of that caliber,” Williams said.

The Lions did just that, winning the next two games 85-83 and 87-74.

In both games the Lions benefited from two standout performances by returning all-conference players.

Senior Nick Miller scored 31 points against Saint Vincent and sophomore Rob Agurs scored 24 against Hiram. All-conference forward Chris Weathers, a senior, also added 16 and 18 respectively.

Following the weekend wins, the men returned for their home opener against La Roche College. From the tip-off, the Lions controlled the pace of the game, dominated the boards, stole passes and dazzled the full gymnasium with exciting plays of all variety.

Along with the dramatic maneuvers, the Lions handled the ball well, limiting turnovers and applied pressure on defense, forcing turnovers and stealing passes. Ultimately, the Lions walked with a 75-64 victory and a positive attitude going into the holiday break.

“The week off is timed just right.

We hadn’t planned it that way. It comes at a good time for our guys,” Williams said.

“Some areas in which the team will need to improve are rebounding, limiting turnovers and, ideally, I would like to develop two more shooters,” Williams said.

One of the team’s standout players is Tre Major, a freshman guard who has worked himself into a position where he receives rotation minutes and contributes regularly.

“He’s a good kid, and he earned his spot,” Williams said.

Having found an additional spark for its offense and level of play, the Lions will need to continue to work to be successful this season.

“We need to work on our execution of plays,” freshman forward Donqualye Hannah said.

While Williams and other players are in agreement, there is still work to be done, as winning is a continuous process.

“We need to work the plan to reach the goal,” said Williams.

The ROAR/Dante Massey

Above, Markus Royster dribbles around a pick by Tre Major in the game against La Roche College on Nov. 20.

Below left, Nick Miller takes the ball up the court and, below right, Rob Agurs shoots a foul shot. Beaver beat La Roche 87-74.

December 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar

Sports

15

Women’s basketball off to a rocky start Marcus Smith Staff Writer

mas6432@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver women’s basketball team has started its season 2-4 but has yet to play a conference game.

Most recently, Penn State Beaver defeated Ohio Eastern at home Dec. 4, 97-90. Sophomore Khalia Adams scored 26 points in the game, and sophomore Cassandra Flowers 16.

The Lady Lions have a smaller line up this year but are looking forward to pushing the ball more and scoring a lot off transition, coach Tim Moore said.

The players all have their spirits high and are ready to take any obstacle that comes their way, he said. Improving on every detail that is important will make the women ready for any team, he said.

“We (have) been doing well in our games still working on things and gaining chemistry between the whole team still,” junior Kayona Ward said.

“After the first game, we improved a lot. All that running we do is paying off.”

The ROAR/Dante Massey

Brittney Mineard and Cassandra Flowers form a trap in the game against SUNY Canton on Nov. 17.

The women’s basketball season tipped off Nov. 9 against Ohio Valley University, but fell short 11571. Sophomore Morgan Kurtz led the team with 16 points. Freshman Asia Borders led with nine rebounds.

Kurtz also led the team with three assists.

“We still have a lot of improvement ahead of us but we are looking forward to seeing the success we gain,” Moore said.

The points were spread out on the stat sheet with four other players along with Kurtz in double digits for scoring: Flowers with 13 points, freshman Mason DePetro with 11 points and Borders and Adams each with 10 points.

The women played well in the second half but it wasn’t enough to pull the victory out.

“Playing these teams will help us in the long run,” Moore said.

“I believe in our team and understand the potential we have, so I’m looking forward to this year’s season.”

The Lady Lions lost to La Roche College Nov. 16, 101-62. The SUNY Canton game Nov. 17 resulted in another loss when the team fell short 71-69.

The team turned things around with a big win against Thiel College Nov. 21. At one point during the game they were down 20-8 and it was not looking good. They received a lot of positive energy from Adams who scored 23 points. Borders led the team in rebounds with 12, and Kaylnn Hill led the team with four

assists.

