56 15 4132 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/0d7e6a3a77d4c482ed22252af6219820.pdf 5d6d816ebb5f865c981c5a7c5e0cd66e PDF Text Text - - - -- The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow. Sept. 18, 2012 T. #.At,:. T3 i C ~- - - - ----· THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Dlft£CTQl!i t;Aiti£RA: -- Volume 65 Issue 2 ~ For more information and content, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.co~ n �Contact editor: christine.lee@wilkes.edu Sept. 18, 2012 Patrick Leahy ushers in new era at Wilkes as president By Christine Lee News Editor The Wilkes campus was abuzz with activity on Thursday, Sept. 13, Friday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 15 for the weekend of Patrick Leahy's formal installation as Wilkes' sixth president. Reflecting on the theme of "Looking back with pride, looking forward with confidence," the weekend's festivities were arraigned by a steering committee co-chaired by Vice President of Student Affairs Paul Adams and Board of Trustees member Melanie Lumia. Because the annual John Wilkes Society dinner, which honors Wilkes' leadership donors, happened to fall around the time of the installation celebrations, it was worked into the events leading up to the installation. It was held on Thursday night at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre. On Friday afternoon, five faculty members representing each of Wilkes' academic colleges presented research done in their fields. The research was part of Leahy's interest in having a faculty presentation. "Dr. Leahy knew from the beginning that hf wanted to have some kind of academic or faculty presentation and so we built that in and it just worked out that we did that as part of Friday's activities," Adams explained. The program started off with assistant professor of biology, physics and engineering Gregory Harms of the College of Science and Engineering presented his research on "Revelations Through Image Resolutions: Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy and Sheet Illumination Microscopy." Harms's research focused on improving microscopy, or the ability to visualize something small, by making the effects of a stimulated emission depletion microscopy laser smaller so scientists could see sub-cellular structures of a tissue sample. The laser would do this by turning off the signal domain "lights" of the cell selectively. Assistant professor of education Elizabeth Johnson of the School of Education presented her research on "The Role of Statistics in Educational Research." Her presentation focused on her work with rubric development for exams and math anxiety in teachers in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. The Beacon Archives Dr. Patrick Leahy was officially installed as Wilkes' sixth President on Saturday, Sept.15 Associate professor of history Diane Wenger of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences presented her research on "From Single Brother to Celebrated Snuff Maker: The Story Behind Demuth's Tobacco Shop," a case study on Demuth's Tobacco Shop that was opened from circa 1770 to 2010 in Lancaster. Associate professor of business administration Justin Matus of the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership presented his research on "An Analysis of Technology Enhanced Pedogogy and Learning: Student Response Systems (Clickers)," in which he and several alums of the school examined whether "clickers" in the classroom have an effect on students' learning outcomes at the college level. Associate professor of pharmacy practice Eric Wright of the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing presented research on "Improving Health Through Patient Engagement," in which he discussed research he is involved helping patients that were not taking their prescribed medications to be able to take them. On Friday night, students, faculty, staff and alumni were invited for a celebration of the installation in the Henry Student Center ballroom, which included free food and drinks and a dance floor for attendees to enjoy themselves to with the music of local band Pop Rox. Adams said the committee wanted to create a series of events that culminated in the installation. In particular, the committee wanted to have something for everyone on campus and it members Melanie Lumia, the co-chair for made sense to have the installation celebration the installation committee and Virginia Sikes, on Friday night. chair of the presidential search committee, by "We wanted to have a celebration for ev- presenting Leahy with the charter of Wilkes, erybody at the campus, something that every- the seal and the presidential chain of office. body could attend, something that everybody In his inaugural address, Leahy reflected on could enjoy, something that everyone would the installation theme and commented on the remember and so with a Saturday ceremony it proud history and traditions at Wilkes while just seemed to made sense that we would have giving his outline for the future. And while he a big campus party on Friday night," Adams was reflective of his time at the University of said. Scranton, Leahy expressed to the crowd, "be The weekend of events highlighting the in- forewarned Scranton, Wilkes is coming after stallation theme of "Looking back with pride, you." looking forward with confidence" culminated Leahy plans to spend the year getting to on Saturday morning with Leahy's formal in- know the University by getting to many indistallation at the F.M Kirby Center on Public viduals that make up Wilkes. Square in Wilkes-Barre. "My first year will be full of getting to know The ceremony was kicked off with a proces- the university as well as possible, the best sion of 200 people that included , , way to do that is to get to know members of the Board of Trustc d as many individuals that are part ees, faculty, administration, delBe 1.orwarne of this community, the faculty egates, alumni and student repre- Scranton Wilkes members, the staff members and sentatives from 1946 to 2016 and ' of course. The most constituents, four past presidents. is coming after the students," Leahy said. "I'm An original musical work en,, going to spend much of the first titled "Noble Truths," written by you, year listening and developing reassociate professor of performing - Patrick Leahy, lationships and enjoying the oparts S~even Thomas with lyrics _by President po~i~ to get to ~ow Wilkes associate professors of English Uruvers1ty," Leahy said. Larry Kuhar and Mischelle AnLeahy said despite the duties thony was debuted by the University Chorus of being president, he does hope to teach in and the Robert Dale Chorale. the future. Speeches welcoming the new president were "Despite the demands of the job of presigiven by board member Virginia Sikes, Stu- dent, I think it's important, for the president dent Government President Kristofer Rivers, in particular, to maintain some presence in the Matus, who is the chair of the Faculty Affairs classroom," Leahy said. Council, University College advising coordiLeahy is also said he is planning on moving nator Gretchen Yeninas, Alumni Association his office to Weckesser Hall to be more visible president Thomas Ralston from the class of on campus. 1980, State Sen. John Yudichak of the 14th "My comings and goings will put in me in Senatorial District and Wilkes-Barre Mayor touch with the core constituents of the univerTom Leighton. sity, the faculty, the staff, the students," Leahy A musical selection of "Fanfare and Fantasy said. on Wilkes Our Alma Mater," composed by asOverall, Leahy acknowledged that he is sociate professor of performing arts Philip Si- grateful to be chosen as president of Wilkes. mon was performed by the Civic Band. "It's a gre"at privilege in my life to named The keynote address was given by Rev. Scott and installed as the new president of Wilkes Pilarz, president of Marquette University in University, and I'm going to do everything I Milwaukee, Wis. Pilarz had previously served can to make sure that this university meets all as the president of the University of Scranton. of the ambitions that it has for itself." Pilarz was also presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. @c/eespot Board Chair Jack Miller formally installed christine.lee@wilkes.edu Leahy as President with the help of board THE BEACON Editorial Staff 2012-13 130 S. River St. First Floor,Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 W EBSITE: thewilkesbeacon.com Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook News Editor: Christine Lee Managing Editor: Bryan Calabro Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus Ad Manager: Brittany Battista A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Photo Editor: Laura Preby Life Editor: Anne Yoskoski Adviser: Loran Lewis Sports Ed itor: Frank Passalacqua Meet the Staff Carly Yamrus Opinion Editor �THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 3 NEWS New changes at Farley Library hope to improve accessibility to all By Abbey Haldeman Assistant News Editor When Farley Library first underwent reconstruction in 2010 with the creation of the Alden Leaming Commons the first part of a four-phase journey began. This year the process to modernize the Eugene S. Farley library is continuing as they come to a close with phase two out of four: the remodeling of the front entranceway. With the installation of the new handicapped entrance, everybody will be able to come in through the front door. The new ramp allows for those who used to not be able to access the library through the front door to now be able too. The new doors are automatic and allow for easy entry. Farley library has also opened up the Alden Leaming Commons 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to students. "It was always kind of in the back of my mind when we created the Alden Commons but I couldn't quit rally enough support around it," John Stachecz, dean of library services, said about the 24-hour access system. However, after hearing some discussion of the possibility of closure in computer labs, the thought resurfaced. With the cost being relatively small and generous donations made by Student Government and Dr. Harold E. Cox, the 24-hour access began. With a grant given to them by Student Government, the university established a means of security throughout the building without staffing Farley through the entire night. Security cameras run in different areas and are fed directly to the Public Safety office. A public safety officer makes their way through the library once every hour. There is also an The Beacon/Dan Lykens The Alden Learning Commons in Farley Library is now open 24 hours. Above is the after-hours entrance located next to South Main Street. emergency telephone located in the Alden Leaming Commons. "I think it is probably as safe as we can make it," Stachecz stated. An issue some students may find with the 24-hour access is that it is not technically handicapped accessible. For those who need access the library after hours and use the elevator, Public Safety officers are available to come allow you access to the elevator and walk you through the building to reach the Alden Leaming Commons. Likewise, when leaving the library, they are available to escort students from the basement to the exit. At this point, the addition of a handicapped accessible entrance being put in just isn't in the budget for the University but nothing is written in stone yet. Students seem to be appreciative of the advantages the 24-hour access is giving to them. Sophomore biology major Adoma Yeboah is one of those pleased with having 24-hour access to the library. "The 24-hour access to the library is a great addition to the new 2012 school year," Yeboah said. "I feel that it is another reliable venue to study, finish assignments as well as get papers printed. Essentially, the 24-hour access to the library sets no time limit to the way a student works." While Yeboah told The Beacon she has not had a chance to use it, she is looking forward to it during the next few weeks. This is something the library was looking for with the addition of 24-hour access, availability for students who struggle to make it to the library during its 93 hours a week of operation. The 24-hour entrance, on the southwest comer of the building is accessible by a swipe card system similar to those used in dorms. All students, faculty and staff are able to make use of the area. The original goal was for the finishing touches to be put on the entrance before the installation of President Leahy. Remodels were put on hold for a while due to damages in the doors that were delivered. A big difference in the entrance came not through means of renovation, but rule changes. The front entrance will now be a smoke free zone due to large amounts of complaints from students. "It is a cost-effective way to give additional service to the students and faculty," Stachecz said. At the beginning of the fall semester some difficulties came to place with printing in the library. These problems have'been solved with the installation of new high capacity printers. On top of that, there was an additional high capacity color printer added to the library. While renovations aren't complete, the steps in the right direction are being made. The next two phases to take place, will be the replacement of the HVAC system and to refurbish the rest of the floors to match the Alden Leaming Commons though times for these to occur are not scheduled. Stachecz said he really wants students to know that the library listens to their needs. In a century where people feel libraries are dying, Farley is only growing. @wilkesbeacon abbey.haldeman@wilkes.edu Educational Forum series discusses issues in education By~ob Grabosky Staff Writer A series of lectures dealing with issues in education are being held starting on Sept. 18 on campus. They are one of the biggest events being held on campus this semester and will take place over two months, not only for students and staff to be informed, but the community as well. Dr. Robert S. Gardner and his wife, Judith, will host the Educational Forum series oflectures on starting on Sept. 18 and continuing until Nov. 7. The people slated to speak are former Max Rosenn Law Clerk and General Counssel of the Los Angeles Unified School District Hal Kwalwasser, retired senior information specialist at the Library of Congress Frank Evina, associate professor of education Dr. Gina Morrison and Randy Granger, dean of academics at Wyoming Seminary. Gardner said for the forum, he and his wife, adjunct instructor of education Judith Gardner, bring in 8-10 speakers to talk about issues in the educational process. The first will be Hal Kwalwasser on Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. Gardner said the lectures fit in with his phi- losophy that education is not only in the classroom, but also out of the classroom, where students can gain broader experience. The lectures cover a wide range of topics in education over the course of two months. The educational forum is to let the students, faculty, staff and the community understand issues in education and to inform them about these issues are going to affect them going forward. Schedule of Events RENEWAL Education Forum Series Tuesday, Sept. 18 "Renewal, Remaking America's Schools for the Twenty-First Century" 4:30 p.m. I Marts 214 Wednesday, Oct. 3 "Using Library of Congress Resources in K-12 Classrooms with an overview of the Junior Fellows Intern Program" 4:00 p.m. I Breiseth 316 @wilkesbeacon robert.grabosky@wilkes.edu Monday, Oct. 8 "Teaching and Learning in Asia: The Malaysia Opportunity" 4:30 p.m. I Marts 214 Harold Kwalwasser, author of "Remaking America's Schools For The Twenty-First Century" {right), will be making an appearance on campus to talk about issues In the educational process. REMAKING AMERICA'SSCHOOlS FOR THE TWENTY~FIRSJ CENTURY HAAOtOKWAL'ttASStR Wednesday, Nov. 7 "The Independent School Experience" 4:30 p.m. I Marts 214 �4 THE BEACON NEWS I Sept. 18, 2012 Marijuana usage linked to decrease in IQ, other negative effects By Kirstin Cook Editor-in-Chief Adolescents who smoke marijuana could be at risk for a drop in IQ, as a new study links heavy marijuana usage in teenagers with cognitive decline. The study, published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" at the end of August, found an IQ decline in 5 percent of teen users with a loss ofup to eight IQ points. The study is being called the first of its kind because of its long-term examination of IQ before and after routine use of the drug. "That was the first one I looked at that looked specifically at adolescents, at least as far as IQ," said Dan McCune, pharmaceutical sciences professor at Wilkes. The study is bringing attention to some of the known negative effects of marijuana usage, as well as what is still unknown about the drug) effects. While knowledge on the consequences of the drug has been increasing, so have the statistics on usage. 17.4 million Americans 12 years old or older reported using marijuana at least once in the.previous month, according to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This high number of usage may be a driving factor behind these new studies. The IQ study was groundbreaking not only for the subject matter, but for the unprecedented indication of permanent cognitive effects. McCune explained he has seen past studies showing a drop in IQ for adults, but the effect was always temporary and could be reversed after about a month. "The fact that there's an IQ drop isntt surprising," McCune saidr :;Tiie surprising part and the concerning part is that it's apparently permanent." Psychology professor Edward Schicatano, who teaches classes on neuroscience and how drugs affect the brain and behavior, agrees that this is the mostalarming part of the study. He said the connections between neurons in t~ brain are usually only affect~d,wl!jle th~ drug is in the system. .,. "It might be temporary while the drugts in the system or there might be just a littl(blt~f the way the neurons are connecting, bu'J;c;tpat can grow back,'' Schicatano said. "If you,:§titrt learning ,aga~ the neurons will reconnect, and "that's typically what happens. I didn't know this, that it's permanent and that's the first I've seen that." He said the findings are alarming because they may indicate that the,drug is killing cells in the brain. ' "As far as this oeing a long-term effeCL'?n IQ ... That does imply that it's killing cells, or at least the conne,ctions between nerve cells," Schicatano said. But McCune said he was not surprised by the findings, since the drUg is affecting brain connectivity at an age when chllt}-ges )ike breakage and formation of connections is gq--' ing on at a high rate. ·, ~ "During that time in life, there is a, great deal of changes taking place, with th1;'?neµ- &' "'t--~..1 rons in the brain,'' McCune said. tent of damage. "There's been some question - and there's Shannon Gilhooley, sophomore pharmacy major, also said she wasn't sury:,rised to hear of no definitive proof, studies are conflicting - as the findings from what she observed in friends to whether or not inhalation from smoke from who began smoking marijuana in high school. marijuana is as dangerous as inhalation of "Just knowing people who have done it smoke from tobacco cigarettes,'' McCune said. He said marijuana poses issues because filseem to have a lower IQ," Gilhooley said. "They seem to have less ambition and do!l't ters, like the ones on cigarettes, are want to try as hard." not often used and there some of · This side effect of lacking ambition is ac- the same carcinogens in tobacco tually a symptom grounded in science called present in marijuana. However, amotivational syndrome, which is linked to there are other factors that influmarijuana usage. This syndrome is also often ence the potential for lung cancer, like the frequency of use and size seen in depressed people. Schicatano said amotivational syndrome of intake of smoke. Then, there's the misconception may have influenced the study findings. "If you're not motivated to take a test, even that marijuana is not addictive. Mcan IQ test, your IQ is going to suffer, it's going Cune said marijuana works on the ,game pleasure system as heroin and to be lower," Schicatano said. McCune said there are other potential draw- cocaine do, so while it's not to the backs to the study, like that it didn't take into · same extent, the drug does have addictive qualities. account enviromnental and social factors. Schicatano said there's potential for "(With) studies of this nature, there are often outside factors like environment and psy- marijuana users to fall into a pattern of chosocial things or who knows what could've habit rather than a physical addiction, affected the outcome,'' McCune said. "You especially if the drug is used to decrease would like to s¢e more studies in this particular stress. population with adolescents to see, to verify, , that this is a real' and permanent effect"' " Once you start usOther effects of marijuana ing it to calm It appears that lowered IQ is just the tip of down, to reduce the iceberg for side effects from marijuana us- anxiety, then you age. Schicatano said that impaired driving i s can become depensomething that gets a lot of attention with al- dent." Schicatano said there coho!, but it just as dangerous while under the are also positive effects of influence of marijuana. "You' ve got several things that all are im- marijuana that can be applied portant for driving,'' Schicatano said. "So, to "special cases." He said the drug (marijuana is) as bad as alcohol if not worse: can decrease aggression, inhibit nausea, stimulate appetite and minimize stroke damNo doubt about it." Some of the things that are decreased by age. However, he said in tbe case of a colmarijuana , usage •include reaction time, motor coordination., peripheral vision and visual lege student using the drug for recretracking to follow something that's moving. ational purposes,, the symptoms "Driving under the influence of marijuana like decreased motivation, . is equally dangerous, and I don't think people , reduced problem solv,, really think of it that way, because.ma,rijuana "ipg abilities and even a does have some central nervous syst~m de; drop in IQ will only be harmpressant effects,'' McCune said. "It does ,slow} ful to a college career. "To be able to function, like your reflexes, your psycho-motor coordin~!ion and it does impair your ability to drive a motor in college, obviously marivehicleY juana would have negative McG.une sai~ piat some of the subjective effects,'' S~hicatano said. feelings;',like a.buzz or a relaxed feeling, wear off aftet'about a.ii hour, but the impairment to motor skills last much longer and users may not even realize. An effect that lasts even longer may be the ' impairment of the memory system in the brain. Schicatano said the long~tenn damage to m~mory is not understood and needs more study.' "Whj.le it's in the brain., your memory's not good,'' ·schicatano said. "What are the longterm effects of that, I'm not sure." He said the dnlg affects many types of memories while in th!'), •system, and also hin ;:ability to form n~w fllemories. . Another area thatJmight call for morf @kirstinjea cook is the consequences bf marijuana smoke · kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu (l") lungs, since there is no conclusion on th ~i ,~ Q;, i i * �THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 NEWS 5 New bioengineering master's program is hands-on By Shawn Carey Staff Writer For the 2012-2013 academic year the College of Science and Engineering is offering a new master's program in bioengineering. The program was officially launched this semester and has nine students talcing the 36 -credit course. "It has been tremendous, because of what it took to launch the program, we did not get it approved until late into the academic year (Spring 2012)," program director Dr. Rodney Ridley said. The program is the first of its kind in the Wyoming Valley. It is designed to give students a chance to get hands-on experience and practice real-world situations during their studies at Wilkes. "I am anxiously excited to get things going and to see if the program will work," Associate program director Dr. William Terzaghi said. "The bioengineering program is an exciting development for Wilkes University and an important asset for northeast Pennsylvania," Wilkes president Dr. Patrick Leahy said in a release. "Offering this advanced program will help the region increase jobs by meeting industry needs and solidifies Wilkes as the re- The Beacon/Dan Lykens gion's premier provider for science and engineering education," Leahy said. Students who are accepted into the program will choose between two tracks: biomedical engineering and cell/metabolic engineering. "The job market requires highly skilled candidates," Justin Flam, a student in the program said in a release. "This puts me in a better position to get a job right out of college at a higher pay rate, especially in the science and technology fields." Associate program director Dr. Gregory Harms, who also teaches in the program, commented on the uniqueness of the two-track system at Wilkes. "Usually most programs have more of a onetrack mind," Harms said. "I think that is one of our advantages, we really have a two-track program and we are thrilled to have it." In order to be in the program, students need an undergraduate degree in engineering or biology. Harms also commented the uniqueness of bringing these two majors together into one program. "Biologists are going to work directly with the engineers and the engineers get to work directly with the biologists," Harms said. Ridley stated students are going to have a lot of advanced hands on experience in the classroom and applying it to real world situations. "You would be hard pressed to find a school where you can get really hands on, world class research and access to industry," Ridley said. "You get the benefit of what makes small schools great which is access and personal relationships and working with professors." Students who are interested in the program should contact the graduate admissions department counselor Joshua Savitski at joshua.savitzki@wilkes.edu or 570-408-42_38. Students will have to meet the graduate level admissions requirements to be in the program and are strongly encouraged to have either a biology or engineering background. @shawncarey8 shawn.carey@wilkes.edu IT, food services updates announced at SG meeting By Abbey Haldeman Assistant News Editor WILKES UNIVERSITY'S ONE STOP - PRINT SHOP Sept. 12 meeting called to order 6:01 p.m. Mention this ad for a FREE Hat with your first order! TreaA rer's Report: All College: $9,550 Conferences:$700 General Funds:$18,750 Leadership:$600 Spirit:$1,454.34 Student Government Total:$31,054.34 New Business: Food Services Update: Sodexo Advertising Manager, Jason Alinet, talked to the board about the redesign of Rifkin Cafe including the difference in late night now being served at Rifkin instead of Henry's dining hall. Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights there are specials running which includes pizza, wings and nachos. Students are able to call in orders on those nights or order in person. In the Henry Student Union Building Cafe they are offering more gluten free items and themed days and events. Also informing students of the Off-Campus Service plan, through which students can use their Flex Dollars at places such as Sheetz, Subway, and Asian Kitchen. IT: IT Executive Director Cindy Greene informed the Student Government panel that fi.:llfllfD1, ··;:, ,;;;, , .c·. ' ·;·-· ·=:1;,':;;?,:;; , What We Can Do For You Google migration will be completed in January and the split will be made from Outlook Web access to only Gmail. Thus far, there have been over 1,400 students who have opted-in. If students are having issues logging into LIVE they can access web.wilkes.edu/elearning to help with login issues. The wireless internet in Towers is being addressed. The Help Desk hours have been changed, Monday - Thursday 7 am, to 10 p.m., Fri. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and opening again Sun. at 12 p.m. Student Government T-shirts: New T-shirts are to be ordered. A motion was made to allocate enough money to purchase 80 T-shirts and was passed 21-0-3. Called to a close at 7:09 p.m. @wilkesbeacon abbey.haldeman@wilkes.edu Tees Hoodies Hats &More Great For: Clubs & Activites Sports Teams Fraternties / Sororities Fund Raising Dept. Uniforms CALL 570-822-2221 to Get Started Now! �Sept. 18, 2012 Contact editor: carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu Clueless at the ballot box America's young voters are discouraged and misinformed By Carly Yam1·us Opinion Editor How educated are young voters in politics? How many young voters go into the poll pressing buttons, voting blindly for issues they don't even understand? Last spring, the COM 398 Controlling Spin class at Wilkes conducted a study on young voters age 17-30. Its purpose was to gain insight on how students view the candidates and issues of the 2012 election. The first focus group consisted of men and women 18-23. As I was reading the data from the focus group, I saw a few excerpts from students that truly bothered me. When asked where the students received their political information from, the majority said they read it online. By online, they mean on Twitter and Facebook, and by occasionally skimming headlines of news websites. If this is where the majority of young voters are getting their information from, we might be in trouble. As a not-so-proud owner of both a Facebook and Twitter account, I can tell you that neither of these two websites are reliable sources of information for anything other than what that girl you met once at a party ate for lunch. One student stated that he did not have any time at all to be bothered by news about the election and that it did not interest him. As a whole, young voters are misinformed about politics. They are misinformed about the candidates, and they are even misinformed about the voting process. Many young voters feel as if they should not vote because they have not gathered enough facts to make an informed decision. Media bias, personal opinions and half-truths are a problem for young voters trying to find credible sources to read up on the candidates. It's not that we don't want to be informed. Its that we are confused and in need of some guidance. We are not incompetent. We are not ignorant. There is no doubt that some people are simply lazy and uninterested in politics, but I do believe that many young voters, including me, are thoroughly discouraged by the empty promises and dishonesties that we've been getting from both parties this year. I took a politics class my first semester at Wilkes. I was hoping to learn more about the voting process and the two-party system. Instead, I learned about the founding fathers and the history of democracy. All-important, however, learning the basics of voting process is necessary for every newly registered individual who may be unaware of his duties as an American citizen. The election is here and now. At least on election years our history and politics classes should give students some idea about to do and why to do it. Otherwise young voters will continue to blinding cast their ballot based on a Facebook status they saw that morning. According to Rock The Vote, there are 44 million eligible young voters, representing a fifth of the electorate -- 44 million people whose votes matter. As a registered voter, you have a voice. If you would like to vote in the November election but feel you are not properly educated, there is still time to learn. Look for credible sources when reading about the candidates and where they stand on the issues. Facebook and Twitter cannot possibly give you the wealth of knowledge you need to make an educated decision. Young voters can register to vote at voterreg. com or rockthevote.com. @wilkesbeacon carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on responses. Last week's question: How difficult has it been to park on campus?? This week The Beacon asks: How informed do you consider yourself on politicians and their positions on national and international issues? • • • Very informed Somewhat informed Not informed Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice . . Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Austin Loukas Many of today's young voters feel they cannot make an educated voting decision because they have not been properly informed. Such individuals often obtain their political information from sources that are not credible, such as Facebook and Twitter. The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 7 OPINION Issues with campus parking anger commuter students Commuter Council fails to communicate with students who are denied parking passes By Austin Loukas Asst. Photo Editor The Beacon/Austin Loukas Students have begun to park In "no parking" zones due to the lack of spaces available on and around campus. Students parking illegally without parking passes while paying students can't find spots By Anne Yoskoski Life Editor As almost everyone knows, the first week of classes is hectic in many ways: new academic pressuref. new clubs to be involved in and new people to meet. There is only one little problem: where do you park to get to class? The first week of classes has been known as a parking exemption week, a week where public safety doesn't ticket cars without parking passes in any lot. This does help some students by giving them more time to procure a parking pass, but for other students who applied last semester, it is a large inconvenience. Many commuters do not have time to get to Wilkes at 8 a.m. for a 10 a.m. class. Unfortunately, this is what has been happening. Students pay $160 per semester for a commuter parking pass and then find nowhere to park. In addition to several parking lots such as the one behind the Student Center, one located behind UCom, another behind Weckesser Hall and one on the side of the Marts Gymnasium, there is also a five-story parking garage. This should provide plenty of room for students, especially commuters, to park. However, people have been crowding the meters, parking at the local YMCA and parking in "no parking zones." Many of the people taking up these spots have not paid for parking passes, and as the second week of classes has showed, they may not need to if public safety continues not to ticket. As long as "free parking" continues at Wilkes, people who paid for their parking passes, resident or commuter, are being short-changed out of their time and money. One can obtain a parking pass by filling out a form and handing it into Public Safety. The pass is one that hangs from a driver's rear view window and is numbered and color coded. The student will then receive an email telling them they have been granted a parking pass. The set up is a little confusing, as commuters get their parking passes from Commuter Council, residents get their passes from Res Life, and public safety enforces the policies. Most tickets are approximately twenty five dollars, and are automatically added to a student tuition statement. In the future, students should appeal to Public Safety for separate lots: a faculty lot, a commuter lot and a resident lot, so that someone who drives from Dallas or Laughlin to school gets a parking space instead of someone who drives from the dorms, and staff members do not need to battle students for parking. As a commuter, the parking situation can only be described as chaos. There are several spots that could be turned into more parking such as the field next to the sub parking lot. There is no reason Wilkes needs an empty field when people can not find a place to park. There are also several spots for "government officials" that no one ever uses. As the semester goes on, hopefully Public Safety will start ticketing people who are actually breaking the rules, freeing up some spaces for students, faculty and some residents who paid for their parking passes and truly need to get to class on time. @wilkesbeacon anne.yoskoski@wilkes.edu To this day, I am not even sure if the Commuter Council was even aware that they had a crisis on their hands. I, like many others this semester, was refused an on-campus parking pass. And I, like so many others, was only told why weeks after the fact. To this very day, the Wilkes University Commuter Council has not answered my emails. The organization of the parking pass system at Wilkes is overly complicated and quite deceiving. To most students it may seem as if Public Safety is in charge of choosing who does and does not receive parking passes. This is not true. For on-campus residents, Resident Life chooses qualified candidates for parking passes; for off-campus and commuter students, Commuter Council is in charge of choosing good candidates. Neither Res Life nor Commuter Council sends out emails to notify students if they did not qualify for a parking pass. This is surely something that must be changed. Last week The Beacon did an online editorial on the Wilkes' parking pass system that I urge you to check out. The editorial focused on Tim Jurkowski, an off-campus nursing student in Army ROTC who seemed to be overlooked when it came to parking passes this semester. Now Jurkowski has to get ride with Public Safety to the Ralston lot early in the morning in order to get to nursing clinicals and ROTC physical training. Jurkowski,was seemingly denied a parking pass because he lived too close to campus. The apartment building we both live in does not supply us with private parking. Thus, Jurkowski, many other off-campus and commuter students, and I were turned down. Being adjacent to campus did not affect another student, Ryan Weber, from getting a parking pass. Weber lives the same distance from campus, however, he received a parking pass as usual this semester. Meanwhile several commuter students, who actually drive to class in the morning, were denied parking passes along with Tim "superbusy" Jurkowski. This makes me seriously question the organization of this system. Why are some students picked, seemingly at random, over others? Who is truly choosing who gets these passes, is it a fellow student, a faculty member, or someone from the administration? Perhaps it is just a hogwash of random commuter council students prone to their own biases and inconsistencies. I am not sure; I have tried to reach out via email to Commuter Council several times with no response. This parking "crisis," as I've heard it put by fellow students and friends, is not fair to the students. I understand that there are only a limited number of spots. I have also heard many stu- The Beacon/Austin Loukas Sophmore nursing student Tim Jurkowski displays four parking tickets as a result of the campus "parking crisis." dents complain that they are unable to find parking spots before class even when they have received a parking pass for the semester. I believe that it is a necessary evil that these organizations deny students for parking. I request, however, that the commuter council deny these students in some type of organized way and, perhaps even more importantly, communicate with students about the reasoning for this denial. I also understand how hard it must be for Public Safety, they have had to deal with countless students calling and complaining while they themselves are not truly responsible. I'm sure that it is a huge hassle for public safety to deal with the complaints of students and parents on the matter of parking on campus. I assume it is au.o a hassle for public safety to cart students to and from the Ralston Parking Lot at 4am in the morning because commuter council overlooked a student's needs for a parking pass. I urge the commuter council to speak up and educate the students to whatever organizational system they have for parking passes. In the meantime, I' II be in the parking garage next to Boscov's. @wilkesbeacon austin.loukas@wilkes.edu �8 OPINION THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 Deadly hit-and-run accident reminds us to drive safely By Alyssa Stencavage Assitant Life Editor We have all been told since we were young children to look both ways before crossing the street, not to talk to strangers, and so on. But, how often do we really think about the importance of safe driving? Too many of us seem to take that for granted and forget about it. Recently a close friend of mine since kindergarten, Rebecca McCallick, was the victim of a fatal hit-and run car crash. I always hear about things like this happening on the news, but never did I imagine that it would happen to someone I knew for such a long time. I remember waking up the morning of the accident and checking Facebook, only to see the news about Becca's passing. Of course I was shocked and devastated; I did not want to believe it. After talking to friends and others that knew her, I learned that she had been involved in a deadly hitand-run crash. Tragedies like this should remind us of the importance of safe driving. Most importantly, never text or talk on your cell phone while driving. Do not be distracted by The Beacon/ Samantha Dauber The tragic death of Rebecca McCallick reminds us to always drive with caution. friends, play loud music, or try to adjust the pecially considering all of the recent incidents radio, as these can all be dangerous as well. near the Wilkes campus, where several stuMany people do not believe that bad things dents were robbed and attacked while walking can happen to them, but you never know back to their dorms. For example, it is never when you may be involved in an accident, and a good idea to walk alone at night. While practicing safe driving can prevent that from these are important things to keep in mind, happening. Also, we all need to be cautious life is too short to take people for granted. of those around us because even if we are Always appreciate the people we have in our doing the right thing, someone else may not lives because as what happened to Becca be. If everyone practiced these safe driving demonstrates, we can lose anyone at any mohabits, there would be less accidents. ment and at any time. Saying "I love you" Just as important is staying safe at night, es- and letting others know that we care reminds them that they mean something to us. Losing Becca taught me the extreme importance of being safe behind the wheel. Even though I always try to be a cautious driver, there is always room for improvement. None ofus should have to imagine being responsible for claiming the life of another individual nor would we want to lose our lives as result of someone else's recklessness. I think the biggest lesson I learned from losing Becca as a close friend is to appreciate the people I have in my life because you never know when you will see someone for the last time. Each day is a privilege, not a promise. It's as simple as that. My heart goes out to Becca's family, who I have also known for many years. The tragedy of her death should serve as a lesson to us all, no matter how invincible we may think we are. Life brings many sudden changes, and it never hurts to take the extra precaution to ensure your safety and the safety of others. @wilkesbeacon a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Gun Control and the First Amendment Second Amendment Fires Forward by Jerome Frederick If you take a look back through the past 100 years and really look at how gun control worked you will see it failed miserably. We can look and the great country of Germany led by Adolf Hitler who imposed gun control, Benito Mussolini leader ofltaly, or Fidel Castro Cuban president, and they all have one thing in common, it failed. Gun control is not because people are afraid of guns, it's just a way of slowly turning our democracy into a dictatorship led by Mr. Obama. The only reason people are afraid of guns is because either they have no background knowledge or experience with guns because they think guns are only meant to hurt people ♦nee that's what they see on the news. Well, just because you implement gun control onto this once-free land that doesn't stop the fact that those criminals will still find a way to obtain those weapons. In those 11,493 homicides that were committed 42 percent were robberies and another 22 percent was aggravated assault and in 68 percent of those crimes the guns were not registered meaning they were received illegally (National Institute ofJustice). That leaves a minute amount of murders considering there are over 310 million guns in circulation including pistols, rifles, shotguns, semi-automatic machine guns and automatic machine guns. People who are ill-informed about guns, and basically about what is going on in the world, would see this and say "let's ban guns," which is anything but the right thing. Yes, guns have become much more modern in this world, and at the same time they have become harder to obtain as you need to have a background check, proper permitting, a specific gun permit and age restrictions just to name a few barriers to own a gun. Contradicting to the article in the (Sept. 11 Beacon) there are very few guns that have a 100-round capacity, like the one used in the Colorado shooting. People obtaining these guns and magazines will only grow through gun control with illegal purchases. Looking at the statistic on suicides and guns in America is like comparing "apples to oranges" they have nothing to do with each other. The gun doesn't pull the trigger on its' own; it is the operator, and what's to say that a veteran doesn't have a war flashback one day and end (his) life tragically. That is an instance where the stress of being somewhere undesired rears its head and a terrible outcome evolves out of it, where people just see the bold letter's in the news "Man Shoots Himself' so they have something to talk about. In America, if you look at the different states and their gun laws, you see different numbers pertaining to fatalities, but what you usually don't see is that most of them are justice being served. It is a proven fact that where there are more concealed carries there is less crime according to Ted Nugent NRA and TeaParty member, and you only have to look at Texas to prove that. We are the only ones who can stop this madness from happening and as far as I can see we American Gun owners will never let that happen. I am a proud to say I am an avid outdoorsman, hunter, trapper, shooter and I will always be a proud member of the NRA and fight for our gun rights. Experiencing flaws in gun distribution by Nancy Weeks I am writing in response to your "Second Amendment is out of touch with modem technology" article, published on Sept. 11, 2012. Your article has especially hit home to me, considering that I was involved in the Mehoopany Wind Farm shooting you might have heard about several weeks ago. It was my vehicle that the rogue, intoxicated gunman aimed and shot at. The shooter, Wade Douglas Wright, a known associate and friend of Hugo Selinski, has had at least one former arrest, previously jailed for a probation violation on a drunken driving conviction. At the time, we were traveling on public roads (not private as articles incorrectly stated) when we came upon Wright sitting on his parked quad in the center of the road. He had purposely created a roadblock so that we had no choice but to stop and comply with his demands. Upon releasing us, Wright waited a few seconds and then started to fire shots directed at us as we were exiting the area. One of the two bullets of the .22-caliber pistol, later found inside Wright's residence, traveled through the back seat, completely through my sister Mary Jo's chest and lung, and lodged inside of the lining ofmy husband's seat. I ask myself repeatedly, how is it possible that this lunatic was in possession of a gun after having a police record and probation violation? I assume Wright must be registered under the National Criminal Background Check System; however, what agency is assigned the task of researching the existence of and physically removing any additional guns in the possession of known criminals? Wright is now being held in the Wyoming County jail, in lieu of his $250,000 bail. He awaits his preliminary hearing, scheduled for Oct. 1. The Beacon/Laura Preby Prompted by recent shootings, gun control Is being heavily debated. �Contact editor: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com ..