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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

Running for Progress The Temple News profiles the two tickets, RUN TEMPLE and Temple Advocating Progress, campaigning for the executive positions of Temple Student Government.

After arrest, press network pushes for dismissal of charges A junior is facing charges after he took photos of police officers.

RUN TEMPLE AMELIA BRUST The Temple News

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aking up RUN TEMPLE’s ticket for Temple Student Government executive officers are Brandon Rey Ramirez for TSG student body president, Jaimee Swift for TSG vice president of external affairs and Ruturaj Rana for vice president of services. Ramirez, a junior political science major and TSG deputy chief of staff, has been involved with TSG since his freshman year. He was TSG allocations co-chair for two years, a College of Liberal Arts senator in TSG and, last year, he worked on the TU Nation campaign. “There were a lot of progressive resolutions that used to come through Temple Student Government, and that made me really want to be a part of it because I saw it as the hub of activism at Temple,” Ramirez said. Ramirez said he feels advocacy is not currently a focus of the TSG agenda. He has personally participated in campus protests with Temple

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Community Against Mountaintop Removal and Occupy Temple, neither of which have been vocal at General Assembly meetings. Ramirez credits this to what he sees as a lack of emphasis on such issues on the part of TSG. “If there’s an issue that students are upset about, Temple Student Government should, right away, contact those students, find out exactly what’s going on, and try and get a resolution,” he said. “I mean you should actually sit down with the president, with those students, with the Board [of Trustees] and figure out what agreement we can come to.” Until now, Swift, a junior communications major and a writer for HerCampus Temple University, said she has not been actively involved with TSG, but became motivated to participate more after she worked on the Owl Future campaign last year. Swift is the publicity chair for the Temple Association of Black Journalists. “Last year I really saw TSG when I was helping Malcolm Kenyatta for his ticket, Owl Future, and I saw

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TEMPLE ADVOCATING PROGRESS AMELIA BRUST The Temple News

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aking up Temple Advocating for Progress’ ticket for Temple Student Government executive officers are David Lopez for TSG student body president, Ofo Ezeugwu for TSG vice president of external affairs and Julian Hamer for vice president of services. Lopez, a junior political science and criminal justice major and TSG chief of staff, said running for executive office was “something I’ve been thinking about for a while, especially since I saw some things go on in TSG that I didn’t think were making it better.” Lopez is president of Temple College Democrats, as well as a part-time Owl Ambassador and member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Hamer, a junior broadcast journalism major, and Lopez previously worked on the political talk show “We Are the People,” for WHIP Student Radio. Meanwhile, Ezeugwu, a junior entrepreneurship ma-

jor, and Hamer, both natives of Maryland, met before attending Temple. “The whole reason, I think, that we think we’re a good team is because we kind of cover different areas of campus,” Lopez said. Ezeugwu is vice president of marketing for the Entrepreneurial Student Association and vice president of TU Handball Club. Before running, Ezeugwu had little direct involvement with TSG. “These guys have been filling me in on things I should definitely know,” Ezeugwu said. Ezeugwu said he has been attending more TSG meetings recently. “Attending the meetings, it seems like…it’s kind of a lot of them talking at us,” Ezeugwu said. “There’s a lot that can be done to make it more enjoyable because right now it seems very boring.” TAP members want to lessen the formality of General Assembly meetings, Lopez said, either by eliminating the routine slideshow presentations or rearranging the room set-up. The ticket’s platform

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up the camera, she was arrested and held for nearly 18 hours, he said. Van Kuyk was arrested and held for nearly 24 hours. But Van Kuyk’s relaying of the story several days later ignited a network response. ANGELO FICHERA Dr. Andrew Mendelson, chairNews Editor man of the journalism departNot only does Ian Van ment, learned of the incident Kuyk assert that his First and contacted Mickey OsterAmendment rights were vio- reicher, general counsel at the lated when he was arrested, National Press Photographers but he said he’s facing a num- Association. Osterreicher formally adber of charges for exercising those rights. Before March 14, dressed Philadelphia Police Commissioner Van Kuyk had no brushes with Department the law, no serious blemishes Charles Ramsey in a March on his record. So, he said, he 22 letter, which he also sent to didn’t expect his first would Mayor Michael Nutter and District Attorney come while takSeth Williams. ing photos for In the letter, a class assignO s terreicher ment. condemns the Roughly officers for two weeks ago, their actions police officers and criticizes pulled a vehicle the charges to the side of brought upon the road near Van Kuyk. Van Kuyk’s res“Not only idence in South wasn’t he Philadelphia. Mickey Osterreicher / c o m m i t t i n g Enrolled in a nppa general counsel any crimes, he photojournalwas exercisism course, the junior film and media arts major used the oc- ing a constitutionally protected currence as an opportunity to form of free speech and free take photos for a night-photog- expression,” Osterreicher told The Temple News. “The eleraphy assignment. As Van Kuyk tells it, he ments of most criminal charges grabbed his camera and began contain a number of things, but taking photos of the occur- they all have to have contained rence. After being told to move intent...his only intent at that away from the scene, Van point was to take pictures. I Kuyk distanced himself but think they would have a very continued to take photos, he difficult time proving beyond said. However, an officer soon a reasonable doubt proving after demanded Van Kuyk to those charges.” “It would be one thing stop taking photos, he said. “He was pushing me, and to just have somebody say, I kept taking pictures and he ‘You can’t take pictures.’ That didn’t like it, and he...got real would be bad enough,” Osteraggressive and threw me to the reicher added. “His rights were not only stripped, they were ground,” Van Kuyk said. When his girlfriend, VAN KUYK PAGE 3 Meghan Feighan, tried to pick

“His [First Amendment] rights were not only stripped, they were trampled.”

Univ. looks to revamp gift-giving policies OPINION DISTORTED FAITH, p.5 Daniel Craig blasts Rick Santorum’s comments, in which he claims that college kills faith.

LIVING PRES. PROFILES, p.7 The Temple News goes behind the scenes with student body presidential candidates David Lopez and Brandon Rey Ramirez.

A&E EVERYTHING ANIMATED, p.9 Comic lovers gathered for the Philadelphia Comic Con to peruse comics old and new and to discuss the industry’s future.

SPORTS SEASON’S END, p.20 The women’s basketball team’s seniors said goodbye to their playing days, as the Owls lost to Syracuse in the WNIT Sweet 16.

Administrators hope the board will approve new procedures at its next public session. ALEXIS SACHDEV Living Editor At the March 13 Board of Trustees meeting, the alumni relations and development committee presented a report and list of recommended changes to the current gift acceptance policy. The changes, currently pending approval, revise the current standards of gift-giving and naming opportunities, said David Unruh, senior vice president for institutional advancement. Though the policies needed to be updated to adhere to current charitable gift laws and align with the tuition increases

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throughout the past seven years, Unruh said, the committee also realizes the importance of private donations for a school like Temple. “We do have a stated objective of securing more philanthropy for the university, in part because of the decline in state funding, and frankly because there are some things that, independent of state funding... will almost always only happen if through private investment,” Unruh said. “So, there’s always an opportunity at a place like Temple for us to realize private investment,” he added. “I think we’re doing really exciting, dynamic things, and philanthropy has a dramatic benefit on the ability of students to pursue their education, for faculty to research, for our physicians to do their ABI REIMOLD TTN clinical service and for us to be The Board of Trustees tabled recommendations to amend the university’s current gift-giving an ever-better, higher-impactand naming opportunity policies at its meeting on March 13.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

Newman center members take Gift-giving policy part in rally against gov’t mandate changes pending A rally was held against a mandate requiring insurance to cover contraceptives. HALEY KMETZ The Temple News Just steps away from where the U.S. Constitution was signed, hundreds gathered last Friday, March 23 to protest the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that protesters said restricts their First Amendment right to religious freedom. Students from the Temple University Newman Center, a Catholic Church on Main Campus, joined with area Catholics and anti-abortion supporters at Independence Hall at noon Friday, March 23, to assert their opposition to the mandate that would require many Catholic organizations to provide contraceptives in health insurance plans to employees. In an attempt to contrast their message with the legislation they call “un-American,” the protesters began their rally by singing “America the Beautiful” and then reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rev. Paul Schenck then opened with prayer. After decades of service to the church, Schenck has become an ordained minister, although he is married with eight children, and is an anti-abortion activist. “We must firmly resist and insist that our religious liberties be restored,” Schenck said. A few students dressed in Catholic school uniforms were also in attendance. Schenck clarified that their protest is not an opposition to universal healthcare, but rather, he said they were solely concerned with protecting their religious freedom. Michael Rogers, a senior and two-year facilities coordinator at the Newman Center, said he believes the mandate violates patient conscience rights. “You cannot force a Catholic hospital to hand out an abortion or contraception to someone,” Rogers said. He said the mandate is “out of touch” with Catholic values.

“It does not respect devout Catholics who practice their faith and do not want the government interfering with their practice,” said Rogers, who added that he believes the mandate is an assault by President Barack Obama’s administration on the first amendment. Although she was not able to attend the event, Alyssa Gunderman, a junior music therapy major and social coordinator at the Newman Center, said she firmly believes in its cause. “We are given a constitutional right to have the freedom of religion,” Gunderman said. “Religion is such an important part of the lives of many, and to force someone to partake in something that goes against everything they full-heartedly believe in is the opposite of freedom and everything our country is supposed to stand for.” Archbishop Charles Chaput, who has been applauded by the Philadelphia Catholic community for being more vocal about issues than his predecessors, discussed the mandate in his weekly column. Last month, he wrote that the Feb. 10 compromise issued by HHS “does not solve the problem,” and called for the mandate to be rescinded. Originally, the mandate would have forced all religiously affiliated organizations to provide contraception access as part of their health coverage. The controversial compromise would exempt churches from this requirement, but not Catholic charities, universities, schools and hospitals. In opposition to the rally, a small group of people wearing cardboard signs that read, “Women should have a choice” meandered through the American flag-waving crowd to spread their own message. Obama recently attempted to make further compromises with those in opposition to the mandate, proposing that contraceptive coverage be the responsibility of a third party, or insurance company, rather than the religious institution and to extend exemptions to more religious organizations. Haley Kmetz can be reached at haley.kmetz@temple.edu.

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A rally in Center City decried the Health and Human Services mandate that would require some Catholic affiliated organizations’ health insurance to cover contraceptives.

ing institution.” According to the report, 31,739 donors have given to the university so far in the 2012 fiscal year, compared to the 31,370 donors in FY 2011. The report and recommended changes also modifies the gift-giving committee, a panel created in 2003 that reviews each gift exceeding $25,000 with a dean selected on a rotating basis, Unruh and Anthony Wagner, chief financial officer, executive vice president and treasurer, among others. The committee can accept or reject a gift based on its intended use and whether the university has a use for it, especially regarding real estate. “Very few gifts are ever turned down, but the purpose of the committee is to understand how is the gift being made, [if] it meets standards,” Unruh said. “The university doesn’t want to be in the business of holding real estate – things like collections of books. Before we collect and process them we have to determine if they will add to our collection.” The report also addresses the naming opportunities for new structures and spaces at Temple – on Main Campus, as well as on satellite and study abroad campuses. Prices are determined through several factors, including price per square foot, a weighting scale that ranks buildings like classrooms and public places higher than meeting rooms of offices, a visibility scale and gross square footage. “There’s a number of factors that go into this, and it’s often said about fundraising that it’s both an art and a science,” Unruh said. “Every space or building does not have the same utility value or visibility value, in the sense that a classroom is used all the time.” “So from a donor perspective, it’s central to the academic mission, it’s something that

lots of people see, you know it’s going to have regular use,” he added. “So the value to that space – even if it’s the same size as another space – may be higher because the other space may be less-frequently used, or is in a different location so it won’t get as much traffic.” The new library, set to be located where the Pavilion currently stands on Broad Street, will be open to new naming opportunities, Unruh said. The current Paley Library, if it retains the Paley name, may be renamed to Paley Hall or Paley Research Center. “The art of that comes into the fact that not every building or every space is on the same level of attractiveness either,” he added. “So residence halls are nice buildings but they are often named for their address, they’re often named for a past president, they’re often named by picking somebody from the university’s history, whereas a new academic building or a library…that’s an attractive, central space.” Before any gift is formally accepted, it must pass through the gift-giving committee first, then the board’s alumni development committee, which deals with fundraising, and, finally, the Board of Trustees, which has final say in the acceptance or rejection of a gift. “In most cases, once [a gift] gets to that point, the board just accepts it,” Unruh said. “In very rare cases does the board debate or go against the recommendation of the alumni development or giftgiving committees.” Unruh said he expects the proposed changes to the current standards to be approved by the May or June Board of Trustees meeting so they can go into effect by the next academic fiscal year. Alexis Sachdev can be reached at asachdev@temple.edu.

Senior co-founds org. to benefit charter schools A nonprofit started by college students aims to link technology with charter schools. AMELIA BRUST The Temple News Co-founded by a Temple student, Tech2Educate is a new organization that aims to collect money to buy new technology for Philadelphia charter schools. In response to funding issues for independent city schools, the organization’s foundations hope to bring “up-to-date software and technology” to help modernize classrooms. “I want to give these kids the technology they need to succeed,” company founder Tony Perry said. “I want people to enjoy their education.” Perry, a senior political science major, started the company with three other students from Drexel University and West Chester University. “There was a gap in funding between Philadelphia public

schools and Philadelphia charter schools,” Perry said. “We see the emergence of charter schools as a very positive thing. They don’t have the regulations public schools do.” Pennsylvania charter schools receive state funds based on each student enrolled per year. A charter school may also request the intermediate unit in which the charter school is located to provide services to assist the school in addressing the specific needs of exceptional students, according to the Department of Education. The proposed state education budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year allocates just under $4.7 million to intermediate units. “When we look at the Philadelphia public school district... we’ve seen a move from the students being the concern to the adults being the concern,” Perry said. The organization asks schools to register via tech2educate.org, which is currently under construction by Temple’s College of Science and Tech-

nology capstone students, due 90-pound backpacks when they for completion in the Fall 2012 can just carry around something semester, James Johnson, presi- like the Nook?” dent and CEO, said. Donations Tech2Educate will accept will be taken once the website donations from individuals and is finished. distribute the money in one of Tech2Educate has been three ways, depending on the sending letters to the city’s 80 donor’s specified method: Peocharter schools, detailing the ple can make a “general donamission of the organization and tion” to Tech2Educate, and the how donors may pledge money group will distribute the money for technolhow it sees fit, ogy requests donors may domade by charter nate to a speschools. cific school, the Perry said funds for which the organization will be accumuis considering lated until the bringing e-readschool’s request ers including is reached, or Barnes and Nodonors may ble’s Nook, and donate for the SMART Boards purchase of a to charter classJames Johnson / specific device. president and ceo, tech2educate rooms. “Donor “We’re livvisibility, to acing in a world where kids are tually see their donation being using textbooks from 1980, and used, is something that we reI understand Spanish may not ally want to do,” said Johnson, change, or math might be the who recently graduated from same…but textbooks become Drexel with a degree in supply up-to-date,” Perry said. “And chain and operations managewhy are we also giving kids ment.

“We’re not trying to fix the education system. We’re trying to help out the classrooms.”

Working with Drexel’s LeBow College of Business, Tech2Educate will use a study conducted by the “Non-Profit Consulting” course to judge what technology already exists in the state’s charter schools, and what technology Tech2Eucate feels schools need. Tech2Educate hopes to collect the majority of the study data by the end of April. “I think education is the most fundamentally important issue facing us today, and you don’t need to be an education major, or a journalism major, or a social worker to realize that,” Perry said. “I love this city and I want to see it succeed.” Tech2Educate became incorporated by the state in January, and are awaiting 501 (c) (3) certification from the IRS to classify it as a nonprofit. The organization does not have performance requirements for participating schools. “We’re not trying to fix the education system,” Johnson said. “We’re trying to help out classrooms.” Perry and Johnson do not

rule out the possibility of expanding Tech2Educate’s services to charter schools in other states in the future. Perry said he attended a suburban public high school in New Jersey, while Johnson is originally from California. “People always ask me, ‘Why are you doing this? Why is a kid from New Jersey that didn’t have any of the issues that somebody in Philadelphia has doing this?’” Perry said. “We care.” Amelia Brust can be reached at abrust@temple.edu.

CORRECTIONS

The Temple News strives to be a newspaper of record by printing factually correct and balanced articles. Accuracy is our business, so when a mistake is made, we’ll correct it as soon as possible. Anyone with inquiries about content in this newspaper can contact Editor-in-Chief Brian Dzenis at editor@templenews.com or 215.204.6737.

NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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Research building construction to begin in June

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The area near 12th Street and Polett Walk will house the new science and research building in coming years.

