Volume XLIX Issue 4
February 27, 2015
Take a trip across the world and recount travels to India. See Page 5
Read about one professor’s love of Astrology and how it could help you. See Page 5
What has the Student Government Association been up to? See Page 4
Check out a funny new comic that is sure to make you smile. See Page 7
Photo by Lauren Carduto
Card Returns to FPU as 5th President Stephen Keimig Editor-in-Chief It has only been over a month since he took over, but it seems as though Andrew H. Card Jr., former White House chief of staff, has been a member of the Franklin Pierce community forever. Card, Franklin Pierce University’s fifth president, is no stranger to the world of higher education. He served as the acting dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University before arriving at Pierce. Before that, Card worked under the Bush administration. He is most noted for informing President Bush about the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11. Card also served as a deputy to President Ronald Reagan and as transportation secretary for George H.W. Bush. From the moment he arrived at Pierce, Card showed an interest in the students. Provost Kim Mooney extended an invitation to the Pierce Media Group Fellows to sit down and meet Card. He took some time to discuss his plans for the future and to obtain a deeper understanding of the school and student community.
Stressing that one needs to be ethical and in touch with the University seemed to be the main points Card wanted to make in the meeting. In the meeting with the Pierce Media Group, Card exuded a wonderful sense of how genuine he is, according to television studio manager
how happy it made them to see everyone on campus,” said Tracy. “As I was leaving, they told me to never be a stranger and if I ever see them around campus, I should come and say hi. They are awesome people and truly want to be a part of the Franklin Pierce community.”
“It was the Board’s intention to have the University community hear this information first, however, in today’s fast-paced news and social media network it was always possible that this exciting news could not be contained,” said Michael Fallon, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Morgan Baker. “I thought he was a refined but down-to-earth man,” Baker said. “He didn’t seem to be someone who was playing the part of a good president. He seemed to really care about the school he was coming into. I also liked how he said that this was a good school, but it has the potential to be a great one. Knowing that there is a problem is the first step to solving it, and I think Card understands this.” Sophomore Aaron Tracy met Card and his wife at an Open House event, and regarded the run-in as positive. “They came up to my tour and introduced themselves and told us
Junior Sarah MacHugh said she enjoyed President Card’s speech to parents and perspective students at a University run overnight program. “It was a great idea to introduce himself to everyone in the room,” said MacHugh. “He made everyone feel really comfortable and welcomed everyone to a completley new environment.” Political figures like Former First Lady Barbara Bush have also taken a note of Card’s leadership. She congratulated Franklin Pierce on its decision to name Card as the next president. In the press release, Barbara Bush wrote that, Andy Card is “not only
one of the most dedicated and remarkable public servants we know; he is, in fact, one of the very finest people we know, period.” When it was announced that a new President had been selected, speculation ran rampant. The Union Leader published an article stating that Card had indeed been named president, something Michael Fallon, chairman of the Board of Trustees, confirmed. “It was the Board’s ntention to have the University community hear this information first, however, in today’s fast-paced news and social media network it was always possible that the exciting news could not be contained,” said Fallon. Card has been on the Board of Trustees at the University for many years prior to taking this position, providing him with experience about the runnings of campus. Some view the shift of presidents as a sign of change and hope. “With the change may come some new possibilities,” said Baker. “Hopefully President Card will be able to look at things from a fresh point of view, and see things that those who are here on campus don’t see because they have become accustomed to the way of life here.”
Taylor Swift is back at it again.
President James Birge:
See Page 7
Celebrating his Presidency,
thanking him for his service
CONTENTS News.......................Page 1-2 Sports...................Page 2 Features.................Page 4,5 Editorials.............Page 6 A&E...................... Page 7
Photos by Franklin Pierce Univesrity
News
Pierce Arrow t n February 27, 2015 Page 2 u n Pierce Arrow October 13, 2011
Relay for Life returns to campus looking to beat another record
Photo provided by Ashley McCormack
Michael Black News Editor For the seventh time, Relay for Life will be returning to campus to raise donations and spirits for cancer research and foundations. Relay for Life is a large scale fundraising event that takes place in over 20 countries, with over 5,000 events per year, according to the American Cancer Society. Franklin Pierce has been able to contribute significantly each year to the cause, setting a school-wide record of $12,335 raised in 2014.
Co-Chair and senior Alex Marella said, “Anyone can donate for the cause even if you are not participating on a team.” The Relay committee is setting its goal for this year at $12,500. “Through time spent in the Glass Foyer and by going door-to-door the committee has already raised over $450,” said Marella. The ten member committee has been actively pursuing donations and participation for this year’s event on social media, such as on the Relay for Life Facebook page. Co-Chair and junior Lindsay
Coming soon: new water filtation system in the library Tom Dynan Senior Reporter Franklin Pierce students will notice an improved toaster and water fill-up station thanks to the Student Government (SGA) Capital Improvements Committee. The toaster is already in the cafeteria, while a new water filtration system and fill-up station will soon be added to library. SGA President Michael Black explained the changes in the library “We’ve budgeted a water filtration system and also for a bubbler just like the one in the Bubble,” he said. Carissa Delizio, director of Library Services, said she thought the new system will be enjoyed by students. “We need to do these things based on what the students want,” said Black. “We were told of a bad toaster and bad water fountain in the library, so that’s why we did
this.” The drafted budget of the committee gave $2,400 for the water system; however, the cost was only $1,800. The $600 leftover will be used to replace filtration discs that wear out over time. The budget of the toaster was set at $600. First, a $400 toaster was going to be bought, however the committee decided to buy a $600 toaster that is sustainable. The toaster does not constantly use energy while plugged in and less uses less energy overall. The Capital Improvements Committee is also looking to enhance the snow removal process, grills on- campus, and recycling.
Sweet said, “I first chose to help out with Relay because I used to go to a local Relay for Life event with my family when I was younger and always had a lot of fun. Now, I am able to fully understand how great Relay and the American Cancer Society is for helping people and their families.”