-»'--·-' ~ Field of dreams: Wilkes students' movie a tale of rustic romance From comedy skits to dark drama, directing duo Wood and Oravic's ambitions are growing By BIii Thomas A&E Editor On Friday, Sept. 7, the first night of shooting for the short film "Pitchfork" took place. Right out of the gate, co-directors Ryan Wood and Todd Oravic realized they needed to call 911. It's not that there was an emergency, but the recipe for one was certainly there. "The scene we shot on our first night was, by far, the hardest scene in the entire film," Wood said. "It was us in the pitch-black of night, with 8-foot torches on a stage while people danced, and we had to make it rain on cue. With a budget likes ours, that is a worst-case filming scenario." An independent production paid for primarily with donations garnered via crowdsource-funding website Kickstarter.com, "Pitchfork" is the most ambitious project to date for Woodavic Studios, a filmmaking company founded in 2011 by Wood and Oravic. "It was chaotic," Wood, a senior communication studies major at Wilkes University, said bluntly when asked to describe that first night of filming . At the suggestion of the film 's lead, Michael Lally, who is also a firefighter in Scranton, Wood and Oravic decided to let emergency services know of their plans ahead of time. "I told them right away ' Listen, this is not an emergency' and the response was just ' Uh, OK,' Oravic, a senior English major at Wilkes, recalled. "I said 'We're shooting a film in ifis cornfield and there's going to be a lot of fire. We just don 't want people to call you guys saying there 's a field on fire."' "Their response was 'Well, we can have it on the docket as a controlled bum, but if we get any calls from anyone saying that everything's ablaze, we're coming out there anyway."' Fortunately for the pair, filming for that scene went off largely without a hitch. That's more than can be said about the rest of the weekend, though. On Saturday, the planned shoot got rained out. Wood and Oravic also found themselves overwhelmed, at first, in their attempts to oversee the large crew assembled before them. Prior to the shoot, they'd hope to at- tract volunteers, but they hadn't expected the sheer number of people who would actually show up to help. While thankful for the eagerness with which the public has embraced the project, the directors admit the film has WOOD revealed itself to be more of a double-edged sword than a pitchfork. On top of inclement weather and potential fire hazards, abrupt and unforeseen circumstances sent the filmmakers in search of a new filming location mere days before production was scheduled to begin. Despite all the headaches, Wood and Oravic feel "Pitchfork" is a project worthy of their best efforts. "When we read the script, we were blown away," Wood said. "We knew right away that we had to make this movie." Written by Kevin Conner, who finished the sceenplay while enrolled in Wilkes' graduate Creative Writing program, "Pitchfork" tells the story of a down-on-his-luck farmer trying to salvage both his drought-ravaged cornfield and a slowly hemorrhaging marriage, only to find that the future of one may come at the expense of the other. "It goes to a dark place, but it's also goes into an amazingly uplifting place. It's a love story, but a gritty one." Oravic said. "The tone of it is very quiet. There's no dialogue. It's heavily based around sound effects and visuals and the performances and the music." The intense-yet-subttle dramatic narrative of "Pitchfork" marks a departure for Wood and Oravic, whose previous collaborations have mostly focused on no-budget skits of absurdist comedy. To date, the pair estimates they've made around 15 such skits together, several of which can be viewed on the Woodavic Studios YouTube channel. Though their background is in lighter material, the directors believe the division between comedy and drama is a superficial one. Both genres, they noted, are still based on engaging the emotions of an audience and moving viewers toward a specific impassioned reaction. "Comedy and drama are different houses built on the same foundation. They're just different color houses," Wood said. "You go about ORAVIC designing it differently, but really the roots are the same." Fittingly, the directorial duo 's excitement for "Pitchfork" has proven equally as infectious as a hearty laugh. Though their initial fundraising goal was $2,500, donations came in not just from family and friends but from people the pair had never met before, from as far away as Singapore, Australia and Portugal. The outpouring of support pushed the budget up to $4,176. In a symbiotic cycle wherein the pair 's enthusiasm seems to spread to those around them, only for the enthusiasm of others to embolden their own, Wood and Oravic have developed lofty aspirations for their labor of love. Once "Pitchfork" is completed, they hope to submit it to a number of film festivals, including the iconic Sundance Film Festival, and will also be seeking distribution. "The second anybody reads this script they're in love with it and they instantly want to do everything they can tg help bring this thing to life," Wood said. "All we can do is be sincerely grateful for all the help we've received." For more information, visit facebook.com/ PitchforkFilm. @wifkesbeacon billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Courtesy of Woodavic Studios From left: Ryan Wood and Todd Oravlc seek advice from writer Kevin Conner while directing actor Michael Lally in their latest film production, "Pitchfork." Cochrap ~haneWalsh �10 A&E THE BEACON I S, "Looking back with pride, looking forward with confidence," Patrick Leahy is installed Wilkes president Above, Board Chair Jack Miller formally installed Dr. Leahy as Wilkes president with the help of trustees Melanie Lumia and Virginia Sikes. Left, Leahy presents an honorary doctorate of humane letters to Rev. Scott Pilarz. Below, the University Chorus sang "Noble Truths" and ROTC members processed flags In. �• I Sept. 18, 2012 A&E tt Above, left, right, below: On Saturday, Sept. 8, Dr. Leahy, his two daughters and student volunteers helped clean up around the city of Wilkes-Barre. Below: Students, faculty, staff and alumni were Invited to a campus-wide celebration in the Student Union Building Ballroom on Friday, Sept. 14, complete with free food , a dance floor and local band Pop Rox. 11 -, �A&E THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 Every issue, A&E Editor Bill Thomas and Assistant A&E Editor Jake Cochran indulge their vanity and give a thoroughly biased crash-course in whatever madness happens to be dwelling in their warped minds. Their views do not reflect those of The Beacon, its staff or Wilkes University. Blah blah blah. This week, Jake Cochran is triumphantly declaring ... FVIK •S liOT :l> EA:I> 1 It's a term that gets thrown around too often, and it's typically not something people give much thought to. The idea that "punk is dead" has existed for just about as long as the idea of punk itself. Let's get this out of the way first, punk's not dead, just because we have three dead Ramones, a Joe Strummer who's pushing up daisies and a Sid Vicious who's been in the ground for decades, that does not mean the genre died with them. Contrary to what some people woul.d have you bel.ieve, there is a very well-established core of veterans keeping punk rock on life support. Actually, it might just be as healthy as ever. Having that die-hard core has made 20 J2 an amazing year for the genre. Hell, even this past week was a great, with two new album s dropping on the same day, one from NOFX and one from The Adicts. On top of that, this year also marked the 40-year anniversary for the British genre royalty of Cock Sparrer and the 20-year anniversary of the snotty Californians in Rancid. Earlier in the year, all four bands teamed up for a handful of shows on the West Coast, to commemorate the anniversaries of their formations and promote their albums respectively. When the bands came to the East Coast, however, the bands each went their separate ways, launching their own tours and putting on show after show at packed venues all over. Celebrating 40 years as a band, Cock Spaner went on tour and played shows all across the globe. During this tour the group visited Philadelphia for the first time in its generation-bridging career. In this writer's estimation, the band put on an absolutely flawless perfonnance. Before the show, fans standing in line were cracking jokes that frontman Colin McFaull would need to have his microphone attached to a walker, but once the show was finished they had the respect of everyone in the soldout venue. Proving even further that age hadn 't tamed Cock Sparrer's youthful punk-rock spirit, the end of the show was not even close to the end of music. The band played the same venue again the next day. Once again, the show sold out almost instantly. Rancid started its tour for its 20-year anniversary as a way of jumpstarting the creative spark it will need when the band members head back into the studio to record their first album since 2009. According to founding member Tim Armstrong, the band is looking at an early spring 2013 release, if everything goes as planned. Am1strong is expected to have a busy next few months, as it's also been mmored that he will be going back to the studio with partnersin-crime Skinhead Rob and Travis Barker of Blink J 82 for a new Transplants a.lbum . That would be the group's first album since 2005. The punk-rock supergroup has already teased fans with a sporadic series of shows featuring a new song, "In a Warzone." Speaking of album releases, just last Tuesday The Adicts released their newest album, "All the Young Droogs." Sticking to the group's roots, "All the Young Droogs" serves up 12 cuts of overly theatrical party music with lighthearted lyrics and sing-a-long hooks. The members of The Adicts are also touring across North and South America to celebrate this release and, if you've never seen TheAdicts live, you should reconsider your life choices. Not alone in releasing new material, NOFX put out an album on Tuesday, Sept. 11, the same day as The Adicts. Called "Self Entitled," the new release is one of the faster albums NOFX has put out to date, but it sticks to the group's trademark tongue-in-cheek make-funof-everything style, truly showings that punk is nowhere near dead. To read more about the above-mentioned albums and tours, as well as other random "war stories," visit The Beacon online at thewilkesbeacon.com. (J CHEATSHEIT ~ J " l_.._........ N,...., . ··o»_Jf'7•j"u"'""""'"" a -i :ie""'"" s -.-.-.- - . -.. -. rliistrong---•---"-~ * -.....-,-.-.-.-._ ....... MtttrFrl!'emm-----"-"-~--✓ '" · people..think-'.punk,..the~---Som~eople.ar,e~oo~Ltheir-,.,,,,} think moh~w~~y clothes ,and •· · . trade. Some are Jegend~ry. Th~n __ angry music. Enter Tim Armstrong. . . ffiere's~ollutic1a. ---while"'ATITJstrong-haS"'tradecHrrh~+'<>ntrpoint-in-tim-,.flreeman· - -y .""_ __,"l..,. _ ~i...,b~pik,e.s::llaio:l<UP~-- ---.}X9$- ~&,_QQ.Q. at stangard !2ass :;;-:! ed skull tatto.o, he is still as energetthat, for his . s.ide- project (evr' 1c as ever an as seen success m a et'y"orie1feedsone)~ecfo~ ~ ru,iety..o?bi&»>Side-projeet--a-s-.weH~ witch,.to.,,stcand,,up,.hasS,,®d , · obill act called the course. r- Jello Biafra .. . . . Jeri)'. (}_nly • O ·. e many people wnonave 'S"" om """'e""--=p-=eo"'p=e.....,.,w ,±,,; o~ua say "', · -••-•-Tun..for-mayOMtr"San-Franeiseo-or---herro.r-punk~grou~e,.MiS:nts,.,--,/ ,_ for President of the l}niteq St,n~s ended once mastermind GJenn for the Green Part.y, one c.an sati.el.y Danzig left. Those pe-ople would ( ;----n'Sslfi'lre'tlfa:nrtrty,omrcamt1tlltt~lffir -tre'i'diuts:"'fetry"'0n:fyiS""tlre'iuw-- -e.ver.snar.led--theJ:yr.ics,to.songsJike--,,_.gest.,s.unnin~heL-oL.Xhe.,._-· · ·sfits. only missed out on ofa 'ongmal mem6er" status \ afra formerfrontman ofCalifonria by a scant few months. And hardcore act Dead Kennedys. Still while thabsn 'tactually the most ?--·,:me""'"t>f-tlre- mtlsrt,mspoken-untl~·~~-prestigious--1:itte;---you- neeu-t~ ~ ell~.spoken members.in.,,alLoi:the__gixe.,him,.cxeJ:!iUOLin.:entingjhe_,_/ entertainment industry, Biafro has . Devilock, horror-punk's signano pro · em saying wliat's wrong fure fours e. - -·---with·th~orld·and~how4o-fixs.it, • ..............__......_....,._,,......_...__.......,..__....._ __ ~~~~~~~-( Iggy Pop -- ~-srzA-crac+.,·---------,.......--........,,(J'bnn-oW'it'term-Jto~ ~ S:t.ZAZ:.-i~ not-.hiS-£hristian-----z:ilian,,,...MMA.,._phenom.-.Y.ito~ name but, it's what he's best known Belfort, Iggy Pop is what could . - -as:-·Whathecloes best . th.ough is only be referrecl"to as a "Yow~ ' ~--hawaH- authority~ures~d-play----··E>inos-aur!k.-Simply-put;-P o ~ .J ,-.:i --·~:~!~~~o~~~~e!~~!~~~~!1t~~;~~i:;~~~:~- I ~ - but 1s mostly known for the bands ----rm' mgestmg mountainsofdrugsft:over-Graek- aRd-Ghok,ing-\lic~d-alcohol....as- lead- singer-ior......-1 tim •. . . • . . .. The Stoo&es in the late '60_s and_= , '70s, its miracle this .guy is still i -------------------.. --~,, . , -~,~11v--.~-----------~· ' @wilkesbeacon jason.cochran@wilkes.edu \ ~ "----~-----·----._,;-~-----•.·---4-~J a. ·- '"" J �Contact editor: anne.yoskoski@wilkes.edu Sept. 18, 2012 Making the switch: many students are opting in to the new Gmail system By Alyssa Stencavagl Assistant Life Editor It is no surprise that many people have been experiencing frustration due to a loss of emails or just having to face yet another email issue. But for every problem, there is a solution, and the solution here is the new Gmail system by Google. Since the opt-in period has begun, many students and faculty have been taking advantage of the perks the new system has to offer. It does not take much to understand what prompted the migration to the Cloud, as there are a number of reasons for the switch. But even before we ask why, we must also consider some of the issues our campus was facing before. As technology has moved forward, the question has become, should we be investing so much time and money managing a system that everyone considers troublesome? That was a question posed by Gloria Barlow, chief information officer of information technology services. "A lot of students wanted to stop using their email because they didn't want to keep deleting mail, and too much mail means not receiving everything you need," Barlow said. But then Microsoft introduced Google Apps, and the idea of being able to deliver information in a more efficient and cost effective manner using Google as the free service that it has started to seem like the better option. Last year during the flood we faced an email shut down, and with Google's new Gmail system we hope to prevent that from happening again. Wilkes University has been using the old system for a while. "Approximately 60 percent of colleges and universities across the county have made the migration, and we wondered if we should be doing the same," Barlow said. The Cloud Email Evaluation Sub Committee spent months examining the pros and cons of alternatives. The committee then made a unanimous recommendation for the Cloud, which IT reviewed and unanimously agreed upon. Finally this was taken to the cabinet, and approved. "It is very unusual to find everyone on campus in agreement," said Barlow. Barlow said Wilkes could be saving $90,000 over the next five years by switching to the new Gmail system, which was part of the committee's charge. These savings include peripheral costs, hardware costs, and software licensing costs. Some software licenses could also be eliminated. When we look at the benefits of making the switch to Gmail and Google, many aspects have to be considered to see that this system has proven to do better than Outlook. Cost savings, efficiency, ftmctionality and integration, increased access, no advertisements and mobile access are among the many advantages these solutions provide. As a college campus, we are always in need of computers and working email. Better ftmctionality was needed for staff, faculty and students. Gmail also allows for larger mailboxes for storage. Barlow said Google provides 25 gigabytes, which is 250 times the 100 megabytes we have now. Business continuity can also be added to the list of e 1111 I advantages for Gmail. This means that if for some unforeseen event or technical problem were to occur and a Please enter your Wilkes user name and password. person happened to have InUser name ternet connection, he or she would still have email conPassword nection, which would in tum enable continued connection with everyone on campus. Questions? check out the EMJ.. Finally, if you are worried about having to change your.___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___, email from the address used with Outlook, with Gmail you can continue to keep the same email address as well. It is still firstname.lastname@wilkes.edu. So, where do we stand now? Well, "we have migrated more than 1, 100 students and of those 1,100, less than 1 percent have had any difficulty with the new system," Barlow said. "We have had the opt-in period for about three weeks, and more than 1,100 students have made the decision on their own." All staff will be migrated at once because they do too much collaborative work to be switched at different times. The decision is being left up to students and faculty for now whether they want to opt-in or not, but at the start of the Spring semester shortly after the first of the new year, everyone will required to make the switch to Gmail. "By winter we will be shut down and Wilkes will have become a Google campus," Barlow said. Barlow said students do seem to be happy with the new system "because it is a system and an application that they are comfortable with." Students are also voicing their opinions about the new Gmail system. "I like it a lot better. It's much easier to navigate on the computer and I like how professors and students names come up u:w:he "to" section. The only problem I have is for some reason it didn't sync to my phone so that's annoying," said Kendra Kuhar, a junior English major. "I haven't heard complaints about using the system," Barlow said. "I've had more questions than complaints. If students have concerns, they can come to me or the IT department, and we take care ofit." Sophomore Tyler Brown voices his opinion about the email system: "It sucks because I only get some emails to the Gmail and for some reason all the important ones stay in the regular mail so I don't even use it anymore." It is definitely a learning process for students and faculty alike, but "people will appreciate their mailboxes not being full," Barlow said. You can make the switch to Gmail at: ewilkes.wilkes.edu. @wilkesbeacon a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu Flex program gives students many dining opportunities By Anne Yoskoski Life Editor For Wilkes Students, the Flex Dollars program has just been upgraded. Several new venues are now accepting Flex Dollars, such as Sheetz, Rodano's, Asian Kitchen, Frank's Pizzeria, Primo Hoagies, Subway, Maer's Barbeque, and Vesuvios. Previously, some of the choices students had for Flex Dollar venues were limited. Now, many popular Wilkes-Barre hot spots will be accepting Flex dollars in lieu of cash. "I go to Rodano's with my friends and usually we have to use cash or charge it," said P2 Pharmacy major Kiran Rai. "As college students, we don't always have a lot of money, so if we can use our Flex Dollars that would be great! A lot of people who don't really go out to eat might be able to now." For students who are not familiar with the Flex Dollars program, it is a way to use your Wilkes student ID as a card, pre-loaded with money or charged to your tuition bill. The Wilkes website states that "Wilkes University partnered with Off Campus Solutions by Sodexo to create the Flex Dollar Program as the ultimate compliment to your campus experience. Flex Dollars can be spent to make ala carte purchases in any campus or local establishment that accepts them." The Flex Dollars Program provides security, convenience, flexibility and freedom to students. Using the Flex Dollars plan makes the job of budgeting your money easy, as you can put money on the card at any time and also not worry about over-spending. Special off-campus discounts and promotions are also sometimes available, saving students even more money. Some students do not use Flex Dollars, and like to keep their spending money out of their university ftmds. With a debit card, students can check their balance almost anywhere, even on their phones, while the process of checking the amount they have left on their Wilkes ID may be tricky or only pointed out after a purchase. "It's nice that there are more choices," said senior T.J. Dennis, "but I am not sure if I will really use them." This sentiment seems to be reflected by not only commuter students, but students that reside in other states when they are not at school. A New Jersey or New York gas station or Subway restaurant will not accept your Wilkes ID, and that renders your money useless until the next time you come to Wilkes-Barre. Another problem with the Flex Dollars program is that even though the choices have ex- panded, they are still limited. If all gas stations and restaurants in town, even local hot spots like Movies 14 or some of the stores around campus accepted Flex Dollars, more students would most likely take advantage of the program. The best situation would be if out of state Subway restaurants and otehr venues accepted Flex Dollars. " The upgrades and improvements regarding the Flex Dollars Program are great for students that use Flex Dollars. In order to get more students involved in the program, the venues may have to be expanded in both number and size. While students can now use a Wilkes ID in more places, even more choices would benefit the school financially and the students in regard to variety. @annieyoskoski anne.yoskoski@wilkes.edu �14 LIFE THE BEACON I Sept. 18 , 2012 Taking a look at historic buildings in Wilkes-Barre By Christine Lee, Amanda Leonard, Mikel Hartsough .r1.1ews Editor; Correspondents Wilkes-Barre has garnered a reputation of being a city with run-down buildings and high levels of poverty and homelessness. Some do not realize Wilkes-Barre has ma,py historical buildings in its downtown area and in the surrounding communities that shape the city's landscape. Today many of these buildings are open to the public for tours and special events and have undergone extensive renovations to update their interior or preserve their historic qualities. Forty-Fort Meetinghouse The F_orty-Fort Meetinghouse, located 40 River St. in Forty-Fort, is known for its Vespers and memorial services. It is also known for being one of the oldest establishments in Northeastern Pennsylvania, located beside the famous Old Forty Fort Cemetery. Joseph Hitchcock created the design for the house. He also designed the Zion Church in Wilkes-Barre. The building is called a meeting house because it was shared by two different faiths since many churches were destroyed during the Revolutionary War people resorted to practicing their faith in what was called meeting houses. This meeting house was shared by both the Presbyterian and Methodist faiths in the area. "The church was built mimicking a New England style meeting house, definitely not the style you would imagine in this area during the early 1800's," Nancy Lychos, a member of the Preservation Committee and co-chair of the Docent Committee of the meeting house, said. "We did get a grant in 2009 from the state gaming fund, we got the exterior of the building painted, and we do not receive any money from government within Luzerne County." The meetinghouse is open for weddings and memorial services and any school is invited for a tour and can make reservations. "People love the meeting house, they want to see it preserved," Lychos said. membership to was opened in 1934 with a budget of $625,000 on the site of the former George S. Bennett mansion. "We've been a staple in Wilkes-Barre since as long as people can remember," YMCA marketing director Meghan Davis said. While the current YMCA is not as religiously based as when it was built, it still closes down on religious holidays such as Easter and the program still acknowledges its roots and promotes its faith. "The YMCA puts Christian principles into practice through programs to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all," Membership Director Kirn Greenip said. Greenip said the YMCA has been an integral part oflocal history, even serving the children of Wilkes-Barre in an important way. "The YMCA has become a huge part of Wilkes-Barre's local history. At one point it had a mining school located inside the building." Recently, the historic downtown building has undergone extensive renovations on its interior including new exercise spaces and men's and women's family locker rooms. "We have been working on our huge $15 million renovation project since July 2011 and plan on finishing it by mid-May, which we will hold a grand opening for," Davis said. Davis said the historical aspect of the YMCA makes it marketable in the area for attracting new members, especially since the re-opening in May. "We often advertise the historical aspect of our building for upcoming events such as our re-grand opening." Frederick Stegmaier Mansion Nestled near Wilkes is the Frederick Steg- Wilkes-Barre YMCA The Wilkes-Barre YMCA, similar to the Forty-Fort Meetinghouse, was also founded to foster the religious programs within the community. The current YMCA building across from Pearsall Hall that students are given free The Beacon/ Austin Loukas The Stegmaier Mansion, former home of Fredrick Stegmaier, was built In 1870. The owner of the brewery lived In the mansion from 1906 until his death. in the past several years, restorations have been underway to restore its beauty. Sophomore Poll Science Freshman B1oChem Major Freshman Mechanical Engineer "I don't know, I don't even study." "I listen to screamo when I study physics!' Major "I type all 111y notes In class." - - ------ maier Mansion, a building that exemplifies high Victorian and French Chateau Style with a Gothic revival. A locally renowned architect and builder, Missouria Houpt, constructed the mansion in 1870 with the aid of architect Bruce Price. Houpt and Price worked together on many of Wilkes-Barre's historic buildings, including the Colonel Ricketts Mansion, otherwise known as Wilkes residence hall Rifkin Hall, which is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the River Street Historic District in Luzerne County. After two previous owners, Frederick Stegmaier purchased the mansion in 1906. The Stegmaier family also owned and operated the Stegmaier Brewery and made many contributions to Wilkes-Barre. In 1857, Charles Stegmaier began brewing Stegmaier beer and by 1913, the beer had won many gold medals in Paris, Brussels and Rome; shortly after it was called the Stegmaier Gold Medal Beer. This beer is still brewed at the Lion Brewery, 700 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Wilkes-Barre. In 2001, Joseph Matteo, proprietor of Fret erick Stegmaier Mansion, purchased the mansion and has worked to restore its former structure. "In the past 11 years I have restored everything wall-to-wall to get it back to its former self," Matteo said. The mansion now serves as a bed and breakfast and a historic house that holds banquets, wedding receptions and other prestigious events. Historic tours are also available. Matteo said that unlike most cities, WilkesBarre does not have a preservation code to help maintain historic buildings with funding or anything enforceable to protect it. "There really should be a specific code that helps with the keep-up with such buildings," he said. "Most cities have applications that have to be cleared by the National Register of Historic Places to protect the integrity of the building." Most cities place buildings like the Fredrick Stegmaier Mansion on an ordinance that cannot be touched without approval of application. Along with the application, the potential buyer needs to submit a plan with intended alterations. "I could have bought this mansion and painted it weird colors or tore it down," he said. @annieyoskoski anne.yoskoski@wilkes.edu "I go back and forth between studying and readlnf comic books. �15 LIFE THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 Insanity workout creator to visit Wilkes University Shawn Carey Staff Writer "' Shaun T, the creator of the worldwide phenomenon known as Insanity, is making an appearance at Wilkes on November 3 in the UCOM. The Insanity workout is an exercise program that was created in 2009 to turn up the volume of the mundane workout. Since then people have been flocking to the stores to buy the routine and try it for themselves. However, for Wilkes University students, they do not have to buy a copy because Insanity is coming to Wilkes-Barre for one day. On November 3 from l-5 in the UCOM gymnasium students will get to do the insanity workout with Shaun T himself and will get a chance to meet him as we! I. Health and Wellness Club, or HAWC . The club was formed last year and has been doing the worko uts since last semester. Besides the Insanity workouts, HAWC also offers cycling classes at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA. They are still deciding on the actual workout that will be done. Coordinator of HAWC, Allie Givens stated, "The workout that Shaun Twill do on the day of the event is unknown. I am assuming he will pick the workout we do the day of the event or closer to the event." Students who are interested in the event will need a ticket to get into the event. Giv- ens stated, "We are only selling 300 ti.ckets and as of right now we are looking at starting to sell tickets sometime in October." Students should notice signs going up soon about ticket information. Tickets will be free to Wilkes University students that are interested in the event. The event will be laid out between one and five on that Saturday. The actual workout session will be from l -2 with a break from 2-3 where students will get a chance to purchase Shaun T inspired apparel and then from 3-4 there will be a meet and greet session with Shaun T and then Shaun Twill do a dosing ceremony from 4-5. Givens sai d there will not be any restrictions for students. •·we do encourage them to be safe while participating in the worko ut and only push themselves as much as they can." Givens stated. Givens is also very excited for the event stating, "I cannot even describe how excited I am to meet Shaun T and actually perform a workout with him in person! It wi ll be an awesome experience and I can't wait!" Other students have also shared thei r excitement of the event. Kyle Henry, shared his thoughts about Shaun T stating, "Having Shaun T come to Wilkes is beyond amaz·ing! His fitness programs have helped change my life around. In the past year alone, I feel like a healthier and more confident individual." @shawncarey shawn.carey@wilkes.edu Diversity is something that everyone will at some point encounter, and most likely something everyone has questions about. New this semester is a column called" Open Inclusion Dialogue with Office of Diversity Initiatives," welcoming student questions about diversity. Common diversity-related issues are : race, gender issues, stereotyping, disabilities, religion and culture. Students who have questions are encouraged to ask the questions they have been curious about or have previously been afraid to ask. diversity@wilkes.edu Erica Acosta, Associate Director of Diversity in the Wilkes Center for Global Education & Diversity will be answering your submitted questions. Don't hesitate to better yourself with information! What does reflection of one self have to do with diversity? By Erica Acosta They go hand in hand. How do we expect to learn about others and understand their culture when we might not understand our own? When learning about diversity and including others you have to be comfortable with sharing your space. At times it might feel uncomfortable and that is ok. It is ok because you are introducing yourself to something new and you have to find your own position in that new environment. Once you understand your own culture, traditions, your stand on different issues, it becomes easier to understand the other person. When you have reflected and understood your personal diversity then you can start embracing others' diversity and seeing how similar or not so similar you might be to that specific group. This process does not happen overnight knowing yourself is important to embrace diversity & it takes time. Courtesy of Marketing Communications Shaun T, creator of the Insanity workout, will be at Wilkes November 3 from 1-5 p.m. worklgn out with students in the UCOM Gymnasium. �Sept. 18, 2012 Contact editor: frank.passalacqua@wilkes.edu Wilkes. Paintball Team looks to move up Developing group continues to grow in the hopes of building on high rankings from past nior, Hayden Lerner, senior, Chris Wildfoerster, freshman, Gabe Nazareno, freshman, and Jesse McDermott, freshmen, are currently the men representing WU. Mike Sawka is the team president and after You would never guess that Wilkes Uni- only his second year on the team, Tom Rowe versity would be associated with schools has been voted captain due to his past expelike Florida State University, University of rience with the sport and is looking to make Alabama, Rutgers University, and Clemson great things happen. University. "It's really just like any sports team like in You probably would have never guess that high school," stated Tom Rowe, Team Captain. Wilkes would be ranked higher than all of "You just need to have the level head in all the them either. In fact, you probably did not even situations and be there for your guys. Everyone know Wilkes had a paintball team. deals with tournaments differently, but paintWell guess what, Wilkes has a paintball ball feels different than all those other sports. team, and they're pretty good. You're watching a clock tick down until your The Wilkes University NCPA Paintball start, your adrenaline is going as you're stepTeam is currently ranked 30th in the Class AA ping onto the field and lining up at the starting Rankings, and the history behind it is rather box ... there's really nothing else like it to me. interesting. Its one of the best feelings in the world." Take it back five years ago. If someone At the past Club Day, many students gained around the Wilkes campus was a life-long interest in joining the team. In fact, the paintpaintballer and wanted to keep their hobby ball team filled up over 70 slots on their signgoing, they were out of luck. It was time for up sheet, all of which looking to be a part of change, and a group of guys wanted to start the team. something new for their school. "That's 70 new faces that have never been In 2008, Kevin Meinenger founded the associated with Wilkes paintball and we're club and along with the really excited to get a few outseven original members, ings this semester to some local they brought the team to stated Rowe. You're watching a fields," life immediately. The folDespite all the recent suclowing year after getting clock tick down until cess the team has had in the past the team off the ground, year, Wilkes is not the top team Charles "Nick" Gambo your start, your adrena- in the conference. That is one was voted president and line is going as you're thing the team is aiming to imremained so until he on in 2012. stepping onto the field prove graduated in 2011. Looking forward to the up1a. In the first couple of and lining up at the start- coming tournaments, these years as a recognized Colonels know what needs to be collegiate team, Wilkes ing box . . . there's really accomplished in order to move found themselves ranked nothing else like it to me. their way back up the charts. in the Top 10 and fought "We only play at events that for some respect. In 2010, Its one of the best feel- count for competitions. GenerWilkes placed second at ings in the world?' ally schools compete in 2 per the Blue Crab Classic in semester due to funding and be-Tom Rowe, ing able to prepare for them," Maryland. This win was the first "podium" finish Paintball Team Captain said Rowe. "We're hoping to for the team, and it did play two this semester and at not stop there. least one in our conference, the 2011 brought great success with a first NEIC, and Nationals next semester. Our first place victory at NEIC Event 1 in Jackson, event is the Brick City Open held in Syracuse, New Jersey. Not only was winning gold NY and hosted by RIT. " sweet, but it was the team's first ever gold in Do you think this is your cup of tea? The t a NEIC Event. Wilkes paintball team welcomes anyone and Following the win, Wilkes landed third- everyone who wants to play. place in Syracuse, New York at the SUNY "As far as the club goes all you need is the Open (NEIC event 2), and another third-place desire to play paintball and if anyone wants medal in Maryland at the White Oak Chal- to start playing competitive they're more than lenge (NEIC Event 3). welcome to come out and they can practice For a relatively new team with only seven with us. No one is going to get turned away for players, these accolades are highly respect- lack of skill or gear," stated Rowe. able. For updates and news on the Wilkes paintWith only one senior left on the squad, ball team, check out wilkespaintball.com. young blood is looking to take over right @wilkesbeacon where the team left off. Tom Rowe, sophomore, Mike Sawka, jufrank.passalacqua@wilkes.edu By Frank Passalacqua Sports Editor '' Photos courtesy of Tom Rowe Above, Paintball Team captain Tow Rowe takes aim during competition. Rowe was voted team captain after two years on the team due to his past experience with the sport. Below, the Wilkes Paintball Team poses after their first place victory at the National Collegiate Paintball Association South Conference in Jackson, New Jersey. The men beat out teams from universities like Rutgers University, Penn State University and Temple University. It counted as the team's first win since their formation in 2008. Pictured, from left to right, is Adam Keeth, C. Nick Gambo, Clayton Wicks, Ashen Hackenburg, Tom Rowe, Mike Sawka and Hayden Lerner. �17 SPORTS two moments in my career that I would say I am most proud of would have to be when I was named player of the year in my division my seContinued from Page 20 nior year. Also when I recently broke the Wilkes school record for most assists in one game, What is the best part about playing volley- which was previously set in 1993. ball? The best part about playing volleyball is always having something that I'm able to When you think of the word "team," what push myself to become better at. All year I comes to mind? When I think of the word work hard to become better than I was the day team, I immediately think of the word family. before. Also, I love being on this volleyball With only having nine girls on our team, we are team for the fact that I have gained eight new closer than many other teams. We work togethfriends that I now consider to be like my sis- er as one group with confidence in one another that things on the court will get done. But also, ters because of how close we have become. we look at each other off the court with the love Being a freshman, what's the biggest chal- and respect that a family would. lenge you feel you have? So far, the biggest challenge I have come across when playing as Is working with classes and practice hard? a freshman and basically having the role as a Absolutely. One of the hardest things so far is "quarterback" on that court, is realizing that trying to manage my time. Everyday classes this is a whole new level of playing. The non- get harder and the work gets more demanding. sense that happened in high school isn't ac- But being able to get through a day of classes, cepted here. Controlling my temper has been lifting, practices, and studying gives me a great sense of accomplishment because of how much a huge part of my game too. I really do get done in a day. Is there something you do before every game? Whether we're on the bus for an away Do you have any idea of what you want to game, or I'm walking over to the Marts Center do with your major? Yes, as of right now I for a home game, I always listen to the song am majoring in accounting and I am planning "Remember the Name" by Fort Minor. The on double majoring it with business administrasong gets me pumped up and excited for game tion. I hope to pass ·my CPA exam, then make more career decisions after that. time! Powers Are there any proud moments in your career that you could never forget? The top Athlete Megan Powers is already getting comfortable with being a new player on the Wilkes volleyball team. She said the biggest challenge of being a freshman on the team has been adjusting to a whole new level of playing at the college level. She also said she has to work hard to control her temper during the gam.., The Beacon/ Laura Preby @wilkesbeacon michelle.coy/e@wilkes.edu We're also on 'l'witterl W@FIGshirts 146 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WILKES-BARRE NEAR CORBA BEVERAGE AND DOMINO'S! 570.823.9272 Monday September 17, 2012 6pm Rosenn Lecture Dillon-Dau 7:00pm Spotlight 7:30pm As You Like It Classic Arts Showcase Tuesday September 18, 2012 6pm Spotlight 6:30pm Det. Stores 7:00pm I Enjoy Being A Girl 7:30pm Showstoppers 8:00pm Rosenn Lecture-Lee Zanny 9: 17pm Classic Arts Showcase Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:30pm ' 8:00pm 8:30pm Spotlight An American In Normandy ShowBizKids Wy. Val. Media Kirby Lecture-Tom Zasky Classical Arts Showcase Thursday, September 20, 2012 6:00pm Spotlight 6;30pm Ax Of Murder 7:30pm Student Press Freedom 8:00pm Kirby Lecture Lawrence Reed 9:00pm Philadelphia 2000 Classical Arts Showcase �18 SPORTS THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 SCOREBOARD Football 9/15 Wilkes - 13 Albright - 27 Field Hockey 9/14 Wilkes-3 Widener-2 M-Soccer 9/11 Baptist Bible"'- W 6-0 9/15 Elizabethtown - L 1-4 W-Soccer 9/13 Lebanon Valley - L 1-0 9/15 Widener - W 5-0 Volleyball 9/15 Baptist Bible - L 3-0 9/15 Lycoming- L 3-1 W-Tennis 9/15 Lycoming - W 9-0 M-Tennis 9/15 Lycoming- W 8-1 M-Cross Country 9/14 Cougar Classic - 7th F-Cross Country 9/14 Cougar Classic - 8th WEEKAHEAD M-Soccer 9/18 VS. Penn College 9/22 VS. Lebanon Valley W-Soccer 9/22 at Arcadia 9/23 VS. Daemen M-Tennis 9/22-23 Scranton Trnt. Football An offer they can't refuse Time for change Notre Dame announced this week that it will join the Atlantic Coast Conference in every sport except football, which will remain independent. I like the fact that Notre Dame is joining the ACC. I think it's a very good fit. Even though it will provide difficulty in basketball with stiffer competition, it will raise the level of the program as a whole. The best part of this deal, however, is the football program staying independent. By staying independent, the Notre Dame football remains one of the biggest unrestricted power houses in college football. This prestige alone allows them to have a big time schedule every single year. Notre Dame already plays five ACC teams a year, so they are practically in the conference but do not have the luxury of playing for the ACC championship. That being said, by staying independent Notre Dame gets to play big-time schools and classic rivals like USC, Michigan and Michigan State, whom they beat Sept. 15 Another key proponent of staying independent is the automatic BCS bid that Notre Dame gets if it is in the top eight in the nation. Also, Notre Dame is allowed to represent the ACC in bowl games should the conference decide to go on that route. The biggest part of this, however, is the money. Notre Dame gets to keep all of its television money from its national television contract. This was the deciding factor in where Notre Dame Football goes. If Notre Dame was in the ACC, the conference would get the rights to televise conference games. In this case, Notre Dame, being a premier program, would be televised by the ACC as much as possible. That would take preference over Notre Dame's independent television contract. That is a lot of money lost for the school. Overall, this is a deal that Notre Dame cannot go wrong with. If I were the athletic director and school president, I would be ecstatic on the way this all worked out. With the recent trend of developing super conferences in college sports, it's almost inevitable that every college football team will be on the move in the next few years. The interesting part will be to watch how the famous independent teams handle the changing landscape. In the last week, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame jumped ship from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference. On the outside it seems like a decent move, until I found out the football program will remain independent. The ultimate goal of any sports program is to win a championship. The road to a championship goes through conference play. With the current BCS system, conference play is compared to the level of the playoffs since the BCS doesn't have a playoff system. Since there is no playoff system, being in a strong conference with strong competition helps teams become recognized and chosen for the championship game. Notre Dame decided to switch all sp!ts to a new conference. This will create great rivalries and help the student-athletes win championships. The only downside to this switch, besides the money and pending lawsuits, is that football remains independent. Notre Dame is based on tradition and consistency. The tradition comes with the uniforms and pre- and post-game antics, while the consistency and tradition meet in remaining an independent football team. I respect tradition in all aspects, but Notre Dame is in need of change. A program with such prestige and a huge fanbase needs to see the facts. The regular season is equivalent to the playoffs. The current BCS will not let an independent team into its grandest of all stages. The BCS wants to see a team that conquered all conference foes and went through hardships to get to where they are. Granted, ND usually plays some big names throughout their seasons, and has the ability to mold its schedule anyway they like. That flexibility can make or break a team like the Irish when it comes to going to the big game. Notre Dame will play up to five ACC opponents per year within the next few seasons. So in a sense the Irish are playing a conference schedule without committing to a conference. I believe it's time that Notre Dame put aside tradition for once. They need to jump ship and become part of a conference. Becoming part of the ACC will create new rivalries and bring better competition. It will make things more exciting for fans and alumni. The most important thing though it will bring all the fans, students and players what they want: a championship. @wi/kesbeacon joseph.pugliese@wilkes.edu 9/22 at Widener Field Hockey 9/18 at Juniata Cross Country 9/21 NEPA Classic Volleyball 9/22 at Keystone Tweet us: Send messages and pictures to: @wu_BeaconSports @wilkesbeacon justin.franiak@wilkes.edu �THE BEACON I Sept. 18, 2012 19> SPORTS Fourth choice gets shot at UFC 151 championship WET P.A INT T-St+lftTS Belfort jumps at chance to take on Jones WILKES UNIVERSITY'S ONE STOP - PRINT SHOP By Jake Cochran Assistant A&E Editor After Jon Jones rejected the UFC offer to fight Chae! Sonnen as a replacement for Dan Henderson on nine days notice to defend his title on the advice of his coach and manager Greg Jackson, the light heavyweight title picture became murky. Once the organization decided there was no hope for UFC 151, they immediately had to decide what to do with the title fight and who would face the champion. Chae! Sonnen was already signed to a fight later that year, his title aspirations were dashed as quickly as they were presented, after all what did he have to show to say he deserved the shot, other than he would fight on short notice. Then the organization did the logical thing and went to the next No. 1 contender in the Light Heavyweight Division, Lyoto Machida, but he was currently unreachable because he was visiting his relatives in Brazil and didn't have cell phone service. He really can't be blamed at this point because, honestly, a title fight to decide who he would face next was nine days away. So why would he expect a call to arms so soon? But during the cancelation of UFC 151 it was stated that The Dragon would be fighting Jones at UFC 152, on Sept. 22. Later that day, Ed Soares released a statement saying that Lyoto wasn't even aware of this arrangement, because he is still unreachable because there was no service, so he never agreed to fight Sept. 22. After Machida was brought back from the stone age and made contact with his manager he said that he would not fight at 152 but he would fight at 153, which is scheduled for later date in October. This was too far for the UFC, so they needed to find a replacement for the title fight that was just moved to UFC 152. This is where the UFC decided to offer Shogun Rua the title shot, but Rua had to decline because he was still under a medical suspension from fighting recently. They decided that Vitor Belfort another perennial contender should fight Jones. Vitor Belfort jumped at the opportunity and is now set to face Jones at UFC 152 "Kids today are worried about their careers, I just want to fight," Belfort said. Belfort will have a quite a task with taking on the current champion because the odds opened at 13: 1 making B~lfort the biggest underdog in a title fight since UFC 69. Georges St. Pierre was a huge favorite over Matt Serra but that didn't stop The Terror from interrupting the champion's reign in the first round with a flurry of punches to complete a story fit for a movie. 