Most recently, The Lady Lions lost to Bethany College Nov. 23, 91-76.

Adams led the ladies with 17 points, Borders had 11 rebounds and senior Kaylnn Hill had four assists.

“Turnovers have been the biggest part of the way we are playing,” freshman Kelsey Brooks said. “We have to be stronger and more confident with the ball, but we’re getting better every day at practice.”

Sophomore Brittany Mineard agreed. “We have to play a consistent 40 minutes every game and play with intensity. Our team is dynamic, which will help our team play with more heart each game.”

Moore noted that the team still hasn’t played a Penn State University Athletic Conference team.

“It’s tough right now, but it’s the beginning of the season,” said Moore. “I know we will turn it around. We’re still finding chemistry between us. Once we get settled in we will be fine.”

The Geneva College game scheduled for Nov. 26 was postponed due to bad weather.

Fightin’ Beavs fight back at the end of the semester Dante Massey

Senior Staff Writer dwm5299@psu.edu

After a tough start to the season and a change to their starting goalie, the Penn State Beaver Fightin’ Beavs have come back with a vengeance.

The team has now won four consecutive games and with a 4-3 record has no urge to pull up the reins.

The first winning game was against Geneva College Oct. 31, with a 9-3 score. Team Captain Jimmy Bing said he felt this win was the game changer.

“The win showed us that we had what it took to be a solid team and that we were a winning team,” said Bing.

Their next game against Grove City College Nov. 6, the Fightin’

Beavs began a trend that would continue for the next three games; they would push all the teams to a mercyrule loss.

Freshman Chris Lutz was a huge factor in the last three games.

“It has been a lot of fun being able to contribute this year,” said Lutz of the 20 points he has scored in games so far.

“Going into the year I didn’t know what to expect of my teammates or the competition,” said Lutz.

“We have really clicked on all cylinders now and I have high hopes for the remainder of the season.”

The team was fresh from three losses at the beginning of the season but now stands 4-3 with their last game of the first half of the season on Dec. 5 against California University of Pennsylvania.

Freshman goalie Mike Martin, has played a huge role in the other teams’ low scores.

Martin only allowed 1.5 goals per game on average and had a shutout in the last game Nov. 20 against Duquesne University.

Assistant coach Justin Vorbach said the team is well rounded and has a lot of depth.

“We finished the first half of the season strong,” said Vorbach. “I expect that we will continue the second half right where we left off and will be a top contender for the championship.”

“I’m not sure what kind of trophy we get in this league, but I’m here to win a championship,” said Lutz.

Bing agreed and said the team is eager to get back at the puck in the next half of the season.

The ROAR/Dante Massey

Captain Jimmy Bing grabs the puck mid-air during a game on Nov. 14 against Slippery Rock University.

16

Penn State Beaver Roar

Sports

December 2013

Wrestlers struggle at start of season Dante Massey

Senior Staff Writer

dwm5299@psu.edu

The Penn State Beaver wrestling team is off to a slow start and cannot seem to find its footing.

Losing the first tournament of the year Nov. 9, The Electric City Duals at the University of Scranton, has proved to be the match up that has set the mood so far in the season.

Beaver lost to its first opponent, Wilkes University, 49-0.

Senior Dylan Winkle was the lone wrestler to go the distance in his weight losing by a 6-0 decision.

The only wrestler to put wins out from Bea-

ver was sophomore Sean Newkirk who won two matches, one against Apprentice School and the other against host Scranton.

In its next tournament, the Penn State New Kensington Open Nov. 16, Beaver lost again.

Beaver lost 14 out of the 16 matches, and the two wins came from Newkirk and Winkle.

Coach Jeff Winkle is still very optimistic about the season.

“We started the season against some quality teams,” said Winkle. “We have wrestled hard and have showed improvement in individual matches.”

The team is looking forward to the upcoming conference matchups.

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