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Meetings are held every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in the Fitzwater J-Lab
Sports Ravens successfully raise awareness for breast cancer research
February Arrow n tPage October27, 13,2015 2011 uPierce Pierce Arrow Page33
Hockey: Men in rebuilding year, Women continue to impress Greg Cormier Arrow Reporter
Photo by Franklin Pierce Athletics Ashley Chubbuck Arrow Reporter After a successful Dig Pink campaign, the Women’s Volleyball Team ended its week in victory against the Pace University Setters 3-0, with pink ribbons lining the walls of the Fieldhouse on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. The team raised money for breast cancer in honor of breast cancer awareness month with a goal of raising $5,000 beginning Oct. 20 through Oct. 25. Selling ribbons and raffle tickets, the team was able to raise $4,187. Senior Catie Swiderski (Rocky Point, N.Y.) was a stand-out at the Oct. 25 game with a total of 15 kills. The Setters started out strong in the first set claiming four points
early on before the Ravens started to fight back, winning the first set 25-23. The second set ended in another victory for the Ravens, claiming that set 25-23. The Ravens ran away with a big lead in the final set, Swiderski claiming the final point 25-17 to seal the team victory over Pace at 3-0. Freshman Madison Klusendorf (Santa Maria, Calif.) put forth a solid night with nine kills, while fellow freshman Hannah Runge (Deltona, Fla.) shared the wealth with 34 assists, three service aces, and on the defensive side had 14 digs. Junior Sarah MacHugh (Red Hook, N.Y.) had 11 digs, the second Raven of the game with double figured digs. The Ravens ended the season with a 15-13 record. The second
to last game belonged to Swiderski who was honored for her accomplishments on the court on November 8 in the Fieldhouse before the match against Southern Connecticut State. The ravens would go on to win the game giving them a chance to enter the tournament for the NE10 Championship. Raven Coach Stephanie Dragen was also honored for her 300th career win after six years of coaching at Franklin Pierce. The Ravens volleyball team hit the road for the first round of the NE-10 Quarterfinal. The final score was 3-0, the number one seeded University of New Haven Chargers coming out victorious. The Ravens came close this time, but went out with a bang - there’s always next season to look forward to.
Basketball: Women on a roll, men with nail biting end Greg Cormier Arrow Reporter The Franklin Pierce University Women’s basketball team is coming off a dramatic win after beating tenth ranked Stonehill 81-71 on Feb. 18. This leaves the Ravens in second place behind Stonehill in the Northeast-10 Conference, and will most likely lead to some home court advantage in the playoffs. The Lady Ravens are 12-7 in the conference and 16-8 overall. The team has received a lot of help from key players, including
Kara Charette, Jessica Hurd, and Kate McDonald. Both Hurd and McDonald are 5th year returning players after suffering injuries in previous seasons. Charette led the Lady Ravens to its victory over Stonehill with 26 points. The Franklin Pierce University Men’s basketball team has had the tough end of some close games this season. In two of the last three games, the men have been defeated in overtime by American International College and Stonehill. Even with an under 500 (9-
10) record in the Northeast-10 conference, the Ravens still have a shot for the playoffs with remaining games against Merrimack and Bentley. If the team wins its final two games, it will most likely squeeze into one of the final playoff spots. The men’s Ravens are 14-12 overall and hope to make the playoffs, even if they have to play against top-seeded teams on the road.
Raven’s Sports Network is back on the sidelines and ready for action Ashley Chubbuck Arrow Reporter The Raven’s Sports Network (RSN) re-vamped its program this year with new RSN director Greg Cormier at the helm. RSN provides live play-by-play coverage of Franklin Pierce games through the campus radio station WPC-LP 105.3 FM. RSN also reports live on its web site (athletics. franklinpierce.edu/information/ multimedia /R avensSpor t sNetwork) right from the sidelines as the action unfolds. A live online stream is available, as well providing unlimited access to sporting events. This additional service costs money to listeners, but broadcasts all over the world and connects fans to games as they unfold on-campus. The radio broadcast reaches a
seven mile radius around campus, while the online stream can be listened to and watched from around the world. Brazil, Norway, and Ireland are just a few foreign countries that rely on RSN to deliver Franklin Pierce sports news to them. RSN plans to cover hockey and basketball in the coming winter season with a main goal of providing coverage for two-to-three games each week. Cormier is already reaching his goals for the RSN. His initial goal was to simply get the program up and running again. Not only did the program re-launch, but keeps expanding with 10-12 full time freshmen and sophomore crew members - a number that keeps growing. “The more people that join RSN, the more we can broadcast,” said Cormier. “RSN looks great on your resume and is especially good for mass communication majors or
even just for people who are interested in sports,” he said. The current protocol for streaming live coverage from sporting events requires three crew members: one person operates the control board, another provides color commentary and the final person directs a play-by-play. Currently, RSN is broadcasting live through webcast of men’s and women’s basketball and hockey. Simply search Raven’s Sports Network online to tune into a live feed of the action. Cormier is still seeking students to help with the RSN and encourages anyone who is interested in becoming part of the action to e-mail him at: Cormierg@live.franklinpierce.edu.
The Franklin Pierce University men’s ice hockey team finish with a disappointing 3-20-1 overall record, 2-8-1 in the Northeast-10. The men won more games on the road than at home and finished the season with 11 straight losses and one tie in between. From the outside looking in, it may seem like there is no hope for the program, but there is a lot to take into consideration. The men had a very young team this season, consisting of 14 freshman, eight sophomores, five juniors, and only three seniors. Out of the current 30 players, 27 will be returning next year. Although, the record was not promising this year, the experience should only mean good things for next season. Captain Alex Schleper and alternate captain Paddy Murphy will be
returning next year to help steer the Ravens in the right direction. The women’s ice hockey team will finish its season on the road, and are currently 17-5-1 overall, and 11-4 in the ECAC East division. Last season, the women’s team finished undefeated at home, in only its second season as a program. Since the big improvement, the Ravens have had to face harder teams this season within the ECAC division. Junior forward Karsyn Baker leads the team with 83 points, followed by Colleen Doucette with 61 of her own. The team averages 30.9 shots per game, with an average of 3.26 goals per game. The women’s team opened its season with a tough loss at Saint Anselm, but went on a tear only losing one of its next 16 games. They did not disappoint their fans finishing with a 10-2-1 home record.