A new building will change the landscape of the east side of Main Campus. JOHN MORITZ The Temple News

The Board of Trustees voted to begin construction on a

$137 million project for the new science and research building as part of the university’s 20/20 plan. Construction will begin in June. The $137 million budget was a $37 million increase from the original cost, which left at least two of the floors an uncompleted shell space. The newly allocated funds will allow all seven floors to be com-

pleted with classrooms, faculty offices and research space. “The [facilities] committee basically felt let’s invest more university money in it so we can finish the building. Their view was: Let’s get this thing done right now,” James Creedon, senior vice president of construction, facilities and operations, said. Construction for the building is slated to start this June, with groundwork beginning on the project site along 12th Street in front of Gladfelter Hall. Work is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2014. Construction will eventually narrow 12th Street down to one lane, and lunch trucks parked on the alternate side of the street will have to be moved. The new building was designed by USA Architects in collaboration with the university’s Office of Planning and Design and representatives from CST. CST Dean Hai-Lung Dai surveyed his faculty to help create ideas for the project. “We certainly know where our needs are in terms of computational sciences, offices, conference facilities, and computer clusters,” Dai said. “The design team had worked very, very hard to get the most bang for the buck for

this building and we have really fancy science building,” Omar Hijab, the CST associate dean for faculty affairs and operations, said. Hijab said the the building will cost approximately $540 per square foot, near the median cost for science buildings at universities in the country. “The College of Science and Technology has been really amazing to work with, because the dean had a very clear plan looking at the growth of the programs in the College of Science and Technology, the goals for research, and the building was designed to support that strategy,” University Architect Margaret Carney said. “This is the first new building for science on Main Campus in 40 or 50 years,” Dai said. “This represents a major commitment of the university to support research and education in science.” The 250,000-square-foot building is set to include a 400-person lecture hall that is divisible by a new Skyfold wall that can retract into the ceiling. The first floor also includes two other large classrooms, connections to Glatfelter Hall and the College of Engineering building, as well as an atrium that extends to the second floor. The rest of the building is

slated to include both traditional and computer classrooms, research labs, faculty offices and a conference room on every floor. The building was designed with most student classrooms on the second and third floors to minimize crowds waiting for elevators. The building hallways were designed to offer spaces outside of the classrooms where students and faculty can sit and meet outside of their class. Sustainability designs incorporated into the building include energy efficient lighting systems that trap natural light inside the building, reducing energy costs. “[Light shelves] allow us to get more light into the building and reduce the amount of heat being generated,” Roger Cutitta, CST director of operations and information technology, said. The new building will also feature storm water management systems that trap rain water inside a cistern where it can be used to flush toilets. University officials hope the building will receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. “There are many buildings on the campus that are LEED certified, but not at the highest

level,” Carney said. “What we are doing in this building is at a higher level than what we have done on most of our builds...we are hoping that we will achieve [the] gold [level].” Many students have expressed dissatisfaction with current CST buildings, most notably Barton Hall. “I think Barton is kind of disgusting, everything is pretty old, there’s a lot of maintenance issues…this building is kind of decrepit,” senior physics major Jen Shaw said. Junior neuroscience major Kristen Jahn said a new building would help students conduct research in labs with new equipment. Temple’s 20/20 plan calls for demolishing Barton Hall to create room for green space in the center of Main Campus after the new science building is complete. John Moritz can be reached at john.mortiz@temple.edu.

With backing, student plans to fight charges fine for her charges, through the city’s Accelerated Misdemeanor trampled.” Program. In September 2011, Van Kuyk said the charges Ramsey issued a memorandum, he received include: obstructing reiterating police officers’ ex- justice, resisting arrest, hinderpectation to be “photographed, ing apprehension, disorderly videotaped or audibly recorded” conduct and disorderly conduct by members of the public and – fight II. The hindering apby individuals temporarily de- prehension charge is a felony tained. offense. How“I hope [the ever, a court commissioner] docket posted reasserts the imMarch 25 only portance of the lists three of the document that misdemeanor he put out about charges. the rights of citO s t e r izens and jourreicher said in nalists to record an email that and photograph he was attemptthe police,” ing to learn the Mendelson said. reason for disOsterreichparity. Ian Van Kuyk / er said, “When Van Kuyk’s junior, film and media arts major you’re in pubpreliminary trilic, whether al is scheduled you’re a police officer or a citi- for April 16. zen, there is no reasonable exThe NPPA hopes the chargpectation of privacy.” es against Van Kuyk will be Six days after the incident, dropped upon review by the disFeighan agreed at a preliminary trict attorney, Osterreicher said. trial to work 12 hours of comIf in the event the charges munity service and pay a $200

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“If it happens to you, you would care about it. You really need to know your rights and stand up for them.”

are not dropped, Van Kuyk said, he has been in contact with resources that could guide him through the court process, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Society of Professional Journalists. “Unfortunately when these things go to court, there’s a rebuttable presumption that the police officer is telling the truth about what happened. If it’s your word versus the officer’s, without witnesses, without any other supporting evidence, that’s difficult,” Osterreicher said. The PPD Office of Media Relations did not return requests for comment by time of press. A representative for the office did reportedly tell the Associated Press that Van Kuyk and Feighan were arrested for “other things.” Both Mendelson and Osterreicher said knowing and protecting First Amendment rights are not only important to journalists, but to all citizens. “When our constitutional rights are abridged, it has a chilling effect on the people and our ability to exercise those

ANGELO FICHERA TTN

Ian Van Kuyk is facing multiple charges after he was arrested while taking photos of police officers near his home in South Philadelphia. The National Press Photographers Association has sent a complaint regarding the incident to the Philadelphia Police Department. rights,” Osterreicher said. “Unfortunately, [Van Kuyk] and other students...have found out firsthand how chilling that effect is.” Van Kuyk concurs. “My rights were violated, my girlfriend’s rights were vio-

lated, and this happens all the time to people. And no one really cares about it, but if it happens to you, you would care about it,” Van Kuyk said. “You really need to know your rights and stand up for them.” “I went from never think-

ing I would be in trouble [with the law], to spending 24 hours in jail for taking a picture,” Van Kuyk added. Angelo Fichera can be reached at afichera@temple.edu.

Common threads seen in TSG ticket campaign platforms RUN PAGE 1 a lot of things that I didn’t like within TSG. And, for one, no one knows what TSG is,” Swift said. “In order for…students to have a voice and be aware, for us to advocate on behalf of students, people need to know what TSG is.” Rana, a junior international business major, is vice president of internal marketing in Fox School’s Association of Management Information Systems, undergraduate representative in the Indian Student Association at Temple, and a member of Delta Epsilon Psi. He and Ramirez met as roommates. “It’s something new. I never tried it,” Rana said. “If [Ramirez is] doing it, he’s never going to steer me wrong.” “I wanted to make sure I had people on my team I trusted and got along with,” Ramirez said of his running mates. “Not only are we running together, we’re friends, through the ups and downs of the campaign, and we have each other’s back,” Swift said.

For Rana and Swift, Ramirez and the TSG website were primary sources in familiarizing themselves with TSG. “I never really had, like, a first-hand experience with it. I never was really part of Temple Student Government, but that’s why I wanted to be part of Temple Student Government,” Rana said. “I actually wanted Temple Student Government to be known…I feel like that was the best way because I’m great with people.” RUN TEMPLE’s platform targets matters of “a stronger, smarter General Assembly,” “easing academic stress,” “keeping campus safe,” and holding Temple accountable.” To make General Assembly meetings more enjoyable, RUN TEMPLE wants to bring incentives, such as food and prizes to meetings once a month, as well as eliminate meeting attendance as a condition for allocations for student organizations. “[TSG allocations distribution] hasn’t been a transparent process, and we shouldn’t use that great service that students

already paid for to threaten students, essentially, to come to a meeting,” Ramirez said. Ramirez suggests allocating no more than half of funds for student organizations’ events per semester. The ticket also aims to “follow up” on the results of the General Education student survey conducted in January, as well as address student claims of self-segregation on campus. “My team is very talented, and they’ve done very well in different areas,” Ramirez said. “Administrators don’t run Temple. We do,” Swift said. “We don’t want to be belligerent, but we do want results.” For more information go to http://runtemple.com/. Amelia Brust can be reached at abrust @temple.edu. *For a personal profile on studentbody presidential candidate Brandon Rey Ramirez, flip to page 7.

PROGRESS PAGE 1 also proposes monthly workshops in place of a General Assembly meeting. “People are there because they have to, instead of the fact that they actually want to be [there],” Hamer, currently a part of TSG’s local and Community Affairs committee, said. Hamer is a member of Temple Gospel Ministers, the Campus Recreation Community Services Crew, is treasurer for the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, and is the TSG representative for Delta Sigma Theta and Temple’s Association of Black Journalists. TAP’s platform outlines measures to appoint student representatives within the schools and colleges to “host monthly round table meetings in order to discuss issues and concerns about their respective school or college.” “People have problems within their respective schools,” Hamer said. “A lot of times people just think they can get only their student [organization]

problem answered in the GA meetings, but we’re there for the individual student as well.” Lopez said he believes convincing deans of meeting with student representatives will not be difficult, citing the replacement of President Ann Weaver Hart and the hiring of permanent deans as a period of readjustment for the university. “We need to take that opportunity and put our foot in every single door so that we have more of a voice and they know that we’re here,” he said. TAP also aims to address permission for student organizations to use the Temple “T” logo for promotional materials and clothing. “I wear my Temple ‘T’ proudly, no matter where I am… We’re saying, if you’re in an organization that has done a lot, you should be rewarded with this benefit…If it weren’t important then students wouldn’t have been talking about it for the past three years that I’ve been here,” Lopez said. Ezeugwu has submitted designs with the T for TU Hand-

ball Club to campus recreation, while Hamer has processed design submissions while working in the department. “Our rugby team is a nationally-recognized team, but that team cannot use the logo of the university. They have to make up their own Temple logo,” Hamer said. “We think at the end of the day, the most important thing is, when you’re meeting with members of the administration you can’t forget who you are and where you come from,” Lopez said. “We’re not going to walk into a [Board of Trustees] meeting where it’s supposed to be business-professional and lose ourselves dressed in suits and ties. We’re still students.” For more information go to http://www.tapfortsg.com/. Amelia Brust can be reached at abrust@temple.edu. *For a personal profile on studentbody presidential candidate David Lopez, flip to page 7.

OPINION

A watchdog for the Temple University community since 1921. Brian Dzenis, Editor-in-Chief Valerie Rubinksy, Managing Editor Angelo Fichera, News Editor Kierra Bussey, Opinion Editor Cara Stefchak, Chief Copy Editor

Becky Kerner, Web Editor Kate McCann, Photography Editor Abi Reimold, Asst. Photography Editor Lucas Ballasy, Designer Cory Popp, Designer Ana Tamaccio, Designer Joey Pasko, Designer David Hamme, Advertising Manager Tatiana Bowie, Business Manager Sarah Kelly, Billing Manager

Alexis Sachdev, Living Editor Kara Savidge, A&E Editor Connor Showalter, Sports Editor Luis Rodriguez, Multimedia Editor Sean Carlin, Asst. News Editor Joey Cranney, Asst. Sports Editor Saba Aregai, Asst. Multimedia Editor Lauren Hertzler, Copy Editor Alexandra Olivier, Copy Editor

temple-news.com

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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

DRAWING CONCLUSIONS

The Temple News is an editorially independent weekly publication serving the Temple University community. Unsigned editorial content represents the opinion of The Temple News. Adjacent commentary is reflective of their authors, not The Temple News. Visit us online at temple-news.com. Send submissions to letters@temple-news.com. The Temple News is located at: Student Center, Room 243 1755 N. 13th St. Philadelphia, PA 19122

EDITORIALS

Knowing Rights

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In light of recent violations, The Temple News encourages students to know their rights.

n March 14, Ian Van Kuyk, a junior film and media arts major, and his girlfriend, Meghan Feighan, were arrested for seemingly no reason. As Angelo Fichera addresses in “After arrest, press network pushes for dismissal of charges,” p. 1, Van Kuyk said he was arrested for taking pictures, and his girlfriend was arrested for picking up his camera. Both spent a day in jail, Feighan, 18 hours, Van Kuyk, 24. Feighan agreed to 12 hours of community service and a $200 fine in exchange for dropping the felony and misdemeanor charges she faced. Van Kuyk has been charged with obstructing justice, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension, disorderly conduct and disorderly conduct — fight II. The Temple News is appalled at this blatant abuse of power and disregard for freedom of speech. Additionally, The Temple News wants all students, regardless of their affiliation with journalism, to know their rights. Following the incident, the chair of the journalism department, Dr. Andrew Mendelson, contacted Mickey Ostreicher, general counsel at the National Press Photographers Association, who has been working with

Van Kuyk. The Temple News praises the efforts of the journalism department and the network of organizations helping Van Kuyk. But a violation of these rights is something that everyone should be concerned about. Anyone doing anything in public has no reasonable expectation of privacy, and therefore, it is legal to photograph them. Police officers are certainly no exception to this law, and should know it. In September 2011, Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner Charles Ramsey issued a memorandum restating police officers’ expectation to be “photographed, videotaped or audibly recorded by members of the public and by individuals temporarily detained.” The police department needs to reinforce this expectation. The Temple News commiserates with Van Kuyk and Feighan, and offers its support to Van Kuyk if his charges are not dropped. But most importantly, The Temple News wants all students to understand that it is not within the rights of a police officer to arrest someone for taking a picture. Students should know and understand what their rights are, and when those rights are being violated.

TSG Elections

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ast week The Temple News mentioned in the “Brusque Election” editorial that Temple Student Government’s campaigning season should be longer and more visible. Yet, with elections a week away students should make an effort to get to know the TSG presidential tickets through their campaigns, and a more personal level, through their achievements and experience. Alexis Sachdev profiles the TSG student body presidential candidates, David Lopez and Brandon Rey Ramirez, on p. 7. In an interview with David Lopez, Sachdev points out Lopez’s longtime experience in the field of politics since middle school. Lopez notes that his key task as president will be to strengthen communication within TSG administration. Ramirez, on the other hand,

The Temple News encourages students to examine the TSG presidential candidates. sees the opportunity as president to advocate for the interest of students and to strengthen community ties between Temple and North Philadelphia. Both candidates have something to offer for the future of Temple. As with every election, students should see this as a chance to choose a representative that resonates with their personal affiliation. This can only be done by analyzing the intentions of each candidate. The student body president, as The Temple News has pointed out before, is often the sole student representative on a variety of administrative issues. With that in mind, The Temple News encourages students to get to know these candidates and what they stand for. Whichever way you choose, The Temple News encourages all students to vote April 3, at atlas.ocis.temple.edu/uvote12.

JOEY PASKO TTN

PHOTO COMMENT

AMANDA L. SHAFFERN TTN

Friday, March 23 a group of Temple students show off their moves outside of Tyler School of Art. (Left) One dance performer gets creative with a hula hoop while the other dance performer (right) shows his latest break dance moves.

POLLING PEOPLE Last week on temple-news.com, we asked: Do you think the “Kony 2012” video is successful in bringing awareness to promote NEXT WEEK’S POLL change? How do you feel about employers asking for access to your social media accounts? It contains It only promotes

36% 20%

inconsistencies that most people aren’t aware of.

Yes. It’s the most viewed video in history, which can only translate into change.

34%

10%

“slacktivism” or “clicktivism” and won’t bring about real change.

I don’t know enough about it.

*Out of 61 votes

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

Visit temple-news.com to take our online poll, or send your comments to letters@ temple-news.com. Letters may regard any current issue but must include your full name, position and location. Students can give year and major. Submissions should be 350 words or fewer.

CITY VIEW

TSG race takes to social media As of press time, Temple Advocating Progress was slightly ahead of RUN TEMPLE in Facebook support. The numbers below represent each ticket’s Facebook “likes.”

Who has more Facebook support?

NOTABLE QUOTEABLE “The music of LMFAO is sort of like a mystery to me – a code to crack. I treat it like Nicholas Cage treats the Declaration of Independence.”

KEVIN STAIRIKER Fear of Music Page 10

Logos courtesy facebook.com/TAPforTSG | facebook.com/RunTemple

Illustration Lucas Ballasy

COMMENTARY

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

PAGE 5

Faith cannot be distorted through college

A

DANIEL CRAIG

Craig argues that Rick Santorum should focus on more relevant issues related to the election, rather than college students’ faith.

ttention you godless heathens out there polluting our institutions of higher learning: You just got Santorumed. Gays had to scoot over a bit to make room for colleges on Tricky Rick’s list of demons to exercise on his witch hunt of a campaign, claiming that “college kills faith.” And who could blame him? All of us college students are keenly aware of how our professors continually shove their atheist agendas down our throats, taking our innocent young minds and molding them into tools of the godless, liberal army. Now, some might argue that Santorum cited research out of context, considering that the number he used stating 64 percent of college attendees curb their church attending habits, but failed to state that that same study says 74 percent

of young people who do not attend college stop going to church. This might suggest that the drop off in church attendance has more to do with age than going to school. But facts be damned. It’s OK to skew the numbers a bit when you’re fighting for your faith. And some may argue that Santorum insults the integrity of faithful young people in his statement, suggesting that they aren’t smart enough to learn different perspectives on religion and simply accept those views without radically changing their own. Considering Santorum attended four years at Penn State, one year at the University of Pittsburgh, and four years at Dickinson College’s School of Law, these people might contest that if Santorum was able to keep his faith in all those years of higher education, why can’t other educated people of

“But facts be damned. It’s OK to skew the numbers a bit when you’re fighting for your faith.”

faith? No. Our young Christians need to be completely sheltered from the outside world, protected from hearing any views that may be contrary to their own. If you really want to stretch it, you could even suggest that maybe Santorum issued the statement with hopes of scoring cheap political points. We all know that his platform during this campaign has been to run as the true conservative, and maybe this is just another attempt at diverting voter’s attention away from the issues that really matter such as the economy and instead play on social fears. Of course not. Santorum is simply pointing out that we can’t fix the real problems until we deal with the fact that colleges are killing faith, gays are destroying American families, and President Barack Obama favors pornographers over children. If you weren’t already aware of it, those last three statements are all taken right from Santorum’s mouth. And if you haven’t already caught on, my satirical rant is not

reflective of how I feel about Santorum’s social crusade he has conducted against anyone and anything that contradicts his religious beliefs. Because if he’s such a devout Catholic, shouldn’t he be coming out and denouncing the use of the death penalty, since the sixth commandment clearly states “thou shall not kill?” Shouldn’t he be up in arms to protect universal health care and welfare, in order to protect the least of our brothers? It’s almost as if he picks and chooses the moral issues that will boost his poll numbers, not the ones that truly align with his religious beliefs. I guess that’s the case, and it’s a pretty smart political strategy when you look at it. It looks like he may have learned a thing or two after nine-plus years of college education.

Daniel Craig can be reached at daniel.craig@temple.edu.