8: 'vV a: :e, S~ree: vV1 IKes r3ci · · e. PA , 8 702 www. wetpai nttsh irts.com Mention this ad for a FREE Hat with your first order! t.·1 :,':...'l :E:' ,...,.,i ll" » W hat W e Can Do For You Tees Hoodies Hats &Mo re Great For: Clubs & Activites Sports Teams Fraternties / Sororities Fund Raising Dept. Uniforms CALL 5 70-822 -22 21 to Get Started Now! @wilkesbeacon jason.cochran@wilkes.edu ,c-, Reporters Photo,g raphers Graphic 'de's ign~rs L..ayout actistsi%, . , repsqwr> , ,Ad·vefi,.... L:l~tt,Ag. SeetibA ed ito.ns Assistaa.t editor:s \lideographers O nline ,designers ... and"'m ore ,,fr··· ~~ ft We're hiring 1 No experience nec essary. We'll train. The Beacon is looking for a few good people to fill the positions you see listed here. Don't leave with with just an education .. . get experience. Working with The Beacon provides an opportunity to improve communication skills that are essentail for any career field . For more information, contact Kirstin Cook, editor-in-chief, at kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu, 570408-5903 OR Dr. Loran Lewis, adviser, loran. lewis@wilkes.edu, 570-408-4165 ~BEACON fl4❖1--I.JA®&rnH•li@ ■ ~n,mwu1 1 1a,HltANti6i.j,,j.JiiH❖ • �r- BY MICHELLE COYLE Staff Writer ]Veet Megan Powers, a freshman volleyball player who has already stepped up•and shown off her skill in games. In high school she was named All-Area her senior year and captain. Studying accounting at Wilkes, she has a plan for her future and is excited to make decisions down her path. From Pottsville, Pa. to a new team at Wilkes, she w illready feels like family anif she couldn't be happier. She says if it wasn't for her most inspirational person in life, her dad, she wouldn't be where she is today. When did you start playing volleyball? I started playing volleyba11 in 6th grade for my CYO team. Why did you get involved with the sport? I got into playing volleyball because I was told my by cousin, who played, that I'd enjoy it and had the potential of being a good player. After 'earning all aspects of the game, I completely fell in love with the sport and that caused me to put in the effort to become a great player. Did you always know you were going to play in college? Originally I had planned to play volleyball in colltge, applying to Wilkes, West Chester and Shippensburg. I changed my mind and decided to apply to the University of Alabama. After I got accepted, I visited the school and made the choice to go there. But l then changed my mind again realizing that volleyball was a huge part of my life that I wasn't ready to give up yet. :Where do you get your inspiration? My inspiration comes from all the support I receive from my family, friends, and even old high school coaches that coached me. At least weekly I get texts and calls from coaches congratulating me or asking me how everything is going. I'm also blessed with family and friends who make it to games and are so supportive. My mom and dad try to never miss a game, and seeing their faces in the stands make me push IO times harder to make them proud. Knowing I have such great people behind me gives me the inspiration to be the best I can be. See POWERS, Page 17 · � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2012 September 18th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 September 18 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/b173de30176329d8c1a669b5563d7111.pdf 3517b48dfa320087d0bf6b80b286d600 PDF Text Text Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member THE BEACON The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow. ---.----,-- For more information and content, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.co JJlv, �Sept. 11, 2012 Contact editor: christine.lee@wilkes.edu New admin changes aim to improve communication Adjustments include new interim provost, inclusion of academic deans in president's cabinet By Christine Lee News Editor With the start of a new year, new faces join the Wilkes administration. Associate professor of chemistry and department chair Therese Wignot has been named interim provost following the resignation of Reynold Verret. In addition, all academic deans will now serve in the president's cabinet for the 2012-13 academic year. Over the summer, Verret announced that he would be leaving Wilkes to join Savannah State University in Georgia as that school's chief academic officer in August. Following his resignation, Leahy met with the Faculty Affairs Council and appointed an ad hoc committee consisting of three faculty members and three administrators to recommend candidates for an interim provost. FAC chair Justin Matus describes Wignot as eager to lead the faculty and understands their perspective. "She has the right disposition, she's very collaborative, a good communicator and is willing to listen," Matus said. "She'll help with the faculty morale and be a strong voice for the faculty in the president's cabinet." Wignot earned her B.A in biology and Ph. D. in biochemistry from Lehigh University. She has been at Wilkes since 1989 during which she served as department coordinator from 2000-05 and department chair from 2005-11. S~ e 2000 she has been the director of Science in Motion, a grant-funded science program that gives Wilkes the opportunity to extend outreach to area schools. During her time at Wilkes she has served on a variety of committees including serving as student athletic representative and FAC. "She has a very good understanding of the concerns of faculty and she has a desire to help the university fill this very important role," Executive Assistant to the President Jack Chielli said. "She's a very approachable individual and very concerned with student success." Wignot said her initial reaction upon hearing she would be considered for the position was "complete shock" but felt honored and The Beacon/Dan Lykens Associate professor of chemistry and department chair Therese Wlgnot was named Interim provost. Wignot will hold the office while a nationwide search Is conducted for a full-time replacement. flattered that her colleagues on the committee another on what the issues are and how we can felt it was something she would be appropri- all move forward together as a community," ate for. Wignot said. "I was really and sincerely shocked initially Wignot said she has always had an openbut then when I met with Dr. Leahy and talked door policy as a faculty member for students, to him about what his goals for moving the even as chemistry department chair and hopes university forward and what part I can play in to have this same policy as Interim Provost. that I actually got , , "I think students felt ex~ited a~out., it," I think students feel comfort- comfortable _coming _to W1gnot said. And see me," W1gnot said. then was again able coming to see me." "I always tried to listen somewhat shocked Th . . and then come up with but thrilled when he - Dr. erese Wignot, Interim Provost a solution that took into asked me to serve in account the student, facthis position." ulty and administrative Wignot said she wants to help bring all the issues and I hope to do the same thing here." constituents back together to become a comWignot hopes to be more visible on campus munity again to discuss issues and ways to after she gets adjusted to her new role by walkmove forward as a community. ing around campus buildings and talk to differ"I really want to help to bring all the constit- ent faculty members and student groups to hear uents, faculty, students, staff, administration, I what people on campus are thinking. really want to play a part in pulling us all back There is a search committee being formed together to become a community again where to look for a permanent provost, which is bewe're all talking to one another, listening to one ing chaired by Vice President of Student Af- fairs Paul Adams. Adams said members of the search committee are being identified. Ted Marchese of search consulting firm AGB Consulting has been identified as the search consultant. Marchese previously served as the search consultant on the last Provost search. Adams said the search process would resemble the search for President in terms of soliciting thoughts about the position for the candidates. Marchese and the search committee will come to campus to get a feel for the campus and solicit feedback about the search for provost. "One of the first things (the search committee) will be doing is helping Dr. Marchese write a prospectus, which is a multi-page description of the University which is intended to set the stage and familiarize any candidate with the state of affairs at Wilkes University so they can make a good judgment about whether or not there is a good fit for Wilkes," Adams said. Adams said there is no search for recently departed Associate Provost Vernon Harper and Director of Undergraduate Education Dr. Ellen Gregorie as he said it should be up to the Provost him or herself to choose his or her staff. In addition to the new interim provost, all the academic deans will now serve as official members of the president's cabinet for this year. This includes the deans of all the colleges and Library Dean John Stachacz. Chielli said having all the academic deans in the Cabinet is a reflection of Leahy's desire to be more transparent, to build trust and get more input from the faculty. "During this interim period where we don't have a permanent provost, having additional academic voices can only help us get input from the faculty," Chielli said. @cleespot christine.lee@wilkes.edu Watch an interview with Dr. Wignot on thewilkesbeacon.com. THE BEACON Editorial Staff 2012-13 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: thewilkesbeacon.com Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Bryan Calabro Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Christine Lee Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Anne Yoskoski Sports Editor: Frank Passalacqua Lyndsie Yamrus Assistant Opinion Editor �THE BEACON I Sept. 11, 2012 3 NEWS New year .brings new changes to campus dining services By Shawn Carey Staff Writer Rifkin Cafe may look a little different, that is because it is. The cafe has undergone a renovation and it has everyone noticing. A recent remodeling over the summer included tearing down the walls that separated the game room on one side and the lounge on the other, and turning it into one big space for students to study, eat or hangout. "I think it came out awesome!" Procurement director Justin Kraynack said. "It now gives a nice flow from one to the other." Administrators are not the only ones noticing the new changes. Students have also noticed and commented on the renovations. Sophomore Criminology major Tiffany Spencer commented on the project, "I think the renovations look great! It has really opened up the first floor of Rifkin and lets the students interact more with each other." The process to renovate the area began about twelve months ago. The Food Committee started planning the renovation of Rifkin Cafe and also discussed renovating Colonel Gambini's Cafe. Then in January of this year, they began discussions with the Student Activities Committee of Student Government. The idea for what is in place today did not actually happen until the end stages of the planning. "It was roughly $200,000 for the whole project," Vice President of Finance and Gen- The Beacon/Austin Loukas Right, students line up for lunch at Rifkin Cafe. Above, Tom Ring plays pool in the renovated game room. era) Counsel Loren Prescott said. "It evolved into this idea of one interconnected space to encourage students to move between the cafe and the game room and the lounge." Kraynack said there were two goals in mind with the renovation project. The first goal was to give Rifkin a nice face lift. The second was to finish the renovations to the Student Union Building that were already begun, starting with the second and third floors to give a new feel to the SUB. Kraynack said new flooring to the cafe to finish the project. Food Service General Manager Ron Wil- Iiams also approved of the renovations. "I think it looks great, it's opened up so much," Williams said. "It is a completely different environment down there." With the new renovations to Rifkin Cafe, Late Night dining services have also moved to the newly renovated cafe. Late night dining used to be on the third floor cafeteria but has moved to the brand new Rifkin Cafe. Students are now able to hang out with friends and satisfy that late night craving from a long day of studying. Also new to the food service is a program for the students and local businesses. Beginning this year, students are now able to use their dining flex dollars off campus at local restaurants. Flex dollars are now being accepted at Subway, Sheetz and Maer's BBQ to name a few. "It is something that students and businesses have asked for years, most extensively in the past five years," Kraynack said. @wilkesbeacon shawn.carey@wifkes.edu Swim Club officially recognized as new student club by Student Government at recent meeting By Christine Lee News Editor Meeting Aug. 29 called to order 6:01 p.m. Treasurer's report: All College: $35,000 Conferences: $2,500 General Funds: $20,000 Leadership: $600 Spirit: $2,000 Student Government Total: $60,100 New Business: Library Update: Library Dean John Stachecz reported that the automatic front doors should be finished soon. The 24-hour, seven days a week access door is currently in operation and has a sign on it stating "after hours door." He also reported that printing issues are being addressed and new printers are being purchased including a color printer. Fund Request Form Update: A constitutional change was approved to change the Club Fund Request form to NonClub Fund Request form. New rules were announced: clubs need proof of projected costs and forms are due by midnight on the Friday before meetings on Wednesday. Adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Meeting September 5 called to order at 6 p.m. Treasurer's Report: All College: $35,000 Conferences: $2,500 General Funds: $20,000 Leadership: $600 Spirit: $2,000 Student Government Total: $60,100 New Business: Wilkes Alumni Fund Request: Alumni Director Mirko Widenhom and several students from the Student Alumni Association requested $500. The money would be used to cover the cost of 50 tickets for the Reunion Celebration which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. during homecoming weekend. A motion was made to allocate $500 for student tickets and was passed 19-0-6 Wilkes Summer Research Conference Fund Request: Students who did summer science research requested funds to send 10 students to go to San Francisco for an international biology conference in January. The request for $2,500 was made to cover registration, hotel and travel fees. A motion to give $1,400 for registration ofup to 10 people was passed 21-0-4. Wilkes Swim Club recognition: Members of the newly formed Wilkes Swim Club asked for SG recognition. A motion was made to recognize the Swim Club as an SG club and passed 23-0-2. Students in Free Enterprise Request: Members from SIFE requested $800 to go to a Sumit in Arkansas during the weekend of Sept. 11. The donation would cover the cost of hotel stay and part of the travel fee cost. A motion was made to allocate $400 to SIFE for travel fees and passed 19-4-2. Cheerleading Fund Request: Cheerleader Meribeth Derkach orginally requested $800 for new porn-porns. In her second request the amount had dropped to $750 due to bake sale profits. A motion was made to allocate $750 to cheerleading and passed 200-4. Club Day Fund Request: SG President Kris Rivers requested $500 to help Student Development on behalf of SG. The cost would cover associated costs for club day. A motion was made to allocate $500 to Club Day and passed 22-0-3 Homecoming Fund Request: Secretary Amber Konopka requested $17,450 for Spirit Week the week of Homecoming. A motion was made to allocate $17,450 for Spirit Week and passed 22-0-2. Fall Fest Fund Request: Vice President Ian Foley requested $3,000 for Fall Fest. A motion was made to allocate that amount and passed 21-0-3. Spirit Committee Fund Request: Senior class president Meribeth Derkach on the SG Spirit Committee requested $545.66 for the Football Game Tailgate Party. $2,000 is normally allocated. Old Business Updates: Fund request forms have been updated. Clubs requesting money from SG must have detailed budget breakdown and proof of where their money comes from in order to be considered bySG. Adjourned at 7:30 p.m. @cfeespot ch ristine. /ee@wifkes.edu �4 NEWS THE BEACON I Sept. 11, 2012 Public safety enforces parking policy with ticketing and towing By Kirstin Cook Editor-in-Chief Ryan Baicher always parked in the same spot on campus. He would even brag to his friends about how he parked in this spot, which is not technically a designated parking space, only an empty space between rows of the Student Union Building parking lot - and had not received a ticket all year. But one day while the senior business major was showing off, he entered the parking lot to find his car on a tow truck. "I freaked out," Baicher said. "At first I tried begging the guy to take it off the lift. Then I offered him 20 bucks. When that don't work I just started cursing at him." Baicher got a taste of the parking policy oncampus, which is enforced by Public Safety. The policy supplements the permit selection process conducted by Residence Life, and involves warning and eventual towing for campus parking violations. This method of punishment is a way to enforce parking rules and distribution on campus. According to Jerry Rebo, manager of Public Safety, Baicher is not the only student who parks in undesignated locations. "You name it, they park there," Rebo said. Rebo said parking violations range from parking on grass and sidewalks, parking without permits and parking in the wrong lot, up to the more serious violations of parking in fire lanes or handicapped spots without a permit. .• Campus parking permits are allotted by Residence Life through an application process. Residence Life Director Elizabeth Swantek identified four main priorities to granting parking permits: students who are student-teaching, have an internship, attend nursing clinical or have pharmacy rotations. "Wilkes University only gives out about 300 passes each semester," Swantek said. Permit applications are sorted by credits, GPA and whether medical need is a factor. "There are also students who have medical needs that we have an exception for, for example if they need to get to doctors' appointments back home and have no other way," Swantek said. Then, there is the distinction of academic need to a certain parking location, or mere want. Rebo said there's not an issue of students not getting spots, it's just an issue of students not getting spots they want. He said many students try to avoid being placed at the Ralston Field parking lot, but that is unavoidable. "Almost everyone can get parking if they ask for it, but it's not all on this side of the river, and that's what the students sometimes don't understand. We can't give 100 percent on this side of the river, we just don't have enough spots," Rebo said. Rebo said 80 spots were granted to the Ralston field lot last semester, compared to about 20 applicants that actually preferred that lot. "That's a very small percentage that want it, but that's just the nature of parking. You only have so many parking spaces." Ralston permit holders have a financial advantage, as their permits cost $40 a semester The Beacon/Austin Loukas Public Safety said there are Issues with students parking In places labeled as no parking zones, such as the cars above parked in the University Center on Main parking garage. compared to $120 for other campus lots. The clear disadvantage is the location, but Rebo said the shuttle services the lot from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. He also added that Public Safety is able to transport students after hours. "If they call 2 o'clock in the morning and they park over there, we' 11 go over there and pick them up," Rebo said. Despite these options, Ralston lot permit holders have declined. "Ralston permits holders have dropped over the years, and we still have a lot of parking over there left," Rebo said. "That's why I can't understand people that are getting tickets say they can't get any parking - it's not true. There's plenty of parking over there." Because many of Ralston's 325 spots remain open, Rebo said he doesn't understand why people still park where they're not supposed to or when they don't have a permit. He said it's important for students to follow the policy because they're taking spots that other students paid for. "It's not fair to people who pay," Rebo said. One issue that comes up is the conflict of campus events and parking availability. Rebo said students might be inconvenienced when looking for spots during events. "They're going to have to search, but some students want to park next to their class, and they don't want to walk a block or two," Rebo said. But Rebo said he receives very little complaints about parking during events. He said if students are really having trouble finding a spot, they can notify Public Safety and usually get approval to park elsewhere. "As long as you tell us where you're going to park, we usually say go ahead and park there for the day." Without approval, Rebo said students are subject to punishment. He said three to five tickets are given as warning before Public Safety gets towed. "We try to be helpful and we try to be lenient," Rebo said. Though Baicher said he doesn't recall getting any warnings before his car was towed. "Well I talked to the school and they said they had given me warnings but I don't ever Monday September 10, 2012 6pm Moving Out 3-15-06 6:30pm Dept. Stores 7:00pm Know Your Rights 7:30pm Honk 9:00pm Mavericks at Work Classic Arts Showcase Tuesday September 11, 2012 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm Moving Out 3-22-06 Revit. Of W.B. An American In Normandy Kirby Lecture-D-Sousa Classic Arts Showcase Wednesday September 12, 2012 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm Moving Out March 29-06 The Trolley Lincolns of Springfield remember getting them," Baicher said. Instead of paying a $25 parking fee, he paid between $150 and $200 to get his car back. "Don't park just anywhere around here," Baicher said. "You might think you're safe but when you least expect it they will get you. Then you're 200 bucks broker." To add salt to his wounds, Baicher said fellow students at the Wilkes SUB front desk was not very friendly when he tried to find out where his car was taken. "I went to the help desk to try and get information on where to go and they had no information for me and were not very nice," Baicher said. "My dad had to call a couple places before he could find my car." Despite the inconvenience, Baicher said he understands the need for parking enforcement. "My first reaction is to say that, yeah, it is really unfair that they get cars towed because we're college students we don't have the money to pay for it," Baicher said. "But I guess if someone is constantly parking illegally then yeah they deserve to get towed." @kirstinjeancook kirsti n. cook@wil kes. ed u 8:00pm Kirby Lecture-Kris Jones Classical Arts Showcase Thursday September 13, 2012 6:00pm Moving Out April 5-2006 6;30pm Profiles 9-2-10 7:00pm Revielle to Taps 8:00pm J.C. Watts Classical Arts Showcase Friday September 14, 2012 6:00pm Moving Out April 12-2006 6:30pm Profiles 9/15/2011 7:00pm Rosenn Lecture-Dillon-Dau 8:00pm Gov. George Pataki 9:07pm Philadelphia 2000 Classical Arts Showcase �THE BEACON I Sept. 11, 2012 NEWS 5 Public Safety: Emergency text alerts flawed but effective Not all students notified about recent off-campus crimes despite signing up for notification By Bryan Calabro Managing Editor, Phat Nguyen Correspondent, and Sarah Kennelly Correspondent Contributed by Christine Lee News Editor At 1:30 a.m. on August 27, a male Wilkes student had his laptop stolen from him when he was using on a porch at 363 S. Franklin St. That same week, five Wilkes students were injured and sent to a nearby hospital after two separate incidents of assault by non-Wilkes students. The assaults were believed to be the same in both assault instances and the assailants allegedly attacked the students after being expelled from an off-campus party at an apartThe Beacon/ Laura Preby ment near Academy and South River streets. Last year, there were incidents like assualts The university's text alert system Is meant to keep students informed about the and robberies near campus. Senior integrated crime commited on and around campus. media major Ethan Pidcock had no idea about to let its students know when there is a crime." Pesta, who handles the text alert system, these incidents because he did not receive a Wilkes Public Safety manager Jerry Rebo said students must renew their membership text alert. Instead, he was informed by his said emergency notifications were posted with E2Campus every two years. However, concerned parents. within the hour of the incident. However, some most students are likely to forget their user "I di~'t get a message, and 1 th ought students who claimed they were signed up for name and password, but these can be reset by I was signed emailing him at John.Pesta@wilkes.edu. up," Pidcock , , Rebo said the text alert process starts by said. "I've gotIt makes me feel good to know that our contacting Student Affairs after an incident octen alerts in the d . . . d th" l . t curs. Upon verification with Paul Adams, dean past, but didn't a m1n1strahon oes some 1ng to et Its s uof Student Affairs, the alert is sent. know about th e dents know when there is a crime." Alerts are sent in three ways: text, email armed robbery and flyer. All three methods are not required by on campus until - Sean Ryan, Junior P 1 Pharmacy Major law, but Wilkes always applies all three methmy mom called ods, Rebo said. me." alerts, did not receive any information. Pesta said alerts are only used for emergenNot all students missed the alerts. Junior Wilkes University utilizes E2Campus, an cies and breaking news. Petty crimes do not pre-pharmacy major Sean Ryan said the text emergency notification system that alerts stu- warrant alerts, he explained. alerts are effective because of their conve- dents and faculty of imminent dangers, such "It takes away from the mind set that this nienc~ as a fire or criminal activity. It also notifies is important," Pe;,ta said. "We don't want that "It s great not having to look up delays or students if school is canceled due to severe to happen" cancellations," Ryan said. "It's also great to weather. Regardless of these off-campus incidents, know what's going on and what to look out The Beacon asked Rebo and Interim Di- Rebo said crime is not an issue, since Wilkes for on our campus. It makes me feel good to rector of Facilities John Pesta why messages has a lit-campus and always has officers on know that our administration does something might not have been received. patrol. "Thank God we don't see many criminals walking around campus, or in our buildings," Rebo said. "We might have a homeless guy sometimes, but I am talking about drug dealers, thieves and people like that. I don't know if there's an invisible fence, but I'd like to say it's because of our patrol. You see us out there all the time." Public Safety's patrol duties include checking campus buildings and facilities. "We don't stand on street comers because there are buildings on campus with millions of dollars of equipment in them," Rebo said. Alert notifications must disclose information about crime on campus because of the Clery Act -- named after Jeanne Clery, a student who was raped and murdered in 1986 at Lehigh university. The act was created specifically to promote crime awareness. It requires institutions to give timely warnings of crimes that represent a.. threat to the safety of students or employees. Institutions are required to publish their policies regarding timely warnings in their Annual Campus Security Report due Oct. 1 each year. Before 2004, Public Safety had to manually set up flyers and send alerts through email, but now they have an easy way to reach out to students digitally. Since switching to E2Campus, Wilkes has been able to provide timely information to our university community as a whole. In order to subscribe to the services, you must have a Wilkes Email Account. Users can subscribe at wilkes.edu/pages/2611 .asp Awareness is part of the prevention, Rebo said. While students can get used to always feeling safe, they should be aware of their surroundings. "A lot of students think, it won't happen to me, but there are bad people out there," Rebo said. "There is crime everywhere you go. Let's face it. You gotta deal with it." Public Safety is advising students to be aware of their surroundings and to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves. @c/eespot christine./ee@wifkes.edu Facilities hopes building demolitions make campus more 'green' By Abbey Haldeman Assistant News Editor The science building renovations are hard to miss, but there are some other forms of renovations going on around campus that may be slipping under the radar. During the week of Aug. 20, demolition began for a couple of buildings that used to be part of campus. But with new renovations comes new space. Green space, that is. Collins Hall and a building located 266 South River St have both been demolished. While Collins Hall had been used as a residence hall in the past, it has proven to be an inadequate space for such use due to its size. 266 South River St. was bought and ana- lyzed by the university somewhere around eight months ago. This piece of property was even smaller than Collins Hall which made it of no use for residential life either. Due to the fact that neither building is needed or usable by the university at this time, they were both demolished and will be turned into additional green space for the campus community. Another piece of property owned by the campus was supposed to be tom down with the other two. 247 South Franklin St, just off the Henry Student Center parking lot, was to tom down as well. "That's in bad condition, it needs a lot of work, somewhere around a million dollars worth of work. And it just didn't seem like that was the best investment for university dollars at the time," John Pesta, Director of Capital Projects and Planning, said. The demolition of this building has been put on hold due to Asbestos in the building. The dates for the demolition are not yet known. What will become of this space though will initially be more added green space. "That block of land on Franklin Street would be ideal for that," Pesta said about the possibility of these lots becoming residency halls someday. While the university didn't look at this as a way to make up for the loss of green space due to the science building, they did feel the campus, as a whole, needed some added green space. While it is not available for use yet, green space will be available for Wilkes University community. At this time, they are spreading topsoil and planting grass seeds. When the university is given the go ahead for use of the space, students and faculty will have the advantage of utilizing the areas for various activities. They hope to add picnic tables and benches to the areas so that students will be able to enjoy them. @wifkesbeacon abbey.haldeman@wilkes.edu �Sept. 11, 2012 Contact editor: carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu Working together to be Colonel President Leahy addresses Wilkes community about future plans By Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President I want to thank the Beacon editorial staff for providing me with an opportunity to address their readers in the semester's first edition. Wilkes University is very fortunate to have such an informative and well-read, student-run publication. There is no one more enthusiastic about the start of this semester and of becoming the newest member of the Army of Colonels than I am. The opportunity to be the president of this extraordinary institution is the highlight of my professional career. I am humbled by the trust everyone has given me, and I am energized by the many possibilities to make Wilkes an even better institution. I also want to thank everyone for the warm welcome you've given to my wife, Amy, and my four children. We already feel part of the Wilkes family. During my first months on the job, I intend to get to know as many people in the Wilkes community as possible. I plan on meeting with every academic and staff department and will be someone students see often at campus and athletic events. With my two young sons in tow, I will be hard to miss. I also am actively involved in learning what is unique about the academic and co-curricular programs that are at the heart of what ~ do. My impression so far is that Wilkes is an institution singularly focused on student success. From the professors who take the extra time to collaborate on research with students to the coaches who mentor their athletes after wins and losses - from the advising staff who carefully craft curricular and co-curricular opportunities for our students to the facilities staff who keep our campus beautiful - everyone here works in some fashion or another to make our students successful. I've learned that Wilkes is eager to innovate. It's part of who we are. We know that to keep our education affordable we must be on the lookout for new opportunities. That is why we created an innovative pre-engineering program that allows talented high school students to get an early start on an engineering degree here at Wilkes. We are a community that cares deeply about each other, and I am certain we will build on Wilkes' tradition of working together to find ways to invest in our academic programs so that both our students and our region continue to thrive. As many of you know, I will be installed as BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on responses. Last week's question: No poll results to display in this issue. This week The Beacon asks: How difficult has it been for you to park this semester? The Beacon Archives President Leahy speaks to students faculty and staff after being announced as the sixth president of Wilkes University March 12. He officially assumed the office July 1. Wilkes' sixth president on Sept. 15 at the F.M. Kirby Center. I am extremely grateful for all the help that has gone into making this event special for Wilkes and my family. There will be several days of celebration that I encourage everyone to attend. The Faculty Scholarship Showcase at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts promises to be particularly fulfilling. We will showcase the extraordinary scholarship of our faculty. This is a can't-miss event. I also hope to see you at the Campus Installation Party Friday night in the Henry Student Center. Everyone is invited to stop by for refreshments and to enjoy the music. This coming year will go fast but we will get an enormous amount accomplished. We will graduate students with doctorates in pharmacy and bachelor's degrees in English, engineering and earth and environmental science, to name a few. Underclassmen will advance to the next grade in nursing, accounting and education. And along the way, we will do our best to have fun, stay safe and Be Colonel. Thank you. Patrick F. Leahy, President Schedule of Events • Very difficult • Somewhat difficult • Not difficult • I do not park on campus • I was not aware that people were having difficulties parking on campus Installation Day Schedule Friday, September 14 Cast your vote online at: 8:00P.M. Campus Installation Celebration I Henry Student Center, second floor Saturday, September 15 11:00A.M. Installation of Dr. Patrick F. Leahy I F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: 12:30 P.M. Reception I F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Lobby 2:00P.M. Wilkes University vs. Albright College Football Game I Schmidt Stadium carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �TH~ BEApON I Sept. 11, 20.12 OPINION 7 Modern medicine: Prolonging life or prolonging death? By Carly Yamrus Opinion Editor Nobody talks about death. We close our eyes to it; change the subject. Ignore and deny. Don't talk about it, don't write about it. Maybe ifwe don't think about, it won't happen to us. Because we don't acknowledge death, we are often faced with difficult decisions when the time does come. Many questions suddenly yet not so suddenly arise with the beginning of the end. Should we utilize advanced medical procedures and drugs to put up a fight or should we acknowledge our inevitable fate? In what circumstances should we fight? If we choose not to fight, does that mean we giving up? Symbolic terms such as "winning" and "losing" are almost always used when talking about illness and dying. Many people choose the fight, no matter the circumstances, because nobody wants to Jose. As humans we have the right to life. With that right, we go to extreme measures to defend it at all costs. And the cost is very, very high. The amount of money spent on terminal patients is astounding. Your bill when you die can be between thousands and several hundred thousand of dollars if you spend your last days in a hospital or hospice. According to a CBS news "60 Minutes" documentary, "The Cost of Dying," Medicare spent more than $50 billion on people with degenerative diseases, chronic illnesses, Stage-4 cancer and other fatal conditions. There are certain circumstances in which fighting to live is most definitely an option. There are also certain circumstances in which continuing the fight is comparable to torture. Are we prolonging life or prolonging death? Patients with terminal illnesses succumb to toxic treatments that devastate their bodies. Desperate last-minute treatments, transfusions and other invasive procedures are costly and usually produce an array of ruinous side effects that debilitate the patient further. With the health care we have today, we have painted an unrealistic picture of what goes on in the hospital. We look to health care to fix us. Surely the technology and medicine we have developed will save us from ourselves. At an early age, we learned that doctors make us better. Go to school and become a doctor so that you can help sick people be well again. The question of "How Jong do I have to live?" becomes "How long will I try to stay alive?" Accepting death as part of life does not mean you gave up, it means you gave in and recognized it as a natural part of life. You can't The Beacon/Laura Preby Desperate, last-minute treatments and procedures are costly and often make the dying experience worse than It needs to or should be. choose when your time has come or how it will happen, but you can sometimes choose a better way out. There is only so much that can be done to help sustain life in the final months or days. After the procedures become unreasonable, maybe the best thing to do is to just be comfortable. Let loved ones express their love and support instead of having them helplessly watch and do nothing. I don't think dying is the worst thing that can happen to a person. Dying without dignity is. @carlyyamrus carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu Online courses vs. classroom learning: Internet cheats education By Lyndsie Yamrus Assistant Opinion Editor The things we've accomplished and the advancements we've made as a human popula~ n is astonishing. The world is a much different place now than it was a decade ago, which in the grand scheme of things, is not a very long time. One of our most valued creations of all time, the ever-popular internet, has completely changed the way we live our lives, and very quickly at that. I remember like it was yesterday how long it would take for a single page to load on the Internet, and here I am today, multitasking Facebook, Twitter, email, Google and various other tabs, all at once and within seconds. I really appreciate the Internet, and yes, it is an extremely revolutionary tool that has improved the world we live in immensely. However, we have become rather obsessed and increasingly dependent upon it -- enough Every 1ime rou ,n;ih ii 1heeri11r,3t:;w111 hro ,,-- ' 1 __ 1<:'+M,11,,:~tc ;J 0%<'.~~ '411 ,..... The Beacon/Kat Dodson The Internet Is a powerful tool, but should not be u~d to replace traditional methods of teaching and learning. to believe that nearly anything can be obtained online. A thorough and valuable educational experience is not one of them. As we all know, there are many advantages to the online route. It is much cheaper than going to college. You can learn at your own pace. You can work at your own speed. You can take the class virtually anywhere and adjust your work to fit your lifestyle. You can eat a steak in your pajamas while you take a test, which are always "take-home." You can easily Google something you don't know. Does anyone remember what life was like before the Internet readily spit out knowledge when you asked it to? I certainly do not. I grew up in the middle of this explosion we now call the digital age. Prior to the Internet, you had to actually use the library. You had to do research! Which involves actually reading the books. What a concept. I'm a firm believer in reading books for information. Books are classic. I'm "that guy" who walks out of the library with a stack of eight books dating back to the '70s and older. People think I'm nuts. But you learn more because you have to read the book instead of skimming over Google hits and using CTRL+F to find keywords pertaining to your paper topic. The Internet cheats education. My belief is that there is a definite level of respect associated with traditional classroomstyle learning. The process has generally remained unchanged for many years: an individual who has attained extensive knowledge and experience in a given field passes that knowledge and experience to others. If you don't understand something, you can raise your hand, ask any question for clarification or further direction, and receive an answer almost as quickly as you asked. You have others next to you to motivate you and support you. There are people to impress and people who could potentially make an impression on your life, or vice versa. You don't just learn subject matter when listen to and work with others. You develop as an individual because you collaborate with different people who see things from different perspectives. Interaction between individuals is highly necessary and adds an entirely new dimension to learning. You can talk the material out, face-to-face, with someone who knows what they' re talking about. The self-teaching, Google-everything-you-don't-know-or-understand method will leave gaps in your education. You'll miss things. You really only learn the course material when you study for courses online. The knowledge you acquire is mostly limited to what is written in the required textbook -- knowledge that proba~ly won't change your attitude or opinion or the way you think in general. Typed dialogue loses the emotion and passion of the lecture as well. Your professor doesn't truly know you because all they can see is a name on a computer screen. Professors stimulate creative thinking and application in a way that would not be as effective if taught online. They often add personal stories, insights and ideas that encourage students to have new insights and build new ideas. A lecture should inspire, and people are the ones who do this. Not textbooks, and certainly not a search engine either. @fyndsieyamrus lyndsie.yamrus@wifkes.edu �8 OPINION THE BEACON I Sept. 11, 2012 Second Amendment is out of touch with modern technology By Kirstin Cook Editor-in-Chief Fear is a common reference in gun control debates. Many gun supporters say those who want increased gun control are motivated by fear. I agree. I'm afraid of guns. I'm afraid of walking down the streets of Wilkes-Barre and being caught in the crossfire of gun violence. I'm afraid of mentally-ill students shooting innocent bystanders on campus. I'm afraid of psychopaths storming into a crowded movie theater with assault rifles. In light of the heinous crimes reported this year, we should all be afraid. The numbers are chilling. According to CNN, there were 11,493 homicides by firearm in 2009 alone. That's because there were 310 million nonmilitary guns reported in the U.S. in 2009. Sure, it's a constitutional right to own a gun. More specifically, the Second Amendment to the Bill of Rights states: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." But let's put this into context. According to About.com, this amendment was created in 1791. That was back when the most commonly used gun was the flintlock. In order to fire it, you had to load it with gunpowder, place a ball on a patch and used a ramrod to move these items down the barrel. Nowadays, guns are more efficient and more deadly. Guns with rapid-fire technology and high-capacity magazines are freely available, even on the Internet. Do we really need a 100-round gun to protect our homes from burglaries? USA Today states that even police officers usually only carry 10 to 12 rounds. According to USA Today, a 100-round magazine gun is one type of weapon James Holmes used at the Aurora theater shooting. He bought it legally from a website. Criminals often are not even the target of these advanced guns. An article on CNN.com stated that having a gun in the house basically doubles the risk that a household member will kill himself or herself. Americans are 50 percent more likely to fatally shoot themselves than be fatally shot by a criminal. Yet, misinformed opponents of gun control cite countries like Switzerland, which has high rates of gun ownership coupled with low rates of crime. They say, "if there were as many armed Americans as there are armed Swiss, America would be a much safer country." The funny thing is, there's actually a larger percentage of citizens in America who own guns than in Switzerland. Yet, we still have crime rates that are worse than some developing countries. So, clearly, there is no correlation between the two. As IBTimes states, the cause of Switzerland's lower crime rates is more likely the lack of drug trade and social inequality, two major factors that increase violent crime frequency. I don't see how our stockpile of firearms is helping with those problems. Part of the reason there are some many guns in America is how easy they are to get. Typically you can walk into a store and pass an instant background check, unless you're ·Reporter, Ph.otogrJ;1phers,: Graphic d..e$ignet1 . Layoq ·•· , •· ;:;· · ·· Adve ·' 'ecti.'