Nothing can “burst” our Bubble Ashley Chubbuck Arrow Reporter The Grimshaw-Gudewicz Activities Center at Northfields, nicknamed “The Bubble,” is stronger than ever, with little to no concern of a deflation episode on the horizon since the destruction of winter snowstorm Nemo back in 2013. The previous Bubble was originally deflated to prevent further damage from occurring after the horrible blizzard wreaked its havoc, however by the time crews were able to respond the damage had already been done. Contrary to belief, students, the public and staff were not inside The Bubble at the time of deflation and the choice to bring it down was that of maintenance staff, Bubble staff, and university president; the snow alone didn’t deflate the structure. “There were no tearing walls and people being squished by cables, and bubble,” said Doug Carty, director of Campus Recreation. The aftermath was nightmarish, explained Carty. All of the cardio machines were destroyed and only the strength machines were refurbished. Some equipment was only damaged by rust which was sandblasted and powdercoated, and the rest was replaced with new equipment. Much of the workout equipment that is in The Bubble today was there before the accident. The Bubble’s skin had to be replaced; there was simply too much
damage, but today Carty is confident the structure isn’t coming down anytime soon. Now, the Bubble opens later on snow days days to allow plow crews to clear the snow around the building, so the build up on top of the structure itself has somewhere to fall. The new skin is thicker, can handle a higher degree of pressure, and is taller than the last, all factors these lead to a more stable structure. “The next time we have a huge storm where we could get three feet of snow, I’ll be spending the night,” said Carty. All can be rest assured that the necessary precautions are being taken and Carty and crew are willing to do whatever it takes to avoid another deflation episode. Over 500 community members and students walk through the Bubble’s doors everyday; it’s truly the hub of campus and community life. The Bubble is, at its core, a recreational facility, open to everyone on and off campus, creating opportunities for stress relief, healthy exercise, and fun. Athletic teams spend the most time there due to their training regimens; however, the center serves everyone in the community. Carty said,“If there wasn’t a Bubble here, I don’t know what students would do… I know what they’d do, but I like to think the Bubble offers more positive outlets for them.”
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Features
Page 4 u n Pierce Arrow t n February 27, 2015 Pierce Arrow October 13, 2011
SGA Senate Digest: Wed., Dec. 10 - Wed., Feb. 11 Alyssa Borelli Managing Editor The purpose of this column is to better educate the student body on the campus-wide issues and possible solutions brought to each Student Government Association (SGA) meeting. This is a way of making sure class officers are accountable for the issues affecting the university so it can grow at large. Where: Marcucella Hall room 215 When: Every Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m. SGA Executive Board Mike Black, President Aaron Dupuis, Vice President Hayley Brown, Treasurer Amanda Tapparo, Secretary Rosa Eusebio, Parliamentarian
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 (Last SGA meeting of the fall semester) Officer Reports Vice President Aaron Dupuis reported that despite a few hiccups, SAFE Rides went well over the the course of the fall semester. New Business: Faculty and Staff Recognition Event The following faculty and staff were recognized for their outstanding commitment to students and the university: professors Jeff Allen, Jerry Levine, Mary Kelley, Carl Brezovec, and Seamus Pender. The following staff members were recognized: athletic trainers Kelsie Hennessy, Tim Brien, and Cynthia Harmon; Campus Safety Supervisor Lynn Belliveau; Air Frame Specialist Jean “Gino” St. Pierre. Relay for Life The Relay for Life Committee was awarded $1,216.05 by the SGA’s SuperFund budget to host the university’s annual Relay for Life event. Last year, there were 325 participants who helped raise about $12,000. This year, the committee is looking for more CGPS, alums, and the Rindge community to join the university’s fight against cancer. This year’s theme is Hawaiian. FPTV Movies A budget of $2,998 was approved for FPTV to air two movies each month over the Spring 2015 semester. Movies air on FPTV channel 25-1 between 1 a.m. and 11 p.m. Capital Improvement Budget SGA members approved a Superfund budget of $2,998 for a new bagel toaster for the cafeteria ($600)
and a water filtration system in the library ($2,398). New Club Presentation: Raven Theatre Association The SGA body approved the creation of a new club: Raven Theatre Association (RTA). The new club seeks to bring back all the arts programs that were cut during the spring 2014 semester. RTA hopes to collaborate with a variety of departments on-campus such as the Visual and Performing Arts Department, as well as the Pierce Media Group (PMG). Plans to host mini-performances on Open House days are in the works; as well as, fundraising ideas/sponsorships with local area restaurants. RTA meets on Monday’s from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Contact Mike Koch, kochm14@live.franklinpierce.edu for more information. New Club Presentation: Pierce Students for Political Awareness The SGA body approved the creation of a new club:Pierce Students for Political Awareness (PSPA). PSPA seeks to make students more aware of political issues around the state. PSPA president Sarah Rodriguez said, “It’s about educating the masses and bringing more people together.” The new club plans to host a political comedian over the spring 2015 semester. PSPA meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Fitzwater Center. For more information contact PSPA president Sarah Rodriguez at rodriguezs11@live.franklipierce.edu. Anthropology Club Movie Screening A budget of $435 was approved for Anthropology Club to host a movie screening event of, “12 Years a Slave” on Friday, Feb. 27 in Spagnuolo Hall at 7 p.m. Class of 2015: What would you do for a Klondike Bar event A budget of $56 was approved for the Class of 2015 to host a, “What would you do for a Klondike Bar,” event on the first warm day in Spring. The Class of 2015 will travel around campus having students voluntarily perform tasks or answer trivia questions in order to win a Klondike Bar. An amendment to increase the budget to $112 was not approved. The Class of 2015 cited it would be a hassle to purchase or carry around 192 Klondike Bars around campus on a warm spring day. Gamer’s Club Convention A budget of $330.99 was approved for Gamer’s Club to host a convention on-campus on Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be gaming tournaments and an origami crafting session. A local area comicbook vendor will also be
there. There will be a $5 registration fee for non-students. Gamer’s Club has contacted Fitchburg State University and UMASS Amherst’s’ Gamer’s Clubs to see if they would like to participate in the convention.
nounced that it is hosting a “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign in March.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Officer Reports Black announced that the Curriculum Committee is seeking a new student representative. New Business Banquet Theme Voting A slideshow of possible themes for the end of the semester SGA banquet was presented to the SGA body. Safe Rides Rules and Procedures Recap A review of Safe Rides rules was given to the SGA body. Committee Assignments New SGA members were assigned to committees. Senate Reports The Class of 2015 announced that it is working on a fundraising the first week in March before Spring Break. Announcements Club members are encouraged to create a team or participate in Relay for Life in the March.