Bathroom stall writings seen as inspiration to some

I

SHANELL SIMMONS

Simmons says students should tap into their inner child when confronted with the writing on the stalls at the TECH Center.

f you have not personally done it, you have most definitely witnessed it. Since our single-digit years, many of us have raised our hands to ask for permission to use the bathroom and once we reached it, came across some form of drawing or writing in the stalls. These writings have continued throughout middle school, high school and have made a lasting impression in college, as well. The stalls in both female bathrooms in the TECH Center are filled with writings and drawings of all mediums. Some are inspiring, some are funny, some are worthy of the infamous “shaking my head,” and others are just over the top. There is a message for all women entering at their own discretion. “Why fight people when we can fight cancer instead #cancerawareness.” “Everyone who enters this stall is a complete idiot.” “Morality is a woman’s burden.” As my workload for this semester has required much of my time to be spent in the TECH Center, I am constantly a willing recip-

ient of these writings. Into the early hours of the morning when a break is much needed, I usually go to the bathroom feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, yet walk out feeling a bit more refreshed and pensive depending on the content of the writing in the stall. It’s almost a game of “What message is behind the door,” when trying to select which one to use next. There are people who are critical of the writings on the stalls that deem them to be immature, unnecessary and outdated. Personally, I think all of these are flawed ideas from those who perhaps have not taken enough time to appreciate the essence of the arts. As college students, we are so quick to deem ourselves as “grown,” that we oftentimes overlook the simplistic things in life. The writing in the stalls are engaging and can be seen as a canvas students use for free speech and

thoughts. Let’s be clear – there are some derogatory and offensive messages like the “Kill yourself,” expression written in big black letters in one of the stalls. I cringe every time I see it and believe that any form of hurtful and emotionally disruptive message, such as the promotion of suicide is vindictive, utterly ridiculous and completely unacceptable. The upside to it all is the messages that are inspirational, funny and thought provoking outweigh the offensive ones. Oftentimes, there is random dialogue with stall users about anything and nothing at all. The conversations are spontaneous and although perhaps unnecessary, they provide an interesting random encounter with a complete stranger that is unreserved and unrestrained. It brings to surface the issue of vandalizing school property, which is a valid point. Although our tu-

“As college students, we are so quick to deem ourselves as “grown,” that we oftentimes overlook the simplistic things in life.”

ition is paying for the upkeep of the school, we can’t always have the “I do what I want,” attitude because there are always consequences for our actions. Many students don’t realize that it can be an adversity to them as well as the custodial staff who must use supplies that erase the written content. Nonetheless, I will argue that the cost of the damage to school property is far less than the exchange of encouraging messages. All in all, as a quote fanatic and admirer of spontaneity, I appreciate the beauty of the words just as much as I appreciate the person who took the time out to write a message that would bring about a smile, a laugh or further thinking after reading. “Ladies, you are beautiful and don’t ever let anyone else tell you differently. Not even yourself.” To that, I say thank you and keep up the inspirational and uplifting words. Shanell Simmons can be reached at shanell.simmons@temple.edu.

SOMEONE ELSE’S OPINION “While many women are speaking against what they term an egregious overreach by the government, we have some women so influenced by sleaze TV that they engage in common brawling… And maybe after we settle our nerves and get our hair and makeup back into place, we can focus on the issues that really need our attention, and fight the good fight with our minds.”

Karen Warrington

on philly.com in “Letters: Women should fight the good fight”

“And while Romney was considered unqualified by Santorum due to his lack of views, that was in stark contrast to President Barack Obama, who, according to Santorum, ‘doesn’t see America the way most Americans see America.’ Therefore, he proclaimed, the 2012 election may be the most important of our lifetimes. Although later, he suggested the election may actually be the most important in the history of the United States.”

Randy LoBasson

on the phildadelphiaweekly. com in “Santorum Thanks Pennsylvania for his Embarrassing 2006 Loss”

Complete research before subscribing to causes

T

SARAE GDOVIN

Gdovin argues that while the “Kony 2012” delivers an important message, it does not offer a real solution.

he “Kony 2012” video has reportedly become the most viral video on the Internet. It took only six days to hit 70 million views, just beating out Susan Boyle, the “Britain’s Got Talent” star, whose video took nine days to reach that number of views. It is astonishing how fast the video circulated, especially since its total running time reaches 30 minutes. Yet, after so much mixed media attention, it’s hard to determine if the video is really about the children it is said to support. I saw all of the hype on Facebook and Twitter, so I gave the video a chance. Most of the film was Jason Russell, the co-founder of

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Invisible Children, the organization behind the video, telling his son about Joseph Kony. Russell’s son is 5-years-old, so the video is easy enough to understand for anyone above that age. According to kony2012.com, “Kony 2012” is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Kony famous, not celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice. The answer the video gives is to order a kit from Invisible Children that includes posters of Kony to hang up. This is far too simple of an answer for such a complex issue. It is a serious issue, and the

“The message is important: Kony should be arrested for the crimes he has committed, but not just for the sake of living up to this video.”

CHRIS CONRAD

JUNIOR

ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

Has attending college altered your religious faith?

“No. My opinions were structured before I came to college. I’ve been more individualistic from the get go. The people I interact with tend to be secular as well.”

GRACE DICKINSON TTN

OPINION DESK 215-204-9540

marketing that Invisible Children does with this video does not represent that. The Invisible Children group has been criticized in the media for putting money toward their marketing campaign rather than to relief efforts for the people of Uganda. Many feel the need to donate to this cause, but few will ever see the results for those in Uganda. The marketing tactics used are similar to those of many corporations. They use popular social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter. They look to the “influencers” to spread the video by word of mouth. It even plays to viewer’s emotions, by putting Russell’s adorable son as a main part of the video. This is all a great use of marketing, but not necessarily great use of spending, when the focus should be on those who are affected by Kony. The message is important: Kony should be arrested for the crimes he has committed, but not

CELESTE SUMO “I think so. I have less access to church, and I feel that not many people around here go. On the flip side, there’s a lot more people open to talk about religion at college, and I feel like I’m learning a lot about every religion, which has made me way more open-minded.”

just for the sake of living up to this video. It should be because of the injustices he has done to the people of Uganda. In light of the video’s criticism, Michele Aweeky, president of the independent Temple chapter of Invisible Children said, “Kony has become a household name, and publicized criticism only allows for people to do their own research and make their minds up themselves.” I hope that the millions who viewed this film actually do their research. Ordering action kits may seem like an easy solution for people jumping on the activism bandwagon, but what will the organization do when the fickle people of our generation turn to the next social media fad? Sarae Gdovin can be reached at sarae.gdovin@temple.edu.

JUNIOR

“If the effort to raise awareness of Kony’s crimes was something people really believed in, why are they letting Russell’s downfall get in the way of what they believe? Sure, Russell may have been the one to create the campaign and start the conversation, but our responsibility to uphold our commitment to stop crimes against humanity shouldn’t hinge on every single one of his actions.”

Joseph An

on thedp.com, in “What happened to ‘Stop at Nothing”

DERRICK SO

AMERICAN STUDIES

SENIOR

BUSINESS

“No. I already had a strong religious background in Buddhism. I’ve been more exposed to other religions but I’ve still kept my faith strong.”

LETTERS@TEMPLE-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

PAGE 6

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

COMMUNITY VOICE

Voter identification law invasive to longtime resident

North Philadelphia resident Roland Jones does not like the idea of voter ID laws. CONNOR SHOWALTER The Temple News Roland Jones, who lives on 18th and West Berks streets, said he has never had to show photo identification in past elections. However, this November voters in Pennsylvania will be required to present proper photo identification for the presidential election after Gov. Tom Corbett signed House bill 934 on March 14. “It’s a critical law and it’s going too far,” Jones said. Jones added that a voter registration card should be “enough” for polls to allow vot-

ers to cast a ballot for the candidate of their choosing. Prior to the recent legislation, only first-time voters [newly registered or change of address] had to present identification to vote on the voting machine. No longer will voters solely be able to show a voter registration card to vote. “[The law] is borderline invasive I think,” Jones said. Jones added that senior citizens may be inconvenienced by the voter identification law as they prepare to vote. Some senior citizens may not carry photo identification with them, he said. “Having lived their entire life in this country [senior citizens] should not have to,” Jones said referring to senior citizens carrying proper photo identification. The law, which is aimed at preventing voter fraud, requires

voters to show one of the following valid forms of identification: driver’s license, state identification card, elderly care identification, passport, student identification card, employee identification card or military identification card. Voters who do fail to show proper identification would be able to vote provisionally, according to Sean Carlin’s March 20 Article “Campus split on voter ID approval,” p. 1. “By voting you change these laws,” Jones who plans to vote in November, said. “By casting your vote it empowers you to change stupid and unnecessary laws.” Connor Showalter can be reached connor.showalter@temple. edu. CONNOR SHOWALTER TTN

Roland Jones expresses his views on the new voter ID law outside of his home at 18th and West Berks streets.

on the

WORD WEB...

temple-news.com

Unedited for content.

WiseLatina2theRight says on “DREAM activists participate in national ‘coming out’” on March 19, 2012 at 9:26 p.m. Miguel Orellana is a convicted felon, with a long rap sheet of crimes involving drugs. His convictions resulted in his Temporary Protected Status being revoked and a hearing to be deported. He decided to be a criminal here in the U.S, father two children and now demands to be made a citizen and have taxpayers subsidize tuition discounts for him to go to college here in the U.S. It is absurd. To all the Temple students who are here on student visas..do you think it’s right and fair that colleges and universities like Temple, PENN and Bryn Mawr treat illegal aliens more favorably both in their admissions and legal requirements? These admissions offices practice a discriminatory double standard in the admission of foreign nationals ..there’s one set of strict criteria including requirements to obtain a student visa for foreign students who seek admission in an honorable fashion and then there’s the standard for illegal aliens…admissions offices waive most if not all of the internal requirements and legal requirements. Tell us is that fair, legal and just? Absolutely not. Jonathan Weiss says on “Explore other parts of the city should NID pass” on March 22, 2012 at 12:33 p.m. Matt – I think you are being a little ridiculous. I am a landlord and my most expensive real estate tax bills are now $2600 for a 6 bedroom house. That means that annual NID assessment for that property would be $182. As I’m sure you’re aware, Temple is a very competitive rental market, so landlords can’t just charge whatever they want. But if I did decide to try to pass that through to my residents, that would mean each resident would pay an additional $2.50 per month! Your subway bill living in “Fairmount or South Philly” would be 30 times that. Some of the cost may be passes on to students and some of it will be borne by the landlords, but it is a small price for all of us to pay for cleaner and safer streets. Michael says on “Men march to raise sexual abuse awareness” on March 21, 2012 at 8:53 p.m. Having men wear high heeled shoes really makes the opposite point about victimization from the one this organization is apparently promoting. Who chooses the wear high heeled shoes? Don’t like the disability that they impose? Can you think of a solution?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Well Rush Limbaugh, you have certainly done it again. Although this is not the first time your mouth has spewed such hateful language, perhaps it should be the last time you say anything more on your corporate-sponsored program. Yes, that’s right – it is time for you to resign or be put out to pasture. You didn’t “apologize” for your remarks about Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke until after it became apparent that your political torpedo missed its target completely and headed back to where it came from. Once you realized that your paycheck might be affected – as if

Dear Editor, Rick Santorum says American law should never violate Biblical commands and often it doesn’t. For example, both prohibit murder and theft. Yet, the conflicts are enormous. American law nourishes capitalism while the Bible would destroy it by commanding us to sell all we own and give the proceeds to the poor. The Constitution protects Freedom of Religion, while the Bible requires death for non-believers. Pre-marital sex is not a crime in the United States, but the Bible says women who are not virgins at the time of marriage must be executed. It is not against the law to work on

you don’t have enough money – you conveniently switched on the damage control to avoid further embarrassment and save your own miserable self. This time however it has failed miserably and people from all sides of the aisle demand you leave before making any more despicable comments. Some could argue that the words “slut” and “prostitute” could just as easily be leveled at you. After all, don’t you “earn” money by performing a certain “service?” It never fails to amaze me that our capitalist system has allowed someone like yourself to become very wealthy by just ranting all day against anything contrary to your personal views. I write this because it is evident you do not represent the views of re-

publicans, conservatives and evangelicals nor do you really believe in the venom you spit out at democrats, liberals and reformers. Your show is all about you and to hell with everybody else. Limbaugh, you obviously don’t understand any of this nor do you care to so long as the money keeps pouring in. Do us all a favor and resign and then go out and try to find your true life’s work.

the sabbath in the United States, but the Bible proclaims death to sabbath-workers. And the list goes on and on. What Santorum advocates is theocracy, a form of government which claims to represent God’s will as found in scripture. It was tried in the American colonies until the Constitution outlawed it, and it is in effect today in such countries as Afghanistan and Iran. A common result of theocracy is merciless suppression of even the most basic human rights, religious hatred and violence spanning centuries, and death and more death. Do Americans really want the United States to go down that road under a President Santorum? Probably not, but lest we

grow complacent, he is winning primaries – while the media virtually ignores his theocratic blueprint for the United States.

Sincerely, Joe Bialek Cleveland

Sincerely, George Kiser

Dear Editor, Last week The Temple News censored my letter to the editor and changed the phrase “pro-life” to “anti abortion” in an attempt to change the messaging behind my letter, which criticized a previously-written letter that attacked the GOP for being anti-contraception and perpetuating a so-called “war on women.” Whether or not you agree with the points I made last week regarding the First Amendment right to freedom of religion, I think you should be concerned about what happened to my letter for several reasons. This egregious violation of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech should have everyone concerned, mainly because of what purpose the editorial page should serve in any newspaper. Most publications have a bias one way or the other, and the letters to the editor page is often reserved for those who want to criticize and critique articles and previous letters written to the newspaper about previously written articles. This page is designed to come from readers, not the editor. If opposing views are squashed, is there informational honesty in a newspaper? When the letters to the editor become letters from the editor, we all know the newspaper has gone from an objective source of news to an apparatchik of one viewpoint over another. While the paper claimed that the

Dear Editor, In response to the recent letter submitted by Temple College Republicans concerning the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive policy I find it necessary to inform The Temple News’ readers of the actual facts of the policy and debunk the other erroneous statements espoused by their letter. President Barack Obama appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, who stated that employers who provide health insurance for their employees must pay the full cost of their female workers’ contraceptive needs. Yet in a move to respect religious organizations that find contraception immoral, exceptions were made. Women employed in “houses of worship” and by religious organizations in which the majority of the employees are of the same faith are exempt from contraception coverage. The biggest controversy about the whole policy concerned the fact that HHS mandates that religious organizations whose majority of employees are of a different faith must provide full contraception coverage. In order to accommodate the rights of religious institutions who morally object to birth control, HHS ruled that the health insurance company contracted by the employer must pay the full cost of contraception for female employees, not the religious organization itself. So in no meaningful way is this contraceptive policy an infringement on the freedom of

phrase “pro-life” is not recognized in the Associated Press style manual, and therefore not fit for publication, they did run the phrase twice in the letter from a Penn Student. That student was criticizing the pro-life movement in an attempt to delegitimize their viewpoints. Correct me if I am wrong, but shouldn’t letters to the editor be outside of editorial purview so long as they are not ad-homonym attacks? The phrasing in my article was changed in an attempt to change the narrative behind my piece, which was civil to both sides of the pro-life and prochoice argument. Censoring and changing a phrase that may not be in agreement with a newspaper’s political views is unethical and purely wrong. As Temple students, we deserve to have a newspaper that is impartial, nonbiased, and accepting of all terminology, regardless of how it may threaten the viewpoints of the editor. I urge all readers to contact the editor at editor@temple-news.com and urge them to promptly resign as a result of the censorship and distortion of an opposing viewpoint in last week’s newspaper. Sincerely, Erik Jacobs President, Temple College Republicans

religion. The republicans have stated no GOP presidential candidate has wanted to ban birth control. Well, it is true Rick Santorum said he would not ban birth control but he would give states the right to ban it if they wanted to. Does this seem like a meaningful difference? In 1965 the Supreme Court ruled in Griswold v. Connecticut that state laws to ban contraception were unconstitutional because they violated one’s right to privacy. The most farcical claim by Temple College Republicans however was the statement that “Planned Parenthood… performed 329,445 abortions in 2010, all at taxpayer expense.” The truth is that since 1976, under federal law, the Hyde Amendment prohibits any federal funding of abortion. So, any and all funding to Planned Parenthood must, by law only go toward family planning services. This makes the above quote by Temple College Republicans a complete fiction. Before closing it should be said that Planned Parenthood is a laudable, private non-profit organization that provides women not only with access to affordable or free family planning services, but also breast and cervical cancer screenings among other services. Sincerely, Charlie Hansler Policy Director, Temple College Democrats

LIVING temple-news.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

PE Z DAVID LO ALEXIS SACHDEV Living Editor

D

avid Lopez isn’t just a big fish in a small pond. Instead, he considers himself a shark with a laser on his head in a small pond. Ready to wrap up his third year as a political science major and criminal justice minor, Lopez now has his laser pointed on his next undertaking: Temple Student Government student body president. With elections a week away, Lopez and his ticket – Temple Advocating Progress – are still doing their best to be highly visible and meet as many students as possible. Lopez has been involved with TSG for the past year as the chief of staff with the TU Nation administration. He said that he joined last year after Vice President of External Affairs and close friend Elliot Griffin encouraged him. “When the opportunity [to join TSG] presented itself, I thought I shouldn’t pass it up because I’m constantly looking for an opportunity to build myself at Temple and work harder for the sake of Temple,” Lopez said. But Lopez is no stranger to the game of politics. He’s been involved with student government since middle school, and was the president of his high school class at MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, Pa. for three years. The strongest driving forces for him to get involved so early was the ability to get things done and his natural love for communication, he said. “I’ve always been involved in student government, making sure that students’ needs are represented,” he said. “If you establish yourself and you establish yourself in a strong manner, you can really be effective, and that’s the type of thing that I’ve always taken pride in.” “I’m very social,” Lopez added. “I love to have a conversation with people, I love to listen to people, I love to talk to people about things. I don’t want to talk at someone, I want to talk with someone. So, that’s the thing I’ve always enjoyed, even before I was in middle school. [Being involved with TSG] is taking all those things together and putting them all in one. This is where I want to be, and it kind of falls into my career path that I want to take on in life later.” Lopez also co-hosted a radio show on WHIP with Griffin and his Vice President for Services candidate Julian Hamer, “We the People,” last year. The three discussed general politics and political commentary late at night. But while he’s been on the TU Nation staff, Lopez said he’s come to understand a lot of the problems the student administrative body has, namely with communi-

cation. He said that his effective communication skills and natural inclination to social interactions is key to solving this issue and making TSG a more effective governing body in the future. “We have TSG administration, and if we can’t communicate effectively between each other then we can’t get tasks done,” he said. With that drive to communicate effectively, Lopez said he, Hamer and Vice President for External Affairs candidate Ofo Ezeugwu – who together form TAP – have been doing their best to meet as many students as possible on Main Campus, especially those not involved in student organizations. Lopez said that it’s easy to be known among students in organizations, as they’re the easiest population to reach out to, but the university is made up of more than just those students and his social circle. “Not everybody at this university knows who I am, but I want to make an extreme effort to try to meet as many people as I possibly can,” he said. “We have said this time and time again: Our student government can only be as effective as the students that are in it. So we need to have students represented from different areas. I mean everything down to transfer students, non-traditional students, students with disabilities. We need to represent all of those different groups if we want to be effective for all those different groups that exist at Temple.” “I think our bigger focus is to meet students that are freshmen because we notice there’s a big disconnect between what freshmen think of TSG and what TSG actually is, if they even know it exists,” he added. And thus far, he’s been successful. On March 20, TAP hosted its campaign kick-off in the Welcome Center, and Lopez said more than 70 people were in attendance, including many Lopez said were outside of the candidates’ immediate social circles. “Within the first 30 minutes, we had #TapIn trending across the United States,” Lopez said. “I was marveled, I could not believe we managed to do something like that. That just goes to show how strongly we wanted to come out and how strongly we want to stay.” And win or no win, Lopez still recognizes the opportunity Temple has to offer. “I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet the people I did or be as successful as I am now in just my personal life if it weren’t just for everything Temple had provided for me,” he said. “The issue is that every student doesn’t know where to go or is too shy. So if you bring those opportunities to light, it will take you so much further.” “I’m [an Owl Ambassador], and [the opportunity] was my motivating force to do anything and everything at Temple,” Lopez said. “Time and time again when I meet with tours, and talk to families, I always say, ‘Temple is a place of opportunity where you can be a fish in an ocean or a shark in a pond, but it’s up to you at the end of the day.’” Alexis Sachdev can be reached at asachdev@temple.edu.