. ·•s,si'' · 1 .c..- ··, __ " registered under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System as ineligible. Recorded mental instability is grounds for disqualification. However, many states keep mental health records confidential, making it impossible to restrict mentally unstable customers. Even states that do report mental health background do not have an effective system. Take Virginia, for instance. The FBI reported in 2007 that Virginia had released more mental records than any other state, but yet somehow a certain Virginia Tech student was able to legally buy a gun and kill 32 of his classmates and teachers. That shooter, Cho Seung-Hui, had been determined to be mentally ill and a danger to himself and others, but that didn't stop him from being eligible to purchase a gun, leading to the massacre in 2007. Some claim that even if you limit guns, murderers like Seung-Hui would still access them. By that logic, we should make illegal drugs readily available as well. Even if criminals would still access firearms illegally, restrictions would inherently make it more difficult, especially for those who are mentally ill and don't have any connections to gangs. The Second Amendment doesn't provide any of these restrictions. In 1791, there was no need for limitations. But, because technology has made guns more dangerous and more accessible, our constitution should adapt to modem reality. Guns are advancing; it's about time our laws start advancing, too. kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu @kirstinjeancook The Beacon/ Austin Loukas Guns are readily available for purchase In some states, in stores such as Walmart. We're hiring No experience necessary. We'll train. The Beacon will begin accepting applications April 2 for all the positions you see listed here. -ct, Don't leave Wilkes with just an education get experience. Working with The Beacon provides an opportunity to improve communication skills that are essenti'tt.l for any career field. For more information, contact Kirstin Cook, editor-in-chief, at kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu, 570408-5903 OR Dr. Loran Lewis, adviser, loran. lewis@wilkes.edu, 570-408-4165 ~BEAC ON · i: r-- News of Toda Re orted B the .Journalists of Tomorrow �By Cody Bauman PC Staff Writer After a long summer, garners are ready for some new releases to feed their desire for digital bliss. With a new semester here, though, money can be tight. This is where the realm of independent and downloadable games comes into play. These bite-sized games are normally smaller experiences when compared to big titles such as "Call of Duty" and "Madden." Nevertheless, they can bring just as much enjoyment for a fraction of the price. Perfect for college students with a limited budget looking for a way to kill the time. Indie games are games made by small, independent developers and are normally self-published. These independent developers can sometimes comprise teams as small as one or two people. While the teams may be small, that doesn't necessarily mean quality has to be sacrificed. Garnes such as "Braid" and "Bastion" are highly regarded as "mustplays" for even seasoned gaming veterans. Here are some of the best indie games currently available, listed by console: iOS "Cthulhu Saves the World" (RPG, $1.99) "Cthulhu Saves the World" is a game whi<;J many old-school garners will appreciate for its throwbacks to the RPGs of yesteryear. Meanwhile, new garners will enjoy it for its tongue-in-cheek humor. This game is a spoof of all the great 16-bit RPGs of the Super Nintendo era and that's what makes it so much fun. It manages to feel new and different while still having that same air of nostalgic familiarity about it. "Infinity Blade II" (Action, $6.99) "Infinity Blade II" is an action game that shows what an iOS device can do. It runs off the Unreal Engine, which is the same game engine used by such titles as "Gears of War," "Fable." On top of this game being gorgeous, the deep and intriguing fighting mechanics makes this one shine as a labor of love. "Bastion" (Action/RPG, $14.99) "Bastion" is the epitome of what every game wants to be. It seamlessly melds together tight gameplay, an interesting story, provocative music and an eye-popping art style to make a game that is more than the sum of its parts. Every facet of this game lends to another element and just heightens the whole experience to a new level, which is something that truly separates this game from the rest of the pack and lets it shine as one of the best indie games ever made. ustin ou as Cash-strapped gamers looklng for a cheap way to kill time can feed their need without breaking the bank. lndle games offer fresh fun at bottom-dollar prices. Xbox360 "Braid" (Platformer, $10.00) "Braid" is considered to be the very title that broke indie games out of their niche audience, and for good reason. This game showed that one prograrnrner (in this case, a man named Jonathan Blow) could not only create a well put-together and executed game, but also weaves a story of intrigue. When "Braid" was originally released back in 2008, it was Metacritic's highest-rated Xbox Live Arcade game and was also among the top 10 Xbox 360 games of all time. With perfect and near-perfect scores on websites like Giant Bomb and GarneSpot , "Braid" turned heads. It quickly became a must-play for any garner worth with his or her weight in gold coins. "Braid" offers a fun ride, keeping the gameplay fresh enough to continually lure players back for more, even as the difficulty steadily increases. PS3 "Journey" (Adventure, $14.99) In "Journey," players take the role of a wanderer trudging through the rugged desert towards a giant mountain as it emits a giant beam of light. As players travel, other wanderers may help them out or show them secrets, but the nature of these wanderers is not revealed until the end of the game. This element of mystery, and its conclusion, is one of the aspects of"Journey" that will make players reconsider how they view their entire play-through experience. "Spelunky" (Platformer/Adventure, Free) "Spelunky" is a "rogue-like" platformer that puts players in the shoes of an Indiana Jones-esque explorer searching deep caverns for treasure, dames and ancient secrets buried away from the rest of the world. In "Spelunky," the player only gets one life, with just four hits to that life per play-through. Even with your limited life, the game doesn't hold any punches. Arrow traps, bats, ghost, cavemen and more do everything in their power to bring this short game to a close that much quicker. Something "Spelunky" manages to do very well, though, is almost never make dying an aggravating experience. The levels are randomly generated and as players progress, they slowly learn how to deal with each type of monster and trap as well as how to spot some of these devious death-dealers before they even have a chance to trigger them. This game's difficulty only adds to the reward. Conquering each bite-sized level makes ·every death feel like it was a step into the right direction towards ultimate victory. "Plants vs. Zombies" (Tower Defense, $9.99) PRO TIP: All PC games in this article can be found using Stearn, a free download service for video games that routinely has sales and special events where almost everything instock is discounted. @wilkesbeacon cody.bauman@wilkes.edu Kim Price, Sophomore "Biology �HOMETOWN PUNKS GO 'GREEN' ... . . : ' . ,- , - ,- · . & Entertainment er of Alternative Press magazine. They've itor toured with the likes of Rise Against and , ' I r - - - - - - - New Found Glory. Just this summer, the Out of the un- they played alongside everyone from derground and Every Time I Die and Lostprophets into the limelight, to Anti-Flag and The Used as the last few : a whirlwind for Kingston-based punk band Title Fight. part of the 2012 Vans Warped Tour. Now, the group's highly anticipated second fulllength album, "Floral Green," is due to hit shelves on Tuesday, Sept. 18. It's safe to say the guys in Title Fight are counting their blessings. At the same time, they're determined to keep sight of what's important and not let success go to their heads. "We're trying to grow as a band while still hanging on to the things that keep us who we are," guitarist Shane Moran said. "I think it's just important to not get duped into the kinds of things environments (like Warped Tour) might tempt you THE BEACON Se You have to realize what makes your band special, what sets you apart, and you have to hang onto those things. We're staying with what we're comfortable with and not letting any of this stuff change us." That said, Title Fight - which also comprises bassist-vocalist Ned Russin, guitaristvocalist Jamie Rhoden and drummer Ben Russin - isn't afraid to push the boundaries of its comfort zone or explore new territory musically. For "Floral Green," Moran said it was important for the band members to maintain a balance between the stylistic progression that keeps things fresh for them and the familiar sound that fans have come to associate with Title Fight. "There's definitely been a growth,'' he said. "We just really tried to push ourselves to write something that was exciting and challenging for us. We're not really interested in re-writing the same music, al though there are similarities. Every- thlri SODJ ran Ore ''I it, 1l of~ dle stu for~ plaJ mo1 we with . "'1111!--.. • By BIii Thomas Arts & Entertainment Editor If there's any truth to the old adage that says still waters run deep, then it's not surprising that the music on "Fathoms," Empire of the Sea's nautically-themed 2010 debut, is of a moody and meditative sort. For a follow-up, however, the group decided to shed the maritime trappings of that album, as well as the murky, monolithic am- bient-metal style that accompanied it, in favor of something lighter. Enter the upbeat post-rock of "Skywatchers," BOTS' new EP, released just this month. It's a sound that soars. "Me and Bill actually worked together for two and, when- ever we'd go on break, we'd walk around the building and watch the birds flying around," guitarist Mike Flaherty said. The "Bill" he's referring to is fell ow guitarist Bill Check who, along with drummer Michael Tyahur and Flaherty's bassist brother Patrick, comprises the Wilkes-Barre foursome. Flaherty continued: "We got to thinking, what ifthere was a family ofbirds, each from a different species, but all living together?" The concept allowed the band to create its own mythology on "Skywatchers," one that in turned allowed them to explore various archetypes through its "bird family." Each of the EP's four tracks is named after one of their aviary inventions: "Moth.er Hawk," "Father Owl," "Sister Sparrow" and "Brother Crow." The change in EOTS' musical style is also a direct result of the subject matter. Whereas "Fathoms" submerged the listener in an ocean of atmosphere and sonic textures, the trajectory of the new EP is aimed squarely skyward. The music constantly races toward bigger and brasher crescendos, which only seem to propel the music on further, the intent being to ere ing "' as "TI got ma Jj sic gre opt fori ES me 1 c~ Ne' hoJ Wai the mo " �11 & ~ , • a a 1 . 1 1 , thlng we write has to be interesting and new to us." Evidence of that can be readily heard when comparing "Floral Green" to its predecessor, 2011 's "Shed." The brighter, more agile style of that album has given way to something denser and darker, a change Moran said was deliberate. Still, not every aspect of the evolution exhibited on "Floral Green" was premeditated. "It can be hard for us to even be aware of it, because we come from this weird frame of reference where we're right in the middie of it," Moran said. "We live with this stuff. We'll be working on ideas a year before they show up on a record, so when you play the records back to back, I guess it's more apparent. But, for us, it's just where we are as a band." As Title Fight's music continues to grow, so too does its audience. In create a feeling of perpetual ascent. "The songs themselves are not as dark as they were (on "Fathoms")," Check said. "The best way I can describe it is as feelgood music. It's like you' re up on some mountaintop looking down at the world." In a continual quest to WJburden their music and hopefully enable it to rise to even greater heights, the members of BOTS have opted to eliminate vocals altogether, transforming the band into a iOO percent instrumental project from "Skywatchers" on. The band members admit it's a drastic change that might alienate some listeners. Nevertheless, they feel it's the right decision, hoping it will shift audience focus more toward the songcraft of the music itself. It is there, Check said, EOTS differentiates itself most significantly from its contemporaries. "We like to keep it very ambient but still port of "Floral Green," the band's upc-0ming tour will take the hometown punks all over the world, including dates in England, France, Italy and Germany among others. Despite all that globe-trotting, Moran said the band makes sure to stay abreast of goings-on in the NEPA scene. "When we're in Japan or somewhere like that, I miss home a lot, but I never feel disconnected or out of the loop," he said. "All of our friends are in local bands. That's who we talk to: people who do art, photography, play music or deal with venues. That's world." For more information, visit title-fight. By BIii Thomas net. Arts & Entertainment Editor -------------One look at Dennis Condusta, frontman for Wilkes-Barre band Astorian Stigmata, and it's obvious that this is a guy with a fully developed aesthetic sense. Whether onstage strumming a guitar adorned with hand-drawn illustrations or lurking in press photos with a top hat on his dreadlocked head and a black umbrella in hand, Condusta leaves an impression. He looks like a character tom from the fever dream of a morbid Victorian poet. "I think having a distinct visual style is extraordinarily important," Condusta, who is also a photographer, said. "You can give someone a birthday gift in a blank box and they'll just be like 'Uh, thanks,' or you could give them it in a really cool, decorated box and they'll be like 'Wow, thls is awesome."' Even still, Condusta acknowledges that the visual element is there to complement, not supplant, that which matters most. "The music is obviously the most important thing, but it's cool .to put something around it, to put it in a different context that makes it a whole experience," he said. "It's just fun, to have a look, to try and create something that's more thanjust music." It's the music that does c orthe talking on the band's porate a recently released EP, lot of struc"A Dark Sumture within, whlch is different from most post-rock bands," he said. "Most post-rock bands will just let seven minutes of guitars go on with thls big build-up that ends up dying out. We' re more into using actual riffs and doing something with them." EOTS will perform alongside Ethereal Collapse at The Crimson Lion in WilkesBarre, on Swiday, Sept. 16. For more information, find Empire of the Sea on Facebook. @wifkesbeacon billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com most oft-cited influences, Modest Mouse and The Cure, are still readily apparent. But there's something else there, too. "This album is much darker, heavier, faster," Condusta said. "It's also a lot more keyboard-based, more atmospheric, going a little more toward an industrial style, though I hate to use that word. It's still very much indie rock." "lndie," of course, is short for "independent," and it's that part of the indie-rock tag that Condusta and his longtime friend and band-mate, D.J. Laury, value the most. Astorian Stigmata has always operated under a DIY ethic. Condusta and Laury book their concerts themselves. They bring their music to life in makeshift bedroom recording studios. The music video they released for the EP track "The Dancing Dead'' was shot entirely in a basement. It features the band members smashing blood-smeared instruments among flickering lights. "If someone gave us a million dollars to go make a video," Condusta said, "I'd probably give them $999,000 back, go b lunch and then make the same video." For now, with no charitable, millionaire gothrock connoisseurs in sight, the tenebrous twosome wil continue diering on o day at a time. Summers S currently available online via iTunes, with a follow-up already planned for late fall. No outside help needed. "It's just how we are. I couldn't imagine being any different," Condusta said. "We do everything ourselves and have full creative control. We have no budget. We do the best we can. That's what you have to do if you want to get the message you want out there. You have do it all yourself." A pause. "You don't make much money doing that, but that's not really what it's about." For more information, find Astorian Stigmata on Facebook. �Every issue, Arts & Entertainment Editor B ill Thomas and Assistant Editor Jake Cochran indulge their vanity and give a thoroughly biased crash-course in whatever madness happens to be dwelling in their wa!Y.ed minds. Their views do not reflect those of The Beacon, its staff or Wilkes University. Blah blah blah. This week, Bill Thomas is tackling ... £ vmttJlll;a~ IDV!JM eumm Best spot to declare war on your liver and brain cells: Hardware Bar (14 S. Main St.) New to Wilkes-Barre? Here's some hidden gems and not-so-hidden hotspots that' ll help you retain your tenuous grip on sanity when finals week hits like a ton of bricks. Best spot to get your smoke on: The Crimson Lion (37 E. South St.) Grab your journal, your shoulder bag and your ironic 80s pop-culture tee and curl up at The Crimson Lion to write some poetry, sip some coffee and smoke some Starbuzz Purple Savior. Yes, the nicknames are ridiculous, but the flavored tobacco packs a heady wallop. The experience of smoking it in a hookah is unique, plus it'll make you look cooler than your cigarette-suckin' pals. Even if you don't smoke, The Crimson Lion is a chill hangout for the artsy-fartsy set, complete with paintings on the wall and occasional performances by local bands (see p.10-11 for perfect examples). A night at the Hardware Bar is the closest thing to gueststarring on an episode of "The Jersey Shore" you're likely to experience in NEPA. It's a good idea to put a condom on your soul beforehand, lest you catch some kind of existential STD. Nevertheless, when you've just finished typing up a 12-page report on the sociopolitical implications of, I don't know, stuff, and you're looking to completely cut loose and indulge your most excessive hedonistic impulses, there's no place more suited than Hardware Bar. Enjoy the loud music, overpriced alcohol and sweaty make-out sessions with scantily-clad strangers tonight; Worry about the consequences tomorrow. Best spot to question your sexuality: 1\vist (1170 Highway 315) Ostensibly a gay club, that doesn't stop hetero folks in search of a party from gravitating toward Twist as enthusiastically as George Michaels exposes himself to undercover police officers in public restrooms. Whereas Hardware Bar is all about sleaze and sweat, Twist is, well, also about sleaze and sweat. But it's less cramped and less aggressive, plus a lot more colorful, flamboyant and fun. Drag queens are awesome. What more do you need to know? Best spot to indulge in all things retro: Musical Energi (59 N. Main St.) Everything a hipster needs that can't be found at Salvation Army is here. Movies, music, funky posters, freaky oddities and, let's not forget, vinyl, vinyl and more vinyl! The place is loaded with vintage goodies and is overseen by an assortment of colorful characters. Talk to Jay, the owner, and he'll be happy to explain just how awesome vinyl records are and why mp3s are the tool of Satan. Talk to employee Rich and he'll tell you more about cult/horror/b-movie obscurities than you ever wanted to know. Ask other-employee Mark about his band Mock Sun and you may just discover some of the best local music NEPA has to offer. Best spot to ogle naked chicks: Gentlemen's Club 10 (205 Mundy St.) Don't pretend you don't want to go, dude (or dudette, if that's how you roll). You know you do. Make sure to hit Amateur Night every first Thursday for your best shot at seeing that cute redhead in your Principles of Fundamentals class doing something she' ll regret in the morning. @thatbillthomas billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com rJ _ _ _ _ ____,,r_. \ NEPA Glossary__-____ ~ - - 1 i -----~NEPA _J - llawa --OK, you're going to be hearing The sworn enemy of all - ffiis one a lot, so 6est get It out the - - -good. red=blooded, true-blue --way·first:wltls,noMhat·hard, NEPA-is-·" · Sheetz»eustomers-:-If,your ";:J __::li9rthe~wnL~~m1sY1xani.a.'.:JWJL•.--~·~-fuenq~-ggjQ-\YllJY~,_th~J'.-<ll~-- it's the best part of Pennsylvania. Not not your friends. '· reatly,15ufweYe supposed to saytliar . . . .,......UHnake-0ur-selv-es..feel-0etter-apout.not Luzerne.County,Counhouseliving~in :rhilad!;:l~~:__ _ An~ youyhougi?;t t~Galac- r ·· =-•-·--·--~--·r --•-HeynafToni, ti~:~:p~~~~t~:;;;s- ~·f · ___.AJittle"o.utdated•.bu,tit.stilLc.omes up . . famous.fotituoleinJhe "kids . . 1 from time to time. 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J - \ r· ·, JoePa Let's not go there. \ 1. ) \ r \ ~""'- \; ""----~---•..-.--------..-,---- r.----,-..J ------------------------------------------------ - - -- -- --~ ---- �Contact editor: anne.yoskoski@wilkes.edu Sept. 11, 2012 Res life staff makes adjustment into college easier Rebecca Bolus Correspondent According to the Residence Life office on Wilkes University's website, their goal is to foster a residential environment supportive of individual student growth and development through programming, training and the room selection process. Director of Residence Life Elizabeth Swantek does more than that. She is in charge of the RAs, assistant director and graduate assistants. She works with facilities to make sure the buildings are in good condition and also deals with judicial and disciplinary affairs for on-campus residents. Swantek also works with the living learning communities, where learning happens in the residence hall. "We work with professors as well as the RAs on developing different living learning communities on campus," Swantek said. A big part of Residence Life is the housing process for freshman. Residence Life does not just put random people together and hope for the best. There is a process and work involved with choosing who lives where their first year. All first-year students must attend freshmen orientation where they fill out a housing contract and take a survey. They have the opportunity to tell Residence Life a little about themselves such as studying and sleeping habits, if they smoke, if they share clothes, etc. This data is then compiled and organized into Excel. Besides this survey, incoming freshman have another way of getting a roommate. "At orientation, they have an opportunity to meet someone," Swantek said. "If they get along, they can fill out a form saying they want to live together." Those students that find someone they would like to live with are then taken off that Excel spreadsheet. At that point, Swantek and the assistant director go from who put down their housing deposit first and use the surveys to pair up those remaining students. Residence Life also goes over their handbook to see if there needs to be any new rules or regulations or if any current ones need to be modified. One rule that has already been set in stone and passed by the university is now requiring the incoming freshman of2012 to live on campus See Res life, Page 15 The Beacon/Austin Loukas Assistant Director Danielle Kern, left, and Residence Life Director Elizabeth Swantek preparing for the new year at their office on the third floor of Passan Hall. Programming board opens up semester with fun for Fall 2012 Alyssa Stencavage Correspondent Wilkes University's Programming Board has scheduled fun events and activities to kick off the 2012 fall semester. "We have a really enthusiastic board, and a lot of freshmen are interested in joining so there should be a good turnout. Our events are every Thursday, so hopefully we will keep building a bigger and bigger audience and keep the momentum going," said Jessica Short, president of Programming Board. The first event, a barbecue and scavenger hunt, took place on Thursday, Sept. 6. The barbecue started at 7 p.m. right outside the first floor of the SUB near the parking lot. The scavenger hunt was a photo scavenger hunt and began shortly after the barbecue at 7:30 p.m. Students were placed in teams of five and used their cameras or a camera phones to photograph different things around campus based on the clues. The hunt ended at 8:30 p.m., with the winners announced at 8:45 p.m. Prizes were given to the top three teams, so each member of the first team received a $30 Visa Gift Card, each member of the second team received a $25 Visa Gift Card and each member of the third team received a $20 Visa Gift Card. In the event that there was a tie, the prize would have been given to the team who was done first. Fall Fest Weekend is a three day-long event run by Student Development, Student Government, Inter-Resident Hall Council, Commuter council, Off-Campus Council and MSC. It will go from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21. Thursday night will be Movie in the Marts, which is sponsored and run by IRHC; Friday night is the battle ball game, which is a mix of laser tag and paintball. For more information on battle ball, check out the website www.notpaintball.com. On Saturday there will be a carnival-like event, which will be sponsored by all the groups. Times of these other events will be announced shortly. As of right now, the Powderpuff Football game is tentatively going to be held in either Ralston Field or UCOM. This event is going to be on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m., and signups will be on Sept. 11 in the SUB. Students will sign up by class, with :freshman first. Grocery Bingo, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18, starts at 8 p.m. in the first floor of the SUB. This will be the same style as regular bingo, except baskets of food will serve as prizes, which include everything needed to make different meals. There will also be baskets that are quick, easy and microwavable. On Thursday, Oct. 25, there will be a Halloween party at the UCOM. Activities include a roller-skating rink, which will be brought into the UCOM, a costume party and a costume contest. "This one is my favorite," Short said of the Halloween party. The fun has only just begun, so join in while you can! @wilkesbeacon alyssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Austin Loukas This year, the Programming Board has magnets ready to remind students of upcoming events for this semester. �14 Wilkes Club Day 2012 offers new clubs By Anne Yoskoski Life Editor If you happened to be on the Greenway during this year's Club Day, the popularity of the event was indesputable. Introducing several new clubs and gaining membership for the pre-existing ones. Held on the greenway, the event had students flockir'tg in at 11 a.m. on Sept. 6 to see what Wilkes has to offer. "In addition to the approximately 81 existing organizations and clubs on campus, and those are just the clubs who signed up for a table," said Jamie Miller, Student Activities director, "new clubs are also looking for members." The most recent club was added at the end of last year, the Veterans Club. Currently, a Swimming Club is in the works and there's interest in starting other clubs, such as the up and coming Autism Speaks group. In order to start a club at Wilkes, students have to make sure there is no other club like the one being discussed, and see a reasonable amount of interest from potential members. Then the group must present their idea to Student Government after filling out all the paperwork, after which they can be granted club status and received funding from SG. Club Day is something many people look forward to, as it helps build a community on campus. "Club Day is a great time for students to get involved in Wilkes Culture," Student Govemment President Kristofer Rivers said. "It gives the clubs a chance to showcase what they are about and build new membership as well as help students see what is available on campus and meet new people." New students, transfer students and seasoned Club Day veterans all had something to look forward to this year, whether it was gaining new recruits for their club or making new friends. When asked how involved a student should be in clubs, Rivers' recommended," ... that everyone try to attend Club Day and find at least one club to get actively involved in." @annieyoskoski anne.yoskoski@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Austin Loukas Manuscript Society members (left to right) Kendra Kuhar, Dr. Mischelle Anthony, Gabby Zawacki, Miranda Baur, Dr. Sean Kelly, and Ashley Brlngmann. The Indian Cultural Association greets students with cultural deserts from their Club Day table. Right, student line up for food outside of Kirby Hall. The Beacon/Austin Loukas . t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - �1.,.- ... 1n11;;, U!l;.l'I""'" J '-'"'I-''· .1..1., ,v.1., lips encourage students to use caution for safety Anthony Bartoli Staff Writer Due to the recent events that have taken place over the past two weeks on and around campus, Campus Security has offered some tips to keep you safe: 1. Always keep this number handy: (570) 408-4999. If you have an emergency, call it. 2. Don't walk anywhere atone, especially at night. 3. You are allowed to carry mace on campus. Keep it in an accessible place, such as on your key chain or in an accessible pocket of your clothing or bag. 4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 5. Don't let your friends go anywhere alone, even if it's right down the street. 6. Always make sure your cell phone is charged, just in case something does happen and you need to call for help. 7. If you need an escort, call the number listed above. If you ever need a ride back to campus at anytime, for any reason, Public Safety Res life continued from page 13 for both their freshman and sophomore years. "We decided to look into the sophomore living requirement because most of our area colleges and our peer groups and aspirational groups have this requirement," Swantek said. With this new regulation, students will live in the one of the ten residence halls for their freshman year and then move into upperclassman residence halls for their second year on campus. "I am really glad that I lived on campus my freshman year because I got to meet a lot of friends," Makala Flottemesch, sophomore communications major, said. "I think with this new rule, students will be able to feel even more comfortable and feel more at home at Wilkes." Wilkes has emphasized getting involved and J ( will come get you, no questions asked. 8. Make sure that the doors to your dorm building or apartment are closed behind you. 9. Try not to carry too much cash or extremely valuable things. Keep expensive items concealed or close to you at all times. 10. Lock your dorm, house, apartment and car doors. Campus Security and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department work side-by-side to help ensure student safety. One thing students could do right now is go to the link http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/2611. asp and sign up for the Wilkes Emergency Contact System. All you need to do is create a user name, enter your first and last name, create and verify your password, enter your phone number (must have a valid text messaging plan), agree to the terms of service, and click create account. It's that easy. According to the Wilkes website: "Possible uses for this system will include closures and delays, community crime notifications, weather emergencies and power outages." @anthonybartoli anthony.bartoli@wilkes.edu living on campus. Swantek and RAs feel it is important to get involved. "It is a great way to make new friends by getting involved on campus and it also keeps you busy," Amber Konopka, resident assistant for freshman at Evans Hall, said. One of the jobs of resident assistants is to do hall activities to give residents a chance to get to know one another. Swantek said that attending the RAs events along with getting involved with activities on campus is her best advice for incoming freshman. "You will feel more attached to campus if you get more involved with on campus activities," Swantek said. "You will feel like you belong more if you found your niche or created your niche." @rebeccabo/us rebecca.bo/us@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Austin itJukas Some students are under the impression that pepper spray Is not allowed on campus, but Campus Security says students are welcome to carry It for extra protection. Diversity is something that everyone will at some point encounter, and most likely something everyone has questions about. New this semester is a column called " Open Inclusion Dialogue with Office of Diversity Initiatives," welcoming student questions about diversity. Common diversity-related issues are : race, gender issues, stereotyping, disabilities, religion and culture. Students who have questions are encouraged to ask the questions they have been curious about or have previously been afraid to ask. I diversity@wi I kes.ed u Ms. Erica Acosta, Associate Director of Diversity in the Wilkes Center for Global Education & Diversity will be answering your submitted questions. Don't hesitate, better yourself with information! The Beacon/Austin Loukas Res llfe Assistant Director Danielle Kern (left) and Director Ellzabeth Swantek (right) stand outside their office before preparing for a busy semester. �Contact editor: frank.passalacqua@wilkes.edu Sept. 11, 2012 Wilkes Colonels football season preview By Frank Passalacqua Sports Editor "Through camp many players have perf~rmed admirably," Wilkes football coach Frank Sheptock said. "I am impressed with our terun's work ethic, maturity and focus. Our focus has been to play fast, play hard and to finish plays. The player's intensity, sense of immediacy and intelligence is what is sticking out thus far." Wilkes University put together a memorable game to start the 2012 season. Coming out with a 9-7 victory over Morrisville State College, it was kicker Jordan Fredo who delivered a clutch game-winning 18-yard field goal. Fredo went 3-for-3 on the day and earned himself the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week award for his heroics. The Colonels came out fighting from the beginning, allowing only 86 passing yards on defense while lighting it up for 287 passing yards of their own. Behind that was Tyler Bemsten, throwing for 157 yards on 10 of 18 attempts. Alex George had an impressive evening as well at quarterback, throwing for 130 yards on 15 of23 attempts. However, it was running back Andrew Regan making the highlights by going over the century mark with five receptions and 110 yards, tacking on to his 17 rushing attempts for 43 yards on the ground. The Colonels' defense was remarkable. The D allowed only 225 total yards and gave up only one score on the entire outing. Making sure to seal the game was defensive back Paul Gaffney, who recorded seven total tackles and prevented a late rally by catchiPg the interception with nine seconds on the clock. This was the ninth season opener victory for Sheptock. With the whole season still ahead of them, only good things are hoped to come to the Colonels. Wilkes gained 41 freshmen this offseason and the coaches could not be more excited for what the future holds. "The first year class is an impressive group," Sheptock said. "They have acclimated themselves well to the collegiate game and have handled their transition very well." That many new players is a lot to handle, but the coaching staff has the needed experience to bring these young guys to the desired level. The team is looking to improve from last season's 4-5 record. "We were very pleased with our offseason," Sheptock said. "We improved the team with recruiting and our veteran players demonstrated significant improvements in their physical conditioning." The Colonels have an early Sept. 8 bye, but make their first home game appearance Sept. 15 against Albright College. The Week 3 match-up will be the MAC Conference opener. Last year, Wilkes lost 2665 and has a 1-4 record against Albright since 2007. Looking to bring the first home game to an end with a W, it's the building process for any great team to succeed that Sheptock spoke of. "I like our team chemistry and the maturity the team is exhibiting. Our seniors have done a great job bringing the team through camp." In the season opener for Albright, the Lions came out on top with a field-goal, much like Wilkes, with a 29-26 win over Kean University. Running back Ty Hughes for the Lions received honors for MAC Offensive Player of the Week with 142 yards and three touchdowns. If the Colonels want to start off the season ~ 'ls11l1)!1 I J<'C~P.M J ~ l MORRISVIUESTATECOLLEGE Allli!.: !W,~l?l:m:JPM .rflf' Al.BRJGHTCOUEGE' =, WIDENER UNIVERSITY ' i 1ilJOM <.)1.'lY&ttt I tOOP..M m FAIRLEIGHOICKINSON-CO!.LEGEAT FlORHAM' 1ml'Zl'!2 I lo'.X) S.M ll:;i MISERJCORllA UNIVERSITY • 1(¥13?;)12 I 1m PJA LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE• Kt'il>W9 I 11Jc~P.M STEVENSON UNIVERSITY • -v:n1l2ITT 1 I 1:00 RM. LYCOMING COLLEGE ' ~ - 1filZllXl1WJ>M -.,,:e OELAWAREVAU£Y COLLEGE• 11M':@12 i 12:t'l.lPM i3 ~NG'SCOLLEGE • (MAYOR'SCUP) 2-0, it's the running game the team should focus on by shutting them down. The 142-yard performance by Hughes is more yards than Wilkes allowed all together on the ground, so stopping him will be the key. Be sure to come out to all the home games this season to show your support for the Wilkes Colonels. @WU_BeaconSports frank.passa/acqua@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Archives Wilkes University's football team had a memorable game to start off the 2012 season with a 9-7 victory over Morrisville State College. The Colonels make their first home appearance on Sept. 15 against Albright College. Area 151: The UFC event that didn't happen By Jake Coc.hran Assistant A&E Editor For years, every time a fighter signed a contract for the UFC, they could guarantee that come that date they would have a fight. But recently, for the first time in 11 years, the UFC hlid to cancel an event, prompting outrage from fans and fighters alike. Dana White would say that Jon Jones, the current UFC light heavyweight champion, and his manager and controversial strategist Greg Jackson, have blood on their hands for the death of this event. But dig a little deeper and the problem gets much more complicated. Jones was originally set to defend his title against former Olympian Dan Henderson, but when the typically indestructible Hendo blew out his MCL during a training session, the UFC had to scramble to find a replacement for the fight that was nine days away. So the organization had to pull out all the stops and try to find someone to face Jones in just under two weeks, and a few fighters stepped up to the plate. Middleweight contender Chris Weidman said he would take the fight, but the UFC pursued another former Olympian, Chae! Sonnen. Sonnen is known for his ability to sell a fight and has been called the best trash-talker in sports history, but he was coming off of a loss in a rematch to pound-for-pow1d king and longtime middleweight champion, Anderson Silva. To the credit of the UFC, Sonnen was planning to make the move up to light heavyweight to face Forrest Griffin at the end of the year but honestly, they were giving a man who just lost a title shot at a lower weight class, a title fight at the next weight class, a weight class he hadn't fought at since 2005? Adding to this, Dan Henderson said that he tried to work through the injury and said he couldn't do it. Sonnen and Henderson train in the same camp, so it is very likely that Sonnen knew before the UFC that Hendo wasn't going to be able to fight. And when Sonnen went on a trash talking tirade about Jon Jones on UFC Tonight the same week as the announcement of Henderson being hurt ... just put two and two together and you'll see the bigger picture. But Sonnen signing the fight wasn't the problem; it was getting Jon Jones to sign the fight. Jones currently looked unstoppable and was looking for his fourth title defense of an incredible reign as champion. So with a drastic change in opponent on nine days notice, defending his title didn't seem like the best idea to his coach and manager, Greg Jackson. Jackson has often been a punching bag of the MMA community for his somewhat lackluster point fighting strategies, emphasizing winning fights over finishing fights and advising Jon to not take this fight cemented him and Jones as the enemy for Dana White who dragged both Jones and Jackson through the mud during the press conference when he announced the cancelation ofUFC 151. While many will question Jones's merit and manhood, this was the right decision for him. Besides, this has happened before, title fights have been cancelled from cards and the show has gone on. But the UFC had put together a very weak card beneath the title fight and realized that without the title fight they had a very undesirable product, with little to no name power. They had to pull the event for fear of poor performance on the pay-per-view market, thus leaving a gap in DVD collections that will be forever known as Area 151. @WU_BeaconSports jake.cochran@wilkes.edu �17 SPORTS THE BEACON I Sept. 11, 2012• Field hockey rises to intense competition early on By Kirstin Cook Editor-in-Chief The women's field hockey team at Wilkes is going into what may be its best season in at least three years. Coach Mollie Reichard said the athletes this year are off to a better start than the past two years she's been coaching at Wilkes. "The group of kids that I have this year, in all honesty, is probably the best group that I've had since I've been here," Reichard said. Reichard said this improvement is due to increased athleticism, hard work, good attitudes and a positive atmosphere. She said the athletes came into two-week preseason in better shape than ever. Another reason the team is in such a good position is the amount of returning athletes. This year, there are only five freshmen on the team, compared to 11 new players on the roster last year. This helped make the preseason training go more smoothly, and allowed the players to work drills at a faster pace. Despite their improvements, the team lost 3-2 against Washington College in round one of the Salisbury Invitational. However, it pulled through with a 3-2 win against Husson University. The first weekend of competitions led to a loss in the season opener to SUNY Geneseo, 6-1. "It was a little rough," Reichard said of the weekend. But, the Colonels pulled through against Wittenberg in the second game of the weekend. With only 18 seconds on the clock, senior midfielder Lauren Pawling scored a goal to tie with Wittenberg 3-3. Freshman Lexi Thompson scored the winning goal after .just over two minutes of overtime. "The kids did a really good job at coming back and staying in the game, instead of letting one or two goals go and then having their reaction," Reichard said. The team has already faced challenges with these first competitions, and it won't be getting easier. Reichard said the games leading up to the Freedom Conference will pit the athletes against tough opponents to try to prepare them to for the goal of making playoffs. "It's putting our kids against what should be good competition right away to challenge them," Reichard said. Reichard is trying to give the team a competitive edge by placing them against teams that have a higher national Rating Percentage Index than Wilkes does and have done well in their respective conferences. She hopes this gives the players the chance to overcome mistakes early on and learn from them. "You hit your kids hard to see what they're possibly made of and what their mentalities are, so hopefully once you, so that way once you get into conference play you have things adjusted, and your kids have been able to overcome things that if it happens in conference play, they know they can do it again." She said she hopes the challenge of these competitors will increase a competitive mentality for the girls rather than pressure when facing these accomplished teams. "I don't think it should feel like pressure," Reichard said. "In my opinion, it should feel like more of a challenge, more