(First SGA meeting of the spring 2015 semester) Officer Reports Black welcomed SGA members back from winter break and hopes members will take the “momentum” from last semester into the spring Semester. “We got a lot done and I am really proud,” Black said. President Andrew Card Franklin Pierce University’s new president, Andrew Card visited SGA. He expressed how glad he is to see students back on-campus. “Students are the reason why I am here,” he said. Card intends on having open office hours once a month; however, he encourages students to talk to him while he is on campus. Card said, “My goal is to help you have a valuable degree and to make this school financially stable.” He also stressed that he wants, “students to be happy because you are getting an education that’s worth something in and out of the classroom.” One of Card’s goals is to create a solid financial foundation for the university. He also hopes to attract new students, faculty, and having more diversity on-campus. One SGA member asked about the elimination of majors and if there was any intent on bringing those majors back, he said it depends on the demand of those majors. “There is a difference between what is wanted and what is needed and what can be afforded,” he said. Card encouraged students to greet people on-campus in an enthusiastic way; make it show you are proud to be here . . . Pierce Pride should be evident,” he said. He also encourages students to not be negative when things go wrong and be constructive when problems arise. [See page 1 for more about Andrew Card] Senate Reports The Class of 2015 announced this it’s discussing Senior Week activities such as a trip to Mohegan Sun and is workings on a fundraising idea. The Class of 2018 announced that it is focusing on a fundraising idea and is looking to fill its two open senator spots. Club Reports SISTUHS announced it received an award from the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention for it’s Mr. FPU event.Best Buddies an-
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 Officer Reports Parliamentarian Rosa Eusebio announced two policy changes. Club and Executive board elections will be moved to a week before the banquet. New Business Final Banquet Theme Voting A vote took place for SGA’s final banquet theme; the final themes were fire and ice/ masquerade and springtime. Class of 2017 - Arcade Night A budget of $3,500 was approved for the Class of 2017 to host an Arcade Night on Friday, March 6, from 6-10 p.m. Senate Reports The Class of 2015 announced that it is moving along with Senior Week plans and is hosting a bake sale on Friday, March 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lakeview. The Class of 2016 announced that it’s Ice Skates and Snowflakes event had a great turnout and thanked those who attended. The Class of 2017 thanked the SGA body for approving its Arcade Nigh budget. More budgets will be coming soon, such as a Big Screen Movie Night. The Class of 2018 announced that it will be holding senator elections and are working on some fundraising ideas. Announcements Capital Improvements Commit-
tee approved the purchase of a new toaster and water filtration system at the end of the fall 2014 semester. According to Black, the toaster is in, and the installment of the new water fountain is being worked on in library.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 Officer Reports Black encouraged members to print out the weekly agendas because the computer in Marcuella Hall room 215 is broken. Tapparo announced that banquet theme is Springtime. New Business Parliamentarian Policy Change A policy change regarding Parliamentarian Elections was passed unanimously by the SGA body. Club Elections Change A new policy that would push club elections back a month was passed by the SGA body. Election Info Petitions for SGA are available and are due February 25 with a picture. March 4 is Candidate Night and on March 11 is election day. Senate Reports The Class of 2016 announced that it is trying to get a guest speaker on-campus. The Class of 2017 announced that it will be hosting an Arcade Night on March 6. Club Reports B.R.O. announced it is expecting to get its popular Rhyme Fest event in the works. Anime Club announced that it will hosting an origami fundraiser – date TBA. Advisor Reports Advisor Jim Earle looked into the toaster situation. SGA originally budgeted for a $600 toaster, but the university opted for a more sustainable $400 toaster for the cafeteria. The leftover money will go back into the SGA capital improvements account. Announcements Relay for Life Kickoff was successful, according to Alex Marella, Class of 2015 senator. There’s still time to sign-up online for anyone that wishes to participate. SAAC will hopefully be having the Color Run again this semester. Sustainability coordinator Jess Gerrior will be a guest speaker at SGA’s February 25 meeting.
State of the SGA address: A look at each commitee For the first time in SGA history, all committee representatives came forth to discuss what their committee has been working on since the beginning of the year at SGA’s Nov. 19 meeting.
and attendance policy changes. Policy & Capital Improvements Committee Chair: Mike Black The Policy and Capital Committee is working on the following capital improvement projects: grills in junior and senior area housing, benches, and water filter units around campus. It is also working with Residential life on a written policy regarding alcohol and hookah ban. Appropriations Committee Chair: Hayley Brown Appropriations Committee members view all of the budgets that come before the SGA body. Brown said, “All of the committee members have debated strongly on all budgets presented. There is no bias when it comes to budgets; every budget is looked at equally.” Rules and Election Committee Chair: Rosa Eusebio The Rules and Election Committee is working on the following: SGA Candidate Night, election process, dress code, electronic policy,
Senate Affairs Committee Chair: Amanda Tapparo Senate Affairs is responsible for planning all SGA community service events and end-of-year banquet. Tapporo reported that the trick-ortreat cleanup was a success. It’s also been working with the Class of 2017 on the faculty and staff recognition event. Judicial Board Student Representative: Jenn Cartier Judicial Board members determine fair and just reciprocations for poor student behavior that is guided by the student handbook. Cartier said, “we intend on making the university a better place by deterring unwanted behaviors.” Students who violate the code of conduct are brought to the board’s attention. Members go through each case and then students who are found in violation go to a judicial hearing where repercussions are to be determined by the board.
Academic Standards Student Representative: Meghan Hennigan The Academic Standards committee is made up of several different faculty and staff members. Committee members meet once a month where they review policies and maintain the academic standards of the University. The committee also listens to grade appeals and understands that special circumstances do occur and warrant an exception, if needed. Sustainability Council Student Representative: Stephan Ditullio The goal of Sustainability Council is to lead the university toward a zero waste campus/carbon neutral campus. The Council installed a pollination pond outside the Cafeteria next to the Campus Garden. Faculty Development Student Representative: Sara Hetzer The Faculty Development Committee awards faculty with funding for professional enhancement in their field. The committee supports
funding for professors to pursue research projects, as well as equipment, supplies, travel, publication costs, and much more. Curriculum Committee Student Representative: Chelsea Cowie The Curriculum Committee discusses all course programs that the university offers. University Computing Advisory Technology Committee (UTAC) Student Representative:Aaron Dupuis UTAC will be installing a new learning management system in 2015. It’s also looking into developing an app to track the shuttle. Civility Task Force Student Representative: Haley Baron The Civility Task Force is campus initiative created by Dr. Birge to bring awareness to incivilities on-campus and, in turn, promote civil behaviors and interactions in all aspects of campus life. The committee consists of two student representatives and members of staff and faculty from both the
Rindge campus and CGPS campus. The committee has brought guest speaker Dr. Delores Jones Brown, the Defamation Play, the Gift of Civility presentation, and the My Place at the Table Poster Series to campus. Pierce Council Student Representative: Rosa Eusebio and Mike Black Pierce Council members discuss faculty and staff shared governance. The council briefly discussed the university’s presidential transition and process. Judicial Appeals Board Student Representative: Haley Baron Judicial Appeals Board is a small three-person committee that convenes when there are student appeals of judicial opinions made for individual cases. The committee only meets when there is a judicial appeal. Baron reports that were none so far this semester.