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ALEXIS SACHDEV Living Editor

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randon Rey Ramirez is just like most Temple students. He stays up all night in the TECH Center, subsequently thinks he eats too much pizza and says he would rather wear a sweatshirt and jeans over a suit any day. The only difference? Ramirez is running for Temple Student Government student body president. Ramirez, a junior political science major and economics minor, wasn’t always involved with politics. In high school, he was the managing editor of Delaware Valley High School’s student newspaper, and came to Temple as a freshman with an interest in The Temple News. Though his journalistic endeavors were never actualized, Ramirez said the activist aspect of journalism and culture of uncovering the truth attracted him to TSG. “I decided to run because I’ve seen [TSG] as a place of advocacy,” he said. “My freshman year, there was a lot of fighting about the [Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners] and Temple Nurse’s Union, the year before that there were strikes and the passing of the DREAM Act.” While Ramirez acknowledged that not every TSG resolution was successful, he said at least it was something, and that TSG was seen as a hub for activism. Students of various involvements and interests could come to TSG and get a connection with the administration to possibly get a resolution passed. “That’s been lost completely,” he said, reflecting on TSG’s current administration. What Ramirez said he sees now is a student government that acts as an extension of the university’s administration, protecting administrators’ interests. “President Ann Weaver Hart has done a really tremendous job at making members of Temple Student Government think that they work in Sullivan Hall, too,” he said. “They don’t. They work in the Student Center and they’re here to work on behalf of students.” “The reason why I’m running is I really want to change that whole mindset, I want to change that culture where we’re working on behalf of administrators,” Ramirez added. “We need to start working on behalf of students.” Aside from the political makeup of Main Campus, Ramirez declared an interest in the struggles between the North Philadelphia community and Temple, as well. “Students go to bed at 5 a.m., and people that live in North Philadelphia wake up at 5 a.m., and that’s where the conflict arises,” Ramirez said, quoting President Hart. “I think there’s an issue of [local] people thinking that Temple is pretty much just pushing through their space. And we want to take Temple and put it back on Broad Street, but where does everybody else go? It is gentrification. I don’t think we should be afraid to have that be part of our dialogue, because let’s be frank, that’s what it is.” Ramirez said he’s disappointed with the lack of consciousness many students have, especially concerning this relationship. “Last year on Senate, we debated among each other on what needed to

BRANDON

RAMIREZ

change,” he said. “And everyone said that students were apathetic. I stood up and said students are not apathetic, I said students are actually – when it comes to an issue they care about – active.” “But I think it’s disheartening when you see [people act] as if, the North Philadelphia community doesn’t matter,” Ramirez added. “When people don’t think that mass inequality doesn’t matter to them. They act as if these issues don’t really matter to them, and it really does… What we’re supposed to be learning here is not just how to make money, we should also be learning how to respect the community, how do we start treating people with respect, how do we start uplifting ourselves and people around us.” Ramirez stressed that as the future policy makers of America, students need to start cultivating a sense of civic duty and responsibility, lest they become leaders who don’t care about increasing access to resources or housing. Despite this, Ramirez said it’s the diversity of Temple that brought him here. “I’m happy that I came to Temple… because it’s a university where a lot of students come from backgrounds that are a lot like mine,” he said. “You know, lower-middle class or middle class families where the students are brilliant, but couldn’t afford the same luxuries as someone from Penn or Villanova.” “I would want to work with a Temple student first than anyone else…we’re a little bit grittier, and I like that, because we got more fight in us,” he added. “I’m very happy to be at Temple, very proud to be a Temple Owl.” “The best part about it is you really find out how little we really are different,” he said. “We have so much more in common, and…the more you learn you start breaking down those barriers, and realizing that we all just have the same struggles every day.” That diversity is also represented on Ramirez’s ticket – Run Temple. Rutaraj Rana, Ramirez’s freshman year roommate in 1940 residence hall, is running for vice president of services, and Jaimee Swift, the president and founder of Temple’s chapter of HerCampus and a member of the Temple Association of Black Journalists, is running for the vice president of external affairs. Ramirez said he and his ticket are trying to make this election messagebased rather than based on popularity. Displeased with the way TSG is currently run and regarded, they intend on radically changing its structure and public perception. Alexis Sachdev can be reached at asachdev@temple.edu.

GLOBAL CELEBRATION

The Temple News previews the March 30 Celebration of Globalization hosted by the Office of International Affairs.

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PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

TTN reporter Jenine Pilla met Shaun Paul Costello, an alumnus whose films are garnering awards throughout the country. His most recent film, “Swooped,” won the Best Feature award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival.

NEXT WEEK

Illustration Joey Pasko

CLOTHESLINE PROJECT

The Temple News will preview the Clothesline Project, planned to occur on Main Campus from April 4 to 5. The event raises awareness to end domestic abuse.

LIVING@TEMPLE-NEWS.COM

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LIVING

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

International Affairs hosts global celebration On Friday, March 30, the Office of International Affairs will host its biannual Celebration of Globalizaton to celebrate a dedication to diversity. KIERRA BUSSEY The Temple News With more than 144 international partnerships in more than 45 countries, Temple’s presence spreads worldwide. The Office of International Affairs is promoting the university’s international initiatives with its Celebration of Globalization. The biannual event will be held at Temple’s Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. in an effort to recognize Philadelphia as a leader for its dedication to globalization. “Having so many people from the university and surrounding community come together to celebrate globalization efforts sends a strong message as to how important the topic is in today’s world,” OIA communications manager Ingrid Spangler said. Temple enrolls 2,050 students from more than 120 nations, and in 2010-11 approximately 975 students studied abroad, an 18 percent increase throughout the past five years, according to OIA. The purpose of the celebration is to honor the 2012 Global Award winners, President Ann Weaver Hart and Nancy J. Gilboy, president and CEO of International Visitors Council of Philadelphia. Under Hart’s tenure, OIA was established, which is composed of inbound and outbound divisions as well as the Ann and Randy Hart Passport

Program and the Diamond AmbassaA cash prize of $1,000 will be dor Scholarship Program in 2007. In awarded for the best performance. 2011, Hart won the Michael P. Malone There will be a panel of five judges, International Leadership Award, which which includes two faculty, Clark Hu is awarded to uniand Jillian Harris, versity presidents. two administrators, Gilboy will Gloria Angel and receive accolades Gina D’Annunzio for her pioneerand Temple Student ing efforts toward Government Stumaking Philadeldent Body President phia a more promColin Saltry. inent international The Sprit of Indestination and dia, a dance group leading the success of five graduate of the International students pursuing Visitors Council of their Ph.Ds in pharPhiladelphia. maceutical sciences Each year, the will participate IVC successfully in their first U.S. links hundreds dance performance. of rising and es“Every state in Afeshuhaida Othman / India has its own tablished leaders president, malaysian student association from other coundance form,” Manatries with Philali Phadke, one of delphia’s leading the group members businesses and institutions. said. “Our group will portray differAs the founder of Discover Phil- ent dance styles from various parts of adelphia, Gilboy created a program India.” that provides American experiences “Through our dance we are trying for international lawyers and graduate to incorporate as many dance styles in students through professional appoint- one five minute routine,” Phadke addments, internships and monthly net- ed. “Our elegant and vibrant costumes working. are also something exclusive to our In addition, there will be a show- culture.” case that will include a fashion show, The Malaysian Student Associawhich will feature international ward- tion will perform three different tradirobe styles from around the world as tional dances, Silat, Zapin and Joget, as well as eight cultural dance perfor- well as model traditional clothing. mances. Last year the group participated in

“Temple is well known for its diversity, and by promoting events like this, it gives a platform to its multicultural students to express themselves in their own original ways.”

the International Street Fair organized by Temple and won third place in the competition. “The opportunity to perform again this year is an excellent change for us to do some kind of comeback,” Malaysian Student Association president Afeshuhaida Othman said. During the fashion show, the group will model baju kebaya, traditional clothing for females and baju melayu, traditional clothing for males, which are worn especially during religious celebrations. “Baju kebaya consists of a matching blouse and sarong,” Othman said. “The blouse has a central opening which is usually fastened by kerongsang, or traditional pins that have a very classy and vintage look.” “Baju melayu consists of a shirt and a pair of pants, which are of the similar color,” Othman added. “The shirt and the pants will be accessorized with kain samping, wrapped around waist.” Othman said that kain samping is usually made from songket, luxury gold or silver embroider fabric. Men will also put songkok, a traditional cap, on their head and fasten the raised stiff collar of the baju melayu with one set of chained buttons. Approximately 160 participants from the university and the Philadelphia community and more than 500 students, faculty, staff and community members are expected to attend the celebration. “I think that it’s great that [OIA]

offers this type of event,” Spanish and French major Colleen Connolly said. “It’d be interesting to see all the different performances from the different cultural groups because I’m personally interested in other cultures – it’s a part of my language major so I think it’s nice to have it available for students on campus.” OIA will continue to make this a biannual event. “Temple is well known for its diversity, and by promoting events like this, it gives a platform to its multicultural students to express themselves in their own original ways,” Othman said. “It is also a crucial effort in order to make people aware and appreciate the talents that these international students have.” The audience can expect a cultural fusion of performances and most importantly insight on how our commitment to globalization is essential to understanding the world around us. “We hope this event serves as an opportunity for international students at Temple to mingle and create friendships with domestic students, and sparks an interest in domestic students to pursue study abroad options,” Spangler said. “If everyone walks away learning one thing they didn’t know about another culture, we’ll consider this event a great success.” Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@temple.edu.

Illustration Joey Pasko

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT temple-news.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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COMIC CON 2012 Comic book sellers and enthusiasts gathered in Philadelphia to share their love of all things animated at the March 18 Philadelphia Comic Con. ALEXIS WRIGHT-WHITLEY The Temple News It is not every day that one hears mainstream discussions of Superman, Spiderman, DC or Marvel. Many have forgotten about these comic icons and companies. Yet, they still do have a following to uphold a fan base. Comic book collectors, dealers and creators convened on Sunday, March 18 at the Ramada Philadelphia Airport Hotel for the Philadelphia Comic Con – not to be confused with Wizard World’s Comic Con, which will make its rounds in Philly this June. More than 60 tables were spaced out creating pathways to allow comic fans to walk around and marvel at all the merchandise being sold. Each table was complemented by huge displays of comics, all ranging from “Golden Age” – 1938 to 1950, “Silver Age” – 1956 to 1970, “Bronze Age” – 1970 to 1985 and “Modern Age” – 1985 to the present day – of comics. Vendors

also displayed non-sports trading cards and iconic DVDs. Action figures and plush toys including X-Men, Teen Titans, Spiderman and Ironman characters peeked out from underneath some of the many tables, waiting to be purchased. Philadelphia Comic Con, promoted by Derek Woywood, has been reeling in comic lovers for 20 years. “[I started getting into comics] in the ‘60s, when I was born,” Woywood said. Early on, he said he engrossed himself in DC Comics favorites, Superman and Batman. “I like the exploratory fantasy type of things that DC was doing,” he added. “They were stretching the boundaries.” His appreciation for the deftness of comics is still apparent. He said he continues to read physical, paper comic books. “I need something that’s in my hand,” Woywood said. He said he appreciates the feel of a comic book and enjoys being able to flip through the pages, leading him on a fantasy based journey.

Woywood was not alone in his feelings toward comics, thus Philadelphia Comic Con began. The 4,500-square-foot ballroom provided just enough space for comic lovers to peel through boxes upon boxes of comics of all genres. Collectors spoke with vendors about the histories and transformations of their comic book favorites. Parents guided children through the room, exchanging cash for a child’s smile as they held their new comic book. Gus Giuduci, 58, is anxious about the future of comics. “I worry, as an older person, who has grown up with [comics], that someday, there’s going to be nobody who cares about [them],” Giuduci said. Comics are an important element in Giuduci’s life. In 1994, he opened his store, “Comic Book Theater,” in South Philadelphia, which closed in 2002. However, he said being a part of the Philadelphia Comic Con has shed a bit of hope on the future of comics. “We have these little shows,

COMIC PAGE 11

Spanish flair empowers Philadelphia women Traditional Spanish dance arrived in North Philadelphia and Main Campus through the First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival. dance students. “I’ve seen it in the past so I think it will be interesting to learn it,” senior dance and psychology The First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival, host- major Tiara Canizarez said. “It is different from anyed by Pasión y Arte and featuring the work of inter- thing I’ve ever actually done. I’m used to doing modnationally renowned Spanish choreographer Rosario ern and African [dance] so I thought flamenco would Toledo, kicked off its two-week long event on March be a nice change.” Senior dance major Megan Quinn added that 19 at Temple with a free master class. though she usually does modern dance, master classWhile that event has passed, performances of es are “fun” because they’re always a “different style “Cómplices,” created by Tothan what we’re used to.” ledo for Pasión y Arte, and “Del Toledo, originally from Caprimer Paso,” Toledo’s own perdiz, Spain, is a classical and Spanformance making its U.S. debut, ish dancer who studied at Seville’s will be featured at the Christ Dance Conservatory and has acChurch Neighborhood House at complished much throughout her 20 N. American St. through the career as a flamenco dancer and end of this week. A movie night choreographer. She speaks limand symposium will also be held. ited English, but that did not inThe festival is occurring durhibit her communication with the ing women’s history month from aspiring dancers during the class, an all-female dance company whom she kept on beat and occathat showcases, what Elba Hevia Elba Hevia y Vaca / sionally, in fits of laughter. Pasión y Arte creator, director y Vaca, creator, artistic and ex“Comedy, besides brilliance,” ecutive director of Pasión y Arte, is Toledo’s best quality as a chocalls, feminist flamenco. reographer, as described by Hevia “When you have a male, y Vaca. She addeed that she had things change,” Hevia y Vaca wanted to work with Toledo because of, “her consaid. “There is always the idea of romance or this and cept, ideas [and] her artistic direction.” that. My idea was really making an all-female dance “She is very female oriented, and aesthetically, company on a feminist direction, meaning empowershe’s brilliant,” Hevia y Vaca said. ing women, owning the woman part of ourselves and Toledo was the first outside choreographer to understanding how strong it is because flamenco is a work with Pasión y Arte, and she created the piece great way to show that strength.” “Cómplices” exclusively for the dance company The free master class, taught by Toledo in Pearwhen she was doing her residency in Philadelphia. son Hall, was the first of the festival’s events aimed The piece features four to five women and is a at bringing the innovative dance style to the greater dichotomy, as it explores the whole and singularity of Philadelphia community. the dancers. There is choreography for each dancer, “I was interested in having a narrative to flamenbut the group is the most important part. It delves into co,” Hevia y Vaca said. “The narrative being from a

SINÉAD CUMMINGS The Temple News

“I was interested in having a narrative to flamenco. The narrative being from a woman’s perspective.”

Courtesy Yoshio Kato

woman’s perspective – by a woman, for a woman.” The class was filled primarily with modern

FLAMENCO PAGE 11

PARTY ANIMALS

Philadelphia natives Cold Fronts returned from playing the SXSW festival with stories about partying with Andrew WK.

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FRIDAY FESTIVITIES

Want to know what’s going on this First Friday? Check out our rundown of this month’s events, including one at Arden Theater.

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Dancer and choreographer Rosario Toledo performed and taught a master class as part of the first Philadelphia Flamenco Festival. The festival was organized by Pasión y Arte.

ART AND RELIGION

The Chabad House for the Arts opened a South Street Gallery, the Kugel Collaborative.