of a reason to step up your competitiveness and your passion in the game because you know that you can go out there." Reichard also said wins against these higherranked teams will pump up the girls' confidence, along with their playing skills. "If you would win against a higher level opponent, to me that's just a boost to everything: your mentality, your play, your aggressiveness," Reichard said. "So to me it's just about going out there no matter who the competition is and going 100 percent all the time." Reichard said upperclassmen have contributed to the positive atmosphere on the team. She said all the freshmen talked about how the elders made them feel welcome. "I think that's one· thing that's really great about the kids that they will tell you is they really feel like they're a family, compared to just like a group of people playing on a team." The field hockey family will have to come together to beat out Widener this Friday, Sept. 14. Reichard said this will be a good game because Wilkes lost to Widener last year by just one goal. The home game will be at 7 p.m. Schmidt Stadium. @kirstinjeancook kirstin.cook@wifkes.edu The Beacon/Kirstin Cook Danielle Distefano, freshman utility, heads back to the goal after Wilkes goes on attack against Wittenberg University. The Beacon/Kirstin Cook o one m y a a, Jun or ut1 ty at center, wor berg University during a home game Sept. 1. �,18 THE BEACON SPORTS I Sept. 11, 2012 SCOREBOARD Football 9/1 Wilkes- 9 Morrisville- 7 Field Hockey 9/1 Wilkes-4 Wittenburg-3 M-Soccer 8/31 Keystone - Win 2-0 F-Soccer 9/1 Muhlenburg- Win 2-1 Volleyball 9/1 Alvernia - Win 3-0 WEEK AHEAD Football 9/15 VS. Albright College Field Hockey 9/14 VS. Widener M-Cross Country 9/14 VS. Misericordia F-Cross Country 9/14 VS. Misericordia Volleyball 9/12 VS. Misericordia Tweet us: Send messages and pictures to: @wu_BeaconSports I hate being on a bandwagon. I prefer to drive it and try to pick a sleeper for the super bowl every year. In a season where I have the Bears being the big sleeper in the NFC, for the AFC I just cannot find a team that can sneak in that isn't one everyone is already picking. Even though my team is not a sleeper, it was a difficult choice. I went back and forth for a while trying to decide. I came down to a Patriots-Texans AFC title game which, anyone who doesn't have the Ravens in the big game, has. This was tough but I am picking the Texans to get to the Super Bowl. It comes down to the fact that the Texans are just the most complete team in the league._They have a borderline elite quarterback in Matt Schaub who suffered a tough injury and who is dying to take that next step and prove he deserves mention in the top quarterbacks conversation. They have Arian F Oster one of the top running backs in the league with a good backup that can step up in Ben Tate. Andre Johnson, need I say more? And, finally, Houston has a top-ranked defense last year that can get to the quarterback and force turnovers led by and upcoming JJ Watt, Brian Cushing and Jonathan Joseph with a guru defensive coordinator in Wade Phillips. Gary Kubiak is really underrated and is my pick for coach of the year. I think a healthy Texans team is better than the Patriots, last year's AFC representative in the Super Bowl. The Patriots were exposed last year by the Giants. They have an awful secondary and cannot get to the quarterback, and their offensive line has deteriorated from what it used to be to mediocre. The Ravens are a sad story. They have been missing that "it" factor to make them a complete team and by the time they might find it they are just about too old to make it to the Promised Land. Suggs is out for the year; Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are too old to shoulder the load anymore, and is Joe Fiacco, Ray Rice and the offense ready to carry a team that far? I doubt it. I love that Denver has Peyton Manning. That is enough to put you in the conversation but their lack of a big time wide receiver and Peyton being slightly rusty I can't see them getting far in the playoffs this year. The Steelers are going to have a rough year with an aging defense, disgruntled wide receiver and a quarterback in Roethlisberger (who I believe will not finish the year with a partially torn rotator cuff). I can see it getting worse and surgery being the only option in December. Texans-Bears in the Super Bowl, and I have the Bears winning it all -- 24-20! @tl .,, "· '· ,; · '"' ·= ,; ·,. · ··· c:· ·· ❖--:·:., I As the 2012 NFL season kicks off, every fan knows February seems only a few short weeks away. In the National Football Conference, many teams are making a strong case for being the NFC Champions and ultimately making their way to the Super Bowl. When it comes down to it, there are two teams favored to be atop of this list: the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles. Representing the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers are one team heavily favored to return to the Super Bowl for the second time in just three years. Last season, the Packers finished with a 15-1 record before getting knocked off by the New York Giants in the Divisional round. • · Blame it on the two-week break the team had, but the Packers fell out of contention early despite having the best record in the entire NFL. With Aaron Rodgers coming off a 4,643 passing yard season and 45 touchdowns, the reining MVP will do whatever it takes in 2012 to get his team back on top and right where they left off last season. The second team many experts think will finally break through and live up to their "dream team" expectations are the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles had a rather disappointed season last year, finishing 8-8 and missing the playoffs entirely by one game. With a great offseason full of added players and talented rookies emerging in the spotlights, it's hard to look at this team and doubt them in 2012. Coach Andy Reid lost his son Garrett in early August and with the season devoted to him, the team won't look back until they can put a ring on Coach Reid's finger. With a deadly offense and a greatly improved defense, the only hindering factor on this team is the health of quarterback Mike Vick. If Vick can stay on the field and hold those late leads, this year may be the first year Philly fans can celebrate a Super Bowl victory. Both teams are a team that once they catch fire, there is no slowing them down. If the two franchises make it to the NFC Championship game, I'd have to bank on the Philadelphia Eagles coming through to represent the NFC in the 2012 Super Bowl. The Eagles will go on to win 27-17 and make it to the big game for the first time since 2004. @wilkesbeacon frank.passalacqua@wilkes.edu �THE BEACON I Sept. 11, 2012 SPORTS 19 Getting to Know: Megan Binder, women's soccer By Kirstin Cook Editor-in-Chief . Meet Megan Binder, a freshman defender for womens soccer who already is looking ahead to an exciting college career. In high school, she was named all-county her, senior year, and all-conference her junior year. The biology major from North Babylon, NY., said she already feels close to her fellow athletes at Wilkes, even though its only been a few weeks since she met them. She said soccer is basically in her blood, because her dad played and her two younger siblings now play. Playing together is a whole family event for them. In the games, Binder is hooked on the competition of the game, and shes always trying to be the best. When did you first start playing soccer? When I was about 4 years old. Probably my mom just signed me up for it, something for me to do, and I just liked it a lot. Why did you decide to stick with it through college? · It's always been a big part of my life, and I don't think I was ready to give it up yet. And it's still fun, so I still enjoy it. What is your fave part about being on the team? I like the girls, it's like a family. I feel very included. And it's fun and I like the competition. How do you stay motivated in conditioning and competition? I am very competitive. I always want to beat the person next to me, I always want to be first, I always want to be the best so I just keep pushing myself and it pays off. I get results, and if I get results than I'll keep going. the hard work paid off. Do you have any moments you are especially proud of in your soccer career? Probably just playing in college. It's what I've always wanted to do, so I'm pretty excited for the next four years. Being a freshman, do you look up to the upperclassmen on the team? Yeah, I just like how hard they work, and how long they've been here and all their experiences and stuff. It's cool listening to their stories and how they've achieved things. Do you have any superstitions going into games? I always have to put my left sock on first, then my left shoe, and then my right sock and my right shoe. And then I just have to listen to music and focus, not let anything distract me. Megan Binder is shown tossing around a soccer ball. Binder is brand new to the Wilkes soccer team and looking forward to an exciting sport career. So far, she says being on the team feels like being a part of a family. • Do a lot of your friends come to support you at games? · Yeah. They're a cheering squad. Them and my family. Is your family really into soccer? Yeah, we always play. And my mom and dad always come. When we're bored we just go outside and play. All my siblings play. My dad played. So did you encourage your siblings to get into soccer? Yeah. I like forced them. I told my parents to sign them up. What is your favorite pre-workout snack? I like Clif bars. So much. My favorite flavor is chocolate chip. Do you know what you want to do in the field of biology? I want to be a physical therapist. A lot of people want to do that now. How long have you wanted to be a physical therapist? Probably since I was in ninth grade. I broke my ankle and had to go to physical therapy, and I liked what they did there. What are you looking forward to the most in the next four years? Everything. Just the whole experience, the journey. Are there any challenges you face in balancing sports and academics? Yeah, balancing is hard, but it's manageable. I just have to get organized. I always have my planner, and have to have certain times for homework, certain study hours, and go to practice, and class. What is your favorite part about competing? It just gives you a good feeling, like all The Beacon/Laura Preby @kirstinjeancook kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu Intramural sign-ups approaching, don't forget and don't miss out! Ever feel like playing a sport but didn't want to go through the hassle of all that running at practice? Do you want to exercise, but don't want to deal with going to the crowded gym? Well, intramural sign-ups are about to begin! Gather up all your athletic friends and hit the field! From flag football to softball, Wilkes Intramurals has it all. If there are enough participants, director Neal Biscaldi would like to even start up at Billiards and Bowling Tournament. If this interests you, sign up right away. Fall Semester Sign Up Date: • Flag Football Sign Up By Sept. 12, 2012 starts Sept. 16 • Coed Outdoor Soccer Sign Up By Sept. 14, 2012 starts week of Sept. 17 • Women's Softball Sign Up By Sept. 14 2012 starts week of Sept. 17 • 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament- TBA • Billiards Tournament-TBA • Bowling Tournament- TBA Spring Semester Sign Up Dates: • Coed Volleyball - Sign Up By Jan. 25, 2013, starts Jan .. 28 • Coed Indoor Soccer - Sign Up By Jan. 25th, 2013 starts Jan. 30 • Coed Basketball- Sign Up By March 1, 2013 starts March • Softball Tournament- Sign Up By April 12, 2013, starts April 17 �" 20 SPORTS THE BEACON ~ I Sept. 11, 2012 ~Like I] FIGshirts -,11,.-is.t: - ~.A'I•,. ii@fio";'irts 146 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WILKES-BARRE NEAR CORBA BEVERAGE AND DOMINO'S! 570.823.9272 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2012 September 11th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 September 11 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/eb09a772100e306f66261105ba82f3a2.pdf a0a654bd21ddb45a0e84384d42abd436 PDF Text Text Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member THE BEACON The Beacon/ Austin Loukas At last week's budget forums, faculty expressed concerns about the proposed budget for next year, which includes reductions to the faculty retirement benefits and an absence of raises. Some fear these cuts will hurt faculty morale, saying it's a recipe for mediocrity. Gilmour's paid sabbatical amid proposal of cuts disturb faculty BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief A contract granting Wilkes President Joseph (Tim) Gilmour a oneyear paid sabbatical following his retirement this summer combined with faculty compensation package reductions has created a rift between faculty and administration. Faculty members are facing a reduction in retirement benefits and another year without raises. In light of Gilmour's paid academic leave, some are saying it doesn't add up. Fred Sullivan, associate professor of math and computer sciences, gave the example of an employee at a $25,000 salary who could potential lose about $2,250 due to reduction in retirement funds and changes in the health care package - a 9 percent reduction in compensation. "So my question is, 'How can the president and the cabinet and board sleep at night doing that?"' Sullivan said. Last week, Faculty Affairs Council Chair Don Mencer addressed the contrast of these reductions from Gilmour's break terms with an email to Vice President Loren Prescott. The Beacon obtained this email, in which Mencer stated, "How can you justify the absence of raises and reduced retirement benefits in contrast to a presidential sabbatical contract." Mencer said most of the comments he had heard from faculty on the budget were negative. He said one of the faculty members went so far as to call it a "recipe for mediocrity." "There's real concern that we're SEE BUDGET, PAGE 4 The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com~ �,m l] (BJ(IJJ]J C [RT'@] 0 CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Library extended hours a possibility BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor Students Government Total: $10,448.21 Library extended hours project Buffer Fund was granted $5,000 to put toward the cost of making the library basement open 24 hours. Dean of the library, John Stachez, plans to raise another $4,000 himself to make the needed accommodations. It is unspecified when the extended hours will begin. HAWC Brings Shaun T to Wilkes Health and Wellness Club was granted its requested $1,750 to bring fitness expert, Shaun T, to Wilkes next semester. Shaun T who is the creator of fitness programs Insanity and Hip Hop Abs, will offer a 1 hour workout, a question-and-answer period and an opportunity to get autographs. The event is set for Nov. 3 in UCOM. SIFE to participate in competition Students In Free Enterprise requested $5,700 to attend a national competition in Kansas City, Mo. Students request funds to attend conference in Utah. Up to $3,400 was requested for five students to attend a conference at the University of Utah School on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. Terzaghi Lab requests funds to attend annual presentation in Austin, Texas Four students from Terzaghi will be presenting at the annual American Society of Plant Biologists Conference this year. Considering the cost of travel, hotel rooms and registration, the club requested $3,000. Upcoming Events: Mad Hatter Tea Party: April 24 Relay for Life: April 28-29 Mac Miller: May 1 Study Break Party: May 3 @devoninovak devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Photo courtesy o Mo ly McDonough Wilkes students saw the U.S. Supreme Court in action and met with Justice Ginsburg last week in Washington, D.C. Pictured from left to right are Sarah Seman, Ross Ramaley, Molly McDonough, Ashley Flaherty, Randy Keiser, Nour Elbattah, Brandon Wesneski, Morgan Palermo, Dr. Kyle Kreider and Brittney Grizzanti. Simply come and take part in Senior Assessment Day May 3, 2012 • 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Testing takes place in Breiseth Hall. Register online by Friday, April 27th. For details and to register, visit www.wilkes.edu/assessment . w WILKES UNIVERSITY -------------- -- -- �THE BEACON I APRIL 24, 2012 3 NEWS Budget process raises additional questions BY PHAT NGUYEN News Editor Faculty and staff still have questions following several budget meetings with Vice President of Finance Loren Chip Prescott. Concerns include cuts to retirement, health care and academic department budgets. Along side these concerns faculty have a sense that their input is not being considered. They say one of the biggest problems facing Wilkes is the failure to adhere to the decisionmaking process. "That was not done," assistant professor English Marcia Farrell said. "We were not given an opportunity to recommend, or even given a chance to review decisions that were being made." Prescott held two budget forum meetings last week to present the proposed budget to faculty members. The budget is projected to include a 4 percent tuition increase, along with various cuts. He said these budgetary decisions incorporated feedback from the campus community. "There probably will be an ongoing discussion on whether the judgments we made were the best ones, and sometimes you can revisit those, but I think we got through with a lot of discussion, a lot of involvement by the budget committee, and by the president's cabinet, and some interaction with others on campus," Prescott said. However, faculty members are upset with the decision-making and lack of input outside of the president's cabinet. Don Mencer, chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee, was hard-pressed to call this a standard operating procedure. "It sounds like to me that they're reacting to circumstances," Mencer said. Budgetary priorities have not been given to faculty, he added. "~ were not asked whether to fully fund depreciation or build revenue contingencies," Mencer said. Associate professor of pharmacy practice Jonathan Ference added his concerns about the communication process. "There is a lingering concern that the process of communication was broken between faculty and administration. We don't know what process by which decisions are made," Ference said. "If we're not familiar with this process, how are we able to make sure we are represented by part of that process?" Ference said discussions about the 2013 fiscal year budget should not be happening in third week of April. "We should be discussing the 2014 budget," Ference said. Prescott said in past years the budget has The Beacon/Austin Loukas Vice President of Finance Loren Prescott held two forums to present the proposed budget for next year. Faculty members are upset with the decision-making process behind the budget and lack of input outside of the president's cabinet. been reviewed and approved in April. One of the biggest challenges that delayed the budget was state funding cuts to programs such as graduate teacher education. According to the Wilkes Fact Book, teacher education graduation enrollment has decreased from 3,720 in 2009 to 3,463 in 2010 and 2,673 in 2011. These losses have negatively affected the budget, Prescott explained. Although losses and expenses are stemming from the graduate programs, the university still plans to expand some existing graduate programs and brand new graduate programs in nursing, engineering and education. Despite budget cuts, Prescott said the university strives to continue to make progress reducing increases in tuition. According to the Wilkes Fact Book, the 2011 tuition increased 3.8 percent. The university is now planning a 4 percent increase, but hopes to eventually lower that increase in the future. "One of the assumptions in that budget model was a tuition increase for the entire period to accurately project revenue," Prescott said. Prescott said he was disappointed the school couldn't reduce the annual tuition increase as quickly as that model portrays. The model anticipates a 2 percent tuition increase in a couple years. · The budget is comprised of a combination of different groups including the president's cabinet and a budget committee - composed of president's cabinet, full-time faculty, student representatives and staff. An ongoing process of meetings will exam- ine expected revenue from a variety of sources, operating expenses and other expenditures - such as maintenance and new projects like the science building, Prescott said. The finance administrator pointed out that 150 people on campus manage budgets, including academic areas such as deans for each of the colleges, who work closely with department chairs. Conclusions are then drawn to balance anticipated revenue sources and estimated operating expenses. These savings are going to be different for each of the budget units depending on their mission and how they use resources. "Budget managers know their operation best, they know their budgets best, and so they should be ones who in most cases are making judgments abc;mt where there are opportunities to save," Prescott said. Prescott plans to try to tum this year's cuts into ongoing savings. He said there is a significant list of operating expenses that affect all the operating units such as food for oncampus events, office supplies and many categories of expenses that were reviewed by the finance office and budget committee with idea that they could operate more efficiently. "As part of the budget process this year, we prepared, for the first time in a number of years, a long-range planning budget that projects, for budgetary purposes, the university's operations out to 2020," Prescott said. Another issue that affects the budget is the $35 million science building. A $20 million capital campaign is intended to be ultimate source of funds, but construction will put the university $15 million in long-term debt, but donations and fundraising could lower that debt. "The difficult thing with the last two years is that we didn't do as good as job as we need to do in accurately projecting revenue, but the problem is when you create a budget you' re guessing on sources of revenue," Prescott said. He said the basis is an educated guess from past experience with programs, but it really a guess with new programs. "The budget for next year, I think, is more conservative on revenue estimates than it has been in the last couple years, and that's intended to address that problem," Prescott said. "The danger is being overly optimistic about revenue, and then later on having to come back to the budget and saying 'well it turns out we didn't have the revenue that we really thought,"' he said. The handbook states that the Faculty Affairs Counsel should be consulted by administration before decisions are m,11de. Faculty emphasized there should be an understanding in advance, which could have avoided what they are calling a very public and pesky quarrel. Despite these issues, they say there are good things happening. "There are people who are trying to do what they think is right for the institution," Mencer said. Mencer believes the breakdown in communication has led to many of the faculty concerns. "We all understand that we have to live within budgets," Mencer said. "There is no imaginary world that faculty live where they have unlimited salaries and budgets. However, there's no doubt there's deviation from this policy." Mencer said these meetings and time consumption also come with an opportunity cost. "Faculty, staff and administration are all attending numerous meetings over budgetary decisions affecting morale and grading," Mencer said. In addition, he said faculty still works hard to uphold the values of the Wilkes community. Ference, a Wilkes alumni, has come back to Wilkes as a professor because he wanted to contribute to that community. "I love being a Colonel, but part of this process is breaking my heart," Ference said. The next step in the budget process will take place Tuesday, April 24 where the FAC will have a joint meeting with deans and president's cabinet<t£egarding the 2012 fiscal year among other concerns. Contributer: Kirstin Cook @phatnguyen_ phatnguyen@wilkes.edu �4 BUDGET Continued from the front page • talcing budgetary steps that are not in the best interest of the institution," Mencer said. The 2013 fiscal year budget proposes a 3 percent cut to matching contribution for employee retirement plans. Mencer said there's fear this type of reduction will lead to a decrease in faculty efficiency and a loss of a strong faculty commitment to students that Wilkes is known for. "It affects morale, low morale affects the service and quality of interaction that the students on campus have with staff and faculty." Prescott said difficult budgetary choices were aided by discussion and campus participation. "It's a balancing act, and you have to reach compromises when you're in a situation where you have limited resources and you have a lot of competing priorities," Prescott said. Mencer outlined the main areas of concern of the FAC to Prescott, beginning with the financial details of Gilmour's sabbatical. Though The Beacon learned of Gilmour's sabbatical two weeks ago, Prescott confirmed the contract at an April 17 forum. According to Wilkes' 990 tax form, Gilmour's presidential salary was $358,874 in 2009. Prescott would not release how much he would receive during his sabbatical. Vicki Mayk, associate director of public relations, said Gilmour will be receiving less than his current salary. She said the sabbatical was negotiated between the board of trustees and a presidential compensation expert, who called granting this type of sabbatical a common practice. During this sabbatical, Gilmour said he plans to do some work on the capital campaign that funds the new science building, providing background information to the new president and possibly writing a book. Gilmour said when he agreed to the sabbatical contract two years ago, Wilkes was in a better financial state than today. "It was a contract that we negotiated two years ago, and we certainly did not know we would be in quite the position we're in," Gilmour said. However, in February 2010 The Beacon reported Wilkes was trying to close a $2.2 million deficit. Also, according to the 990, many of the highest-paid employees at Wilkes received pay cuts in 2009, including more than $24,000 in reductions in Gilmour's salary, compared to 2008 data that showed $60,000 in bonuses for the 14 highest-paid employees. And these days, faculty members are being told the university is financially sound. Mencer said undergraduate, transfer and ·in- NEWS The Beacon/ Austin Loukas It was confirmed WIikes President Joseph {Tim) Gilmour will receive a one-year paid sabbatical, during which he said he will be completing various work for the university. Gilmour said the university was in a better financial state when he accepted the sabbatical two years ago. Both public relations and finances declined to release his sabbatical salary, though public relations stated it will be less than his current pay. ternational student emollment is up, which he feels contradicts the slashes to faculty benefits. "From the faculty perspective, when you keep telling them the emollment indicators are high, then you begin to question, well if the things that positively impact on revenue are encouraging, then why is it we're being told we have to tighten our belts and have some reductions in compensation packages," Mencer said. Mencer said faculty members have not been receiving 'salary increases in recent years to keep up with the cost of living. Prescott, however, said Wilkes has made a commitment to provide competitive salaries. "The university has committed itself to trying - for employees, not just faculty - to try to continue to focus on making sure that all of the employees are paid a competitive salary," Prescott said. Mencer said the main concerns faculty have are less about the contents of the budget, such as faculty compensation, and more about the lack of faculty input on the contents. He said this lack of involvement does not give the faculty the chance to deem the budget decisions as essential, a classification he doubts. "If it's really essential, and it's the only way the institution can survive, then I don't think you would have people at the institution arguing against it." Contributer: Phat Nguyen @kirstinjeancook kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com STRESSED? HEADACHE? Headaches and back pain are two of the most common ailments treated at our clinic. Often, we can bring relief simply by taking the pressure off a pinched nerve. Here are other common symptoms of a pinched nerve. Neck Pain Back Pain Shoulder Pain Arm Pain Leg Pain Muscle Pain - Sports Injury - FREE 20 Min Hydro Massage Auto Accident - w WILKES UNIVERSllY FREE EXAM & FREE 1st Treatment · Wilkes-Barre Chiropractic & Rehab Dr. David Lewis Chiropractic Physician • 825-5535 380 Old River Road Wilkes-Barre, PA AJI Insurances Accepted dblewis326@aol .com www.nepachiro.com �THE BEACON I APRIL 24, 2012 NEWS 5 Google Cloud takes over Wilkes University System upgrade expected to be more efficient and reliable BY ABBEY HALDEMAN Staff Writer Freshman nursing major Cheyenne Cassimore was forced to make a new password, not once, but two times this week because her Wilkes email denied her access. "I had to change my password so it would let me in. It is really frustrating me," Cassimore said. In addition to changing passwords, stu dents and faculty have voiced other complaints, which include never · obtaining outgoing and incoming emails. There is a constant struggle among the students, the faculty, the staff and the university email. The login battle, messages getting lost in cyberspace and storage space - or lack thereof - are only a few major issues. "We have been hearing a lot of concerns about email for quite some time," Chief Information Officer Gloria Barlow said regarding the current Microsoft Outlook Web email system. "It's a large undertaking to manage a mail system for thousands of students." On top of all the struggles through the email itself, there has been one specific time when the entire system had to be shut down. During this time the flood evacuation in the Fall of 2011 , the university had to completely shut down the system in order to preserve and protect it. In doing so, the only way to communicate with students was through Facebook or some sort of web-based system. "I've been in this business a long time; -1've never needed to turn off my machines, shut off the light and leave and not know when we were coming back," Barlow said. In order to ensure that something like completely shutting down the system would never happen again and in an effort to ease the ongoing struggles, the IT department realized it was time for some adjustments. Email would be switched to "the cloud." "At this point in time about more than 60 percent of colleges around the country have migrated some portions of their campus to the cloud," Barlow said. Cloud systems are a simplified operating systems that run as a web browser, providing access to a variety of web-based applications that allow the user to perform many simple tasks without booting a fullscale operation system. Cloud systems are a simplified operating systems that run as a Web browser, providing access to a variety of web-based applications that allow the user to perform many simple tasks without booting a full-scale operation system. The operating Because of its simplicity, Clouds can boot in just a few seconds. The operating system is designed for Netbooks, Mobile Internet Devices and PCs that are mainly used to browse the Internet. From Cloud the user can quickly boot into the main OS, because Cloud continues booting the main OS in the background. Cloud can be installed and used together with other operation systems, or as a standalone operating system. When used as a standalone system, hardware requirements are relatively low. After evaluating the current email via student response surveys, a committee of 12 decided that the switch to the cloud would be the most beneficial for everyone. The initial debate was whether to go with Microsoft Live or Google mail. The ultimate deciding factor for the conversion to Gmail came when Microsoft made a change in its offerings with universities, system is designed for Netbooks, Mobile Internet Devices and PCs that are mainly used to browse the Internet. From Cloud the user can quickly boot into the main OS because Cloud continues booting the main OS in the background. granting free use only for students and not faculty. For the campus, Gmail met the criteria and was the most cost-effective option. "There was a unanimous recommendation from the IT committee, which never happens," Barlow said. After Barlow presented the report and the recommendations to the president's cabinet they were given the go-ahead. The mass of migration to Gmail will be. Start this summer. Many students believe the switch to Gmail will help fix the frustrations they have been facing. "I think that Gmail is a bigger network than Microsoft, so it is going be faster," Allison Bitner, a freshman pharmacy major said. Gloria believes the size limitation issues will be solved by the switch, due to the massive growth in space. With the change to the cloud, students will have more than 250 times the space that they have with the current email. She also believes that students will enjoy having a Gmail account because it can be personal to them, which many students have requested previously. "It is a service and interface most (students) are already familiar with, comfortable with and like," Barlow said. The move to Gmail will allow students and faculty to keep their @wilkes.edu domain. The cloud system will also allow better mobile access due to its simplicity. "If we ever had an emergency again, as long as you are somewhere with an Internet conDection, we as a campus will still be able to communicate with all wilkes. edu addresses, which is very important for us," Barlow said. @wu_beaconnews abbey.haldeman@wilkes.edu �CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com President Gilmour says farewell to the Wilkes University community BYTIM GILMOUR Wilkes University President The title of my inaugural speech was "The Courage to Be Great." Throughout my presidency, I've challenged our University community to have the courage to work together to build a truly great institution. And as a community - our students, faculty and staff - I think we have been courageous. I look back over the ·past 11 years and see so many achievements. We've been able to accomplish them because of the courage, the talent and the hard work of the people here at Wilkes. As an institution, we've grown significantly, setting records for enrollment on the undergraduate and graduate levels. We're a more diverse institution, doubling our minority population and drawing more than 100 international students representing 21 countries. We've earned significant honors such as the grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and research grants to our faculty from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Several of our faculty has been recognized by their national associations as leaders in their field. There have been additions to our program offerings - such as the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, four master's degree programs, and two doctoral degrees. And recently, we've opened the Pocono Center and begun construction of the new, state-or.he-art science building. We' re making a lasting impact in the city of Wilkes-Barre and in the region, with over $20 million in investments in the Downtown and initiatives such as the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development and the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research for Northeastern Pennsylvania. And we sent an Army of Colonels out to help our community after the flood last fall. So before I say farewell, I want to say thank you to everyone who made these achievements, and so many more, possible. There is no way I could list all of our successes in one article. And no president accomplishes these things alone. The members of the University community are who BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 24 responses. Last week's question: How has the "pink-slime" controversy affected your meat eating habits? Don't eat meat 1% What is pink slime? 4% The Beacon/Austin Loukas President Tim Gilmour will retire this summer after 11 years at Wilkes. Above, Gilmour celebrates at a goodbye party at Fenner Hall with faculty, staff and students. make it all possible and deserve the credit. I've talked about some of the changes and accomplishments during my tenure at Wilkes. But one thing endures: This is really a wonderful place that brings a lot of people great joy. I've been honored to be a part of it. Here at Wilkes, we care about the people we serve. We.remain focused on our mission of educating our students. It's what is great about this institution. Our faculty members come to work every day, committed to doing a good job. You, our students, are the beneficiaries of their commitment. Your growth and achievements make it all worthwhile. I feel a bit like a graduating senior as I prepare to take my leave. I have enjoyed being here. Now this time is coming to an end and I don't know what it's going to be like when I leave. I have always been what I would describe as a "Point A to Point B" kind of person. I've always known where I was go- ing next. As I anticipate leaving Wilkes, I have an opportunity to do new things. And this time, I'm trying to leave myself open to opportunities tha~ have yet to present themselves. The field of higher education will continue to be a focus for me: I'm planning to write a book about its future. We are going to have to re-think the way we do things at our colleges and universities and I'll be spending the next year talking to people about how they see that future. New ways of teaching students and new ways of delivering instruction will surely be part of what's on the horizon. In dosing, let me say thank you once again for the priviiege of serving this institution. I'm optimistic about the future of Wilkes and about the future of you, our students. If there's any thought I leave you with, it's the same one that I shared when I started my presidency: Have the courage to be great! Do not trust the meat industry 4% This week The Beacon asks: Do you plan to vote in the 2012 Pennsylvania primary? • Yes, I already have • Yes, I plan on voting • No, I do not plan on voting • No, I am not eligible Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces "'for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �THE BEACON I APRIL 24, 20 12 . 7 'OPINION And God said 'Let there be marriage': Inequality of civil unions BY CATHRYN FREAR Staff Writer In the United States of America, people have certain "unalienable" rights. According to the Declaration oflndependence, anyway. In fact, the exact wording as written in the preamble is, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Regardless of word choice, what they meant was there are rights our government couldn't take away. It's important to note this is past tense. The government up and decided to ignore the grounds to which this country was founded on in search of God in government. The word "Creator" in the preamble seems to be the focus of those opposed to marriage equality. But, you will notice it is this "Creator," God, who has guaranteed these "unalienable rights," including marriage. So how that reasoning makes sense, I will never understand. Nowadays, we generally hear such Creator-given rights referred to as "inalienable." And those rights include the right to be single, married, separated, divorced or widowed but not civilly unionized. Go ahead and see for yourself. Pick a legal document, any legal document. Generally, The Beacon/Ki rsti n Cook Civil unions can be compared to the Civil Rights movement. Civil unions do not offer any legal protections and responsibilities that married couples have. there is no box to be checked marked with the option of"civilly unionized." Why? Yes, the federal government leaves it to the states to decide on issues regarding marriage. But this only goes so far. Not all rights with regards to those obtained through marriage remain at the state level. According to the National Organization for Women, marriage offers up a minimum of 1,049 legal protections and responsibilities on the federal level. Civil unions offer exactly zero. This is because civil unions really are only state-by-state. What this means is, if you could get married in Vermont, it would be recognized as legitimate regardless of where you are in the country. However, Vermont only gives prospective lawful homo-citizens the right to a civil union with a partner. Not a husband or a wife. But, travel to somewhere such as the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and your rights are officially null in that location. It's tax time, folks. Time to fill out all those W2s and cross your fingers for big money, no 'X.hammies. But civil unions offer up plenty of whammies. Taxes are a mix of federal and stat overnment. This is comparable to ·xing oil and water, respectively. The oil is ge erally going to rise to the top. In other words, the federal government can force those in civil unions to fill out their tax- es as if they were single. This also applies to benefits such as medical insurance and pension programs, both of which are extended to one's family. A civil union does not make a family. Divorce is such a dirty word, isn't it? Well, compare divorce which can be filed and completed in any state which those parties involved reside to what civil union contracts will do, and it sounds beautiful. In order to break up a civil union, those parties involved instead must establish residency in the state in which the civil union was declared. Many who discuss obtaining gay civil rights compare it to the Black Civil Rights Movement. I only see one definite similarity: second-class status. Getting a special water fountain sounds excellent, doesn't it? But if the fountain isn't maintained and the water isn't as clean, it's not exactly excellent. It's way less cool to have your own water fountain because people believe you are dirtier than they are or less-deserving of basic needs. What all of this comes down to in either civil rights movement is second-class status. Civil unions are very much the dirty water fountain of the Gay Civil Rights Movement. @cathrynfrear Cathryn. frear@wilkes.edu Mitt Romney: too wealthy to represent middle-class America Photo Courtesy of blog.quickmeme.com BY BRITTANY BATTISTA Advertising Manager When you think of the word "politician," • what first comes to your mind? A tall man with slicked-back hair? Does he wear a suit with a price tag no middle class person could afford? Is he one of those people who only tells you what you want to hear? Mitt Romney fits this stereotype. Mitt Romney is that classic politician you are warned about. One whose opinions change depending on the people he's speaking to and whose accent changes depending on the state he's in. It's all a ploy to get votes. I firmly believe that Mitt Romney is in the position he is now because of his money. That's all these campaigns are. The more money you put in, the better the outcome. It's not the 2012 Presidential Race, but the 2012 Money Race to see who can get the most money. It is completely outrageous that it is legal to raise millions and millions of dollars when the U.S. is so in debt. I once heard Romney say the word "poor" during one of the past GOP debates. I have never witnesses anything more frightening. I don't think he knows what poor is. He must only hear about us in rumors being spread around Bloomfield Hills, Mich., one of the top five wealthiest cities in the U.S. which Romney grew up in. Then again, we all would have more money ifwe had Romney's tax rate, which is less than what most middle class families pay. It makes sense if you don't think about it. no idea what the middle class is like? He has not gone through the struggles ofliving payRepublican presicheck to paycheck with dreams of sending dential candidate kids to college. We cannot elect a president Mitt Romney fits who cannot represent us properly. the classic politician Mitt Romney is a candidate for the rich. stereotype, raking in With the nation's middle class becoming money and votes in extinct, I think it's important for the Unitevery way possible. ed States to have a leader who understands Romney cannot what we're going through. We don't need relate with middlesomeone who can easily bet $10,000 like its class America and pocket change. I'm all for working your way does not represent to the top, but when you come from money us properly. it's pretty easy to get the kind of education His income does not come from a salary, that can take you places. but earned money through stocks, shares and So all I ask is that come Election Day you other investments taxed under the special all take a moment before handing in that rate. Romney doesn't play by the same rules ballot and think of yourself. Who can best as the rest of us and it doesn't stop there. A represent YOU. Don't vote for who has the study by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center most "electability," vote for yourself. We stated that under Romney's plan the top 1 have a voice and Romney can't hear it while percent of taxpayers would get a tax cut of counting his money. He can't represent mamore than $150,000. The rich get richer and jority of America. If he wins, we lose. the poor get poorer. @brittanybattista Why would we want a president who has brittany. battista@wilkes.edu �8 THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 OPINION • Cash in your pennies for change that makes cents BY CARLY YAMRUS The Beacon/Lau ra Preby Opinion Editor In today's economy, pennies are worth less than the cost to make them . The United States should retire its one-cent coin and round prices up or down to the nearest nickel. Doing so would save both time and money. See a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll be carrying around a worthless piece of copper-plated zinc. According to the U.S. Mint's annual report, it costs 2.4 cents to make a penny that is worth 1.0 cent. Each year, the United States produces approximately 7 billion pennies. Over the years, the cost of producing and distributing the one-cen!,_,eoin has actually cost us money; 60 million dollars in 2011. This price is sure to go up due to the rising costs of zinc and copper used to produce the penny. Last month, Canada decided it was time to call the quits on their one-cent coin. CBC news reported that it costs them 1.6 cents to produce their penny, costing them about 11 million dollars a year. The United States penny support group, "Americans for Common Sense," says that two-thirds of Americans wish to keep the penny. They provide reasoning such as, "The penny is sentimental," and "Prices will be rounded up ifwe eliminate it." It's apretty safe bet to say that most of these people hardly use the coin that they hope to save. The amount of pennies in circulation is unknown due to the large amounts of hoarding over the years. What can a penny buy you these days? Nothing. Maybe half a drop of gasoline but that's about it. Pennies are so useless that they are now offered for free at almost any store. Many people physically toss their pennies in the trash because they are a burden to carry. A penny for your thoughts these days is basically like saying "your opinion is worthless." As a waitress, I find it extremely annoying having to wait for customers to fish out several pennies from the deep dark depths of their purses and pockets. Many people firmly believe that the entire country will go into disarray the very minute the U.S. mint stops cranking out the coins. If we do ditch the penny, prices will have to be rounded to the nearest nickel. The propenny argument will always be that prices will always be rounded up and never down. No fear! Canada has a solution. Prices ending in 1, 2, 6 or 7 will round down to O or 5, and if the price ends in 3, 4, 8 or 9, the total will be rounded up. This may take a week tops to get used to. For those of you who wish to keep the penny because it honors Abe Lincoln, last time I checked he was on the $5 bill! I am sure Abe would be honored seeing that his penny is typically thrown on the ground, in sewers, on train tracks, under your car seat, in water fountains .. . My favorite argument is "But it teaches children the value of saving money." The only reason children save pennies is because they buy nothing in today's economy. Give a child 100 pennies and they will probably laugh at you. Even if they do make it to the dollar store with a pound of pennies, the cashier will most likely not accept them as a method of payment. By giving up pennies you are actually saving time, which is more valuable. It is silly to hold onto a useless coin that costs us millions of dollars annually to sustain. There have been plenty of coins in U.S. history that have served a purpose at one point but were discontinued for one reason or another. Of course it will take time to adjust to life without the penny, but commerce is sure to continue and America will find something else to be upset about after the nickel becomes the norm. That's my two cents on the great penny debate. @carlyyamrus carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu E;ltl#'IEJr., . . . . ■ • SPECIALS WEEKDAY SPECIALS II-TH Large Pie $7.95 Chicken Wing Pie $10.95 IIIIE■ ■,-Ellll"Y 20 E Northampton S t . 