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Features October 13, 2011 February 27, 2015 n Singleton captivates Rindge audience with stories of Indian sabattical Allison Stairs Arrow Reporter Rhine Singleton, associate professor of natural sciences, recounted his incredible experience of his time spent in India, while on a year-long sabbatical last year, to a large crowd of students, faculty, staff, and alumni on Monday, Nov. 3. Singleton shared everything from his experiences on the Kerala safaris near the Arabian sea, the deserts of Rajasthan, the Munsiyari school and windiest roads one will ever travel on, and to Chaukori, the foothills of the Himalayas, as if one were there. Singleton, his wife and two sons traveled from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea this past year, riding in cheap taxis that, even when privately reserved, were so packed that people rode on the outside. “We were driving on the windiest roads I’ve ever been on in my life,” said Singleton, as he pointed to pictures of roads carved into mountainsides destroyed by rock slides. One of his few comforts was experiencing chai tea from his kindly Indian neighbors who cooked on a wood fire stove, stating it was better than anything he could have made on his family’s propane-powered cooking burner. The Singletons lived in a small house, which was considered luxurious compared to other houses in India. It had an indoor kitchen, but no system for heat once the sun went down. Singleton said, “That was the worst part of my trip, that there was no heat at all in our home there.... Everyday just before sundown we would try and soak up as much sun as possible, then when the sun went down we ran inside and put on as much winter gear as possible.” One day, the Singeltons came home to find a friendly cow wandering about the kitchen, which they quickly shooed away. Sometimes they did have electricity, but it was so brief that they only heated up some water to use for bathing. Oth-
er times, they would be charging something and the outlet would start to melt. Singleton said most homes in India use solar power and a friend of his, Raj, even made fun of him for having an indoor kitchen. “Why is it inside? It should be outside because of all the smoke you create,” he said. The Munsiyari and Chaukori were similar foothills and both had amazing views of the Indian Mountain scapes, not visible at times, since in Munsiyari, it was monsoon season. And unfortunately, if one were looking at the mountains and turned around, one would often see trash landfills lying in the streets. Singleton explained that India has no infrastructure for dealing with trash. The sight of burning piles of plastic and trash was often a daily occurrence. Singleton said it was such as a shock to him that he and his family had to drastically reduce how much trash they created while living in India. The leopards of India were a problem for the Singleton family. He had become friends with some of the schools teachers, who often walked his family back to their home. Singleton found it very hospitable of them, but one day Singleton said he and his family could get home by themselves. The teachers strongly discouraged it for there were leopards in the area and traveling in numbers was much safer. Eventually, the Singelton family did walk home alone, only to find leopard prints on the trail for the first time. Later during their stay, a young girl from the Munsiyari school was killed by a leopard. One was even lose in a the village of Meerut for many days, which rampaged around a hospital, until it was eventually caught. Interestingly, the Indian school had smart boards in some classrooms, but in others there were no chairs at all, so students had to sit on the floor. Monkeys, like the macaque and langur were a more peaceful animal
he encountered. The langur monkeys liked to play games with Singleton’s son, Isaiah. If Isaiah wasn’t looking directly at the langur, it would let Isaiah get very close, almost touching it, but as soon as Isaiah looked at the Langur, it would run away. The macaque monkey of Kerala was more mischievous, as it often followed their safari jeeps and stole from them. In Rajasthan, the family rode camels around the desert and dry grasslands. They visited, Kerala, on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. It was there that they took most of their animal photos, but to see wildlife, they had to be escorted around by ex-poacher. The tigers made it too dangerous to leave safari paths. Alums Ben Dilauro and Rebecca Milles said, “they felt like they had the experience of going to India and that they wanted to travel more” after listening to Singleton speak about his journey. Most of the students who attended the lecture went for an extra credit assignment, but some found Singleton’s talk equally fascinating. “It was pretty cool to see what it was like in other countries and how different it is to live there,” said one student. Singleton said, “I was really happy with the turnout, it was fun to talk about the experiences I had because they were really amazing.” The premise for his trip was to write an online guide for undergraduates on research and field data in biology, which can be found online at http://ecologyandevolution.org/ fieldresearch.html and http://ecologyandevolution.org/statsdocs/online-stats-manual-title-and-toc.html.
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Arruda investigates flies for vision genes Tom Dynan Features Editor During the quiet summer at Franklin Pierce University, biology researchers investigated retinal diseases of flies to better understand the eyes of humans. “Flies actually have eyes that are similar to humans in terms of structure; more importantly, the proteins that are involved in vision,” explains Susan Arruda, professor of biology and leader of the fly experiment. Arruda added that with a gestation period of just 10 days and about 500 offspring, flies can provide a lot of data to analyze. “We think we have isolated a gene involved in vision that’s never been discovered before. We’re trying to figure out what it’s doing, why it’s important, and maybe it’s playing a role that’s been previously not described,”she said. The experiments have earned
some recognition from outside the university. Arruda read a piece about why flies are good specimens for experiments on the Academic Minute, a production done by Mount Holyoke. The experiments are funded through a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “All the equipment that we have in the lab to do the experiments we’ve bought through the grant,” said Arruda. “I hire students to work with me in the summer time and through the academic year and it’s a good experience for them,” she said. The five-year grant began in 2011 and will be up for renewal within the next year. It is up to the NIH whether the grant is renewed or not and if not, there would be no funding for these experiments.