ARTSandENTERTAINMENT@TEMPLE-NEWS.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

Theater and performances find place in First Friday activities The Arden Theater will join in the First Friday festivities this month with “Tell Me a Story.” NICOLE WELK The Temple News Old City’s First Friday is certainly the cultural hub of Philadelphia for visitors to view some of the best artwork the city has to offer in various galleries. The galleries themselves, however, are situated around one of the city’s most beloved theaters: the Arden Theater. In years past, the Arden’s involvement with First Friday has been passive, with its space donned a stop to use restroom facilities during the special day of exhibits. But this year, the Arden Theater has become an active, central, contributing member in the First Friday festivities, with a line up of free performances offered to the public. The associate producer of the Arden Theater Company, Matthew Decker, said he saw the theater as a space that artists could benefit from. “We wanted to contribute to the artistic groups as a central platform,” Decker said. “ We have the space, why not give it to the artists during this event?” Since First Friday this March, the Arden has opened its doors to the public as a place to relax, mingle and experience theater in a different manner. Free beer from Triumph Brewery will be offered in the lobby, and the Independence Foundation Studio of the theater is open to visitors to watch specialized shows in an informal manner. It offers a coffee-shop type atmosphere, but with the opportunity to enjoy some entertainment from a variety of theater artists. “It is a rare experience for people to get to see the developmental stages of theater,” Decker said. “The shows are stripped down, and so different from

what we do on our stages.” Last month, the Arden showcased a group of improvisational actors called “The N Crowd.” The group took suggestions from the audience, and created short skits in response to them – exercises that many actors use before large performances. In May, the theater plans to host the “Berserker Residents” – a group of artists who will present a play as a work-inprogress to receive feedback from First Friday visitors. It is an opportunity to view the world of theater through more casual eyes, in its beginning stages. This coming First FriABI REIMOLD TTN day’s April 6 performance The Arden Theater sits at 40 N. 2nd St. and will take part in First Friday activities. will host Hillary Rea and Decker said. beginning at 5 p.m. a new theater production The Arden will open its doors for MORE FIBERPHILADELPHIA titled “Tell Me A Story.” The show is comprised of a group of actors within the “Tell Me A Story” performance The FiberPhiladelphia festivities a coffee shop setting, who tell true-life April 6 at 6 p.m., with performances continue with additional First Friday restories to the audience. Two to three from 6 to 8 p.m. ceptions this April 6. Included in these In addition to the free performance receptions is the opening of the show, performances will be given during a two-hour window, and during the per- at the Arden this April, be sure not to “Oh You Fancy, Huh?” at Always By formance a “Wild Card storyteller” may miss these other events during First Fri- Design at 265 S. 10th St. The show will be chosen from the audience to tell their day. feature a grouping of BFA Fibers stuown story. PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART dents from Tyler School of Art: Kelly “We open our doors at 6 p.m., and The art museum will be conclud- Flegal, Caleigh Stednitz, Alexis Turner the idea is you can come in, grab a beer ing its Zoe Strauss show, featuring the and Christina Lukac. and walk into a 20-minute show,” Deck- works of the local photographer from The gallery’s normal running hours er said. South Philadelphia, on April 22. During are Thursday and Friday from 3 to 7 Four windows where the audience First Friday, the gallery will be open to p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. can view the liveliness of the events that visitors, and an Art After Five perfor- This First Friday, a special reception for are outside during the performance wall mance featuring the Italian music group the show will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. the Independence Foundation Studio, La Dolce Vita will be held in the muse where the shows are held. um’s Great Stair Hall. The Philadelphia “The atmosphere emulates the ar- Museum of Art is open from 10 a.m. to Nicole Welk can be reached at tistic spirit of what First Friday is,” 8:45 p.m. on Friday, with performances nicole.welk@temple.edu.

Listener reconsiders ‘bad music’

H

Fear of Music

ow easy is it to decry the music of LMFAO? You’re probably not even thinking of that as a real question right now. The music of LMFAO is sort of like a mystery to me – a code to crack or KEVIN STAIRIKER decode. I treat it like Nicholas Cage treats Columnist Kevin the Declaration of Stairiker advises that Independence. People are so music lovers shouldn’t quick to dismiss write off music too something, whether it’s inane YouTube quickly. commenters: “Ugh, what happened to music? In my day all we needed was a little Tom Petty.” Or, people who just think they are far too good for something: “LMFAO? Sorry, if it wasn‘t on the last Panda Bear album, I didn‘t hear it.” People judge supposedly terrible music way too quickly, and usually before they listen to a lot of it. Even some of those early Black Eyed Peas albums had some bangers on them. Granted, LMFAO might be genuinely terrible, but you never really know until you listen to a lot of it. Obviously it has something going for it if people like it so much, even if the thing people like is that they don’t have to think about it at all. In this column, I usually pick apart a song and try to figure out why it’s good or bad. But this time, just one song won’t do – sorry for the column rocking, y’all. The surprisingly lean “Sorry for Party Rocking” album kicks off with a musical origin story that sounds like it was cribbed from a crumpled up piece of paper in the Lonely Island’s trashcan. You can nod your head for a bit to the slightly “wubby” breakdown if you’re into that sort of thing, but then the two guys come in and it just bums you out. At a little less than two minutes, it’s like they’re trying to trick you into thinking the album is full of short songs, which is so, so wrong. And then, we’re already at the title track. Am I the only one that detects some-

what of an insincere apology? When I would misbehave when I was little and try to apologize, my mom would always say that if I was sorry I wouldn’t do it again. If LMFAO just keeps on party rocking, no one is going to believe that they’re actually sorry. It didn’t take me too long to find something that I liked, as the first line of RedFoo’s rap is, “I be up in the party/Looking for a hottie to bone.” That’s the first line of a true adventure, folks. Unfortunately, there are so many great lines in this song that can’t be printed in this paper. The whole time I listened to it I was thinking about important lyricists throughout time and their effect on the listener. Maybe some guy in 1964 was listening to some Bob Dylan and just thinking about how it felt like Bob knew exactly how he felt at the time. Then I equated it to a bro in a tank top and flip-flops listening to “Sorry for Party Rocking” and thinking, “Man, LMFAO really gets me.” But I digress. Next is – hey, I actually know this next song. Seriously, do you guys even consider how humongously popular “Party Rock Anthem” is? If you type the letter “P” into the YouTube search bar, it’s the first result for the letter “P.” For being LMFAO’s biggest single yet, “Party Rock Anthem” is fairly innocuous. Not the rap, of course, but the singing parts could totally fool someone into thinking this is for all ages, as opposed to just people under 15. The musical aspects of the song aren’t really that bad either. If it wasn’t sandwiched between “Sorry for Party Rocking” and the next song, it might even be more enjoyable. I don’t really want to spend any time with “Sexy And I Know It.” At some points it sounds like a song Aziz Ansari’s “Raaaandy” character would do, and at other points, it sounds like a song Aziz Ansari’s Tom Haverford character from “Parks and Recreation” would do. I was kind of bummed to see that “Champagne Showers” was released as a single, because even for an LMFAO song, it’s pretty weak. It does highlight RedFoo and SkyBlu’s favorite thing pretty well though: having the music build to the presumable climax, cutting out to a group of people saying something related to a party and then coming back in with a mighty brostep flourish. And as far as brostep goes, it does the job well. As the album’s first half comes to a

close, in walks total confusion with “One Day.” I was not at all prepared for a contemplative LMFAO. This is RedFoo and SkyBlu at their most wistful, possibly sitting by a fireplace in matching leopard pants, thinking about the one that got away. Sure, they’ve got more success and money than any one person could ever dream of, but darn it, LMFAO is complicated. From there we have the “Shots” sequel – wait, it’s not? Nevermind then. What we do have here is an incredibly unremarkable song called “Take It To The Hole” featuring, Busta Rhymes? Sure, OK. “Take It To The Hole” wishes it was as good of a quasibasketball reference as Wacka Flocka Flame’s “Hard In The Paint,” and that’s saying something. The next two songs each deserve about a sentence of attention. “Best Night” sounds as if LMFAO decided to release the Glee version of the song as the actual song, and I tried desperately to find the “real” version

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before I figured out the awful truth. I fell into a sort of daydream listening to “All Night Long,” because I was imagining the infinitely superior Lionel Ritchie song and video of the same name. And then it was the end. I don’t know if it was the shockingly sincere chorus or the oblique Notorious B.I.G. reference at the beginning, but the album closer “With You” was not entirely offensive to me. It was actually pretty good. RedFoo and SkyBlu rap about their friends like they genuinely have and appreciate them like normal human beings. It’s almost touching, which is probably why no one will ever hear

this song. Thankfully, “Party Rock Anthem” will be blasting out of half-dead mall speakers until the year 2134, so LMFAO can LTFAO all the way to the bank.

SONGS ABOUT FICTIONAL PLACES:

“Surf City”-Jan & Dean “Funkytown”-Lipps, Inc. “Suffragette City”-David Bowie “Wuthering Heights”-Kate Bush “Land Of A 1,000 Dances”- Wilson Pickett Kevin Stairiker can be reached at kevin.stairiker@temple.edu.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

Flamenco comes to North Philly FLAMENCO PAGE 9 components with dualities such as sensations and movement. Music is also an important component in the dance, and is a mix of traditional flamenco and Cuban influences. “I hear [the different music styles] and it’s very special because it’s another color in the music,” Toledo said. Hevia y Vaca said that Pasión y Arte uses music to be innovative. “It’s really about the interpretation of the music,” Hevia y Vaca said. “The traditional flamenco music has a very particular structure – we are limited, we have to follow the structure, the verse tells us what to do.” “So my intention is to just do our own thing,” she added. “We can follow the structure when we want to, but then let’s just move forward and create our own particular vocabulary, using the flamenco inspiration.” Bongo drums, electric piano and electric drums provided the music for the master class and background for Toledo’s innovative teachings. Toledo asked that no shoes be worn and as the students danced, she directed them to “release the movement” and understand the “concept of looseness with a firm grip to the earth.” Toledo was intent on showing each student the proper steps in the dance, but encouraged them to make arm movements and turns their own. In no way was it a traditional flamenco class. The

playful mood and energy belonged to a new, 21st century flamenco style with its own dialogue. Creating communication is the goal Hevia y Vaca said she aims to accomplish through the First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival. She described the goal of the festival as “exposing people to this art form in a very different way.” “Maybe there is an educational component, understanding that there are so many variations of flamenco, not just the stereotypes,” Hevia y Vaca said. Hevia y Vaca moved to Philadelphia years ago, bringing her own style of Flamenco to the city, and said she always hoped that one day she could create a festival showcasing her particular take on the art form. “This particular project, has been in gestation, exploration and finally the result for at least two and a half years,” she said. With the project finally underway in the greater Philadelphia community, Toledo hopes to convey the strength women posses and share their stories through dance during the festival. “The more comfortable [you are] with what you are and what you do, [then] you can actually transmit it honestly,” Toledo said. Sinead Cummings can be reached at sinead.cummings@temple.edu.

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Comic book lovers maintain optimism COMIC PAGE 9 and people come out. And people are smiling and having a good time. People are buying comics, and it makes [me] smile, as an old-time collector,” Giuduci said. “Kids buying comic books is the greatest thing in the world.” Giuduci pointed across the room to a father buying his son a comic book. “I love to see that, because then you say, ‘Maybe there is another generation of people,’” Giuduci said. But not everyone present believed the digital age would change the way people viewed comics. Dave Franchini, 24, and Christopher Cote, 27, of independent comic book publisher Zenescope Entertainment, said they’ve celebrated the opportunities comic books have had with the rise of technological advancements. “For us, [the digitalization of comics] is really good,” Franchini, a sales representative for Zenescope, said. “It’s awesome because you get a lot of people who don’t normally go into a comic book store or don’t have a comic book store near them, and they’ll be interested in [our comics]. That’s how you get new fans.” Cote, Zenescope’s production manager, introduced Zenescope’s application ComiXology, and said that they “have been able to get in touch with an entirely different market,” especially those who normally do not

read comics. Available through Apple’s app store, ComiXology, allows readers to seek out comics produced by a slew of companies, including Zenescope. Comic-Con attendee Paris Cullins, 20, believes that comics will continue to be around as long as people are interested. “It all depends on whether people [like digital comics or paper comics],” Cullins said. “If people did not love comics,

this [convention] wouldn’t be happening,” Giuduci said. The next Philadelphia ComicCon will be held April 29. Temple students and faculty who come to the show with their ID will receive free admittance. Alexis Wright-Whitley can be reached at awrightwhitley@temple.edu.

Courtesy Mike Hurwitz

Pasión y Arte dancers Leslie Roybal and Rocio Sanchez perform a flamenco dance. Pasión y Arte hosted the First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival.

ALEXIS WRIGHT-WHITELY TTN

(Top) Derek Woywood and Guis Giuduci attended the March 18 Philadelphia Comic Con. (Middle) Dave Franchini, sales representative of Zenescope Entertainment, Christopher Cote, production manager and Stephen Haberman, marketing manager attended to promote their comic book company. Hundreds of comics, old and new, were on display and for sale at the convention.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

Cold Fronts Courtesy Cassandra Gates

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JENELLE JANCI The Temple News

n a time when music is often created with more software than instruments, Cold Fronts is by all means sticking to the basics. “We’re trying to bring back rock music,” Cold Fronts drummer Alex Smith said. “There’s no computers involved, no loops, no electronics. We’re trying to bring back actual rock music, good songwriting, and keep it as raw as possible, because people can really feel that.” Comprised of Craig Almquist, Jake Hammill, Dylan Hammill and Smith, Cold Fronts has become a must-see band in the Philly music scene. After leaving the city at the beginning of March to do a spring break tour with fellow Philadelphians mewithoutyou, Cold Fronts headed straight to Austin, Texas for the South by Southwest music festival. According to Smith, the guys ended their stay in Austin with yet another show, but this time an impromptu one. After running into some friends of friends with a public address system, the band transformed a parking lot into a venue. Even after the music stopped, the fun continued – the band’s spontaneity inspired an hour-long dance party in the street. When Cold Fronts’ members aren’t starting dance parties in Texas, they are planning and playing shows at their own West Philly venue, the Rathaus. Started in 2010, the Rathaus was created when Cold Fronts’ members and others from a former project decided a new practice space was necessary when, in Smith’s words, “a new yuppie family” moved in below them, and consistently complained to the police about band practices in the apartment. Though it began as a one-

show-a-month venue, the Rathaus hosted four shows in the month of May alone. Cold Fronts will perform at MilkBoy Philly on Chestnut Street on April 13. The Temple News touched base with Smith during a break from the SXSW festival. The Temple News: How is the music scene in Philadelphia for an up-and-coming band? Alex Smith: I think if you work hard to write the best songs that you can, and put on a really great live show, you can find success anywhere. But, Philly is definitely great for a lot of reasons. There are so many young people. The cheap rent is very important too, I think. The music scene is definitely good [and] I’d say it’s a lot less competitive than New York [City]. In some ways that’s good because you can kind of isolate yourself and work on your own thing. But I almost like New York better because there’s constant competition and everyone that plays is so good. The concentration of people in certain neighborhoods is a lot higher, so you’re always running into musicians everywhere. But the Philly music scene is on the rise. Out here at SXSW we’ve gotten a lot of respect from people just because they know about the Philly music scene. Each neighborhood has its own audience. TTN: Is there something that you look for when booking people to play at the Rathaus? AS: We look if you’re going to be in the area, but also [for] someone who has really good songwriting. We stray away from more folky things, unless

we plan a certain night that [folk music] might be oriented to. We like bands that people can dance to and that have a unique sound – people who are down to party with us and who play great music. TTN: On the band’s twitter (@Coldfrontsmusic), you guys tweeted a picture of Andrew WK playing on your drum set. What’s the story behind that? AS: We’re friends with this band called the Gay Blades from Asbury Park, N.J. – we toured with them over the summer. Their singer James was at SXSW for working purposes and to play some shows. Their drummer didn’t call off so he asked me to play drums for a Alex Smith / couple of shows cold fronts drummer that Cold Fronts and Gay Blades were playing together. He started out the set, James started playing a couple songs solo. This was at 3 p.m. on our first day in Austin. Fox and MySpace were having a party there. Andrew WK was kind of the host/ MC of the whole apocopation. I was about to go on stage to start playing drums and Andrew came from out of nowhere, jumped up on stage, and started playing drums. He was acting like he was totally trashed but he was just putting on a show. By the third song he sounded horrible and was just knocking the drum set over. The dude from Gay Blades was pretty unphased. But Andrew WK was up there, and my whole set was pretty much in pieces [except] song number three. I never even made it up there to perform with the Gay Blades. So we’re like, “Alright, cool. He’s down

“There are no computers involved, no loops, no electronics. We’re trying to bring back actual rock music.”

to party. We’re gonna go hang out with Andrew WK. We’re the hardest partying band from Philadelphia – he’s the hardest partying musician from New York. Let’s combine forces and see what will happen.” So, some of my band members are hanging out with him, trying to get him to party. And he’s like, “Well the cops said that [they] don’t want us doing stuff like that inside.” He was not a partier. I think that we partied much harder than Andrew

WK this whole week. TTN: How was your experience at SXSW? AS: Imagine a Wild West Philly house party, plus a major festival like Bonnaroo, plus Mardi Gras combined into six blocks of Austin. It was crazy – pure chaos, fun and joy. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more fun experience in my life. Jenelle Janci can be reached at jenelle.janci@temple.edu.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

Eats & Cheats CAITLIN WEIGEL

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Greek, feta omelet puts spin on gyro Columnist Caitlin Weigel said Opa surpassed her previous Greek food experiences.

s a kid, the only image the word “Greece” conjured in my mind involved actors in their 30s hand-jiving at a high school dance. Then, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” came on the scene and the connotations became a little more accurate – Greece now made me think of Windex and that lost sheep of an exboy-band member, Joey Fatone. Still, if Greece happened to be mentioned in conjunction with food, I assumed we were talking about the residue left after a slice of pizza. Then I was introduced to the wonder of the gyro. My first gyro came from a fair along the Susquehanna River and consisted of some gray, chewy lamb stuffed into a pita with a few pale tomatoes, limp shreds of lettuce and a drizzle of runny yogurt sauce. Despite its less-than-gourmet status, I was hooked. My love of Greek food only grew as I was introduced to feta – the delightful white cheese that crumbles with ease and is equally suited atop a salad or melted on a marinated chicken breast. And speaking of marinade – anyone growing up in Central Pennsylvania who has ever listened to the radio knows the unfortunately catchy jingle of Gazebo Room Salad Dressings & Marinade. Gazebo Room dressing and marinade – your taste buds will never be the same. The Greek dressing found its way into every summer dish my mom made – from a simple cucumber salad to veggie kabobs on the grill. So it was with great excitement that I sought out Greek food in Philadelphia. I found myself at Opa, tucked away on Samson Street near 13th Street. The interior is well-decorated with what appears to be a large basket rising up along the wall and curving over half of the bar area. The lunch menu features Greek paninis, gyros and even a burger

with a Greek twist. Oregano, lemon, cucumbers and yogurtbased sauces are prevalent throughout, exemplifying classic Greek flavors. I ordered a plate of olives and fresh pita along with a lamb gyro and oregano fries. The gyro was a far cry from my river fair experience. The pita was soft and warm and the lamb was the stuff of dreams – tender and flavorful. The oregano fries provided a crispy, salty contrast to the main focus of the meal. My previous experience with olives – straight from a jar – told me that I should be able to just pop some of those suckers into my mouth, no problem. Unfortunately, these suckers had pits. I awkwardly choked on the first few I had tossed into my mouth, then tried to discreetly fish the pits out from my throat. I’m not exactly sure what the etiquette for eating pitted olives is, but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t involve making gagging sounds and sticking your finger in your own mouth, or anyone’s mouth for that matter. As for a home version of some Greek food, I suggest whipping up a Greek omelet similar to the one featured on Opa’s menu. You’ve watched the weekend Johnson and Hardwick dining hall crew enough to get the basic gist of how omelet making works. Crack some eggs, heat up a pan, swirl the egg-y goodness around until it’s flat and mostly cooked through. In another pan, heat up some spinach and tomatoes, and then throw it on top of your egg mixture. Sprinkle it with some feta crumbles and wait for the cheese to melt before folding the whole thing in half. The folding part may get tricky and you would probably lose points on presentation if you were on a cooking show, but thankfully, you’re not on a cooking show and you can just stuff the whole thing in your mouth before anyone comments on how ugly it looks.