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"It was when I first moved (to California from Pennsylvania). I had only been out here for two months, and the lead actor Tony Shalhoub told me I had beautiful hands. "He kept talking about them, and he told me I should get in touch with his agent because I could make a lot of money. So I met with his agent and she signed me, and I've been working as a hand model ever since." Though Gibson, a 2007 Wilkes University graduate, admitted hand modeling isn't exactly something she ever imagined herself doing, the experience has turned out to be a rewarding one. It's also something that's proven more challenging than she initially expected. "I do both print ads and commercials. For commerciaJs, they'll bring me in to do things that are very precise. I know it sounds silly, but I did a Haagen-Dazs commercial where I had to get the ice cream to roll onto the spoon in this perfect shape. You have to do it all day long and it's just you, so there's a lot of pressure. "I didn't realize everything that went into the job, but I'm pretty good at it now," she said, laughing. More than anything, Gibson's modeling - which includes work for Avon, Mazda, Charmin and the movie "Friends with Benefits," where her hands doubled for Mila Kunis' during the end credit sequence - along with her work as an extra in television and film, represents for her another step deeper into the world of show business. It's a world Gibson had wanted to be a part of for a very long time. Without the support of her Wilkes University teachers, though, the one-time communication studies major confessed she may never have been able to take that first step. "The best thing about Wilkes is that you Courtesy of Ashley Gibson Clockwise from top: Ashley Gibson poses with the "Outstanding Drama Series" Emmy Award at the "Mad Men" Season 4 wrap party, Gibson in full period regalia on the set of "J. Edgar:' Ashley Gibson (far right) and other extras on the set of"Mad Men" Season 4. can really get to know your professors. I got a lot of backing, specifically from ( communication studies professors Jane Elmes-Crahall and Bradford L. Kinney and assistant business professor Matthew J. Sowcik). They let me come into their offices all the time to talk about this crazy idea I had about moving to California and working in entertainment," she said. "There were a lot of people who told "I was 'bit by the bug,' as they say. I really can't imagine myself not being on a set now. I can't imagine myself not doing this." Ashley Gibson me 'Don't do that. Just stay in Wilkes-Barre and work for the newspaper or something.' I'm so appreciative of all (my teachers' ) help." Inspired to chase her dreams, Gibson moved to California in 2009, intending at first to find work in public relations. It was a task that turned out to be easier said than done. However, her efforts would quickly lead to new ventures which Gibson said she found far more fulfilling. "It's really difficult to find a job out here if you don't have any connections, so I started exploring other areas," she explained. "I heard about an open casting call they were having for 'Entourage,' looking for extras. I'd been here for a couple months and still not found anything in PR, so I figured this might be something fun to do ~nd also make some money.• · Spoiler alert: Gibson got the gig. From there, she said, it was just a snowball effect of getting to know more people in the industry and picking up more jobs as an extra and stand-in on TV shows and movies like the Golden Globe-nominated biopic "J. Edgar" and the upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson drama "The Master." Most recently, Gibsor s been rubbing shoulders with the likes ~f Al Pacino and Christopher Walken on the set of "Stand Up Guys," an action-comedy due out next year. Of all the projects she's appeared in, though, Gibson said her favorite is undoubtedly the critically acclaimed AMC television series "Mad Men." "I was a secretary in the office throughout Season 4," she said. "The people were great and I loved that it was a period piece. It was the first time I'd ever done anything like that. It was really fun being in period hair and make-up every day, completely transformed into somebody else. "It was also amazing to see how talented the cast members on that show are. I was basically going to work, but I felt like I was getting free acting lessons every day. " Though she had no prior experience as an actress or model of any kind before her westward pilgrimage, Gibson hopes to continue doing both in the future, and is already ambitious about getting parts in bigger projects, including more film work. The time she's spent in the entertainment industry, it seems, has proven quite addictive. "I was 'bit by the bug,' as they say. I really can't imagine myself not being on a set now," she said. "I can't imagine myself not doing this. " @thatbillthomas billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com �\ �I ays vi9la as p �12 THEs·EACON A&E I A PR IL 24, 201 2 Don1t slap yourself for missing 'Bitter is the New Black1 gives out, give 'Three Stooges1 a shot hilarious life tips, fashion quips BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor .0-, J, What about Shemp? That the biggest complaint to be leveled at "The Three Stooges" regards the absence of the original third Stooge (replaced in 1932 by the now more well-known Curly) is a minor movie miracle. With a self-imposed PG rating, as well as the uneven output of writing-directing team Peter and Bobby Farrelly conspiring against it, this flick could easily have taken a pratfall right off the map. That it manages to somehow stumble its way into the heart is nothing short of sweet cinematic sw-prise. Telling the life story not of the performers b~neath the bad haircuts but rather of their fictional Stooge personas, the generic plot sees our trio on a long, meandering quest to save a nun-run orphanage from foreclosure. Along the way, they get hired as hitmen, become reality TV superstars, give a dolphin the Heimlich and use the flammable power of their own flatulence to save the day. Will Sasso (best known for "Mad TV") is C'urly, Sean Hayes (best known for "Will & Grace") is Larry and Chris Diamantopoulos (best known for, um, nothing) is Moe. Despite such debatable comedy pedigrees, a better gang to play the iconic nyuk-nyuknyuk-leheads you'd be hard-pressed to find. Sometimes they try too hard, sometimes not hard enough. But, more often than not, the ruse is damn near "poifect." For some, seeing the greatest comedy ensemble stage 'n' screen (the Marx Brofiers being the first, natch) practice their elabo- rately choreographed vaudevill ian chopsockey on Snooki is downright blasphemous. Ultimately, though, the original trio had misfires worse than this ("Snow White and the Three Stooges" springs agonizingly to mind). And if this nostalgic love-letter inspires a new, younger audience to rediscover the real deal, a ll the better. Admittedly, the Fanellys' bright, modem style diminishes the claustrophobic kinesis of the Stooges' Depression-era cartoon anarchy and the overall pacing is a mess, with l.o ng stretches that drag on tiresomely. But when the film hones in on the same rapid-fire shtick, roughneck slapstick and corny puns that made Moe, Curly and Larry household names in the first place, the film is a joy. While not as good as last year's "The Muppets," it's a similarly refreshing dose of optimism, kitsch and ,A~ simplicity in an , ~· increasingly ~ cynical genre. Like its tituO lar heroes, Ill: "The Three Stooges" is dim of wit, but pure of heart. I.* ,\\\l' c...'l,,'-. BY ANN IE YOSKSOSKI Staff Writer Jennifer Lancaster has been fired from her job. Her cozy life in her upscale Chicago apartment is in j eop ardy. What is a girl to do? In th is case, the solution would be to involve yourself in some mischief and hijinks, adopt some pit bulls and blog all about it. In her first memoir, "Bitter is the New Black," Jennifer Lancaster honestly tells the story of her fall from grace, the lengths she went to in order to restore it, and how she ended up happy with a new career in the end. Reading this book several years ago and following her career ever since, 1 have laughed many times at Lancaster's \\Titing. "Bitter," however, is the one that tarted it all. Having recently -read it, I actually forgot w funny it was . Readers take note: Don't bring this book with you to a public place if you are selfconscious. I laughed so hard at the idea of a grown woman army-craw ling down the hall of her apartment building to see who was steal ing her paper, so she could paint-bomb them, that I practically fell out of my chair in our own Farley Li brary. The lengthy subtitle, "Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office," pretty much describes the book perfectly. It may all seem shallow, but Lancaster does find herself at the end, and sees what is really important in life: Family, friends, happiness, passion and integrity. Also, the discount rack. A memoir with a moral is always an interesting twist - and an unexpected one, based on the title. I try to stay away from ':chick lit", and tend to read more serious material, but I am a person who likes to laugh. A man might not enjoy this book, being less able to relate to some of the girly tendencies Lancaster portrays, but anyone with a sense of humor is nevertheless guaranteed to crack a smile. Lancaster may speak about "shallow" topics, but she is a very intelligent woman who expresses herself through snarky footnotes and hilarious text. Currently, Lancaster is releasing her fifth book, "Jeneration X." The memoirs keep rolling and the h ilarity continues, but "Bitter" is the book that launched her writing career and subsequently her happiness. The blog that Lancaster started, and still runs, is Jennsylvania .com . If you want a light-hearted read for finals or summer acation, pick up this book and laugh until et what you pay or at Cafe Toscana BY DOMINICK CONSTANTINO Staff Writer Cafe Toscana is the perfect restaurant to end a semester of great food reviews. Located right on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, this Italian restaurant's menu ranges from appetizers like shrimp cocktail to full meals like Gamberi Toscana. T decided to get something that I never had before: Lobster Ravioli. Before the meal came out, each diner received a piece of bruschetta with a tomato spread. It was so good that when I was finished, I wished l had about five more. The tomatoes were very sweet but the diced onions offset that sweetness. We also got a half-loaf of warm, homemade bread with a tasty seasoned olive oil-based dipping sauce. The main course wa'l outstanding. Though the pinkish-orange sauce over the ravioli was less than appetizing in appearance, it was utterly delectable. TI1e flavor was reminiscent of vodka sauce, but with a little bit more tang. The fresh-grated Parmesan cheese added to the flavor. The ravioli were cooked al dente - just how I like it - and came loaded with lobster and a variety of seasonings. Though lobster isn't normally my go-t~ grub, the chunks of tender, well-seasoned lobster mixed with that wonderful pink sauce made me a fan. TI1e meal only came with five ravioli, but they were ve.1y filling because of how jam-packed each one was. There was enough extra sauce that I was able to dip the bread in it. My sister Bethany joined me and ordered penne pasta with shrimp in a pesto sauce, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The dish was very rich and creamy, and the shrimp were tender and not overcooked. The portion was big enough that she had some to take home. The atmosphere here was extremely nice, with decor from the fancier end of the spectrum. The classic Italian music playing through the sound system added to the ambience. Customers came well-dressed; no shorts or sweatpants here. This isn't the kind of place you go to on a leisurely afternoon when you' re hankering for Italian, but it's a great place to go for special occasions or v.ihen the parents come to visit. Of the restaurants 5/5 course of the semester, the menu here .is the priciest. My lobster raviolis were $18, though that pri.c e included the bruschetta, bread and the entree itsel[ If you want a soup or salad from the menu, it is an additional $6. The lunch menu is a little cheaper than the dinner menu, pricing soups and salads around $5 and meals starting at $9. The old adage, "You get what you pay for," rings trtle, however, as the excellent quality of the food makes Cate Toscana worth the price-tag. I ate at a lot of great restaurants this semester, but I definitely saved the best for last. @WU_BeaconAE WU_BeaconAE@yahoo.com �™ CiillIJlJIB -® UrtiM)'orf'lrtf Q14esfiorts with Important People JESSICA SHORT, PROGRAMMING BOARD PRESIDENT BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor at 8 p.m. in the SUB lounge, and of course the concert. Year: Junior Major: Elementary Education Hometown: Forest City, Pa. Favorite hobbies? My favorite hobbies are definitely cheerleading, dance and baton; definitely a girly-girl. Programming Board president Jessica Short is a familiar face to many on campus. Short has been the driving force behind many entertainment activities on campus including the upcoming Mac Miller concert at 8 p.m. on May 1 at the F.M. Kirby Center. Short's responsibilities this year as president have been mostly to get ideas out of students and think of what the school wants. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? I've been to the Caribbean a lot so my big interest is going over to Europe, like Italy. I come from an Italian family so I'd really like to go visit the Mediterranean. What are some upcoming Programming Board events? Tuesday April 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. we're having street signs and a fortune teller come in. Like the ones that say so-and-so street and so-and-so boulevard, like I have one that says Cheerleader Boulevard. The next day on April 25 we're having black light mini-:-golf, which is regular mini-golf but all the lights will be out and there will be a black light and all the glowing stuff. We're actually doing it partly with Relay for Life and we're doing a bake sale at it for Relay for Life. Then that Thursday, April 26, we're having an ice cream social What is in your refrigerator (favorite food)? Pickles. My roommates always laugh at me cause there's always pickles no matter what. Our fridge might be bare but there are always pickles. Favorite TV show or movie? TV showwise I watch a lot of the stuff people hate like the "Teen Mom" and all that. Moviewise, one of my favorite movies that's kind of recent is "Friends with Benefits." What plans do you have for after graduation? I really want to go to Korea to teach English, or I want to do the Teach for America program, where you put you in a bad school district, so I'm hoping for somewhere south like Texas, or my third back-up plan is going to graduate school for student development and doing something like Jamie (Miller) and Missy (Howells), and Programming Board actually led me to that kind of job. Favorite Wilkes memory? Probably when we went to the Programming Board conference. I've actually gone twice but there's a small group ofus with our advisers (who go) and we all got to know each other really well and it's kind of fun because we got to see different bands and comedians,just stuff that would be able to come next year. This year there was a Bowling for Soup concert at it and you could feel the floor shaking cause everyone was dancing. @WU_BeaconAE christine/ee@thewilkesbeacon.com This year's Relay for Life is board-game themed BY ROBERT GRABOSKY Correspondent Each year millions of Americans are diagnosed and die from cancer and don't get to see their next birthday. But one nationwide event is hoping to give people with cancer more birthdays to celebrate. This year, the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life will make its way to campus from noon April 28-29. This event is one of the biggest fundraisers on campus. It brings many local residents out to campus to participate in the event Community service coordinator Megan Valkenburg said this year's theme is board games. She said it would be very much like the board games children play, only with a more serious purpose. Students involved are trying to raise enough funds for the American Cancer Society. This year's theme includes games such as Monopoly, Password and Risk. "There are two reserved locations. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the gym," Valkenburg said. Junior pl pharmacy major Bethany Sharpless is co-coordinating Wilkes Relay for Life with Valkenburg, having personally experienced dealing with cancer within her family. Sharpless said more than 200 people signed up for the event so far, but explained these numbers are only an estimate as the list continues to grow day by day. "There's no way knowing the exact number of people," Sharpless said. Sharpless said there has been a lot more success in recent years than ever before and said although most proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, a percentage of the proceeds go to Wilkes as well. This year's Relay for Life will contain events such as a survivor ceremony, lumi- naria candle ceremony in memory of lost loved ones, a talent show and the Mr. Wilkes pageant -- where men from each team compete for the best imitation of a woman. Each team will have at least one mel]lber walking around the Greenway for the 18-hour event. Team members are rotated throughout the event so everyone gets the chance to walk. Each year millions of Americans lose out on another birthday due to cancer, but Relay for Life is hoping more Americans will beat cancer and celebrate another birthday. CONTACT ROBERT GRABOSKY AT: robert.grabosky@wilkes.edu �14 LIFE THE BEACON I APRIL 24, 2012 Wilkesversion of 'Family Feud' Comedian talks women issues · The Beacon/Dan Lykens The Beacon/Brittany Battista Psi Chi, the Psychology International Honor Society, hosted a "Family Feud" to try to become more involved on campus. Pictured is Psi Chi President Nick Zinskie, who ran the event with Willie Eggleston and Psi Chi Secretary Justine Adams. Adams said the event was made possible by a Student Government donation. All questions were Wilkes-themed and based on a spring 201 0 campuswide survey. "Team Pink" won in first place and took home the $100 gift card. L~cal comedian and Wilkes alumnus Teri Granahan presented "A Conversation with a Comedian - Who Just Happens to Be a Female"Tuesday, April 17, as part of this year's Women's and Gender Studies Conference. The presentation combined spoken and visual elements with Granahan's trademark wry sense of humor in an effort to look at the messages women receive from the media and encourage them to be confident in knowing that they are, in fact, "good enough:' - �: 1S LIFE THE BEACON I APRIL 24, 2012 Unusual and useful study habits to use for upcoming finals week . BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer >t 1e :It "Y 1/o Finals week is fast approaching, and that means one thing: lots of studying. Some specific and different, unique study habits exist out there, even songwriting to better remember information. "When 1 study I like to make songs up so it's easier to remember the material," Miranda Godlewski, a freshman English and political science major said. Other means of studying include listening to music while studying. "When 1 study, it's with music on," Kate Wedman, a freshman Q.Ommunication studies major said. It's no surprise that making charts to organize information or using index cards are common strategies, especially for those who have to deal with biology or science on a daily basis. "I use index cards, make charts to compare things especially for bio, and organize important points into study guides and study quizzes and home works," Kimberly Price, freshman biology major, said. Reading over and writing the material is another way for students to prepare for exams. "Writing the material usually helps me study. For bio I usually make charts to organize the material and study it. It also can't be silent when I study because 1 will fall asleep," Sarah Brozena, a freshman prephannacy major, said. Despite these common study pattems and techniques, some may still be wondering what the best strategies are. University College learning specialist Katy Betnar offers some helpful tips and advice for studying so students can effectively master their studying and reduce their stress at the same time. Betnar suggests starting early, especially with cumulative finals, saying it's not a good idea to cram. She recommended that students begin studying two to three weeks in advance. They should figure out what and when things are going on and then form a management system and study plan, like a "divide and conquer" strategy. "It is important to take a look at the big picture and start to break down piece by piece," Betnar said. Staying calm is also important. One way to do this is breathing exercises, which Betnar said is best for students to mental mindset of the test, as well as knowledge of the information. Betnar also advises that students take last minute use of the tutoring facility, which shuts down during the last week of classes. In order to prepare for finals, students should find out where they stand currently in their classes as far as grades, which can be done by consulting the syllabus and/or meeting with the teacher. Much of a student's grade is determined before finals week. She said knowing current grades can help with motivation and goals to boost grades and study harder. Betnar also suggests simple habits like healthy eating and getting enough sleep, as she said not having a healthy lifestyle can affect mental sharpness. "People forget the importance of eating and sleeping as well," says Betnar. "A lot of students stay up late and they can be worse off, therefore keepg a balance of .......-~:;regular, sufficient ,..~::;;:-leep patterns is !ways good." Research shows hat studying in shorter chunks and when · one is more alert are among the most important ways to accomplish successful studying. Studying in 30 to 50-minute intervals with a IO-minute break is recommended. Betnar said students should figure out which learning strategies work for them, such as color-coding, flashcards, graphs, etc, and to stay organized. Budgeting time and studying the hardest subjects first are some of the time management tips Betnar gave. Other tips include finding a quiet place to study, identify what materials are going to be tested, if you don't understand to ask for help, put together a study guide to collect and organize the material and practice self-testing. Another tip Betnar suggests when it comes to the end of the semester is to simply attend class. Betnar said the final thing for preparing for finals is to visualize success, because after all, if one can see it, one can achieve it. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVPiE AT: a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu i the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver lo Wilkes Univernity! Cllll (570) 331-l'AST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us onlil;le for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restaurant & sports bnr Grolto Pizza, Guteway Ceu1er, on Rt. 11 in E<lwardsville (just across the bridge!) The Beacon/Dan Lykens t [. Block Party was held on the first and second floor of the Student Union Building from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 21. The event was hosted by Off-Campus Council and featured inflatable games and obstacle courses, such as the bungee run pictured above. Prizes for raffles and door prizes included a television, a Nintendo Wii and a Kindle tablet. Raffle tickets were won at various carnival-style games. Free food ranged from gyros to cotton candy, which tied into the carnival theme. I For delivery or take out Expires 06/30/12 ------ - valid only at Grotto Pizza locations I �i APRIL 24, 2012 CONTACT EDITOR: justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com Wilkes tennis continues winning ways on court Omen S team remai nS unbeaten TA T VV have been able to earn it if my teammates weren't pushing me on a daily basis at practice." Wilkes continued its quest for another conference championship by beating Manhattanville this past Saturday. The team's final match is at 1 p.m. on April 28 against FDU-Florham at the Ralston Athletic Complex. Freedom Conference semifinals begin May 1. I BY MIKE DARGATIS Correspondent The women's tennis team at Wilkes University has continued its dominance this season, compiling a perfect 15-0 record and earning the 18th ranking in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings. The Colonels have shown they can play with some of the top teams in the region, defeating two Division II schools and six regionally ranked teams. Coach Chris Leicht credits the teams' success to depth, leadership and how close the team has become. "We have great upperclass leaders who have helped keep the team focused," Leicht said. "Also, these girls are a very close-knit group and do a great job supporting and helping each other succeed." Another key to the Lady Colonels' success has been the play of sophomore Ally Kristofco, who has a 17-1 individual record The Beacon/ Phat Nguyen Junior Melanie Nolt prepares to return a serve in a Wilkes tennis match. this season. "We're trying to take it one match at a time," Kristofco said. "We have to keep our motivation high to win the conference again this year, it's a team effort." Kristofco was recently named the Freedom Conference Player of the Week, after a 3-0 week with wins at King's and NYU. "It's really nice to have others notice that your hard work is paying off," Kristofco said of her player of the week honors. "I wouldn't Men's team looks toward playoffs BY BILL CONWAY Correspondent With only two matches left, the Wilkes University men's tennis team looks to wrap up another very successful season. The Colonels are 10-3 overall and are undefeated in conference play as of April 20. "We have played a difficult nonconference schedule," said head coach Christopher Leicht, "that has really helped us succeed in the conference matches." Over the past weekend, Leicht was hoping to maintain dominance over conference opponent Manhattanville. "This Saturday we have a big conference match at Manhattanville, who we have defeated in the last few conference championship matches," Leicht said. Leicht's squad has confidence heading into the final matches two matches and will be gearing up to play in the conference tournament where players are hoping all of the hard work pays off. "We are really happy with the work ethic and dedication of this year 's team," Leicht said. "I can say that we have improved so much from the beginning of the year and we will be playing our best tennis entering the conference tourney." Leicht and his squad are no strangers to postseason play as they strive to win another conference title. "This team will be very ready for the conference playoffs, which start soon," said Leicht, "We are excited to try and win our fifth straight conference title, and get back to the NCAA National Tournament again." 0 @WU_BeaconSports justin.franiak@thewilkesbeacon.com 1'he Broad Street Breakdo-w-n: WWE sun1n1er plans BY BRYAN WISLOSKY Columnist Well sports fans, this is my last article of the year, and I wanted to do something special, so I've decided to take a page out of John Laurinaitis' book and use "People Power." I'm going to give my people what they want and write my final article of the semester on the greatest thing in the world, professional wrestling. It's shaping up to be one of the best summers in recent memory for the WWE. Raw and Smackdown general manager, John Laurinaitis, has begun adding lackeys to his coalition and it appears as though WWE may soon have another faction like The Corporation to deal with. The faction will wreak havoc on the babyfaces of the business much like how the original tried to make life miserable for Stone Cold Steve Austin. At the forefront of this group is the returning Brock Lesnar, who has made it clear his first goal is to overtake John Cena as the face of the company. Also, keep an eye out for The Rock to make some appearances this summer, after defeating John Cena at Wrestlemania XXVIII earlier this month, The Great One addressed the crowd on Raw the next night claiming that it wasn't his final match and he one day like to be WWE Champion again. It is rumored that The Rock will have a match at SummerSlam in August. So we have a lot to look forward to this summer. The first thing WWE should do this summer is try to bring back some legitimacy to the undercard titles. Although I like Santino Marella, he is a joke of a United States Champion. He does have great in ring skills, but Vmce McMahon refuses to utilize that. Santino would be a great United States champion ifhe only had a more serious character. He could still do his wacky antics after the match and outside the ring, but needs to be all business when competing in a match. Big Show on the other hand, is a good pick to try to reestablish the once prestigious Intercontinental Title. Big Show is a veteran, and in my opinion a future hall of famer, so when he beat Cody Rhodes for the title at Wrestlemania, it may have started a chain reaction to bring better competition to the IC title hunt. I think giving one of these titles, either the United States or Intercontinental Title, to Daniel Bryan would be a good move. He's a former world heavyweight champion, and produces a great reaction from the crowd, whether they love or hate him. Now let's move on to main event storylines that will develop over the next couple months. I firmly believe that Lesnar will beat Cena at Extreme Rules next week in an effort to try and get the crowd behind Cena once again. After this Laurinaitis will focus the attention of his faction on WWE Champion CM Punk, but Punk needs to finish things off against Chris Jericho, which he will do in his hometown of Chicago at Extreme Rules. Some believe that Johrmy Ace will have Punk defend his title against Lord Tensai, but I just don't see him in the main event. I think CM Punk will defend and lose his title to Brock Lesnar at Over the Limit next month. Lesnar will then hold the title throughout the summer, and will defend the title at SummerSlam against The Rock. This will be a rematch of their first encounter for the WWE Championship at the same event in 2002, where Brock defeated Rocky for his first title. For the first time in a good while, I'm excited to see what unfolds in the WWE this summer. The faction John Laurinaitis is forming reminds me of the Attitude Era, which got me interested in professional wrestling in the first place. @WU_ BeaconSports bryan.wislosky@wilkes.edu �SPORTS 17 THE BEACON I APRIL 24, 2012 New Lease Opportunity from 40 West Now offering a School-Year lease option! You can save at least $1,200 compared to a 12-month lease! Living at home for the summer? No problem! . Save money with an August to May lease! Sign a lease and be entered to WIN! 1st prize: 2 mos. free rent 2nd prize: 1 mo. free rent Call or text for a tour! 570.855.4686 Email Jacki Lukas: j lukas@radnorproperty.com Applications & Leases available at - - - • www. 40westapartments. com B & N Wilkes-King's Bookstore 7 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 ~ 570.208.4700 - wilkes.bncollege.com .We will be doing an on-campus book-buy • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2, 3 and 4 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7-11 in the Henry Stud~nt Center Stop by the SUB with your student ID or stop by the bookstore Please remember: Your rentals are due by May 21 Always check with the bookstore first! �.. 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[3) Excludes Avenger SE and Charger SRT Ends 4/30/12 DCJdge is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. �20 SPORTS THE BEACON I APRIL 24, 2012 Wilkes Colonel athletics: 2011-2012 in review Coaches reflect on memories, fans and achievements; look toward future BY JUSTIN FRANIAK Sports Editor ,I As finals begin and the semester winds down, athletes are beginning to pack up their bags. Fields are being prepared for summer and gyms are being newly waxed. Graduating seniors take one last look at the field, gyms and mats where they spent the last four years making memories. The future graduates reminisce on the times they had and look toward the future. Their success does not go unnoticed. The Wilkes football team had some memorable times this year. Coach Frank Sheptock said that beating an undefeated Widener team was a high point of the season. Wilkes captured this year 's Mayor's Cup beating crosstown rival King 's College with a late interception by senior Joe Chrismer. Sheptock nominated all his graduating seniors as his team MVPs. He also cannot wait to report to pre-season camp on Aug. 11. Women's field hockey coach Mollie Reichard said that the bonding the team experienced this year was her greatest memory. "We were a very young and inexperienced team with 11 newcomers," Reichard said. "The team's greatest achievement was coming together as well as what they did and the welcoming attitude that our upperclassm~• had with the freshman." She also said the bonding has helped the team develop and mature during this past offseason. · Reichard is looking toward next season as a new freshman class comes to Wilkes, set on adding to the team's success. "I am most looking forward to the great group of players we have returning and the addition of another freshman class that will be able to have an immediate impact," Reichard said. "I feel the current group of players will be able to provide much insight to this freshman class." Women's soccer also experienced great success this past year going 4-1-2 in the MAC. Coach John Sumoski said that clinching a playoff spot was the most memorable moment this past season. Sumoski also said senior Katy Fissel was the team MVP. Sumoski will look to capture another playoff spot next season as he returns almost all of his first team. The winter season saw great competition MVP awards and said that every team mem- and knowledge of the game." Much like other coaches, Towey is lookber adds a certain something to the success and extended success through all teams. ing forward to a new freshman class and getThe Wilkes University men's basketball of the team. team saw itself in a playoff race at the end of Although in season currently, Leicht is ex- ting experience under their belts. She hopes the new group of players will bring another the season. Coach Jerry Rickrode said that cited for next year's seasons. team becoming a family was their greatest "We have strong returning players next level of competition to the Colonels. "With the incoming freshman, it will help_ achievement and the best memory was in year, and it will be fun," Leicht said. The Wilkes women's lacrosse team is also to make the team more competitive amongst the playoffs. "When the guys won a classic battle in the currently playing their season out, but Coach themselves," Towey said. "I think next year MAC semifinal game with Eastern," Rick- Karnmie Towey said their greatest achieve- holds a lot of promise for us both in nonrode said. "It was such a back-and-forth ment so far happened at the beginning of the conference play as well as conference play." The Wilkes wrestling team saw three wresgame and when they sealed it with clutch season. "I think our team's greatest achievement tlers qualify for nationals, with one becomfree throws down the stretch it was very rewarding." this year started on spring break when we ing an All-American. Coach Jon Laudenslager said that nation Rickrode said that seniors Kendall Hinze beat Sweet Briar in a thrilling overtime vicand Paul Huch were the teams MVPs cit- tory," Towey said. "That sense of accom- al finalist and senior Anthony Dattolo was ing that they both had outstanding years and plishment carried through March as we went the team's MVP and said his run through provided leadership to the team. He also undefeated proving our growth as a team as the post season and competing on the "Big Stage" was his greatest memory. looks forward to getting next season under- well as our talent." Laudenslager said the team's 19-4 record way. Towey also talked about the team's spring "We may be overlooked by many, but break trip to Washington, D.C., and Virginia. was its greatest achievement and he is lookthose people may be surprised," Rickrode She said the team bonding and activities, like ing forward to having more All-Americans visiting the famous Georgetown Cupcakes and cracking the top 10 in team rankings. said. As the school year winds down, the gates Rickrode also wanted to give a shout-out and tubing, led to the team's 2-0 record on and thank you to the men's basketball fan- the trip and helped contribute to its success will be closed on another year of Colonel athletics. The summer months will bring base. down the road. "They were outstanding and were a great Towey said that at this point in the season hard work mixed with relaxation as the Colonels set out to conquer their challengers help to our team here at the Marts center," the MVP race is neck and neck. "I think the team MVP would be a tie at next year. Rickrode said. Both Wilkes tennis teams are still in ac- this point," Towey said. "I think Gabby @WU_BeaconSports tion, but are both on the road to making Ford and Keri Meeholz would be our team's justin.franiak@wilkes.edu MVPs. Both bring a ton of talent, versatility noise in the postseason. Coach Chris Leicht said that the teams current records are their greatest achievements so far. Both women's and men's tennis are in first place in their conferences and the women's team is currently undefeated. Leicht said the best memory from this season is the annual spring break trip to Hilton Head in South Carolina. "We had fun, and played great tennis," Leicht said. Leicht said he doesn't like to single out Members of the Wilkes basketball cheering section, the "Blue Army:' pose for a picture. Coach Jerry Rickrode said players for the fan support gave the Colonels home court advantage heading into the team's playoff run. Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com ~ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 April 24th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 April 24 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/e7c61b07ce029b53b9a13638fe2a6589.pdf 121bb93e509581ed5ac4acecf391f11c PDF Text Text Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member THE BEACON www.thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/Austin Loukas Along with business and fundraising experience, Leahy brings a personal appreciation of humanities to Wilkes. He studied English as an undergraduate at Georgetown University, and he says he will ensure it will be cultivated along with sciences. ·Leahy outlines plans for the Wilkes' future BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief There are still six weeks before Patrick Leahy is officially named the sixth president of Wilkes University. Yet, even though his job hasn't started, Leahy has been making visits to the university in his goals to absorb the culture, history and values of Wilkes. Leahy was announced as current President Joseph (Tim) Gilmour 's successor in March. He will begin the position on July 1, and he said until then he will be working to build valuable relationships on campus and to learn everything he can about the school. Leahy, whose experience includes being executive vice president of the University of Scranton and 13 years in the -private sector, said he looks forward to introducing his wife Amy and his four children to the Wilkes community. "I'll thrilled about the feasibility of being the new president at Wilkes and my family and I are delighted about this opportunity," Leahy said. Leahy promised to start his posi- tion by visiting every department and administrative unit within his first 60 days to get to know the community. Along with business and fundraising experience, Leahy will bring an appreciation of humanities to Wilkes. He said this area is important to him, as he studied English as an undergraduate at Georgetown University, and he will ensure it will be cultivated along with sciences. "I believe wholeheartedly in strength of the liberal arts, in particular because of the skills and the critical thinking and the communication skills that it creates in our students irrespective of what field they choose to go into," Leahy said. "So I'll look hard to make sure we properly fund the humanities while we' re making this big investment in the sciences." Sitting down with The Beacon for an exclusive interview, Leahy tole us what he's learned about Wilkes so far and gave a preview of his presidential plans. SEE LEAHY, PAGE 4 The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com ~ �T DE@]~ APRI L 17, 2012 CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Buffer Fund to renovate SUB N.J. Mayor Booker to speak at Wilkes BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor Student Government Total Treasury: $22,777.21 Buffer Fund granted money to cover SUB renovation expenses SG unanimously granted $105,180 for Buffer Fund to go ahead with the planned SUB renovations that will begin this summer and be completed by the next fall semester. Although the architects have yet to update the sketches according to the student survey request, remodeling will include new furniture, paint, fl ooring and possibly overhead projectors with screens, water fountains that fi ll water bottles, surround sound, newspaper racks and a recycling station. In SG's opinion, the new renovations will improve the appearance and efficiency of the bottom floor of the SUB. SG president and pharmacy major, Willie Eggleston commented on the decision to allocate funds, "You just put forth a lot of money to make a huge change." Buffer Fund works to make library basement accessible 24/7 - Dean of the Library, John Stachez, has been working with Buffer Fund to keep the library's basement open 24 hours a day. In order for the space to always be accessible, an J-card swipe system, security cameras and a new entrance will need to be installed. All of these accommodations will cost a projected $9,000. According to Buffer Fund representatives, Stachez is able to raise $4,000 himself which minimizes fund request to $5,000. The decision on basement availability is yet to be finalized. School spirit starts at orientation - Photo courtesy of Marketing Communications Spirit committee was granted permission to use their remaining $729.20 on Wilkes Tshirts to give out to incoming freshman at orientation as prizes. By giving out more shirts, Spirit Committee hopes to begin spreading school spirit the first day students come to campus. Cory Booker will speak at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center as part of the Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities. HAWC hopes to bring Shaun T to Wilkes next fall - Health and Wellness Club requested $1 ,750 of this year's student activities fees to bring fitness expert, Shaun T to Wilkes next semester. The creator of fitness programs Insanity and Hip Hop Abs, Shaun T, will cost a total of $2,500 to provide a one hour workout, a question-and answer period and an opportunity to get autographs. HAWC is planning the event for Nov. 3 in UCOM. The club is working on offering discounted prices: free for students, $5 for the public and $3 for YMCA members. With a projected 300 attendees, SG members said they believe the event will benefit both students and the community. "I think it's a good idea because a lot of people are into the Insanity thing," said junior integrative media major and SG member, Mike Ogar. The Honorable Cory A. Booker, 42, the mayor of Newark, N.J., will speak at Wilkes University as part of the Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 22 in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center Booker has been making headlines with the recent heroics including rescuing two neighbors from a burning house. He was treated and released from a hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation and second-degree bums to his hand. Booker is serving in his second term. Elected with a mandate for change, Mayor began work on realizing a bold vision for the city. Newark's mission is to set the national standard for urban transformation from marshalling its resources to achieve security, economic abundance and an -·environment that is nurturing and empowering for individuals and families. Booker and his administration, together with the city's residents, have made meaningful strides toward achieving the city's mission by tackling significant challenges with innovation, new coalitions, creative public private partnerships and building off the already existing foundation. @phatnguyen phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Upcoming Events Relay for life: Saturday, April 28, 2012, to Sunday, April 29, 2012 Tye-dye for a Cause: at 11 a.m. on the greenway on Tuesday, April 17. Family Feud: at 6 p.m . in the SUB ballroom on Tuesday, April 17. Wilkes Scavenger Hunt: at 9 p.m. in the SUB Lounge on Thursday, April 19. @devoninovak devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Austin Loukas Photographer �THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 NEWS 3 Some fire drill policies have yet to be fulfilled BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor Fire drills are conducted as a "double check" to make sure alarm systems are functioning without error and that students know the best route to properly evacuate their dorms. Once out of their building~, students are supposed to meet at a designated post where Residence Life will take a head count to be sure every student is accounted for. After the building is cleared by the fire department, students may re-enter the building and carry on their business. According to the Department of Education's fire safety requirements, each dorm building must have a fire drill at least twice every year. However, some RAs have stated that only one drill has taken place this year and others say their dorms have not been drilled this year at all. RA in Sterling Hall, junior integrative media major, Mike Ogar, said that his building has had just one drill the entire year; it took place this past fall. In an attempt to fulfill the Department of Education's mandate, Public-Safety and Residence Life team up once every fall and spring semester, and schedule the dorm fire drills. Manager of Public Safety, Jerry Rebo, explained that each building is in fact consistently given their bi-yearly dose of fire drills. "Every year, it's all documented," Rebo said. "All the dorms will be checked." Once a fire drill date is set, Residence Life informs the Resident Assistants in the building of the general time in which the drill will take place. Specifics times are withheld so the drill will be adequate practice, even for the RAs. RA of Schiowitz Hall, junior nursing major, Allie Givens, said there has only been one occurrence concerning fire in her building all year, which involved a student's unattended curling iron setting off the alarm. According to Givens, an actual drill has yet to be scheduled for this year. The collash between written policy and RA reports raises a question: What isn't the university following through on, practicing enough fire drills or failing to inform the resident assistants? In addition to practicing fire drills, fire safety at Wilkes also includes an alarm check in each campus building twice a year. Eastern Time, a maintenance company out of Scranton, takes care of the smoke detectors' upkeep by testing them during summer and winter breaks. Public safety has their own periodic checks throughout the year as well that involve testing their alert system on a designated computer where all the alarms come through, instantly announcing fires to public safety. The phone line link between the alarms and their computer allows public safety officers to pin point the location of the triggered alarm, down to the exact room. The computer also mechanically checks the connection of each campus smoke alarm on a daily basis. If an alarm is suspected of malfunction, the computer will beep, signalling that the alarm needs to be inspected or replaced. The age of the alarm systems vary from building to building, which according to Rebo The Beacon/Austin Loukas All dorms are required to have two fire drills every school year; however, some RAs have said their buildings have not. is because updates are done as necessary. "If one goes bad, a new one goes in," Rebo said. Some systems date back to the '90s, while others, such as the one in Towers are just a few years old. According to the executive director of facilities, John Pesta, every new installment is followed by a timely check by the local fire department to be sure the system is working correctly. "All of our systems are basically function- ing and up to code at this point," Pesta said. University Towers is especially notorious for it's frequent fire alarm incidents. Some towers residence have admitted that they don't always leave the building because false alarms are so frequent and sometimes occur extremely early in the morning. As a second floor inhabitant of Towers, Junior business administration major, Jasmine Edwards expressed her opinion of the alarm system in towers. "I think the smoke alarms are too sensitive," she said. Another junior business administration major, Terrance Ives, who lived in Towers last year, said that he and his roommates set the smoke alarm off in their apartment three times. He identified the kitchen area as the main culprit. According the Ives, the RAs and other residents would get mad at them because they were repeatedly responsible for complete evacuation, even though it was by accident and happened due to slightly burnt food. "It's going to happen," Ives said. "People are learning how to cook." The only legitimate issue with fire in the dorms took place last year when a dryer in the laundry room of Evans went ablaze. Immediately, fire alarms in the building sensed the smoke and sent screeches of warning throughout the entire building. According to Pesta, an over-loaded machine was the cause of the occurrence. Only the dryer and a few clothes made the injury list. @devoninovak devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Zebra's Wing 'n' Sing Robbers heist the Crown The Beacon/Brittany Battista The Beacon/Austin Loukas The Ice House Pub was named "Wing Champion" at Zebra Communications' Wing 'n' sing event on April 11. Proceeds benefited the "Embrace a Child in Tanzania" campaign. Approximately 82 tickets were sold, $300 was raised through karaoke challenges alone and the silent auction of an African-style rug went to the highest bidder for $50. Zebra raised more than $700. According to police reports, a man with a pistol robbed Crown Fried Chicken, 357 S. Main St., around 11 :11 p.m. on April 5, police said. The clerk told police a man wearing a black leather jacket, with a black hooded sweatshirt and light blue jeans asked for an iced tea and then all the money in the store. The clerk turned over the money and the man fled on foot, police said. -------- - - �NEWS 4 THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 an incoming president to feel when talking to people." LEAHY 4 Continued from the front page ' Challenges anticipated for next year Feedback from the Wilkes community "I'm trying to demonstrate an openness to new ideas and candid conversation, and I think if I can establish that early that will serve me well when I become the president." "The most important constituencies that we have at a university is the students. I intend to be very present to them. You'll see me quite frequently in the SUB ... as well as be present around campus. I don't know if there are specific things so much as just being present to the campus and the student and just delighting in the interactions that I have with them. I think that alone will demonstrate to the students rrty commitment to them." "The candid conversations that we're having I think are going to be extremely constructive when I become the president in July." "I think the primary feedback, my primary understanding is people love this place. They care deeply about it, in particular improving to the extent we can - continually improving the student experience here at · Wilkes. That's a verv comforting thing for "I think we have our challenges as a university, which are consistent with challenges faced by universities all across the high education community. I don't think we're alone in that. But I sense in the people I'm meeting a sincerity in addressing these challenges and turning into opportunities in the future. "With a new president there's always some concern about whether that person will bring a new culture to the place. I think some people see that positively and other people like to keep things the way they are, so I think there's a little bit of anxiety about that. But I tried to assure them that we're all in this together and that my style, my design is quite collaborative. I believe those challenges I mentioned are going to be the responsibility of all ofus." "It's a new job for me, I fully expect there to be a learning curve. I'll try to move up that curve as quickly as possible for the benefit of Wilkes." "What I won't have the benefit of our personal relationships with donors, and I do believe that big gifts can some times originate from personal relationshio. and I won't have STRESSED? HEADACHE? I The Beacon/ Austin Loukas Leahy said he wants to take fresh look at everything in a smart way, especially the budget. He hopes to rely on balancing our budget rather than cutting it. Check out the full video interview at www.thewilkesbeacon.com Neck Pain Back Pain Shoulder Pain that because of how new I'll be. "And our hope is to sort of complete this campaign in the next couple of years, sort of consistent with the opening of the building, so it won't give me a lot of time to develop those relationships. "So that might be a bit of a challenge in the early years, but I do think that one of my strengths is the ability to develop relationships with people." Arm Pain Leg Pain Muscle Pain Budget cuts and possible solutions Headaches and back pain are two of the most common ailments treated at our clinic. Often, we can bring relief simply by taking the pressure off a pinched nerve. Here are other common symptoms of a pinched nerve. - Sports Injury - FREE 20 Min Hydro Massage Auto Accident - w WILKES UNIVERSllY FREE EXAM & FREE 1st Treatment Wilkes-Barre Chiropractic & Rehab Dr. David Lewis Chiropractic Physician 825-5535 380 Old River Road Wilkes-Barre, PA All Insurances Accepted dblewis326@aol.com www.nepachiro.com 1' "I' ll take a fresh look at everything in a smart way. I do think certain programs are ripe for growing enrollment, and I think I'll focus to the extent possible first on growing our resource base so we don't have to rely on balancing our budget simply by cutting." "I do think we ought to look at growing resources hopefully by growing headcounts and enrollments where it makes sense to grow enrollments, and of course trying hard to raise a lot more money for the faculty and students here at Wilkes University. I think that's the way, ultimately, we will address any budget challenges, is to be really smart about our budgeting and to generate more resources, both of which I intend to do as president." Wilkes' areas of strength "One of the most exciting things about coming to Wilkes is·:· we have an incredible exciting university, replete with all kinds of different things going on, so there's no shortage of compelling projects to introduce to donors, No. 1. The science center is just one of them, I believe. "And secondly what I've discovered in my time both as a candidate and now as the incoming president is there's no shortage of people who love Wilkes University. And when you put together compelling projects and a compelling future with people who really care and have resources, that's where great philanthropy happens. "I think that we've just began to scratch the surface on the philanthropic support this university can get. I'm really enthusiastic about that part of the job." "I'm incredibly impressed by the care in which our faculty members pursue their work. It's been very moving to be to see how committed they are to the students here. The single most important thing is how engaged are the..faculty in the work that they do day in and day out, and ours is incredibly engaged in that. And what a luxury for an incoming president to have that already available to have that to him or her. I feel very lucky joining a community like that." @kirstinjeancook kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 NEWS 5 Ca1:1-didates strategiz_e to win ~G's woo<;ien gavel Junior class representatives campaign for presidential bid BY DEVON! NOVAK Assistant News Editor Three nominees from the junior class are set to race for the Student Government presidential seat. The candidates are: nursing major and SG recording secretary, Samantha Schuler; pharmacy major and SG vice president, Kristofer Rivers; and accounting and business administration majcr, junior class president and Buffer Fund Committee Chair, John Sweeney. All three have different outlooks on the position and have their own ideas of what they would like to do if chosen to become student body president. Sweeney, who is running for the second consecutive year, believes it will be interesting to see the results of the race since this year there are three candidates when last year there was just two. To promote himself as a candidate, Sweeney has been hanging up posters and banners around campus while spreading his clear-cut mission statement. "My platform is that I want to be president because Student Government is something I've been involved with my entire time here and it's something that I really love," Sweeney said. "I think we can do a better job connecting to the students and promoting our events." If chosen to be the next SG president, Sweeney would like to improve the connection between Student Government and the rest of the student body. He also plans to make SG representatives well known among their classmates. Sweeney believes if more students are aware of who their representatives are, they will be able to voice their i pinions more easily and in turn, SG can be · more effective. Sweeney feels his previous experience running for the position will give him the upper hand in the campaign. With involvement that dates back to his freshman year, Sweeney believes he is well suited for the job mostly because he has always held leadership positions such as treasurer, and junior class president and vice president. Sweeney's main objective is to make things happen that students want to see. According to Sweeney, his previous involvement has allowed him to form a good connection with students while becoming informed on what students deem important. This background has encouraged him to run for president again. "I am trying again because I think that I would do a good job with the position," Sweeney said. "I think my experience John Sweeny Kris Rivers Sam Schuler With a passion for the Wilkes communit y, each cand idate aspires to become the next student body leader. All three nominees have been involved with St udent Government since their fresh man year as representatives of their class. Voting will take place April 18-19. speaks for itself." Rivers has also been involved with Student Government for the past three years. He feels that becoming president would be a great chance for him to work with the school and the different people involved with the campus. "I really would like to lead the group; I think that it's a great honor and it's also a great experience," Rivers said. "It would be a great opportunity for me to give back to the university." Rivers' primary aim is to improve student involvement on campus. Although he believes SG is already doing well as far as providing different activities, he feels there is always room to be better. If chosen for the position, Rivers plans to create a wide variety of smaller events in order to increase student participation. He wants more people to attend Wilkes sporting events as well. By encouraging more students to take part, Rivers hopes that an improvement in school spirit will result. Reaching out to people on campus and letting them know who he is, why he is running and what he plans to do as SG president, is Rivers' campaign strategy. When asked why people should vote for him, Rivers said his personality gives him the edge that he needs. "I think people should vote for me because of my personality and who I am," Rivers said. "I'm always trying to be there for others and I'll always try to help out others, I have a great dedication to this school, I have great school spirit, I'm proud to be a Colonel here and I feel that, that is one of the biggest requirements, to be proud of your university and proud of where you are." After serving SG as a class representative since her freshman year and working on the executive board for the past two years, Schuler is now aspiring to become the next president. During the campaigning period, Schuler plans to promote herself by reaching all types of students that make up the Wilkes population. Schuler will bridge across major, athletic team and class, to not only endorse herself as a candidate, but to also encourage students to cast their vote. This strategy, Schuler believes, will set her apart from the other two nominees. If chosen to be the next president, Schuler would like to spread school spirit while improving activities for students. She also hopes to inform more people of what SG actually does for the university. "It's not just sitting in a room deciding what we are going to spend money on, it's so much more than that," she said. "After walking around and asking people to sign my (nomination) petition, I also realized most people do not know we have a student government." Schuler would also tike to improve the atmosphere of weekly meetings for both SG members and groups that are presenting. She anticipates that more students will then attend the meetings and feel comfortable offering their opinions and sharing their concerns. Her ability to look at things differently is why Schuler believes she is best fit for the job. "I am more open minded than most, I kind of like an idea (and say) 'hey this is something new, let's give it a try' if it works it works, if it doesn't, at least we tried," she said. SG would like to remind their fellow students that voting will take place April 1819; they encourage everyone to vote for the candidate they believe is best fit for the presidential position. Since SG's purpose is to interpret the voice of the student body, the power of change lies within each individual student. "Student government is one of the organizations that definitely has the power to bring change on campus," Sweeney said. Student Government Election April 18-19 Candidates Kris Rivers, pharmacy Samantha Schuler, nursing J nSweeney,.accounting/business m i·. ,. ..,::-,. \ ,=::: •:ii IOA @DevoniNovak devoni.novak@wilkes.edu -- ,,.,.,,~- �'=-ONl"ACT EDITOR! carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com America gives .,pink-slime' beef the pink slip for all the wrong reasons BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Assistant Opinion Editor When I think of a hamburger, I think of a patty made of ground beef, not pink slime. Pink slime, otherwise known as "Lean, Finely Textured Beef," has been making headlines for a few months now, and meat eaters are not happy. The United States Department of Agriculture explains that Lean, Finely Textured Beef, or LFTB, is a meat product derived from a process that separates beef trimmings and fat pieces to decrease the overall fat content of the meat. LFTB is essentially the leftover scraps that cannot sell alone. These trimmings undergo a highly technical separating process to separate the fat from the perfectly healthy beef that would otherwise go to waste if the leftovers were not centrifuged. Many ask why the products are not labeled as being LFTB. There is no need, because the meat is 100 percent beef. No specific ingredient needs to be singled out. The trimmings contain ammonia, a compound commonly associated with cleaning products that health officials approved for food since 1974 (close to 40 years), according to the American Meat Institute. The ammonia is mixed with water to form ammonium hydroxide, which is sprayed onto the beef trimmings in order to balance acidity and reduce pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonell._ As soon·as the news leaked out that "pink slime" can be found in 70 percent of the US supply of ground beef, including school, grocery store and fast food beef, a heated outrage quickly broke out, and many of the distributors listed previously have even gone as far as to rip the beef from their supplies and discontinue their use. The U.S. population swiftly pounced on the meat industry with grossed-out cries of disapproval, questioning why chemicals are being put into their beef. There was even more discontent when Govs. Terry Branstad of Iowa, Rick Perry of Texas and Sam Brownback of Kansas defended the slime after touring the Beef Products Inc. plant in South Dakota, who BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 44 responses. Last week's question: How do you feel about the upcoming Mac Miller spring concert? He was not my top choice, He was my top choice fora performer: 9% but I will still go: 5% I don is:70% The Beacon/Laura Preby The controversey over"pink-slime" beef has put meat eaters in a frenzy. The ammonia put into lean, finely textured beef actually reduces pathogens and is beneficial. have been using ammonium hydroxide to ensure safety for about 30 years. All three governors believe that the product has been criticized unfairly and incorrectly, emphasizing that the company produces quality, safe and nutritious beef. The governors and food industry workers explained that consumers appear to have an issue with the bacteria-reducing process because of its "yuck" factor. And of course, when someone gives the beef a name like "pink slime," most individuals are not going to be very accepting. It is natural for people to be skeptical about what goes on in the food industry. The business is highly complex and challenging, constantly seeking the most productive and reliable ways to yield enough food for the world that is both safe and able to sell at an economically fair price. Truth is, Beef Products Inc. is not out to poison its consumers. It is attempting to offer safe, high-quality beef. Since 2001 , the USDA and FDA have collectively deemed the use of ammonium hydroxide as a safe method to destroy bacteria that would otherwise make individuals sick in the event that undercooked meat was consumed, according to the American Meat Institute. The ammonium hydroxide used to kill bacteria is also not the same as the common household cleaner. Ammonia is found naturally in beef, humans and virtually all food, according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Ammonia is important in synthesizing proteins, regulating the body's nitrogen cycle and maintaining pH levels. Ammonium hydroxide is also found in cheese and chocolate products like pudding. The amount used is very small- measured in parts per million. When compliant with USDA standards, the use of this compound is beneficial. In reality, LFTB is not new, sneaky or health threatening. And it is certainly not slime. The public has successfully created an overly dramatic argument over something that appears outrageous and horrifying, yet · is completely inaccurate and misunderstood. Pictures used to support the pink slime claims are even controversial, ranging from goo being pumped out of a machine to photos of mechanically separated chicken. More importantly, the Texas, Kansas and Iowa beef plants have all been affected, putting hundreds of individuals out of work, all over some silly misunderstanding that would take five minutes to research and understand. @lyndsieyamrus lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu This week The Beacon asks: How has the "pink-slime" controversey effected your meat eating habits? It has not changed my opinion on beef • I eat beef only if it is highgrade I do not trust the meat industry I don't eat meat • What is pink-slime? Cast your vote on line at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces fo, length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �f THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 OPINION SPIT 24/7 library access beneficial BY ANTHONY GORECZNY Staff Writer I get distracted very easily, and while there is no place more comfortable to do my homework than my own room, there are quite a lot of distractions there. Consequently, ifl really wish to get any work done, I must first find a place where I will not constantly be distracted. I happen to be a relatively social person, so any place with lots of people just won't be a suitable work environment for me. Though coffee shops are great place to get work done for many individuals, I would be perpetually preoccupied by the continuous flow of people, even if didn't speak to a single one ofthem. • For me pretty much the only option is isolation, as complete as I can make it. Since I am not lucky enough to own a small cabin off in the woods somewhere, I find that when I need to get a lot of work done, the next best substitute is the Eugene S. Farley Library. Specifically the back comer of the top floor, where there seems to be fewer people than the rest of the building. Up there I find it easier to focus on work because, for the most part, the only distractions I have to contend with are the ones created by my own mind. While these mental diversions are just as disruptive as others, the .later it gets, the fewer of these I experience. I am very much a night person and usually my productivity increases as the skies grow darker. Eventually my cerebral voyeurs subside almost entirely and I am able to be quite studious. It is around this time that the lights snap off, and then back on, informing me that the library is preparing to close. The frustrates me thoroughly. I swear that sometimes the librarian is hiding between the bookshelves, spying covertly from the cover provided by the rows of publications. He waits patiently until I have clearly finally focused on my work, and then gleefully pulls out a remote with a single, red button on it. After a maniacal little snicker, he presses the button, the lights go out, and all the students who were just now intently studying are now preparing to leave the library. Thankfully, library Dean John Stachez has been working to keep the library basement open 24 hours a day. Installments such as cameras, swipe access and a new entrance are all needed to keep the space constantly open, and the job will cost around $9,000 to complete. The plan has yet to be finalized, but I think all-day access is essential to the success of Wilkes students who study like I do, or even those who just can't make it to the library during day-light hours. Obligations including work, sports, clubs, etc. make it difficult for some to study at "normal" times. It is important to remember that Farley Library is not a community library; it is an academic one. Studying, and the pursuit of knowledge, may take place at any time of day, whether incredibly early in the morning, or exceedingly late at night. Naturally, students should be able to access the library whenever they feel it would assist their academics. While 24-hour operation may seem unnecessary, one must consider those students who have resigned themselves to the dreaded allnighter. Having the resources available in the library accessible at any time could be very useful to the student who is cramming last minute for a test, or desperately in need of a final source for a paper. There may also be someone who simply cannot sleep, or could find no other time to meet with a project partner. Admittedly, there is usually less studying going on during the weekend, but it should not be assumed that no student has work to do on a Friday or Saturday night. As boring as that may sound, sometimes there is no other option, and the work needs to be completed regardless of what day or time it is. Another advantage of all-day library access is the increase in work study hours. Who knows, a few more shifts might help some off-campus student upgrade from Ramen noodles to macaroni and cheese for dinner. If there are students who are willing to drag themselves to the library in the wee hours of the night to inundate themselves with information for a test that they will have forgotten by this time next year, then there are most certainly students willing to be paid for watching over the library at those hours. Farley Library is an academic library, and it is therefore important that the library be accessible whenever the forces of academia find themselves in need of its myriad services and functions. This would promote diligence, and perhaps even reduce traffic earlier in the day as students would now have the option of staying later, and possibly feel less pressured to finish their work before the library closes. I hope to see this improvement initiated. @4TonyG4 anthony.goreczny@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Laura Preby Students need a place where they can study 24/7 especially with final projects and exams approaching, and the library is the ideal location for this. i the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & morel visit us online for a compl_ete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) the legendary taste $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More For delivery or take out Expires 12/31 / 11 valid only at Grotto Pizza locations in Pennyslvania �8 THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 OPINION Media paints picture of innocence, exposes bias BY CARLYYAMRUS Opinion Editor Even those who are unfamiliar with the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case could look at the media pictures and decide who was innocent and who was guilty. The 17-year-old African American man was shot on Feb. 28 by self-appointed Neighborhood Watch Captain, George Zimmerman, a white Hispanic. Martin was walking to a family member's house after he bought a bag of Skittles and an iced tea at a convenience store in Stanford, Fla. After Zimmerman called 911, the operator told him not to pursue the boy and that o ficers were on their way. He ignored the instruction and went after Martin. There was an altercation, and then a gun shot. Zimmerman was not arrested because of Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law that allows the use of weapons for self-defense if a threat is perceived. Although the case remains unclear, it is apparent which way the media has swayed. The pictures of Martin and Zimmerman hardly resemble what they look like today. The photo used for Martin is a picture of him as a young boy, around 13 years old with a baby face . The picture of Zimmerman portrays him as a criminal, dressed in an orange shirt. Anyone looking at this picture would assume he was already convicted. Repof Partipants gather a vigil held in Wilkes-Barre's public square to honor victim Trayvon Martin. Media cover eon the case has been biased, inaccurate and unfair. Recent photographs of Zimmerman and Martin show them in a different light. In these pictures, Zimmerman looks like a nice guy, smiling in a suit and tie. Martin looks more like an adult, wearing a hoodie and lowering his eyes. After comparing these pictures, it is unclear who the victim was and who the aggressor was. Media bias in this case is apparent. It is important for media to present the facts so that ·•Ji ~hot9{ •. Ph Graphics .es1gners Layout.;1,,:~i sts Advertising reps Section;; ,ed itots Assistant edifo'rs Vide Or1li / ••• the public receives an accurate representation of the event. This is not always the case, however, since media sensationalize stories to get more readership or viewership. NBC for example, took the 911 call and edited it to make Zimmerman seem racist. NBC quoted Zimmerman saying, "This guy looks like he's up to no good. He looks black." In reality, the dispatcher was simply asking Zimmerman what the suspect looked like, if he was white, Hispanic or black. What Zim- merman actually said was, "This guy looks like he 's up to no good. Or he's on drugs or something. It's raining and he's just walking around, looking about." This example of selective editing is highly unethical from a journalism standpoint, where one of the most basic rules is to never change the meaning of a quotation. The facts of this case are still emerging months later, yet the media decided early on that this was an unjustified killing based on racial intolerance. They are painting a picture of what they want you to believe. They want you to believe that a young man was innocently killed because he was black. The media would never tell you that Martin had several large tattoos or that he sported gold teeth in recent pictures. His Twitter name had a derogatory racial slur in it, and rumors of drug dealing have surfaced. But the mainstream media would never tell you any of these tidbits of information because they certainly do not support the babyfaced image that America has sympathized with in the past few months. We put our trust into the hands of the media to give us fair and accurate news. Who can we trust if the media reports unfairly and inaccurately? @carlyyamrus carly.yamrus@tbewilkesbeacon.com We're hiring No experience necessary. We'll train. The Beacon will begin accepting applications April 2 for all the positions you see listed here . Don't leave Wilkes with just an education ... get experience. Working with The Beacon provides an opportunity to improve communication skills that are essential for any career field. For more information, contact Kirstin Cook, editor-in-chief, at kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu, 570408-5903 OR Dr. Loran Lewis, adviser, loran. lewis@wilkes.edu, 570-408-4165 ~BEACON ·C: r" News of Toda Re orted B the Journalists of Tomorrow �l~~h~wil~~~l:te¥0'};5Qf!}® Education seniors student-teach a world away Six student teachers gain global teaching experience by travelling to Malaysia BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor Student teachers from Wilkes, along with Associate Professor of Education Gina Morrison recently returned Malaysia from a seven week trip to teach international students. Morrison, who started this program, is very familiar with the country of Malaysia. "Last year I went on sabbatical and I went to the University of Technology in Malaysia," Morrison said. While she was there, she did research on women and engineering and got to know the people on campus, who invited her back for a year. Morrison did not have schooling for her daughter because there were no more funds being released for visiting professor's children at that time. So, she found the Sri Utama International School and enrolled her there. "It was the least expensive international school around," Morrison said. Because Morrison does teacher training "That's how much they want American techniques in their schools," Morrison said. Morrison got permission from the state and from the department for the student teachers to do half of their residency in Malaysia and the other half in Pennsylvania. Through a selection process six students were chosen to embark on the journey to Malaysia. Although this trip was full of work, the students also had the opportunity to experience the country. They attended Thaipusam, a Hindu festival popular in Malaysia, and 'they spent a weekend on the beach at the Qimi Resort in Paulau Kapas. Another opportunity during the trip was that Morrison, along with her six student teachers, got to partake in an international presentation in Singapore. Overall, this trip expressed a positive learning experience Courtesy of'Wilkes in Malaysia' blog "I can't wait to go back some day. The Senior elementary education major Katie Shedden works with students in Malaysia. people in Malaysia are so friendly and the here in the United States, Dato Fawlzia, the ers to teach her students. Dato Fawlzia paid students were so eager to learn and to get to woman who runs the school in Malaysia, of- for their airfares and accommodations, as SEE MALAYSIA, PAGE 12 fered to bring over Morrison's student teach- well. Senior hopes to go all-out for Relay for Life fundraising this year BY ABBEY HALDEMAN ·• Staff Writer "Eight years ago, my family participated in an event, because almost 11 years ago my aunt passed away of melanoma and once I found out we were doing one here, I decided to join," Aaron Nikles said. Nikles, a senior mechanical engineering major, is a prime example that even if cancer hasn't personally affected you, there is probably someone around us who has. Nikles, a senior mechanical engineering major, said the noncurable disease has affected almost everyone on his Relay for Life team. For the past six years, Wilkes has been hosting a Relay for Life event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The two-day event will be held on the greenway beginning at noon on April 28 aand ending at 6 a.m. on April 29. As part of the event, separate teams participate in fundraising, entertainment events. "The events range from more serious to more fun," Relay for Life organizer Bethany Sharpless said. Nikles and his team are working together to raise money, and for the past three years they have been the relay team with the highest fundraising count. Between asking his family to donate, hosting Guitar Hero fundraisers and just doing what he can, Aaron is hoping to personally raise around $1 ,000 this year. He said these things motivate:; him to push forward and earn as much money as possible. "This is my last year here, so I want to beat my past records and it would also be nice to be able to pass the torch on to someone else," Nikles said. Current fundraisers include the sales of Tshirt sales and pins reading "cancer sucks." "We have raised over $200 in T-shirts and pin sales so far, and anticipate quite a few more as the event approaches-the pace is beginning to pick up," Sharpless said. Beyond the T-shirt and pin sales, there have been restaurant socials, which have raised up to $500 a piece, bake sales and sales of luminary bags. Nikles and his team plan to make a tribute poster for the individuals team members have lost or know are battling cancer. Because the teams are separated and come up with a theme for themselves, Nikles and his team will be pirates once again. The first year Nikles was involved in Relay for Life his team had a pirate theme and he decided this would really help to bring them full circle for his final year. As a team full of pirates, he said the team plans on wreaking some havoc during the event. "Our goal is to kidnap a member from other teams and hold them for ransom, if people aren't willing to pay for them, we are going to make them walk the plank," Nikles said. Some of the events taking place during the two-day event are ceremonies remembering those who have passed away or survived cancer, a talent show, Mr. Wilkes crossdressing beauty pageant and team competitions. There will also be a BBQ taking place along with the other events. Nikles maintains the disease is near to everyone, whether it is personal or not. "It is impossible to find someone without a connection to cancer." Nikles said. @wilkesbeaconlife abbey.ha/deman@wilkes.edu �I I I :r Preby and Austin Louka ltural Society hoste al Color ., tl-'W,G~ way. The event cele e Hi oli, which honors th ring rv Jll!rJlll91f pants throwing colore owder · n the pi r : from left to right in the fron ow are Parikh, Hirai Patel, Shivani Pate rmaa. In the second row from le Patel, Himil Desai, Birju Patel, Anu eshi. Below: from left to right ar Katherine Dodson, Katrian Topoce The Beacon/Austi The week of April 10-13 S hosted its annual Casino Wee Government promised nicer ing prizes for winning studen big-screen TV and a skydivin started out on April 10 with 1i on Wednesday, Horse Racing o eluded the week with the fin Friday. �The Beacon/Austin Loukas and Dan Lykens f April 10-13 Student Government nual Casino Week. This year, Student promised nicer and more interest• winning students induding an IPad, W and a skydiving trip. Casino Week n April 1O with Texas Hold 'Em, Bingo y, Horse Racing on Thursday and conveek with the finale Casino Night on Simply come and take part in Senior Assessment Day May 3, 2012 • 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Testing takes place in Breiseth Hall. Register online by Friday, April 27th. For details and to register, visit www.wilkes.edu/assessment w WILKES UN I VERSITY �12 BRIAN KADEN, NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor Brian Kaden has served as executive chef since the beginning of the semester in January, but has been with food services corporation Sodexo Inc. for five years. What are some new things you have added to the cafeteria? We've decorated more and had more food on display. I've also been revamping the vegetarian options. And we've definitely tried to initiate more theme days for the buffet like baseball. If you were a food, what would you be and why? Pizza cause I eat it so much. It's a favorite in my family. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would go you and why? Italy. I'm all Italian on my mom's side and, of course, the food. Favorite kind of music? Rock, particularly 80s rock and groups like Three Days Grace. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? Something really fast like a cheetah because I'm always moving around all the time. Favorite TV show/movie? For a TV show, definitely "Seinfeld." For a movie I would have to say "Wedding Crashers." Photos:The Beacon/Dan Lykens and courtesy of Brian Kaden Left, Executive Chef Brian Kaden has added more themes to the dining menu including foods found at a baseball park. If you were in a band, what would the What is a hidden talent of yours? I'm really good with word searches. What do you like to do in your spare time? I like spending time with my kids, who are ages 14, 12 and 7. I also like playing sports, particularly baseball and softball. name be? "Constant Motion" @wilkesbeaconlife christine/ee@thewilkesbeacon.com Day fundraises, educates MALAYSIA Continued from Page 9 • know us," said senior elementary education major Katie Shedden, one of the six student teachers who went on the trip. Morrison, who teaches diversity in her education courses, got to see first hand her students embrace the diversity in Malaysia. Students at this school were from all over the world, so diversity is an everyday aspect of their society. "It was nice to watch my students take their skills, transplant them there, and see the wonderful reaction that they got," Morrison said "What they learned is that kids are kids and people are people. It doesn't matter where you come from, what your first language is, or what your religion is, we're going to react in a positive way and we're going to make learning fun." @REBbo/us rebecca.bolus@thewilkesbeacon.com Courtesy of'Wilkes in Malaysia' blog Senior history major Felicia Leclair, who is minoring in secondary education presents host Dato Fawziah with a gift of items from the United States while waiting for food at a restaurant upon the group's arrival. See more photos and information the Malaysia group on www.thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/Laura Preby The History Club celebrated its annual History Day event in the Student Union Building Ballroom on April 12. The day included posters of any kind of historical item or person including military figures, the 'RMS Titanic' and the Kennedy family curse. The event was also an information session about the History Club and a fundraiser for the group's trip to Boston this spring. Pictured above from left to right are Dustin Hough, Jenifer Earley, Samantha Hunter, Max Morales and History Club President Rachel Gill. �CONTACT EDITOR: billthomas@t hewilkesbeacon.com APRIL 17, 2012 Paint tli.e town red: Artist makes city his canvas BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor When Katy Betnar first took her son, Brandon, to swim lessons at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA, he was intimidated by the swimming pool environment. But upon noticing the mural of whales, dolphins and other marine animals, the 2-year-old's fears were eased. "It really helps make kids more comfortable with the pool environment," Betnar, the Wilkes University college-learning specialist, said. "It plays into the Y's swim program and helps to connect the program to people." The mural in the Wilkes-Barre YMCA is one of several by local artist John Pacovsky, of Plymouth, commissioned by Arts YOUniverse and funded through the Mural Fund at the Luzerne Foundation. "I think introducing the arts in any way, shape or form starts a conversation," Pacovsky said. Though he was originally commissioned to paint just a simple logo, Pacovsky said the design quickly turned into a more elaborate project. "It started as two dolphins looking at each other, because that's the YMCA's (swim team) logo," Pacovsky said. 