Wood shares passion for one of 7 original liberal arts: Astrology Stephen Keimig Editor-in-Chief For part-time faculty member Blake Wood, the academic study of Astrology, as Cultural Astronomy, sparked an instantaneous passion and new way of life. Wood’s story starts in the sixties, when she was surrounded by other free-thinking individuals. She attended Boston University where the rich collegiate community inspired the search for deeper meaning to life. She got her BA in Philosophy and while living in Cambridge, met Richard Herndon, the owner of a local esoteric bookstore and an astrologer. He was the first person to read her birth chart. “I was blown away at how accurately he described my inner life, my character as well as circumstances and relationships in my outer life,” said Wood. “I felt this was something very profound.” Wood immediately dove into the books. She taught herself the fundamentals of astrology and had her “Eureka” moment when it all clicked. Friends expanded her collection of astrological literature as she absorbed the wealth of astrological wisdom she was studying. “I refer to it as wisdom, because the astrologers I am drawn to are both philosophers and psychologists,” said Wood. Liz Greene, one of Wood’s mentors, was a primary founder of the field psychological astrology. She was a Jungian analyst who became an astrologer. Wood also met Thomas Moore, a psychologist, theologian and local celebrated author, whose early work, “The Planets Within,” gave Wood a very clear and elegant description of the modern psychological premise as a symbolic language. Moore’s wife, Hari Kirin, later invited Wood to teach astrology at their yoga studio in Peterborough, NH.
“When I began reading charts the success rate was astounding,” Wood said. “The astrological perspective, especially the timing of events, just rang true to people. I decided to expand my understanding from being completely self-taught. I had the opportunity to go study with Liz Greene in England and decided to go for it.” With that, Wood rented out her house and moved to London. She attended Greene’s class at Regents College in Regents Park, but she wanted more. “She [Greene] is one of the most intelligent and deep thinkers I’ve ever encountered,” said Wood. But she only taught one class a week. I learned she was a teacher for a Masters Degree program in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at Bath Spa University. I came home, applied, and the next fall I moved to Bath, England for a year. It was the most remarkable year of my life.” Soon, evening seminar classes with stimulating conversation became the norm for Wood as she embarked on her journey with psychologists, philosophers of science and cultural historians, all with the same passion she had for the study of astrology. The focus of her academics centered on Epistemology, the study of the nature of knowledge and truth. “It is basically how we know what we believe to be true. To me, it’s one of the most fundamental questions we can ask,” said Wood. She received her degree after completing her thesis called “The Alchemical Soul of Cinema: Can the Cultural Art Form of Cinema Be Informative About the Cosmos?” for which she was awarded a distinction – British honors. This subject was important for Wood because it allowed her to investigate the connection between her two academic passions, film and astrology. Astrology has been associated
with superstition for a long time, something Wood hopes to shed light on. “It’s the butt of so many jokes insinuating the lowest level of gullibility and naivety,” Wood said. “It’s ironic really, because astrology was held in such high esteem for centuries; it was taught in the most revered academic institutions. I think it was its association with a totally fatalistic perspective with no understanding for the role of human free will in our actions. Modern psychological astrology has changed this perspective. We consider that one can choose to express oneself from a range of options along a continuum of an archetypal principle.” At Oxford, Wood stood under a stone arch that was engraved with the word “Astrologie” which was one of the seven original liberal arts until the mid-sixteen and seventeen hundreds. “I think the explosion of the sixties blew open so many traditional ideas and made us reconsider our modern way of interpreting the world, that the value of living a symbolic life became a valid perspective once again,” said Wood. Wood wants to stress that instead of only giving credence to “facts” of life, which are able to be proven and re-proven in a laboratory, that we can also value the invisible, intangible, unprovable phenomenon of life. “The traditional scientific paradigm has influenced us towards an either/or, black or white divisive perspective,” said Wood. “A symbolic approach to life amplifies meaning, opens up possibilities of interpretation and moves us towards a more inclusive way of being in the world. It also implies an intelligent cosmos that is inherently meaningful, as opposed to the meaningless universe of the current mechanistic paradigm.” The bottom line for Wood is that if the paradigm in which we live doesn’t validate symbolic systems
such as astrology, then it’s an indication to her that the paradigm needs to shift. For those reading about astrology and thinking that the planets themselves, alter human motivation and action, Wood has some alternative thoughts. “I think most modern astrologers would say that there isn’t necessarily a causal relationship between celestial bodies and human life or life in general on earth,” said Wood. “The planets don’t actually physically or energetically cause an effect on earth. It’s their association for thousands of years with a universal mythology, their stories or archetypes that is their enduring power.” According to Wood, astrology can be used to help people prepare themselves for the future. Astronomers can determine the positions of the planets, the sun and moon in advance. With this knowledge the most optimum times to initiate particular actions can be evaluated. “If we become aware that a particular planetary archetype is in play for a certain amount of time, we can plan accordingly to prepare ourselves,” said Wood. Even though most of us are familiar with Sun Sign columns, which tell us about the twelve zodiacal signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, Wood maintains that this is a very simplistic view of the whole astrological system. “All the other planets and celestial light bodies play a significant role in determining aspects of our very rich and complex psyche. It’s an astrologer’s job to weave together the tapestry of all these metaphorical indicators,” she said. “The sun is the center of our solar system. Symbolically, for astrologers, it represents our sense of self, the light of our consciousness and our individuation process,” said Wood.
“I like to say from a narrative perspective, because I think the birth chart reflects the story of our lives, that the sun is the main character or hero/heroine in our personal drama. It also reflects the masculine part of our psyche – the inner sense of authority, self-assertion, will (whether you’re male or female).” Wood goes on to explain that the Moon reflects the Feminine aspect of a person’s psyche,again, whether you’re male or female. “It can symbolize the Mother (yourself as mother, your mother etc.) or traditional mothering qualities such as nurturing, home, receptivity, the darkness of the womb, food, etc.,” said Wood. “It can reflect the women in one’s life. It also represents our emotional selves. The Rising Sign, or Ascendant, is what constellation is on the horizon at the moment of birth. According to Wood, it reflects the lens through which you see the world and the way the world sees you. “It can reflect one’s appearance or one’s personality,” Wood said. “And we know that how we choose to present or project ourselves to the outside world can be very different from how we know ourselves to be on the inside.” Lastly, Wood offers a quote from psychologist CG Jung’s “The Spirit in Man, Art, and Literature” that says, “Each moment in time has a particular quality and anything that is born or done at this particular time has the quality of this moment of time.” Professor Wood has been asked to write an astrological column for the Pierce Arrow next semester in which she’ll be offering us advice. So stay tuned!