“You’ve watched the weekend Johnson and Hardwick dining hall crew enough to get the basic gist of how omelet making works.”

For those interested in further expanding their knowledge of Greek food, I highly recommend Opa. They have a pretty killer happy hour featuring $1 skewers and $3 craft beers. That might just be enough to get you saying, “Opa!” and using Windex to heal your warts. Caitlin Weigel can be reached at c.weigel@temple.edu.

CAITLIN WEIGEL TTN

Columnist Caitlin Weigel said her gyro from Opa was better than previous Greek dining experiences. Opa is located near 13th and Sansom streets.

WEST SIDE STORY MARCH 27 – APRIL 8 TIMES VARY $10 + KIMMEL CENTER 300 S. BROAD ST. KIMMELCENTER.ORG Heralded as one of the greatest musicals ever produced, West Side Story tells the Romeo-and-Juliet-reminiscent tale of Tony and Maria, two New York City lovers from different backgrounds. Since the play’s first Broadway production in 1957, it has procured a slew of Tony and Grammy awards, and its 1961 film adaptation won 10 Academy Awards. Tickets are available through the Kimmel Center starting at $20, but limited quantities are available through Student Activities for $10 while supplies last. The opening show on Tuesday starts at 7:30 p.m. Before the show, head down to Oyster House on 15th and Sansom streets for a 5 to 7 p.m. happy hour and $1 oysters for a swanky night on the town.

YOGA RAVE FRI., MARCH 30 7 P.M. $15 2424 YORK ST. YOGARAVE.ORG How can you rave while doing yoga? It seems counterintuitive, right? Or do yoga while raving? Well, folks, not only is it possible, it’s a trend that’s sweeping the globe full-force. So put down the Svedka and walk away from the pizza, because Friday night is dedicated to the healthier and more balanced alternative. The party starts off with light yoga, then segues into a guided meditation by the yogi. From there, the music kicks in and attendees are encouraged to connect with the music. At the end of the night, there is a final guided meditation. There will also be a bar – nonalcoholic, of course – and vegetarian offerings. With the impending doom of finals week, the gorgeous weather keeping you out of the library and Spring Fling around the corner, head down to this alternative rave to find your center. Namaste.

FIRST AID KIT SAT., MARCH 31 8:30 P.M. $15 UNION TRANSFER 1024 SPRING GARDEN ST. R5PRODUCTIONS.COM The Swedish are coming, the Swedish are coming! First Aid Kit, the Swedish sister-duo Johanna and Kiara Söderberg, is hitting up Philadelphia on its North American tour. After New York City and Washington, D.C., these sisters will make their way to Philadelphia, and eventually mosey to California for Coachella. With its whimsical folk tunes, First Aid Kit is reminiscent of musicians like Joanna Newsom, Cat Power and Fleet Foxes. Johanna, 21, and Kiara, 19, started recording in 2007 and will be headlining on “Conan” on April 16. With the band’s popularity spreading like wildfire, we recommend you head down to Union Transfer on Friday before the girls start charging $50 or more for the same show. -Alexis Sachdev

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“Top Secret Rosies” exposes unknown WWII history Filmmaker and professor LeAnn Erickson made “Top Secret Rosies: The Female Computers of World War II” to honor the women of the war. “It took a lot of private donations, some as small as $25, but there were no problems with participation and with a big supThroughout history, World port system we were finished War II veterans have been production seven years later,” praised for their undeniably Erickson said. brave deeds and service to In the filmmaking business America. What people are unfor more than 20 years, Erickson aware of though, is that there has a lot of experience under her was a different group stationed belt. The documentarian has in Philadelphia that also played covered films ranging from ania huge role in the victory of the mated pieces to memoirs. An war. obvious and reoccurring comThese are the female mathponent of these films has been ematicians, the unsung heroes the involvement of her family. of World War II. These women Erickson had worked with were given the responsibility of her son, sophomore film and ensuring the accuracy of weapmedia arts major Jake Rasmusons used, as well as becoming sen, to create the animated film, the programmers and writers “Fun Days with Jake.” Also, the for the first electronic computer, memoir “Folk Songs” centers ENIAC. on stories of her Filmmaker grandparents who and film and mewere Ukrainian dia arts professor immigrants in the LeAnn Erickson, early 1900s. Now, said she decided “Top Secret Rosthat 65 years after ies” increases the the war it was time variety of her work for their story to even more. Usube told so they can ally an independent finally receive the filmmaker, Erickcredit they were son enlisted the denied. With her help of a crew in film, “Top Seorder to complete cret Rosies: The this project. Female ComputLeAnn Erickson / “This is the producer, “top secret ers of World War biggest, most amrosies: the female II,” she was able computers of world war II bitious film I have to give a voice ever done and also to several of the the first one to be women and men in HD,” Erickson involved in the said. “I envisioned it as a public technological part of the war. television documentary.” “I wanted to show a group For the past year, “Top Sethat is sorely underrepresented cret Rosies” has been screened and that is girls with computnationwide from California to ers,” Erickson said. “There is an New Orleans and is now availunknown connection between able on Netflix. women, computers and World “Since it is Women’s HisWar II.” tory Month, this film has beThis was certainly not a come even more relevant and topic she had always planned the film’s distributer, PBS, has to expose. In fact, it was more been great at giving it publicof an accidental discovery, she ity,” Erickson said. said. “I often felt women would Erickson said she learned feel differently about technolabout these technology savvy ogy if they knew the history,” women while researching for she added. “I want this film to a previous film, “Neighbor Lainspire women to pursue careers dies,” which documented the inin the technology department.” tegration of Mt. Airy into Philadelphia. Siobhan Redding can be During an interview with reached at two sisters for “Neighbor Lasiobhan.redding@temple.edu. dies,” Erickson said she had overheard them speaking about their past involvement in World War II as mathematicians. “I thought it was a really important history story and could be a go-to story for educational purposes,” she said. The timing of filming was not ideal for Erickson though. In the middle of production, the economy crashed and she was unable to finish. But what Erickson lacked in funding, she made up for in determination and eventually was able to complete the film.

SIOBHAN REDDING The Temple News

“I thought it was a really important history story and could be a go-to for educational purposes.”

Courtesy Women in Technology International

During World War II, women were instrumental in the scope of technology. They ensured the accuracy of weapons and programmed the first electronic computers. Professor LeAnn Erickson’s film, “Top Secret Rosies,” honors these women.

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Springtime returns with noxious plants SEEN AND HEARD VICTORIA MARCHIONY

Columnist Victoria Marchiony discusses the smells emitted from the blooming trees on 13th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.

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h, springtime. The weather is warm, the clouds are thin and the hemlines are rising. On one of the first hot days of the season, I walked out of my residence hall and paused to take a deep, indulgent breath. The air only got about halfway up my nostrils before my brain registered the heinous scent it was being subjected to and immediately started rejecting it. Mid-inhale, I found myself spluttering, choking, gagging on the familiar odor that has sadly become synonymous with springtime to my poor, victimized nose. In the event that you’ve been spared an encounter with the south side of Main Campus where the smell to which I’m referring lives and you’re lost, the aroma I’m talking about is frighteningly similar to one found elsewhere in nature – though it is usually reserved for the insides of tube socks or condoms. Now what on 13th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue could possibly smell so strongly reminiscent of male ejaculate? The culprit, amusingly enough, is a tree with small white flowers which when in bloom, put that pungent zing in the air. To the scientific community, the offending trees are known as “Pyrus calleryana.” To the gardening-inclined, they are more likely to be referred to as “Chanticleers” or “Callery Pears.” To everyone else, they go by a series of colorful nicknames that I can’t get away with printing – “Spring-HasCome Trees” being the most acceptable. Originally brought over from China in

the 19th century by a French missionary, Callery Pears have become exceedingly popular in landscape architecture. Interestingly, of all the websites Google produced in response to the keywords “Pyrus calleryana,” not a single one mentioned that those pretty white flowers they were raving about emit an unbearable stench from April through August. Web pages were packed with scientific information about origin, height, shape, watering and fertilization needs and plenty of bragging about the species’ award for being named “Urban Tree of the Year” in 2005. In fact, the only website that mentioned the signature fragrance of the trees was UrbanDictionary – needless to say, they didn’t exactly tread lightly. This means that while I now know a great deal about the benefits of its shape, and have gathered that the smell is normal, and not indicative of anything “wrong” with the tree, I still don’t understand why they reek. Though it’s nice to be able to call my friend in Columbia, Md., and commiserate about our parallel experiences of asphyxiation, I never “got” who in their right mind would allow these things to be planted in multiple cities. Even beyond Philadelphia

and its surrounding suburbs, these trees are main features of urban landscaping all around the U.S., and are increasing in popularity in Australia. The gaping black hole in the details available about the smell online finally helped me shed some light on how these disgusting plants ended up everywhere. I have a sneaking suspicion that it all comes down to the evasive sales pitch: If nobody asks about how the tree smells, then all of the positive qualities can persuade city planners to unknowingly buy into the perpetuation of grossness. For me, the tree problem drives home the importance of full disclosure. Even if you aren’t asked, or you fail to ask someone else a specific question, there are certain topics that should be on the table for the sake of general wellbeing. Whether it’s giving a potential sexual partner notice that you have a sexually transmitted disease, disclosing to a raging liberal that you’re a republican or letting your doctor know that you smoke before letting her prescribe you medication for a chronically irritated throat, I think it’s pretty obvious that integrity should not be taken lightly. I’m consistently disappointed by how

“Mid-inhale, I found myself spluttering, choking, gagging on the familiar odor that has sadly become synonymous with springtime to my poor, victimized nose.”

JENINE PILLA The Temple News Shaun Paul Costello, a 2008 alumnus and Philadelphia native, has been actively involved in the film industry since graduating with degrees in theater and film and media arts. An actor by dream, Costello has become a man of many jobs. He and his other half, Joe Gariffo, founded Lucky Bastard Productions, a company that released five films that have been slowly unrolling the carpet for the hardworking duo. Their first film, “Swooped,” won six awards in film festivals around the country and opened doors for more opportunities. The Temple News talked with Costello to get a glimpse into how his experience at Temple and in Philadelphia has helped him pursue his dream.

ANDREW THAYER TTN

The Temple News: How did Temple prepare you for the “real world” film industry? Shaun Paul Costello: [My majors were] the perfect combination. I wanted to be a film actor. I know if you put me on a Broadway stage, there’s no way, I’m horrible. In a classroom setting, you get a lot of intimate acting and that’s a lot of camera acting. It is something you can do in a classroom but not on a major stage. I got a lot out of that. Putting together little shorts gave me the fundamentals and set a good ground-work for film. When they teach you how to make a budget in your producing class, you don’t learn everything. You don’t think about real world expenses until you’re in the real world. You don’t realize that hey, we need $200 for batteries for the walkie-talkies in addition to the $10 rental fee. TTN: What was your first step after graduation? SPC: Me and Joe [Gariffo], we’re actors, and that’s all we really want to do is act. So when we got out of college we had an idea for this 11-page short film that we wrote in the back of a Honda Civic on a road trip from Orlando, [Fla.] to Philadelphia. It was called “Swooped” and it was something stupid that happened between us with a girl. TTN: How did “Swooped” transform into a feature film? SPC: After we had the short written, I was sleeping and it came to me in a dream that it was a feature. So during the World Series between Tampa Bay and the Phillies, we locked ourselves in a basement and in two days we wrote this script and just started sending it out to people. Everyone really liked it and thought it was funny and next thing you know, we have a budget, someone to shoot it and a camera that makes everything look like 35mm film. We got lucky, and that’s why we call ourselves Lucky Bastard Productions – because we kind of just got lucky.

SHAUN PAUL COSTELLO

TTN: You said making a feature was like being

little honesty I hear on topics ranging in importance from life and deadly side effects of certain chemicals to the vile odor of a tree planted outside my window. Telling uncomfortable truths may be momentarily awkward, but the consequences of whatever fleeting trouble it conjures certainly have to be miniscule in comparison with the chain reaction of unpleasantness that may follow if you ignore those nagging details. The moral of my rant? Don’t withhold information, because it may result in a nostril-crippling epidemic of foul-smelling trees that everyone with a working nose will hate you for each year. Happy springtime, Temple. Enjoy your Rita’s Italian Ice and sunshine. And don’t forget to keep breathing through your mouth until the fall. Victoria Marchiony can be reached at vmarchiony@temple.edu.

in film school, how was this shown in the making of “Swooped?” SPC: It depends on how open you are to criticism. For “Swooped,” we wrote it, edited it, produced it, acted in it – it’s all us. If it sucks, it’s us. You have to be able to put your ego aside and work as a team. That’s the one thing me and [Gariffo] are always good at, compromising. We’ve learned that from “Swooped” and that is why we’re taking our time with “Independents.” “Swooped” taught us to be professional. Our financier taught us the business side and has been like a father figure. The easy part was making the movie, it is what do you do after you have a movie that is the hardest. We were sending it out to film fests but they can take up to six months to get back to you. So while waiting, we became active and started seeking distribution of the film. We’ve been holding off until the best opportunity, and that is what our business partners have been teaching us. TTN: How has working in Philadelphia helped you in the making of your films? SPC: We are extremely loyal to everybody we work with. We want to cast people we’ve worked with before so they get more experience, more roles and the chance to work on a put together production so they can get to the next level themselves. The loyalty that we show to Philadelphia, Philadelphians and the city itself give it right back to us. We have gotten access to shoot at Pat’s and Geno’s, and now we’re talking to the Wells Fargo Center and the Flyers [for “The Independents”] and everyone is really interested in helping us out. We wrote a scene into “The Independents” involving a fundraiser similar to the Flyers Wives Carnival and how it gives back the neighborhoods. It allows us to gain contacts with various people and when we do film, we will be throwing a fundraiser in which all proceeds will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We’re just trying to make the city of Philadelphia an actual film place. The best part about Philadelphia is that you can be in the ghetto one second, the suburbs the next, the mountains in an hour and the beach in an hour the other way. Whatever you need, it’s here in Philadelphia. I understand money comes from Los Angeles and New York, but they’re cramped, you’re like a fish fighting upstream everywhere you go and everyone is so hostile. Philly, we have attitudes too, but if you’re from Philly, and you show attitude right back, you get respect. Jenine Pilla can be reached at jenine.pilla@temple.edu.

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Occupy Vacant Lots Columnist offers advice on how to promotes urban farming initiative avoid canvassers GREEN SPACE

cial to Philadelphia’s urban gardening movement, and its more spontaneous nature is certainly enticing. More so, it’s hard for Occupy opponents to claim that Occupy Vacant Lots “doesn’t have clear goals.” What Occupy Vacant Lots should be lauded for is arguably renewing widespread interest in what some were concerned was a “dying” trend. In his 2008 University of Pennsylvania report on urban gardening, Penn professor Dominic Vitiello found a 50 percent decline in the number of active urban gardens in Philadelphia. Vitiello contributed this to both the aging of dedicated gardeners and a decline in institutional assistance. Occupy Vacant Lots represents an important part of growing a new generation of urban gardening devotees. For those who either dislike or have simply grown weary of the “Occupy” label, there are quite a few other organizations to engage in. A cursory review of other organizations engaging in vacant lot development urban farming includes Urban Tree Connection and the New Growth Project. Additionally, various neighborhoods have run their own gardens for countless years. Other related projects include Philadelphia’s large body of flat roof farming groups and urban tree planting organizations. While these urban farming initiatives may sound wonderful, there are some practical challenges. As previously mentioned, many vacant lots have actual owners. If not, the city may decide it has a desire to sell lots as areas develop and value rises. Neighborhoods often have trouble challenging the city in instances of sale. One of Mayor Michael Nutter’s goals is to make Philadelphia the “greenest” city in America, and part of his green plan is providing a high level of access to local food. However, the mayor and the city must often weigh the value of a lot with its development. Likewise, because all of their hard work could be lost with a sale or claim, vacant lot advocates must pick and choose their locations for now. However, the city government has used more subtle methods to promote urban gardening. Philadelphia recently raised private lot licenses from $30 to $300, but this fee can be waived if the lot is being used for a garden. While Nutter seems to favor the idea of community gardening and vacant lot gardening, there are a lot of politics to navigate. Still, with so many newly dedicated community gardening advocates, it’s hard to believe that progress won’t be made sooner than later. It can’t go unmentioned that Philadelphia’s urban farming and gardening scene is far more vast than I can possibly describe in one column. I haven’t even mentioned Main Campus’ own Temple Community Gardens, which is well worth looking into for any student interested in engaging in urban growing practices.

“Vacant lot urban farming gives community members an incentive to keep a lot clean.”

Joe Hoey can be reached at joe.hoey@temple.edu.