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Op-ed: An inside look at the Pumpkin Fest chaos Austin Mills Arrow Reporter Thousands of people from around the state flocked to Keene, NH to enjoy the annual Pumpkinfest on Saturday, Oct. 18th. Carved pumpkins lined downtown Keene and the smell of fried food permeated the air. So how did a friendly festival, aimed to draw attention to local businesses, turn into a riot that left over 30 injured and dozens arrested? I personally ventured into Keene on that day and witnessed the insanity myself. As a college student with a wallet that seems to shrink the more I look at it, I was excited to be able to have a good time without spending
money. I arrived just as the riots were getting out of control. Police were already lining the streets, and multiple street signs had already been ripped out of the ground and thrown onto lawns. I was led to a field that was filled with roughly 1,000 people. I witnessed glass bottles, cans, rocks, and shoes being thrown into large groups of people. I remember looking up in to the sky to see a shower of cans and bottles, then hearing thud-after- thud, as students around me were being hit. Police eventually came to break-up the crowd, tear gassing hundreds in the process, and shooting multiple rubber bullets. One of the most memorable images I took from Keene that day was of
a student, no older than me, walking down the street with a gash in his forehead. Blood was cascading down his face onto his white sweatshirt, leaving the Nike swoosh barely visible. He walked slowly, his friend holding his arm to help support him. The laceration was an obvious result of a bottle being thrown at his face. He didn’t seem in much pain, but that’s what shocked me most. The expression on his face was that of genuine shock and fear. This student, like most of the community that day, was in awe at what it had become. I sat for awhile on a curb that ran in front of a Keene State dorm, observing what was happening around
me. I noticed several students running with looks of terror on their faces. They were running from where the police had apparently pepper sprayed a crowd. One of the students yelled, “They’re spraying us, run, they’re pepper spraying us!” I didn’t think much about it at the moment, but now thinking back on it, it doesn’t sit right with me. I still can’t comprehend how a day meant for fun was warped into a day of blood and destruction. The events that occurred on that day in Keene should not only be looked at negatively, but also should be highlighted as an instance when a community can come together in a time of chaos.
Keene State freshman Olivia Indorf feels that through all the negativity of that day, there was a positive, as well. “It was amazing to see the Keene State community come together the next day. Many of the dorms were empty because so many students were out helping clean up. It was incredible to see,” said Indorf. The mayhem that took place raises questions on how to approach next year’s Pumpkin Festival. Many demand a rise in police presence, while many want to call the event off completely. To completely end the festival would be irrational, and should not be an option.
Letter from the Editor: Almost is never enough Stephen Keimig Editor-in-Chief Everyone goes through a phase similar to this: you become infatuated with someone who you find romantically and physically attractive
and then you develop a crush. Many of my friends are somehow in this phase right now. What a rotten time for them to be in such a dilemma. This is college, a place where term papers, large tests, and projects are being assigned, and the last thing-
Photo provided by Stephen Keimig
Letters to the Editor can be sent to Keimigs12@live.franklinpierce.edu and will be published in the next print edition of the Pierce Arrow The Pierce Arrow is a member of the Pierce Media Group and the Fitzwater Center for Communication at Franklin Pierce University. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Franklin Pierce University or the Pierce Arrow staff. Columns, letters, and poetry reflect the opinions of their authors only. The editors welcome all articles, comments, opinions,
and criticisms. Please send them to piercearrow@ franklinpierce.edu. The Arrow will correct errors and clarify misunderstandings to news stories when brought to the attention of the editor. The first copy of the Pierce Arrow is distributed free of charge. Please contact the editor to purchase additional copies. The Pierce Arrow is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.
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needed is another distraction that detracts from learning. Not to be too cheesy, but it seems as though having a crush just seems to crush you. You become stuck, frozen in a state of fear. On one hand, you envision yourself in some type of relationship, while on the other hand you are afraid to take that plunge and ask them if they like you as well. The act of going up to a person you are interested in and telling them how you feel is easier said than done. The fear of rejection, the fear of looking foolish, the fear that they don’t share the same feelings as you all sink in and slowly fester. Why is it that people care so much about what a potential love interest thinks? Why do people let the opinions and views of others scare them into being dormant and silenced? These questions have been posed ever since the dawn of time, and they somehow have never been appropriately answered. When you realize you may have a crush, it is common to think everything they say is funny, think they have fantastic energy and spunk, admire their smile and sense of humor, and other qualities you respect in them. But looking from afar does not satisfy the need humans have for a personal connection. So, ultimately if you find yourself here, you are faced with a choice. You can hope your crush feels the same way about you and make the first move, you can make the first move and hope for a positive response, or you can be afraid and do nothing, never knowing what could have been. You can exhaust yourself by playing detective and unearthing clues to reveal the true feelings of your crush. You can have your friends do some investigating or you can examine every little detail to see if that stolen glance meant anything or not. In the end; however, nothing beats the good old fashion art of being direct. So I encourage you to just be honest with yourself. Almost is never enough and it is way better to know now and be disappointed, than to not know and to wonder in agony.
Get on the air!!
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Some Peace of Mind from Piff: Love is a strange thing Piff Smith Senior Reporter Love is a strange thing, but it’s also an incredible thing. It happens when we’re least expecting it and it changes us in ways we thought weren’t even possible. It may not always end with a happy ending; however, there is always something good that comes out from it. We learn a little bit more about who we are and what it is that we want. While feeling emotions that are the furthest thing from explainable, we learn how to communicate. Most of all, we learn to love ourselves and all that comes with us. Whether it be some baggage from the past, or being indecisive when it comes down to making deci-
sions, we learn to love every part of ourselves, including the flaws that we all have and will drive us crazy. That’s love though: driving each other crazy, arguments that turn into laugher and unconditional appreciation for one another. The way I see love, is in infinite and limitless colors because there are so many different kinds of loves: the love you have for your family, your friends, significant others, and most importantly…your pets!
Pierce Arrow Editorial Staff Spring 2015 Editor-in-Chief Stephen Keimig Managing Editor Alyssa Borelli Office hours are Monday 11am - 1pm in the station For more info, contact station manager Sarah Rodriguez pmgwfpclp@franklinpierce.edu
Production Manager Chelsea DeRaps Richardson
Copy Editor Amy Baxter Online Editor Steph Pederson News Editor Michael Black Features Editor Tom Dynan
Editorials Editor Sarah Rodriguez Photo Edior Margaret Darcy Production Staff Vanessa DeZorzi Lindsay Sweet
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Popcorn-worthy moments with Margaret and Sarah: “The Breakfast Club” Margaret Darcy & Sarah Rodriguez Photo Editor & Editorial Editor Everyone loves a good John Hughes movie. “The Breakfast Club” is one of our personal fa-
watch this movie strictly for the soundtrack. And when I mean soundtrack, I mean the intro and outro song. And maybe that middle song with the dancing. Margaret: I can quote the entirety of this movie
ER IN A CLOSEST. S: Girls like bad boys was popular in the ‘80s. M: It’s also when jean-on-jean was important. And who wears mesh gloves? M: Janitors. They know SO much. S: They are the Gossip Girl of the real world, that’s for sure. The bathroom philosophers. M: Casual Klepto over here, stealing the pocketknife then the lock. S: It’s the silent ones you have to look out for. M: It’s still sad that the geek doesn’t get anyone in the end. S: Well, who’s going to write the paper with the heartfelt message in it? Plus, he gets “some” in another Hughes film. Remember this when you find yourself talking to your pillow pet about your boy problems or thinking you will never be as smart as the guy in your history class. “We’re all pretty bizarre. Some are just better at hiding it,” - John Hughes.