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ll the signs are here: The trees are beginning to bloom, the weather is warming up once more and that weird guy who sits on Beury Beach with a guitar playing Hootie and the Blowfish JOEY PASKO songs is back. All of Joey Pasko offers these events can only lead us to one logithree tips to keep cal conclusion: It’s a class commute springtime on Main bother-free from Campus. canvassers and Yes, preachers. springtime, people. And while we’re so quick to celebrate the good weather with a 40-ounce Hurricane in hand, let us realize that with warmth comes more than flocks of scantily dress students to the Bell Tower. I am of course talking about the colorful collection of volunteers and fanatics who will soon inhabit the Bell Tower area with clipboards and handouts in tow. These people range anywhere from religious and political activists who would just love to talk to you about Jesus’ views on abortion, or even the Green Peace guys who are so eagerly awaiting to ambush and guilt you into joining their cult, or club or whatever. But fear not, children, I have prepared several techniques that could possibly aid in your quest for avoiding human contact. These techniques have undergone rigorous testing done by myself on the various vagrants of the city. I can personally guarantee that if these techniques don’t work, you will at the very least have an entertaining story for your friends. When being approached by these green-vested volunteers and asked if you wish to join this organization it is best to try technique No. 1, which is to say, “Why yes, sir or madam, I am a member of your cult.” This is risky, but it is a great way to avoid the situation leaving both the Green Peace volunteer and your feelings in tact. He says, “Oh great. How long have you been a member?” You lie and say, “Why, like 3 years, brother.” Be specific. Say you know people. “Oh yeah Jennifer Sherriff got me to join, do you know Jennifer?” They say “No,” of course, because Jennifer is your made up friend in Green Peace. But they won’t know that until they go home and Facebook-stalk her to no avail. Poor sucker. But either way, you walk away dodging a bullet and they sit there thinking they just met a friend with whom they can go with to Whole Foods. Technique No. 2 is a bit more risky and requires you to let go of more of your inhibitions. However if done correctly, you can effectively save yourself from ever having to talk to one of those crazy religious dudes ever again. The trick is to out-crazy them. That’s right, if they bump THE SATIRIST

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henever I’ve h a d friends from out of town visit Main Campus and the surrounding area, one of the first things they notice is how incredibly absent “green” is. I’ve heard TemJOSEPH HOEY ple be described as Columnist a “concrete jungle.” This is perhaps most Joseph Hoey noticeable when discusses the walking by Anderson urban farming and Gladfelter halls. initiatives to Much of the area surpromote a clean rounding Main Campus, and much of the city and a sense Philadelphia is missof community. ing the green that suburbanites and country folk have come to know and love. What many people don’t know is that Philly actually has a rich history of urban farming, urban gardening and green parks. The city is home to a considerable number of parks, and as one of America’s first major cities, it has a history of agriculture. However, as with many American cities, industrial growth led to a decline in both space and greenery. Fortunately, a slew of community-oriented groups have been looking to help foster a greener future for Philadelphia. In recent times, Philadelphians have been drawn back to the concept of urban farming and gardening as an effective way to provide healthy and natural food for communities. Urban farming has helped foster community in various types of neighborhoods. While many urban farms have traditionally been set aside by foundations and organizations, in recent years Philadelphians have tried to take advantage of the vast body of vacant lots within city blocks. Vacant lots are often seen as a sort of “unknown territory.” Residents are not sure of the legality of using vacant lots, as the lots are usually someone’s property. However, absentee landowners often make for blighted land plots. Vacant lots can become messy and overgrown with time. Vacant lot urban farming gives community members an incentive to keep a lot clean. After cleaning the lot itself, community members get a space that can give back in a slew of ways. Children can play in and around the lot, healthy, natural food can grow in the lot and the neighborhood can develop both a better image and a stronger sense of community. Perhaps the most buzz-worthy vacant lot gardening organization in Philadelphia today is actually an offshoot of the “Occupy” brand. However, vacant lot urban farming has actually been in the works in Philadelphia for a while now. While the “Occupy” label has helped gather momentum, energy and awareness around the movement, it’s hard to claim that the so-called Occupy Vacant Lots’ gardening goals are super innovative. Still, Occupy Vacant Lots is clearly benefi-

the crazy to a 10, you flick things right up to 20. So when they say, “Hey do you think Jesus would approve of Obama being a socialist Nazi?” You reply, “Does my face smell like ghost monkey? Of course Jesus is a can of soup.” Simply baffled by your new level of insanity, you can tip your hat, wish them a Festive Don Cheadle Day and continue on your cross-campus romp. Like I said, it’s a bit riskier, but big risks can bring big rewards. Technique No. 3 is fun but stands to embarrass you a little more. Instead of engaging in a conversation with these people you can simply bypass the whole experience by pretending you don’t speak the English. “But wait Joey, I don’t speak another language!” Oh you silly Billy. Neither do I, but that doesn’t stop me in the least. Just pretend you do. If someone tries to quick grab you with a pitch like, “Hey do you like living on Earth,” just throw out something that sounds vaguely like Russian or perhaps a weird Italian dialect. And for God’s sake, commit to it. Do right and they’ll just weirdly feel embarrassed and say something like, “Oh, OK, sorry about that. Bye.” I’ve done this before and it is just simply hilarious. I for the love of God don’t do a Borat accent. Nothing says, “Hi there, I’m a huge turd,” than a Borat accent. Also make sure it’s believable based on your looks. I turned a corner once and was bombarded and thinking quickly I used technique No. 3 but I accidentally sounded Asian. He knew I was full of crap, I knew I was full of crap. It wasn’t the best. Be mindful of that. I hope that in sharing these techniques you are able successfully avoid being a target for these volunteers with their agendas to save the Earth, make the world better and what have you. I mean you could totally disregard all of this and actually talk to them, too. I mean if you care, you might actually be able to help. Sometimes they aren’t so stupid after all. But that’s if you’re a super good person, which I am not and I’m pretty sure you aren’t either. So just do yourself a favor and take my horrible advice. And don’t forget to really sell it.

“Simply baffled by your new level of insanity, you can tip your hat, wish them a Festive Don Cheadle Day and continue on your crosscampus romp.”

Joseph Pasko can be reached at joseph.pasko@temple.edu.

LIVING

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

PAGE 17

Professor, students honor Japan with music

One year after the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, BTMM professor Jack Klotz and alumna Naoko Masuda composed a song. ANTHONY MAY The Temple News Jack Klotz, assistant professor of broadcast, telecommunications and mass media knows that a child’s curiosity can go a long way. After showing his 2 and a half year old son a series of bilingual language videos, there was one that really stuck. “For whatever reason, he took to Japanese,” Klotz said, noting that his son liked the sessions so much that he would say, “Daddy, again” when the video finished. Klotz and his wife then immersed themselves in Japanese culture and soon sought a language teacher for their son. That’s how Klotz met senior web developer for the School of Communications, alumna Naoko Masuda. As Masuda and Klotz were planning a cross-cultural Japanese dinner, disaster struck. On March 11, 2011 an earthquake and tsunami hit the Pacific Coast of Tōhoku in Japan. More than 15,000 people lost their lives in the aftermath. Masuda and Klotz reached out to Japanese composer, Satoru Sasaki to

begin working on a song in memorial of that event. “Fukkatsu no Uta,” or the “Song of Rising,” the Japanese-American effort entirely written and sung in Japanese was officially released this month. As “Fukkatsu no Uta” was finished just in time for the one year anniversary of the earthquake, there were some hurdles for Klotz and Sasaki, the language barrier being the most prevalent. “I would joke, it would take me an hour to write an email [to Sasaki],” Klotz said, referring to how he corresponded to write the Japanese language song from his ideas in English. Masuda also had concerns about how to relay the song to the Temple community. “We were trying to send good energy and support …but people are not going to understand the meaning of the song. How can I help to make the story translatable?” Masuda said. The answer led Masuda to create a video with the lyrics translated in English to help people at Temple understand. The video contains colorful imagery of a growing tree that helps to mirror the message in the song’s lyrics.

The actual song begins with an instrument track recorded by Klotz and includes a chorus sung by students.

“There is definitely a spirit that a person has to be quiet. You have to respect the dead spirits.” Naoko Masuda / web developer for the school of communications and theater

Masuda and Klotz received a positive response from those in the community who watched the video and heard the song. “They said ‘good job, this is excellent,’” Masuda said. “A lot of professors gave good feedback.” Even the local media has taken

note of their efforts. Klotz and Masuda were interviewed by the local CBS radio station, KYW. Masuda said she thinks that this gave the song some positive publicity. “Just the fact that anybody heard it on the radio and thought about it for a split second made me happy,” Masuda said. Taking note of cultural aspects in Japan, Masuda said that the song had a different effect overseas. She described how in some places that were directly affected by the Earthquake, there is agreement for silence. “There is definitely a spirit that a person has to be quiet. You have to respect the dead spirits,” she said. Masuda said that the uplifting nature of the song may help influence a different attitude. “This is the kind of music they need to hear right now,” she said. “Maybe this is what they need…for recovery.” Masuda said she believes that Americans definitely have a part to play in helping to alleviate the crisis in Japan. “The really scary thing is that it’s going to continue. It’s not just some

Japanese domestic problem. It’s an international agenda,” she said. She also spoke of how international concern sends appreciative messages to the people in Japan, who are still suffering from issues such as nuclear fallout and joblessness. “Japanese people are very curious about how foreign media is covering this,” Masuda said, referring to how there was a lack of coverage in the American media. Masuda thinks the song would help that discrepancy. “I wanted them to understand that Americans are still paying attention,” she said . Anthony May can be reached at anthony.may@temple.edu.

TIMOTHY VALSHTEIN TTN

Naoko Masuda (left) and Jack Klotz (right) produced a song, “Fukkatsu no Uta” in honor of the one-year anniversary of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Masuda and Klotz worked with Japanese composer Satoru Sasaki for help with translations, as the entire song is composed and sung in Japanese.

SPORTS

PAGE 18

Owls fall short of WNIT title WNIT PAGE 20

Candice Dupree and Marilyn Stephens. Peddy stepped in last year after transferring from Wright State and made an impact in the A-10 immediately. She won A-10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year this season and first-team selections both years. She also ranks in the Top 10 in school history in three’s (128), steals (206), single-season points (17.6 per game), single-season assists (4.2 per game last year), three’s (77) and free throws (111). Peddy is also the only player to have at least 100 steals in a single season, which she did in both of her past two seasons. “What these guys have been able to do over the number of years that they’ve been here, it’s going to be hard to replace them, more importantly the effort and the passion that they play with,” Cardoza said. Connelly transferred from Hofstra and played the past two years on North Broad. The center struggled to grab a starting spot and was suspended the past three games for academic reasons. She averaged 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game with 24 starts as an Owl. Williams has been the “unsung hero,” Cardoza said. While Williams doesn’t have the accolades of her backcourt mates, she still ranks fifth in career assists at Temple with 367. She also finished with the third most assists in a season with 157. “[Williams is] probably the one that doesn’t get as much credit as [Peddy and McCarthy], but she’s been the glue to really hold us together this year,” Cardoza said. The quartet helped Temple make back-to-back NCAA tournament second rounds for the first time in Temple history. The one thing missing from their résumé is an A-10 Championship. They also weren’t able to win the WNIT, something they expected after missing the NCAA tournament this year. “I definitely enjoyed my time here at Temple and I learned so much,” McCarthy said. “I took a chance coming all the way from [La Puenta, Calif.] It’s once in a lifetime and I’ve enjoyed it and I’ll miss it as well.” For Peddy it was a little more difficult to say goodbye to Cardoza, who she grew up idolizing. Peddy was born in Roxbury, Mass., a short distance from Cardoza. The two knew each other well before their time at Temple together. “It hurts, it’s somebody you look up to all your life,” Peddy said. “I definitely appreciate everything that she’s done for me. I’m going to miss coming here every day, joking around with her, yelling at me and learning.” Junior forward Victoria Macaulay now emerges as the likely focal point of a suddenly young Owls squad. Peddy is being looked at by the Women’s National Basketball Association, McCarthy may find a place to play professionally, if not in the WNBA and Williams wants to become a coach. “I don’t know how much it’s really hit me yet,” McCarthy said. “I’m done with college. That moment, you never really think that it will come.” Jake Adams can be reached at jacob.adams@temple.edu.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

Women’s gymnastics takes bronze CANNING PAGE 20

Canning said. “This is my last ECAC “Every time I come to this meet it event. It really justifies that they paid comes down to the nitty-gritty,” Murso much money for me to do some- phy said. “It is going to be that onething and I did well.” 10th or two-10th that separates these The Owls stood high in the leader- teams. Right after [uneven parallel] board for the entirety of the champion- bars was over I was able to glance up at ship. Entering their final event on the the scoreboard and saw that we were a balance beam, Temple couple tenths from was in a prime position first place.” to finish in the Top 2 Three of the of the ECAC Champisix gymnasts fell in onship. However, the their beam event. Owls only managed to Murphy wasn’t post a score of 47.125, sure if nerves or the lowest on the day any other factor had for the team and the an impact on their lowest score out of performance. all seven teams in the “Honestly I event. don’t know what “I was hoping was going through Kaity Watson / senior gymnast their heads,” Murwe would fall in the Top 3,” senior Kaity phy said. “At this Watson said. “I honstage in the game estly thought if we had our best per- in the season they should be able to formance we could get second. It was handle pressure, I don’t know what disappointing. People split the beam, happened.” you can’t plan on that. It’s not their Canning, who had a career perfault it just kind of happens.” formance, wrote her name into the With the University of Pennsyl- record-books. As Canning discovered vania winning the event by posting a on Monday, March 26 that she will score of 194.400, every fraction of a be an alternate for the regional compoint is crucial, especially in an event petition held on April 7 in Raleigh, of this caliber. N.C. The team will compete for its

“I honestly thought if we had our best performance we could get second. It was disappointing.”

IBRAHIM JACOBS TTN

Redshirt-senior Katie Canning stands on the podium after placing first in the all-around event. final time together on April 12 at the USA Gymnastics Championships in Bridgeport, Conn.

Ibrahim Jacobs can be reached at ibrahim.jacobs@temple.edu.

Nikorak aims to extend career

centage and a .410 on-base percentNikorak, a four-year starter and age. Through 23 games, he’s tallied 29 three-time team captain, will leave a hits, 25 runs, 16 RBI’s and 11 walks. substantial void in the Owls’ starting He is also one of five Owls to go deep lineup, rotation and clubhouse after this season, as he hit a game-tying this season. In 2011, Nikorak led the three-run home run in the eighth in- Atlantic Ten Conference in RBI’s, ning against Penn to spoil the Quak- doubles and runs and has been named er’s home opener on March 14 in an A-10 player of the week three times 11-9 victory. throughout his career. With that said, Nikorak conIn addition to his on-field accotributes more than just a bat. On the lades, he was also named the Studentmound, he is 1-3 with a 5.25 ERA. He Athlete Academic Adivising and Suphas punched out 14 port Center Student batters in 24 innings of the Month Award of work spanning in February, which over five starts. He recognizes Temple is the third man out student-athletes who of first-year coach show what it means Ryan Wheeler’s to be an Owl on and starting rotation. To off the field. Last fall, Steve Nikorak / redshirt-senior Nikorak earned a spot Wheeler, Nikorak utility player is the epitome of on the A-10 Commisa workhorse and a sioner’s Honor Roll. team leader. “[Nikorak is] al“[Nikorak] leads by example ways somebody you can count on, on the field as well as off the field,” on and off the field,” redshirt-junior Wheeler said. “I think he has the re- catcher/first baseman Matt Elko said. spect of every one of his teammates. “Whether it’s coming up with that big He certainly has the respect of his play, coming through with that big hit coaching staff. He’s going to do great or just showing up first in the weight things in life whether it’s a chance to room, he’s the definition of a team continue his career in professional guy. It’s going to be some big shoes baseball or whatever else he chooses to fill.” to do.” “I wish I had him for more than Nikorak was redshirted by Tem- just one year,” Wheeler added. ple after blowing out his elbow in his With his final year of eligibility first appearance of his sophomore year coming to an end this May, Nikorak, in February 2009. He went on to miss a business administration in entreprethe entire season after receiving Tom- neurship major, is unsure of what the my John surgery. After a 15-month future holds for him. rehabilitation process, Nikorak was “I’d like to play baseball for as able to return in time for the start of long as I can if I’m blessed with that his junior season. opportunity,” Nikorak said. “Temple and baseball have been Tyler Sablich can be reached at great in my life,” Nikorak said. “I try tyler.sablich@temple.edu. to stay humble and remind myself it’s just a game while trying to make it as fun as possible.”

“I think it’s important to have senior leadership on any team.”

PAUL KLEIN TTN

Redshirt-senior utility player Steve Nikorak bats .326 for the Owls this season with a .494 slugging percentage and a .410 on-base percentage.

The Owls rely heavily on their senior captain. TYLER SABLICH The Temple News Redshirt senior Steve Nikorak pitches, plays first and third base, regularly hits out of the three hole in the lineup, and is co-captain of the baseball team. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also the first player out of the dugout to help clean up the field following the conclusion of the Owls’

doubleheader against Binghamton at Skip Wilson Field on March 18. “I think it’s important to have senior leadership on any team,” Nikorak said. “I just try to set the right example, not so much by leading vocally but by doing the right thing on and off the field.” Nikorak is on top or among the leaders in every offensive category for the Owls [10-13, 0-2 Atlantic Ten Conference]. While hitting in the heart of the order, Nikorak has posted a .326 batting average, a .494 slugging per-

Batey lifts women’s tennis team after winning five straight The sophomore singles and doubles player stands out. KIERAN MCCAULEY The Temple News After a slow start to the season, the women’s tennis team has picked it up in the month of March winning three of their last four matches. The leading cause for this turnaround comes in part from sophomore Jordan Batey. Batey went 3-0 in singles and 2-1 in doubles play during the week of March 12-18 for the Owls. The Atlanta native was named Women’s Tennis Performer of the Week by the Atlantic Ten Conference for her performance in matches against Delaware, No. 54 Penn State and Xavier. “I’ve been really focusing on my game recently,” Batey said. “When I’m on the court I focus on my match and doing what I need to do to win. A lot of girls are good at this level so it really just comes down to mental focus

and wanting to win more than the other girl. I have just been extremely mentally tough focusing on each point, one at a time.” Batey won all three singles matches in straight sets to improve to 4-0 at the No. 3 spot on the season and extended her singles winning-streak to five-straight matches before losing to Penn’s freshman Alex Ion on March 21. “I have really been keen on staying aggressive because that is what type of player I am,” Batey said. “With that being said I have done much better when recognizing when I have the girl pulled out to come in and close the point. I think that being aware of where I am on the court and where my opponent is, is extremely important.” Her doubles play with fellow sophomore Alicia Doms has improved as of late and Batey said she expects Doms and herself will become more comfortable on the court together. Currently the duo owns a 6-4 overall re-

cord. “[Doms and I] play extremely well together and I believe we can win our remaining matches,” Batey said. Even though the Owls as a whole have struggled in the early going of the season, they have been playing well while Batey rides this heat streak. As a team, the Owls are 7-8 overall and 3-1 in A-10 play. “I think that I have been improving each match, but I think I still have significant progress to make,” Batey said. “I know nothing is going to be perfect but I do feel like there are some things in my game I can make better. The way that the team has played so far I feel like we have done better as the season has gone on.” When looking at the road ahead, Batey has one major goal for both herself, and her team, which is to continue to win. “As the season progresses goals are to win all of my remaining matches in singles and doubles,” Batey said.

ABI REIMOLD TTN

Sophomore Jordan Batey owns a 15-10 overall singles record on the year. Looking at the road ahead, Batey will try and build off of her 15-10 singles record when she faces University of Maryland Baltimore County on March 31 at the Student Pavilion. The sophomore said that the key for future success lies within mental toughness. “I think that we as a team have to

remain mentally tough because truly we all have the talent to do well and win our matches it just comes down to believing in ourselves that we can do it and that we are the best,” Batey said. Kieran McCauley can be reached at kieran.mccauley@temple.edu.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

PAGE 19

Graduate revives Owls’ offense

Softball rallies around a quiet senior leader. COLIN TANSITS The Temple News

Meaghan Marley’s breakout season for the softball team hasn’t come from nowhere. Her recent on the field success has come from a strong work ethic. Marley, a senior second baseman, has emerged as a team leader on and off the field for the Owls. After having a .190 batting average in 27 games last year, the Leonardo, N.J. native has five doubles and a .333 batting average this season in 23 games. Marley ranks second on the team in both categories. “We don’t have a harder worker on the team,” coach Joe DiPietro said. “There is no stop in [Marley] and she’s a great teammate.” But Marley’s collegiate softball career hasn’t exactly been normal. Prior to attending Temple, she went to Penn State and graduated in three years. Now at Temple, Marley is looking to obtain a second undergraduate degree. After graduating from Penn State, where she didn’t play softball, Marley knew that she still had a desire to play. “I knew that I wanted to play somewhere, and that I could still play,” Marley said. “I contacted my travel coach who knew [DiPietro], and he gave me a chance.” Marley was a standout in high school at Red Bank Catholic where she batted .486 as a

West coast transfer provides versatility Hawaiian native adds speed and flexibility to the Owls’ lineup. JOHN MURROW The Temple News

ABI REIMOLD TTN

Senior second baseman Meaghan Marley throws from the infield during the Owls’ doubleheader versus Iona. senior and helped the team win a non-public New Jersey State Championship during her sophomore year. But her transition to play softball for Temple was a challenge. DiPietro’s gamble didn’t pay off at first, with the second baseman struggling to find her niche in the offense. DiPietro attributed Marley’s struggles to her three-year hiatus from the game. With a year at Temple under her belt, Marley settled down both mentally and physically. Marley said she began to

focus on getting better at the plate and on the field. “I worked really hard over this winter break with my hitting coach to get ready,” Marley said. “I knew I needed practice and to gain confidence, confidence was the key.” Marley’s hard work in the offseason has paid off in a big way with her batting average almost doubling. With her mind set on the field, Marley’s experience began to set in. Quietly, she has emerged into a team leader, but unlike some leaders, Marley

doesn’t say much. She shows it all on the field. “[Marley] isn’t a very vocal girl, but she hustles on the field, and when she does speak, the team listens,” DiPietro said. As a hard work ethic pushes Marley’s success, off the field she looks to help the younger girls on the team, who might have less experience in college life. “I’m not the team mom, but having been in college for five years, sometimes I’ll help with homework and if anyone needs something they can come

to me,” Marley said. On the field and off Marley is helping to push the Owls to improve from their 10-11 non-conference record to start the season. In the Owls’ first Atlantic Ten Conference series of the season against Charlotte on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24, Marley batted in four RBIs, as Temple swept the two-game series, 9-7 and 10-5, respectively. Colin Tansits can be reached at colin.tansits@temple.edu.

Pitcher rebounds after redshirt year The baseball team’s redshirt junior looks to make full comeback. DREW PARENT The Temple News In his collegiate career, redshirtjunior pitcher Dan Moller said he has learned not to take playing baseball for granted. With a 6-foot 3-inch, 180-pound frame, Moller established himself as one of the better power pitchers in the Atlantic Ten Conference during his first two years in a Temple uniform. “Being on the mound more in a collegiate setting definitely made me feel more comfortable out there,” Moller said. “I started to gain more confidence with every start.” Moller was primarily a starter in his first year going 3-6 with a 6.62 ERA before taking on relieving duties on top of starting in his sophomore year. By Fall 2010, he was preparing for his third season with the Owls after playing during the summer.

“I played well in summer ball that year and I came back to Temple feeling really confident,” Moller said. “During fall training, I started noticing some arm trouble. I figured it was typical soreness and I took a week off.” What Moller thought to be soreness in his left arm turned about to be a setback of a much higher degree. “I picked up a ball and started to throw about a week later,” Moller said. “I noticed shooting pain in my elbow. I went to get it checked out just to make sure there wasn’t anything seriously wrong with it.” The news Moller received was about as bad as it gets. He had a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, the injury that often requires UCL reconstruction, otherwise known as Tommy John surgery. “I had two options,” Moller said. “I had the option of either rehabbing and missing my junior season, or getting the [Tommy John surgery] and redshirting.” Moller took the latter option, and would spend the next year rehabilitating his elbow. During Summer 2011, Moller par-

ticipated in two hour physical therapy sessions four days a week, not knowing when or if he would ever compete competitively again. “The rehab was tough,” Moller said. “The entire time I kept focusing on that light at the end of the tunnel in getting back to pitching someday. After going through all of that work, it’s satisfying to be able to get back on the mound. By Fall 2011, Moller was back to throwing regularly again and had been progressing well. However, it was then when he started to hit a plateau. “There was a time in the fall where I was kind of stuck at the point I was at with my progression,” Moller said. “I had improved before that, and I was stuck for a while.” “I was concerned that this was going to be it,” Moller added. “I started to get a little worried, but I stuck with the program and kept doing rotator cuff work, and soon I got my velocity back up to where it had been before the surgery. I started to feel strong again around January of this year.” Now as a redshirt junior, Moller is back pitching with the Owls. He is 0-3

with a 12.83 earned run average in five appearances thus far in his 2012 campaign. Despite the statistics, Moller is keeping a positive stance when looking at his season and progression thus far. “I’m not a big numbers guy,” Moller said. “I don’t really pay attention to statistics or anything like that. I’ve had a few bad outings so far, but I feel good health-wise and I’m just trying to keep that up. If I stay healthy, I know I’ll be fine.” Despite a rough start to the season, Moller has been putting in quality innings as of late. In his latest start against Binghamton on March 18, Moller wemt four innings gathering five strikeouts and allowing four earned runs. “I’m starting to really feel strong now,” Moller said. “When I throw consecutive innings, I don’t feel the pain that I used to feel. I don’t feel as tired in a game and I’m getting more and more comfortable again. I’m pretty much back to where I was before.” Andrew Parent can be reached at andrew.parent@temple.edu.

Men’s basketball continues postseason woes CRANNEY PAGE 20

TEMPLE HOLDS ON WITHOUT ERIC

Eric missed 13 games of the regular season due to an injured kneecap. Temple was drastically undersized and inexperienced in the frontcourt during this stretch, forced to start 6-foot 6-inch junior Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson and 6-foot 9-inch redshirt-freshman Anthony Lee, who hadn’t made a start in his career to date, at forward. But every player stepped up during Eric’s time off as the Owls went 9-4 and kept the season alive.

MVP: RAMONE MOORE

In a dead heat between Wyatt and Moore, Moore’s contribution as the team’s senior leader against Wyatt, who had some behaviorial problems throughout the year, is the tiebreaker. Moore led the team in scoring with 17.3 points per game while contributing the secondmost assists (110) and finishing by far as the team’s best rebounding guard with 138 boards. Moore was the team’s best overall player all year.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: ANTHONY LEE

Lee entered this season as a redshirt freshman without any playing experience. Due in large part to Eric’s injury, Lee started 17 games this year and averaged 17.9 minutes per game.

His improvements on both sides of the ball were on display in the Owls’ loss to UMass in the A-10 tournament when he finished with eight points, four rebounds and three blocks, while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line, in 15 minutes.

UNSUNG HERO: AARON BROWN

While junior guard TJ DiLeo became the Owls’ sixth man by the end of the year, it really was sophomore guard Aaron Brown who deserved more minutes. Brown finished with a better field-goal percentage than Moore or senior guard Juan Fernandez, and was the team’s second-best three point shooter overall. He provided instant offense off the bench against Central Michigan and Toledo in December when he scored 21 and 19 points, respectively, in 22 minutes in each game.

FINAL VERDICT:

As hard as it may be to accept for Temple fans, this season for the men’s basketball team was just more of the same. Like in prior years under Dunphy, the Owls had a very good regular season and didn’t perform up to standard in the postseason. Joey Cranney can be reached at joseph.cranney@temple.edu.

ABI REIMOLD TTN

Redshirt-senior guard Ramone Moore led his team in scoring this season. He averaged 17.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

For some people, Hawaii is a dream vacation spot – a land of paradise and perfect beaches. For junior outfielder and shortstop Jordan Queja, Mililani, Hawaii is home. Entering his junior year, Queja was recruited by former coach Rob Valli at a baseball showcase in California during his sophomore year. After two years at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., Queja decided to leave the junior college and come to Temple. “I heard [Temple] was a good academic school,” Queja said. When offered the opportunity to play Division I baseball, Queja said Temple was a good option to face tougher competition. “The game is played the same way here as it is anywhere,” Queja said. “The only difference is that the competition is way more intense here. There is more talent in Pennsylvania.” Queja is currently third on the squad in batting with a .315 average after 23 games. Along with one homerun, Queja has added eight RBIs as well. Starting all 23 games for Temple (10-13, 0-2 Atlantic Ten Conference), Queja has also provided the Owls with outfield defense posting a .943 fielding percentage. “[Queja] has had a huge impact on our team,” senior captain Steve Nikorak said. Nikorak said that Queja has been a great addition to the 2012 team and is a “great guy.” “He is a high energy player and that translates into his game,” Nikorak said. Last season at Monterey Peninsula College, Queja started all 36 games at shortstop, second base or third base and batted .343 with a conference-best 23 stolen bases. Queja was named a preseason All-American for Northern California and was a first-team selection as an infielder for the Coast Pacific Conference. “[Queja] is a very versatile and tremendous athlete,” coach Ryan Wheeler said. “He is currently our leadoff man and is setting the table for us offensively.” As the leadoff man, Queja leads the team with six stolen bases in eight attempts. Though Wheeler did not recruit Queja, he hopes that Queja’s success on the team can set an example for more possible West Coast recruits in the upcoming years. “[Queja] opens the door for more recruits looking for the chance to play at the Division I level here at Temple,” Wheeler said. Wheeler described the 5-foot 7-inch-tall shortstop as a shy, quiet player who does not say a lot, but fits in well with the rest of the team. “[Queja] is a hardworking player who goes out there and busts his tail every day,” Wheeler said. “I hope he continues with his solid play and continues to lead our team by example.” Since the beginning of the year, Queja has focused on one goal for his new team. “I want to win the Atlantic Ten Championship this season,” Queja said. John Murrow can be reached at john.murrow@temple.edu.

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END OF AN ERA temple-news.com

PAGE 20

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

The women’s basketball team lost its WNIT Sweet 16 matchup to Syracuse, 82-68, on Thursday, March 22 at McGonigle Hall.

JAKE ADAMS The Temple News Seniors Shey Peddy, Kristen McCarthy, BJ Williams and center Joelle Connelly never got the swan-song season they were looking for. The women’s basketball team’s 6-2 run with five minutes left in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament Sweet 16 game against Syracuse, losing 8268 to the Orange, was the Owls’ last chance to extend their season. It was the last breath the Owls

could muster, as their run brought them down to 68-62, before the Orange made four quick points. The 7262 Syracuse led with three minutes and 31 seconds remaining signaled the end for the Owls’ seniors. “As the time was winding down I was kind of shocked just to think I’d never wear a Temple jersey again,” McCarthy said. “It’s a disappointing feeling, just knowing that as the time winds out there’s nothing else you can do and this will be the last time we wear a Temple jersey,” Peddy said. And with 47 seconds remaining the trio of Williams, Peddy and McCarthy walked off the court in McGonigle Hall for the last time to a roar of applause, but solemn looks on their faces. Coach Tonya Cardoza now leads the Owls into what feels like unchart-

ed territory, replacing key seniors. “Obviously, we’re losing one of the best senior classes ever so it’s going to be hard to replace them,” Cardoza said. McCarthy has been the face of the program for four years, winning a number of awards in the Atlantic Ten Conference including Rookie of the Year in 2009 and A-10 First Team in 2010. In the Big 5 she earned Player of the Year in 2010 and two firstteam selections in 2010 and 2011. McCarthy finished in the Top 10 in Temple history in points per game (12.9), field goals (626), field goal attempts (1,610), three pointers (128), three-point attempts (389), rebounds (713) and steals (209). She also ranks fourth all-time with 1,619 points, trailing only Pam Balogh,

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Junior forward Victoria Macaulay is one of two returning starters next year.

All-around gymnast sets record at ECAC meet Graduate all-around gymnast broke a 15year school record. IBRAHIM JACOBS The Temple News “Finally” was what coach Aaron Murphy said when describing graduate student Katie Canning’s performance in the

Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship Saturday, March 24 at the Palestra. Canning led the Owls to a third place finish in the event, in which the team posted a score of 192.450. With an all-around score of 39.200, Canning shattered a 15-year Temple record, something she has been working toward since the start of her collegiate career. She also

claimed first at the meet in the all-around competition. The record, previously set at 39.025 by Adrienne Carver in 1997, had been on Canning’s radar since she was a freshman at Temple. Despite the record being a respectable score, Murphy acknowledged that Canning had the capability all along. “It’s been possible for a long time,” Murphy said. “It has

just taken her now five years to do it. That is just one of those all-arounds that has stood for a while.” The closest that Canning previously came to the record occurred three years ago as a sophomore when she posted a score of 38.95. The career mark for Canning gave her a glimpse of the record. “My sophomore year I real-

ized that I could [break the record],” Canning said. “But I really did not think I could do it.” Canning, now in her fifth season with the team after redshirting her senior season due to injury, has been an integral part of the gymnastics program during her career. “The career itself, if she didn’t break it, would still be a phenomenal career,” Murphy

said. “I don’t believe it could have worked out better for her.” With very few meets actually taking place close to home, there are rarely huge crowds supporting any one team. Canning’s ability to break the record in front of a home crowd as well as her parents had an impact on her. “It is a huge thank you,”

CANNING PAGE 18

Men’s basketball team: Season in review Insane in the Joe Crane

Joey Cranney

The Owls’ season was spoiled by an early exit in the postseason.

T

he men’s basketball season that was riding high for a one-month stretch from mid-January to mid-February came to a crashing end as the Owls lost back-to-back games, one in the Atlantic Ten Conference tournament and one in the NCAA tournament, for the first time since 2009.

HIGHLIGHTS: TEMPLE UPSETS NO. 3 DUKE AT THE WELLS FARGO CENTER ON JAN. 4

The Owls, without injured starters, graduate center Micheal Eric and senior forward Scootie Randall, defeated a Top 10 program for the fourth consecutive year as they stunned the Blue Devils in a 78-73 win at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 4. Junior guard Khalif Wyatt paced Temple with 22 points and added five steals, solidifying his role as a clutch player.

TEMPLE DEFEATS XAVIER, 85-

72, AT HOME ON FEB. 11

Redshirt-senior guard Ramone Moore proved to the whole country that he was one of the best players in the A-10 as he scored 30 points, two shy of a career high, and hit five threes at home in a game televised nationally to lead the Owls to an 85-72 blowout win against the Musketeers on Feb. 11. Xavier entered the contest one game back of Temple for the lead in the A-10, and the Owls’ win separated them from the rest of the pack en route to their regular season title.

TEMPLE CLINCHES A-10 REGULAR SEASON TITLE AT FORDHAM ON MARCH 3

Temple won its first outright A-10 regular season title since 1990 in an 80-60 win at Fordham in the last regular season game of the year on March 3. Five Owls scored in double figures as they cruised to the blowout victory, giving Temple a chance to regain momentum heading into the postseason following two shaky games against Massachusetts and St. Joseph’s.

LOWLIGHTS: TEMPLE’S WHEELS FALL OFF AS OWLS FAIL TO CLINCH BIG-5 TITLE AT ST. JOE’S ON FEB. 25

Temple entered the Hagan Arena on Feb. 25 on an 11game winning streak and with a chance to clinch its first outright Big-5 title since 2009 with a win against the Hawks. The Owls failed to come through, losing 82-72 to the same team Temple handled easily in a 78-60 win at

SOFTBALL p.19 Meagan Marley bats .333 this season in 23 games after facing challenges last season.

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home on Jan. 28. Temple never regained the momentum it had coming into that game, losing two of its four final games.

TEMPLE DROPS OPENING ROUND GAME TO UMASS IN A-10 TOURNAMENT ON MARCH 9

Despite clinching a firstround bye as the No. 1 team in the A-10 tournament with its A-10 regular season title, Temple was upset in the first round of the tournament by No. 8 UMass, 77-71, on March 9. Temple had trouble in both matchups with the fast-paced Minutemen this year. The Owls eked out a 90-88 overtime win against UMass on Feb. 29, less than two weeks before the two teams would face again in the A-10 tournament.

TEMPLE EXITS MARCH MADNESS EARLY IN LOSS TO SOUTH FLORIDA ON MARCH 16

No. 5 Temple dropped its opening game of the NCAA tournament for the fourth time under coach Fran Dunphy in a bad 58-44 loss to USF on March 16. After holding the Bulls to 11 percent shooting in the first half, Temple allowed USF to shoot 60.9 percent and outscore the Owls 43-25 in the second half en route to the Bulls’ 5844 victory. Temple’s 44 points is the second-lowest point total of the tournament to date, a disappointing end to an otherwise very good season.

MOST TELLING MOMENT:

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Senior guard Juan Fernandez averaged 11.1 points per contest and started all 32 games.

BASEBALL p.18 The baseball team is led by redshirt-senior utility player Steve Nikorak.

FOOTBALL NEXT WEEK The Owls prepare for their next season with spring practices.

SPORTS@TEMPLE-NEWS.COM