Photo provided by Sarah Rodriguez & Margaret Darcy
vorites. Who could resist the idea of the brain, athlete, basket case, princess, and criminal all spending a Saturday in their high school library? The answer is no one. From the characters’ witty banter to the true-to-life teenage language, this film is nothing short of classic. Sarah: Sometimes, I think I
S: Definitely bringing back the lingo. M: We can totally bring it back. Both: “BUTTFACE” S: Probably the greatest insult of all time. M: Why is the principal there? Shouldn’t it be someone else? S: Maybe he loves torturing the children. NO ONE PUTS BEND-
Disclaimer: This comic does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Franklin Pierce University or the Pierce Arrow Newspaper.
Taylor Swift will fill that “Blank Space” Sarah Rodriguez Editorials Editor Can we just talk about Taylor Swift’s song, “Blank Space”? I know we are all obsessed with it. I know I blast it every time I am in the car or in the radio station. It’s catchy, playful, and just plain entertaining. I haven’t been a huge fan of Swift in the past, but this new album is gold, and everyone agrees, according to the record-setting amount of copies sold in the first week. The Blank Space music video just added so much to the wonderfulness that is the T. Swift Empire. It blatantly pokes fun at her man-eater reputation with style, grace, and straight up crazy. For those who haven’t seen the video, it takes place at an amazing castle on Long Island, complete with gardens and horses. The man to be
devoured is incredibly handsome with an equally as handsome sports car. The two live a glamorous life looking ridiculously beautiful while doing rich people things, like horseback riding and formal dinners for two. The video is whimsical and clever, and successfully paints a fairy tale life that comes crashing down when the lover’s attention shifts from Swift to a mystery person via text message. Swift goes completely insane and destroys the sports car, the lover’s painting she had painted and trashes his wardrobe. My personal favorite is when Swift cuts his dress shirt as inspired by Regina George’s locker scene. Soon, every guy will be cutting two holes on their button downs to get the look. The bleeding heart-shaped cake scene was a “HELLO” moment, along with her single-white-female-
mascara-stained crazy face, but, again, it’s what the people want. Like the song, I cannot get enough of the video. I appreciate Swift’s willingness to embrace the person the public perceives her to be by taking it to the ultimate extreme. Though her acting is horrible in some scenes, she gets the message across and allows humor to alleviate the pressure she is under 24/7. The scene where Swift chops a tree with an ax and then precedes to fall down in a fit of rage is sad but also seemingly funny at the same time. There are times for artists to be serious, and, for now, Swift is done with that. Keep writing fun songs and making silly videos, Taylor. Photo (Right): posted to Flckr by Jana Zilles (flickr.com/photos/jazills/), Creative Commons
From the Vault: Movies to watch over the winter months Cassie Earler Senior Reporter This month’s From the Vault is giving you some great throw-backs to consider for your viewing pleasure over the winter months, all of which can be found in the campus library. Movie: “Despicable Me” (2010) Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Fisher Run Time: 95 minutes Review: This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest animated films made in the last decade. For you deprived souls who’ve never known the joy of “Despicable Me,” the plot line should be enough to get you in front of the television. Gru is a criminal mastermind, with huge plans to steal the moon. His only problem is Vector, another super
villain who threatens to steal Gru’s glory. To get inside Vector’s home, Gru hatches a scheme that includes three orphan girls: Margo, Edith and Agnes. Together, with a huge group of adorable and hilarious minions, Gru has to try his hand at being a dad, while still trying to pull off the greatest crime of all time. My description really doesn’t even do this movie justice. It’s just…absolutely fantastic. Go watch it. It has a sequel. Watch that too. It’s ok that the library doesn’t have it. They take requests. Movie: “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” (2002) Starring: Matt Damon, James Cromwell, Daniel Studi Run Time: 83 minutes Review: Even if this movie wasn’t amazing, I would watch it for the soundtrack alone. In a movie near-
ly completely narrated by a horse, Spirit, Bryan Adams’ songs do the lovely animation nothing but justice, constantly playing with your emotions and investing you in Spirit’s life. The story follows Spirit from young colt to tough stallion, raised as the leader of his family. All is well until soldiers pass through, civilization moving closer and closer as a railroad is built. Spirit’s capture by the soldiers marks the beginning of a long quest to return home once more, with the help of a young Native American named Little Creek and his mare, Rain. Ignoring the fact that all the horses in this movie have eyebrows for some reason, this is truly a great film with amazing character designs, set in a stunning western backdrop. We here at the Vault have no problem admitting that we cry a little whenever, “Sound the Bugle” plays. We told you it had a fantastic soundtrack. Its tame “G”
rating makes this a safe watch for viewers of any age. Movie: “The Incredibles” (2004) Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Spencer Fox, Sarah Vowell Run Time: 115 minutes Review: “It’s a whole family of supers!” Oh yes, Syndrome. Yes it is. This movie, for you poor, poor souls who are unfamiliar with it, is a super movie about a super family who all have super powers. “The Incredibles” just celebrated its 10th birthday, and many people (including we here at the Vault) are still not completely over how completely fantastic it is. The story follows the Parr family, headed by Robert (the super-strong Mr. Incredible) and his wife Helen (the super-flexible Elastigirl). They have three children, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack, all
who have powers of their own that they must keep hidden in a society that rejects “supers.” Desperate for a return to the “glory days,” Mr. In credible accepts a strange invitation to an abandoned island from a mys terious stranger (children, in case you didn’t know, this is not a safe thing to do.) When an enemy from his past shows up and threatens the safety of Mr. Incredible, his family and the city, the family must band together, discovering the true extent of their powers during their quest to beat Syndrome, the tech-savvy cape-donning enemy with a really fabulous hairdo. I honestly don’t know why you’re even still reading this review. You should already be at the library, checking out this movie Go on. Get over there.
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