'Then someone said 'What would you do to the wall?' and I said 'Well, let's do it as an aquarium,' and it turned out to be something that started small and just got bigger and bigger." Although the aquarium mural inside the YMCA pool area is attractive, it is upon exit- ing the YMCA and walking through the adj acent parking lot that one immediately comes upon another of Pacovsky's murals, and one of his most popular: A large still-life painting of fruit on the side of Thai Thai. This mural, the first of those Arts YOUniverse commissioned from Pacovsky, is entitled "Life is Just a 32-Foot-High Bowl of Cherries." Arts YOUniverse founder Kathleen Godwin described it as "striking." "When people pass by, instead of a plain brick wall, they are instead greeted with an exquisite work that proves high culture can be pragmatic," Godwin said. Pacovsky said he was working on still-life paintings when he was contacted by Arts YOUniverse to do the mural for the downtown area. At the time, however, he thought the city wouldn't accept it. "I thought I probably would have come up with something a little more clever," Pacovsky said, laughing. What makes the still-life so popular, though, Pacovsky said, is the simplicity. He said he hears comments on the mural at least every other month. Godwin said the fruits depicted in the mural remind passersby of the annual Farmer's Market held in the nearby Public Square during the summer and fall seasons. "When people look at a close up of the cherries, one can only hope that the Farmer's Market that takes place on Thursdays in the (Wilkes-Barre Public Square) is open," she said. Another popular mural Pacovsky has worked on, along with artists Amber Summers and Katie Martin, is on the site of the former Blum Bros. building on South Main Street next to Boscov's. When the building was demolished, Arts YOUniverse saw the blank wall as an opportunity to put the artists' skills to work. "They are planning on making another Innovation Center but it's not supposed to be built for a year or two, so (the city) is faced with the option of having this big hole where everybody could walk by and look. So they decided to put up a wall and then paint something on it," Pacovsky said. Pacovsky said Arts YOUniverse was open to suggestions but didn't know what to put there. He said the idea of painting an art gallery would be amusing. " It would be interesting to look at something on the wall as opposed to a hole in the ground or even just a blank wall," Pacovsky said. Pacovsky said the mural is so convincing that, once, while he was painting the "gallery," he was approached by a woman who asked him what time the "gallery" opened. "I'm usually not at a loss for words but frankly that threw me off," Pacovsky said. Godwin said the painted people depicted gazing at the works of art in the mural are based on local residents that modeled for the John Pacovsky ter is completed, each of the replication pieces will be installed inside. Sophomore chemistry major Rachel Gill is one of those who finds Pacovsky's mural work inspiring. "They brighten up the area instead of there just being blank brick walls or a blank plywood board," Gill said. "It brings a different layer to the city that wasn't there if they were just plain walls." @WU_ BeaconAE christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/ Laura Preby John Pacovsky's "Life is Just a 32 Foot-High Bow l of Cherries;' which adorns the side of Thai Thai on Main St. in Wilkes-Barre, has quickly become a local landmark. Modeled after real citizens seen around Wilkes-Barre, "Innovation Gallery;' a mural Pacovsky painted on the site of the former Blum Bros. breaks the fourth wall. I �14 THE BEACON I APRIL 17,2012 'Dance or die': Students prep for spring concert BY ELIZABETH FARRINGTON For many, having to make it to practices while staying on top of one's other classes can be a lot to handle. Every spring, Wilkes University holds a "In order to prepare myself for this amount dance concert, which includes all of the stuof dances (I have to do), there has to be a lot of dents taking dance classes in the spring sepractice time and hard work put in at the dance mester. It is held on-campus at the Dorothy studio," Brownmiller said. Dickson Darte Center. This year, the concert An average week for Brownmiller consists will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, of practicing for two hours every Monday, on the Main Stage. Wednesday and Friday for his modem dance "The dancers prepare the entire semester and jazz dance pieces. for the spring concert. In addition to workThe three other dances Brownmiller will be ing on technique for the beginners, learning performing in are choreographed by fellow the basics of each dance discipline, we begin students, who he meets with once a week for working on choreography early in the semespractices that run anywhere from two to three ter," Lynne Mariani, one of the dance teachers . hours. choreographing the concert, said. Along with the rest of the dance department, The dance department takes full advantage Brownmiller has been practicing for months. of the whole semester to teach and practice the With spring and Easter break now behind him, choreography with the students. Brownmiller said it is now "time to put in "All students involved in the concert are more hours so we can perfect our dances and dedicated to the goal and often work outside clean up all the details, (and) so we are ready of class to prepare," Mariani added. to put on a great show for the spring recital." Senior history major Jared Brownmiller will "Dance," he said jokingly, "or die." be performing in five pieces for the concert, consisting of eight dances total. Brownmiller @WU_BeaconAE is not the only one who will be in more than WU_BeaconAE@yahoo.com one performance, though. Correspondent Q . The Beacon/Austin Loukas The students in Lynne Mariani's noon Friday dance class practice their balance in anticipation of the upcon:ting spring dance recital. In addition to their own bodies, the students also have to learn to balance social lives and class schedules with the demands of the dance concert rehearsal schedule. Br.eathing new life: Alt-rockers make plans for full-length CD BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Three, it seems, is the magic number for singer-guitarist Mike Kaminski, bassist Nick Davison and drummer Cameron Lewis. Together, they form a Wilkes-Barre alt-rock band called 3 to Breathe. It's a moniker that not only alludes to the group's status as a trio, but also acknowledges the symbiosis that fuels their collective fire. "Our music is what keeps us going," Kaminski said. "Me, especially. I was going through a really rough time when we got together, and the music was pretty much my therapy. Cameron came up with the name. He rolled all that together into this 'us staying together to stay alive' kind of thing." At the time of the band's formation in 2008, the music of 3 to Breathe offered Kaminski both an escape from and an outlet for frustrations and anxieties brought on by a series of unfortunate events, including financial woes and a number of deaths in the family. With the friendship of Davison and Lewis providing a support system to help him get through the dark days~ Kaminski channeled his emotions into the confessional lyricism and heavy-yet-melodic progressive post-grunge Courtesy of Don Simpson In hard times, music provides solace to the members of 3 to Breathe: (from left) bassist Nick Davison, drummer Cameron Lewis, singer-guitarist Mike Kaminski. sound that has come to define 3 to Breathe's style. Again, the number three looms large. That's how many years it's been since the release of the band first album, a free-to-download 7-track EP titled "Insomnia." Now, the members of the band are anxiously anticipating the chance to get into the recording studio again. In fact, they're already hard at work perfecting their new material. "We've been doing basement-type record- ings to get a feel for how everything is going to progress. When we go into the studio, we're going to have these rough tracks and we're just going to say 'OK, let's make better versions of these,"' Davison explained. "We don't plan to spend a whole lot of time in the studio, partly because it costs money to be there. But, also, we're not writing in the studio. We have tons of music we're already ready to put out." As of now, the members of 3 to Breathe are hoping to make it into the studio before the end of the summer. To "make up for lost time," the band will try to pack as many tracks onto the album as possible. Because this is a selffinanced effort, however, the musicians know that everything depends on what they can afford. Unfazed by the limitations of their DIY approach, Kaminski said the key will be to make the most of however much time they have. "We're going to just go in and pound out the songs we've been playing, get the best versions recorded we can, then focus on working on the CD itself We want to really, actually mix and master it. For the EP, we just did a little bit of equalization. For how good that sounds, I can't wait to hear us do a fully produced, full-length rock album." 3 to Breathe will play at Coasters, at 85 Brown St. in Wilkes-Barre, on Thursday, April Listen to three tracks off 3to .Breathe's"lnsomnia" at 'W:ww.thewilkesbeacon.com ··· . ,. , w,h W · · .. @thatbillthomas billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com �15 THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 A&E Postmodern horror resides at Evil twins, serial killers, drug Whedon's 'Cabin in the Woods' deals convolute detective tale BY BILL THOMAS Arts_&Entertainment Editor Stop me if you've heard this one before: A lantern-jawed jock, a vivacious blond bimbo, a bespectacled egghead, a wise-cracking stoner and a virginal goody-two-shoes go up to an isolated cabin in the woods"for a lawless weekend of drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll. Instead, they end up getting picked off oneby-one by a horde of seemingly unkillable baddies. Think you know the story? Think again. Subverting the cliches and conventions of the horror genre with take-no-prisoners aplomb, "The Cabin in the Woods" first blends the bare-bones story outlined above with a quirky, hilarious razor-wit. Then it introduces an unprecedented, self-aware, sci-fi conspiracy-theory concept that offers compelling explanations for damn near every overused plot device in the genre cinema playbook. A heady splash of epic, Lovecraft-inspired apocalyptic menace tops the whole thing off, for flavor. Basically, without giving too much away, th.e core conceit goes like this: Imagine if almost every horror picture you ever saw took place in the same universe. "The Evil Dead." "Hellraiser." "The Strangers." "Ringu." They're real, they happened and, what's more, they're happening again and again, over and over, in a dozen different permutations, all the time. Now, imagine if there was a reason homy teenagers had to die at the hands of zombified rednecks, killer clowns and bloodthirsty mermen (yes, mermen). Imagine if there was a shadowy government organization controlling these events. Pocket protector-sporting paperpushers turning on fog machines, unleashing the undead and convincing otherwise levelheaded guys 'n' gals to have sex at the worst possible times or split up in the face of danger. 111ankfully, the movie never gets drunk on its own cleverness. It doesn 't smugly smack us over tl1e head like the "Scream" or "Scary Movie" franchises. "The Cabin in the Woods" is more in the vein of Scott Glossem1an's postmodern slasher mockumentary "Behind the Mask: The Rise ofLesli.e Vernon." Though a divisive, climax de.rails things slightly at the very end, writer Joss Whedon once again prove his storytelling chops are just as legit as his fanboy street cred. An existentialist, deconstructionist genre study that implicates the audience itself as both voyeur and ~ villain, "The Cabin in -.\\\\' the Woods" delivers all the raunch 'n' ,A~ · splatter we want #~~ when we're ~ watching a horror flick, O but is smart Qr and skillful enough to make us ask ourselves why. * t:t....fv'• .it BY ANNIE VOSKSOSKI Staff Writer Lately, I have been on a mystery kick, so James Patterson has been rather prominent on my bookshelf As a famed mystery novelist who is known for collaborating - in tl1is case, -with \\triter Maxine Paetro - readers have many books to choose from. The latest book I picked up was "Private: #l Suspect." It has everything a reader expects from Patterson at this point: action-packed and suspense-filled. The only problem is it's a bit too far-fetched. The novel follows Jack, a fonner Marine who owns the top private detective company in the world, which is simply called Private. The company was handed down to him his father, but Jack is the one ho truly built it from the ound up .His only ompetition is his win brother, who ns th.e similarnamed Pri·ate Security. Jack is obscenely wealthy , well-connected and extremely intelligent. < When he comes home from a trip to find his fonner lover and secretary dead in his bedroom, he becomes the prime suspect for her murder. At this point in the story, things start to develop into over-dramatization. DNA evidence could implicate him or his evil twin brother. Witnesses say they saw Jack, but that also could have been ms brother Tommy. As if the twin aspect wasn't enough to confuse anyone, Jack has various employees and assistants who all help in one way or another, jamming their own subplots into the already convoluted main one. While Jack is out on $20 million bail, the reader follows not only his story, but also two different accounts of murder that his company is investigating. Because the chapters are short, the reader must bounce around from Jack's quest to prove his innocence to a whole new narrator - Jack's assistant Justine - wl" & is working on another case with a young mo• ie star and trying to clear him of murder as well. Just as abruptly, the reader has to switch (again!) to story about a hotel-hopping serial killer. Then there's the $30 million drug deal with the mob. Readers are pulled back and forth from case to case. While the book is enjoyable, it's not exactly light reading. This hard-boiled detective novel has far too much going on, and too many plots that do not connect with one another. The book is well-written, but jumpy, and readers shouJd prepare to forget who certain characters even are. At least, I can say it can't be classified as a cook·tter. ete's Place offers sanctuary for vegan Assistant A&E Editor Being vegan, it is usually difficult and frustrating to find things to eat out other than salad. I was delighted to find Pete's Place, a Middle Eastern family restaurant located on 35 E. South St. in Wilkes-Barre. Offering a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian options along with their many carnivorous selections, Pete's Place fell nothing short of the pleasantly unique dining experience l hoped to enjoy. The waiter was friendly and enthusiastic as he explained any questions I had with items on their menu. He made me feel relaxed and at home. The restaurant's menu includes salads, wraps, dips, gyros, kabobs and platters, as well as American cuisine, not to mention a familiar favorite dessert, baklava. As an appetizer, I ordered baba ghanouj (roasted eggplant dip with lemon garlic tahini and olive oil) and, as my main course, a falafel wrap (fried fava bean and chick pea patties with lettuce, tomato, radish, parsley and tahini sauce wra]?ped in a large pita bread). For my beverage, I enjoyed a glass of cool lemonade. The baba ghanouj had the consistency of hummus and a heavy taste of garlic and was served with fresh pita bread. I loved it. Then again, I'm a huge fan of garlic. The falafel wrap was absolutely delicious. The warm falafel had the crumble-like texture it should and was very flavorful. The lettuce, tomatoes, radish and parsley on the wrap were crisp, cool and refreshing. The whole wrap was topped with a warm tahini sauce, made of ground sesame seeds, lemon juice, and garlic. It tasted similar to ranch dressing. I ate with a friend of mine, a very picky eater, who had ordered a grilled cheese, which came with SunChips and fries. She enjoyed every bite of it, saying the cheese wasn't "overpowering" as it can be at many other restaurants. Pete's Place really gives you your money's worth, selling large portions of food at a very reasonable price. It's possible to spend just $10 on a meal and drink, and 4/5 still have plenty leftovers to take with you. One of the best aspects of restaurant, though, is its at-home, chill atmosphere. A scenic painted mural covered one wall while the other was adorned with photos from Middle Eastern countries. Wicker chairs were placed at the tables ar.r\ what appeared to be a natural wood, brown picket fence was hung sideways on the ceiling, draped ·with small wicker baskets. The location is perfect for Wilkes' students, as it is just across the street from University Towers. lt is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m . @WU_BeaconAE WU_ BeaconAE@yahoo.com �CONTACT EDITOR: justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com APRIL 17, 2012 Lady Colonels continue to impress The Broad Street Wilkes brings new life to lacrosse program; racks up wins Breakdown: BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE NHL Playoffs Staff Writer BY BRYAN WISLOSKY Columnist BY JUSTIN FRANIAK Sports Editor The women's lacrosse team has made quite a comeback this year from previous years. The change came mostly with the dynamic of the team. There were always low numbers before mixed with a lot of negativity, which turned around with the new members who were recruited by the coaches. "This year has been a great improvement over last year," says freshman Sarah Brozena. Another aspect that could account for the change of pace with the team is the fact that they worked out during the winter and developed better team bonding. There was always ll0 percent effort from everyone. "I think we work really well. We may not be the best and amazing, but we get things done when we have to," says freshman Carley Smith. Senior players include Captain Caitlin Jordon, Cassie Cronin, Lindsey Davenport and Kate McGurk. Juniors are Jackie Harrison and Brittaney Costigan. Sophomores are Gabby Ford, Keri Meerholz, Samantha Pavalko and Olivia Dworak and freshman players are Brozena, Smith and Elizabeth Bracco. The coaching staff includes head coach Kammie Towey and assistant coach Danielle Hawkins. The team seems to be one big family with inside jokes and a great coaching staff who cares ab~t their academics and tries to make them the best that they can be both on and off the field. "We have a good bunch of girls that play with their heart," Jordan says. "Heart is the key to our success." The Lady Colonels currently sit at 6-2, with a record of 0-2 in conference play. Ford leads the team with 32 goals on the season, while Smith has netted 29 goals. The Colonels have four players who have scored.double-digit goals. Wilkes has outscored its opponent 124- Photo courtesy of Sports Information Pharmacy major Olivia Dworak is an integral part of the Lady Colonels turnaround from last season. Dworak started all 17 games in 2011, and has netted 13 goals in this years campaign. Dworak has 15 total points and two assists. Wilkes has doubled its win total from last year to six. The Lady Colonels return to action at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at Schmidt Stadium. 81 en route to having a winning record. The Colonels also own a record of 4-1 on the road. The goalkeeper is the last line of defense for a lacrosse team, and Wilkes has two very capable goalies. Cronin owns a 9.34 goals against average, while sophomore Justine Thimmel has a .410 save percentage. Teamwork runs rampant through the Colonels squad as Keri Meeholz leads the team with 15 assists. Wilkes has forced 74 caused turnovers with Smith leading the way. Wilkes suffered its second loss on the season, as the Colonels lost to Arcadia this past Saturday. Arcadia scored 15 goals in the first half, jumping out to a huge lead. Ford took 10 shots and scored on five, but her charge was not enough as Arcadia scored the game's first three goals. Wilkes would go into the halftime break down 15-6. The Colonels came out hot in the second half netting six goals, but Arcadia would respond with seven more scores. Wilkes fell to Arcadia 22-12, with Thimmel and Cronin splitting time in goal. The Lady Colonels return to action at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at Schmidt Stadium. The Colonels will take on crosstown rival Misericordia University. The Cougars are 4-9 on the season. The Cougars are coming off a loss to conference opponent Manhattanville. Misericordia surrendered 23 goals in the loss. The Colonels will look to improve their 3-14 record from 2011 as the Cougars travel to Wilkes. @WU_BeaconSports justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com Well, my favorite time of year got under way in the past week, the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This year, the 16 teams rying for, in my opinion, the greatest trophy in all of sports are: Eastern Conference: (1) New York Rangers, (2) Boston Bruins, (3) Florida Panthers, (4) Pittsburgh Penguins, (5) Philadelphia Flyers, (6) New Jersey Devils, (7) Washington Capitals, (8) Ottawa Senators; Western Conference: (1) Vancouver Canucks, (2) St. Louis Blues, (3) Phoenix Coyotes, (4) Nashville Predators, (5) Detroit Red Wings, (6) Chicago Blackhawks, (7) San Jose Sharks, (8) Los Angeles Kings. The match-ups in the east are Rangers v. Senators, Bruins v. Capitals, Panthers v. Devils, and Penguins v. Flyers. In the West we have Canucks v. Kings, Blues v. Sharks, Coyotes v. Blackhawks, and Predators v. Red Wings. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are my favorite postseason system because the difference between a first-place team and a last-place team in the NHL is so much closer than any other professional sports league. You almost never see a one seed lose to an eight seed in the NBA playoffs, yet upsets like that occur almost every year in the NHL playoffs. For example, when the Flyers went to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010, they were the seven seed in the East and actually had home ice advantage in the Eastern Conference Finals because the team they played, the Montreal Canadians, was the eighth seed. So the bottom two teams in the east managed to overcome higher seeds in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The competition level in the National Hockey League is just that high. As for who will win Lord Stanley's Cup this season, call me biased, but I really think my Philadelphia Flyers will be able to get it done. " SEE NHL, PAGE 18 �,,, j ,.,,.(#,. . . " .. , ~,,-~_,,,,, ___ ,,_ ' 17 SPORTS THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 SCOREBOARD Baseball 4/14 Kings L 25-6' Kings L 7-4 Softball 4/14 Kings L 0-11 Kings L 1-10 M-Tennis 4/14 Kings W 7-2 Lacrosse 4/14 Arcadia L 12-22 W-Tennis 4/14 Kings W 9-0 WEEKAHEAD Baseball 4/17 PSU-Wilkes Barre Softball 4/19 PSU-Hazleton (DH) M-Tennis 4/19 Moravian Lacrosse 4/17 Misericordia W-Tennis 4/17 Muhlenburg end messages nd pictures to When we talk about sports and which team is the best in a given sport in a given year, there's only one way to find out: the playoffs. The playoffs is what every fan of every team in every sport lives for. Each sport has a unique playoff structure and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Unless you're a college football fan, you don't dispute the results. So, which system is the best? My personal belief is hockey. Hockey clearly has the best playoffs. Even though I think it's a little too long, it does last over a month and a half. The results of the playoffs are clearly the greatest and leave you on the edge of your seat from the start. First, unlike baseball and the top heavy NBA, every series·goes six to seven games. There are few occasions where a team gets swept or blown out in a seven game series. Also, there's the fact that the league is so even throughout that an eight seed can beat a one seed like the Kings are doing to the Canucks so far. Hockey top to bottom is the most evenly competitive sport and in the last 20 years, hockey has had 12 different teams win the Stanley cup; the NBA had seven. The NHL also has the most energy and passion during the playoffs. The hits are harder, the goals more impressive, the fights are more brutal; this is what the players live for. If you're not convinced hockey is the best I have saved the best for last: playoff beards. Yes, it is the one league where every player on every team, and even every member of the organization, will not shave until the playoffs are over. Trust me, I love baseball and I think the structure of 5-7-7 should be in all leagues, it's short, sweet and to the point, but baseball at times can get one-sided. What fun is the world series if a team wins in four games? The NBA, I believe, is the worst. I find it boring, and chances are if you have half a brain, you can guess the finals before the playoffs start. It's too top-heavy and there are rarely surprises. With the tournament, NCAA basketball might be the only close one, but to be honest there are so many games it can be overwhelming at times. Yes it is exciting, and we always have Cinderellas, but if you're a casual college fan like I am, it might just not do it for you. Playoffs?! Don t talk about Playoffs! 11 Playoffs?! The playoffs for any sport are like Christmas for me. It's a new season and a new day. New life is given to a team. Being a hot team is always key in any sport, this was made apparent when the Rockies went to the World Series a few years back. The NFL playoffs allow for a hot team to take a wild ride. If you're hot in the NFL, a Super Bowl run is a very easy task. The Pittsburgh Steelers proved that when they won after being seeded sixth. The NFL is also "do or die." One loss ends your season and dreams • f a ring. There are no excuses at the end of the day, you either win or lose. This is why the NFL is unique. All other major sports involve series, while football is one game. So much preparation and concentration are involved in one game. Coaches and players prepare for a whole week before they face an opponent. When game day comes, everything is put on the line. I love the hockey playoffs. I even had a hard time picking the NFL over them, but there is something special about football playoffs. Whether it be the video packages, pregame parties, postgame festivities, the NFL playoffs is intense yet comforting. I believe the NBA playoffs are the worst There is too much time in between games. Sometimes teams wait two days between contests. The NHl waits one day between competitions, and these guys beat each other up really bad. The NBA short be shortened. I love baseball, and nothing should be changed. Alternate playoff uniforms would add a little flair though. I am also an advocate for a NCAA football playoff. It would add more excitement and drama, the good kind, to an already riveting sport. The BCS ranking system can stay, but a bracket must be created. I would love to see an undefeated team get knocked off by a Cinderella team. The playoffs are an all-around great event, no matter what sport. My choice for the best system is the NFL. Nothing compares to huge hits and the passion exuded by players in the weeks after a hard fought season. We are currently, however, amidst the NHL playoffs so I must say: GO FLYERS! �SPORTS , 18 FORD Continued from Page 20 opporhrnities as a lacrosse player. Who is your celebrity crush? I have a bunch of crushes but Channing Tatum takes the number No. 1 spot haha Who is your favorite athlete? Tim Tebow for sure! He's one-of-a-kind and just an overall good person. He played a game with a broken leg! If that's not heart, I don't know what is. Who is your favorite team? The New York Jets! Gang Green all the way! What is your favorite saying? Hakuna Matata! .favorite food? I don't discriminate. I love all foods (laughs). THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 what would it be and why? Invisibility. I would pull so many pranks on my siblings and friends, it'd be great! What did you want to grow up and be when you were little? Honestly, I thought the ice cream man had the greatest job in the world. If you had to pick a place to live for the rest of your life, where would it be? Why? When I get older and am done with everything I've wanted to do in my life, I want to live on a beach and I don't care where (laughs). As long as it's warm and the water is beautiful, I will be more than happy. ec out more pictures o Gabby online at ww. thewilkes beacon.co The· Beacon/Laura Preby Favorite movie? Any of the old Disney princess movies. They're classics! If you could have one superpower, @WU_BeaconSports justin.franiak@wilkes.edu Colonels drop tw"o to rivals Photo courtesy of Sports Information The King's College baseball team completed a sweep of the Colonels this past Saturday. King's beat Wilkes 25-6 in the first of two games. The Colonels kept it close in their second meeting, but the Monarchs prevailed 7-4. Joel Watson, above, hit a solo home run in the second game, but his longball was not enough. The Colonels will return to action Tuesday, April 17, at Penn State-Wilkes Barre. Sophomore Gabby Ford is leading the Lady Colonels in goals this season with 32. The lacrosse squad is currently 6-2 on the season and will return to actionat 4:30 p.m. Tuesday April 17 at Schmidt Field. NHL Continued from Page 16 However, I could just as easily see them getting bounced in the first round by our cross state rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. I firmly believe that whoever wins that first round series between the four and five seeds in the east will move onto the finals . Down the stretch of the regular season, they really were the two most consistent teams, especially since Ilya Bryzgalov found his game in early March. Also, the Flyers have owned the Penguins this season, so even though everyone else considers the Penguins the best team in the NHL, the Broad Street Bullies will find a way to prevail. As for the Western Conference, I'm going with the eight seed. Yes, I think the Los Angeles Kings will be able to upset the President's Trophy winner Vancouver Canucks and ride that momentum all the way to the finals. The only reason the Kings are the lowest seed in the conference is because of their dismal start to the season. They have been probably the hottest team in the West over the last few weeks, and getting hot at the right time is all it takes. So my prediction for the Stanley Cup Fi- nals is the Philadelphia Flyers over the Los Angeles Kings in six games. Do you have NHL Playoff predictions? Tweet us at@WU_ BeaconSports. . @WU_BeaconSports justin.franiak@wilkes.edu �19 THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 ' WE TREAT INJURIES AND ILLNESSES FOR ALL AGES. + JUST WALK IN . + ALWAYS A PHYSICIAN ON SITE. + MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED BUT NOT REQUIRED. + X-RAYS, LABS, EKGs, IVs, MINOR SURGERY. �20 SPORTS Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com "'-J:, THE BEACON I APRIL 17, 2012 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 April 17th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 April 17 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/b4de591ef44be4e67815bcf6a71f02b0.pdf fd998742bba9b0a2fc0c8a966d8d9120 PDF Text Text Est.1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member THE BEACON The Beacon/Austin Loukas Wilkes dining officials say the amount of food that comes back on the cafeteria .conveyor belt is frightening. They believe the problem stems from the majority of student who fill their trays to the maximum but only eat a portion of the food. . Food waste at Wilkes has negative impacts tined for the landfill can be downright frightening. "If you spend a few hours in the dish room, the sheer amount of Christina Martinez takes a bite of food that comes back there somemashed potatoes in the Wilkes caf- times is really scary," Dining Sereteria and decides they taste bad. vices General Manager Ronald So, she brings the almost un- Williams said. touched bowl to the conveyor belt The U.S. Environmental Protecand sends it away to the dish room. tion Agency states that in 2010 "I throw out a lot, actually," the more than 33 million tons of food freshman biology major said. waste was thrown away, accountAnd Martinez isn't the only one. ing for almost 14 percent of all Wilkes dining officials say the garbage. amount of food that comes back The stream of food waste from on the cafeteria conveyor belt des- Wilkes alone is impacting the enBY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief vironment by adding to swelling landfills, as well as the Wilkes budget because of high costs associated with this garbage. The issue is fed by a lack of awareness, leading to excess food being tossed. Williams said the problem stems from the majority of students who fill their trays to the maximum but only eat a portion of the food. "A lot of p«:!ople take something from every station and then end up throwing maybe a third ofit away," Williams said. He said a lot of people don't think about how much they're wasting, and he'd like to make them more aware. Williams explained there are costs throughout the food cycle from bringing in the food and preparing it to transporting the waste to the landfill - putting a price tag on every plate of disposed food. Luzerne County recycling coordinator Beth DeNardi said this cost is the bottom line ofreducing food waste. "I think once you start diverting the food from the waste stream, SEE WASTE, PAGE 3 The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com ~ �CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com APRIL 3, 2012 Wilkes trains leaders through annual service positions BY PHAT NGUYEN News Editor Senior English major Jason Neare is looking at programs with the Duke Talent Identification Program where he would be in charge of teaching talented high school graduates upon graduation. He is also considering doing a writing program with Duke in New Mexico about politics and law in China. This is all possible because he was one of the Wilkes scholars selected for the Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania program. Wilkes University is partnering with ArneriCorps for the sixth consecutive year. The school has been awarded more than ten part-time ArneriCorps positions. The program is centered on the student's personal interests allowing them to coordinate and plan their own service event said Me!i11 Boone Valkenburg, the civic engagement and community service coordinator. ArneriCorps, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency, supports more than 50,000 people each year who make significant service commitments. Students will then plan and complete 300 hours of service in one year with an educational stipend of $117 5 from the Corporation for National and Community Service. They also receive leadership training and help recruit additional volunteers. Boone believes this will enable the school to work closely with nonprofit agencies in very meaningful ways. "We have been able to pilot a communitycentered research project with the Victims Resource Center through the hard work and dedication of our Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania students," Boone said. "This research will help inform educational and preventative programs on our campus." Boone will be recruiting students for next year's program from now through the end of The Beacon/Kirstin Cook Senior Jason Neare, a Wilkes Americorps scholar, takes part in Alternative Spring Break in Costa Rica. Neare is considering more service projects upon graduation. the spring semester. She is looking for students with outstanding leadership qualities and will have trouble narrowing down to just ten people. "It is hard," Boone said with a smile While there is an application process with essays and recommendations required, the competition will bring out the best in her BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: thewilkesbeacon.com scholars, she said. Neare, a current scholar, knew that he wanted to become a leader in the community and quickly took interest in helping people. Some of the events on campus that he has been a part of include the Orange Ribbon Campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Root Beer Social, which was a water pong tournament to raise awareness of the use of narcotics/alcohol as a means of committing rape. Students were provided with the statistics of date rape drugs during parties. "The purpose of the projects are to raise awareness of the ways in which students live to make sure that they are safe outside of the classroom," Neare said. "SISPA allows students to do these tasks in order to break through the barrier of reaching the college community through peer advocacy." These events lead to the Victim's Rights Rally, Take Back the Night, which is when Wilkes University and King's College recruit people to join an organized walk in support of stopping domestic violence/rape, Neare said. Neare was able to apply his English background to Domestic Violence Service Center workshops by providing the women with an outlet to work on resumes, cover letters and creative writing. "One of the most rewarding experiences of my time here at Wilkes was when one woman worked on a resume in the workshop," Neare said. "Two weeks later, the DVSC notified us and said that the same woman was able to attain the school job she wanted, purchase her own home and regain a custody fight for her children." Neare was able to use his education to provide another individual with a better quality of living, thus fulfilling the SIS PA goal. Many of these SISPA scholars, such as Neare, have had leadership opportunities in the past, been involved with extracurriculars such as English honors society and are very good at communicating, Boone said. "My kids are not afraid to ask why and how to get more involved. They're also not afraid to talk to other students," Boone said. A lot of her past scholars are still at Wilkes as student teachers or working in nonprofit SEE LEADERS, PAGE 3 Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Meet the Staff Serena Molyneux Assistant Sports Editor �THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 WASTE NEWS ey Continued from the front page you'll see a drop in what it is you put out for garbage," DeNardi said. "You'll see a drop in the cost of it as well." Composting as a solution DeNardi said there are useful outlets for food waste, such as composting the scraps to create nutritious soil or giving it to local farmers to feed livestock. "You're taking something you could use down the line, that doesn't require a lot of work, and you're paying to throw it away," DeNardi said. "To me that doesn't make sense." She called composting a win-win situation because it would generate benefits at the same time as reducing landfill that produces pollutants such as methane DeNardi does not know of any area colleges that have a composting program. She said it'd be a great idea for all of them to start one, but she suggested preliminary feasibility studies to determine effectiveness. The first step would require schools to determine a location for the project. "Unfortunately a lot of the colleges in · town don't have that type of space to work with," DeNardi said, though Environmental and Earth Sciences professor Jule McMonagle said Wilkes could partner with local municipalities and organizations for the project. "It would require an investment of time on Wilkes' part, but if at the end of the day they can reduce their overall costs as well as have some nice partnering activities, that might be very attractive," McMonagle said. DeNardi said the tangible benefits would be w<¥th the effort. "With a compost pile, you're not going to pay as much for garbage, you're doing something that's educational, plus you could use the end product," DeNardi said. "I don't see anything bad about that." DeNardi stressed the most important part of reducing waste is education. This is something McMonagle also stresses in class. She said a composting project would be a powerful tool in this education process. Developing a partnership project would be time-consuming, but she said the rich fertilizer from compost, cost-effectiveness and positive press for Wilkes are just a few of the rewards. Simpler alternatives EEES professor Mark Kaster added that educating the public on food waste is a part of Wilkes' role in the community. "The university should be a leader in that area, because that's all about educating the community," Kaster said. He said there seems to be a disconnect The Beacon/Austin Loukas The stream of uneaten food from the Wilkes cafeteria is affecting the environment by adding to landfills, as well as the Wilkes budget because of high costs associated with this garbage. This issue is fed by a lack of awareness, leading to excess food being tossed. Dining Services tries to keep leftovers at a minimum by making food in small batches. ----------------- between today's generations and the realization of how much work goes into producing food. "Maybe that's partial explanation why it's so easy just to fill your plate up," Kaster said. "You're on a meal plan, so mound it, and eat half of it and the rest of it goes away." Kaster said the solution to cutting food waste in the Wilkes cafeteria is simple: Take only as much as you're going to eat. But, he said, this requires consciousness toward sustainability. "It's a value thing," Kaster said. "If you really care, or even care a little bit, you say 'OK, I'll only take what I want.' You can always go back and get more. You don't have to fill your plate massively." He said producing compost would have local benefits because the soil quality in this area is very low. Williams said Dining Services tries to keep leftovers at a minimum by making food in small batches. He said they will give food to the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre when the cafeteria closes for breaks rather than letting it spoil. Some schools are going tray-less to cut back on waste, he said, something the Wilkes cafeteria does on Earth DaY. to spread awareness. He said there's the potential to eliminate trays completely, which he believes would be effective in decreasing waste. But he said this would have to be student-driven to be successful. "It has to be student-driven almost, because at this point there's too much pushback from faculty, staff and students," Williams said. "If there was an initiative like that that was student-driven, it definitely wouldn't get a fight from us." Despite the advantages of a compost program, Williams said there is the major downfall of the idea in who would take on the project. He said there would almost have to be an employee on staff strictly to maintain that program. In the meantime, he said other routes to bring awareness - such as trayless initiatives and food donations - are a step in the right direction. "Anything we can do to reduce the amount of food and garbage that's taken off campus is a plus." @kirstinjeancook kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com LEADERS Continued from page 2 organizations. Boone also encourages students to reapply, as they can be a scholar up to four times as long as they meet criteria. "When people see that you can give yourself up to help other people, think creatively and work with diverse people, it really makes you stand out," Boone said. "It shows that you are able to see projects through a long period of time which employers are looking for." Lisa Mulvey, career services and development coordinator, said professional volunteer experience always looks really good on a resume. "AmeriCorpS"is such a well-known, prestigious program," Mulvey said. "To get accepted into a program like that is definitely going to catch onto employers especially if you can relate it to your major." @phat_nguyen phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 NEWS 4 SG: Lady Luck and $12,000 in prizes for Casino Week BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor fundraise because we already have access to the student activities fees." Casino Night: Lady Luck will be sporting a dress made of student activities fees - SG unanimously granted $11,900 of student activities fees to cover the cost of this year's Casino Week. Most of the money is projected to be spent on prizes such as the MacBook Pro, the iPad, a giant flatscreen TV, a skydiving trip, gift cards and jewelry, just to name a few. Included in the budget will be a feast of pizza and soda. Pl pharmacy major and SG treasurer, Samantha Bickert presented the proposal and after re-joining the rest of SG, she was jokingly told that her fund request was denied. Bickert however, was not convinced and laughed off the joke as she accepted just under $12,000 for the event. When asked why SG was entitled to such a large chunk of the student activity fee pot without having to fundraise - a practice that all of SG suggests to every club that receives SG funding - sophomore political science major Ian Foley explained, "We don't need to SUB renovations aim at giving the first Ooor of the SUB a more modern look Buffer fund has projected the renovations on the first floor of the SUB to cost $105,000. To achieve a coveted modem style, $15,000 of the budget will be used to buy new furniture and another $15,000 will be set aside "just in case." Taking students' feedback into consideration from the online survey, minor changes to the virtual model will be made and installed accordingly when re-modeling takes place this summer. Instead of the tapered counter originally designed for the game room, a full counter is preferable among students to make it more functional and accessible. The game room will also feature a half wall that will be set against the future booths of Rifkin Cafe. By dividing the space with a half wall, a more modem, open feel is attempted. In the lounge, the stage will be removed and in its place will be a counter complete with movable chairs. Nominees for 2012-2013 SG President As the end of the school year approaches, it's once again time to pick SG president for next year. So far the nominees include: junior nursing major, Sam Schuler; sophomore mathematics education major, Amber Konopka; and junior pharmacy major, Kris Rivers. Nominees who declined include: junior accounting and business administration major, John Sweeny; sophomore political science major, Ian Foley; and sophomore pharmacy major, Julie Miller. Further nominations will be announced at the next SG meeting, followed by campus voting and election. Psi Chi's game show allows students to talk about Wilkes -After their own department denied them the funds to host their annual fundraiser, The National Honor Society of Psychology, Psi Chi, came to SG last week to request $357.25 for a "Family Feud" event. Senior psychology major Nick Zinskie presented on behalf of Psi Chi and explained that while this is the only fundraiser used by Psi Chi, their mock version of "Family Feud" gives students a chance to "receive great prizes for participation in a campuswide event that brings all students together to talk about Wilkes." After Zinskie's presentation was complete, SG deliberated on the matter and ultimately agreed with Zinskie. Psi Chi was granted the full $357.25. In preparation for the event, members of Psi Chi first conduct a series of surveys across campus and use the generated answers to create their own version of this classic game show. After the top answers according to the surveys are recorded, Psi Chi must then await interest to spark at sign-ups. This year, interested students can register at the table marked "Psi Chi" in the SUB on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m with a participation fee of $2. Psi Chi's "Family Feud" will take place on Tuesday, April 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the SUB Ballroom. Refreshments and prizes will be provided. @DevoniNovak devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Don't miss out on 40 West You don't want to pass up this awesome opportunity to live in the BEST off-campus student housing! Don't risk NO VACANCY for this upcoming school year! Reserve your spot at 40 West today! Call us to set up a tour! 570.855.4686 Email our community coordinator, Jacki Lukas: j lukas@radnorproperty.com Applications & Leases available at www.40westapartments.com 40 West Apartments @40WestApts �THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 NEWS S A Spark of Clean Energy: Marcellus Shale Formation Natural gas industry to create more jobs, develop local businesses BY BRYAN CALABRO Design Editor From the current drilling trend, within the next 10 years the economic impact of the Marcellus shale formation -- which underlies 60 percent of Pennsylvania's total landmass -- will hit an all-time high throughout Pennsylvania. Job creation will be a result. ''NEPA has experienced significant job losses, higher unemployment, and net population loss over the last 40 years. The natural gas industry has created jobs in its own industry, but also helped a number of small businesses grow and become suppliers and/or vendors to the industry," said Terry Oomes, executive director for The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reports the number of natural gas drilled wells throughout the Marcellus Shale formation has been increasing rapidly. In 2007, only 2 7 wells were drilled in Pennsylvania. Now, the number of wells drilled exceeds 4,000. "With over 4,000 natural gas wells drilled in Pennsylvania, drilling is more important than ever. The presence of Marcellus shale has provided Pennsylvanians with direct and indirect jobs, over 72,000," said Samuel Denisco, director of government affairs at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. The U.S. Geological Survey issued an updated Marcellus Shale resource assessment in Pennsylvania, indicating that the "region contains some 84 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered, recoverable natural gas, far more than thought nearly a decade ago," as reported by the Associated Press. Dr. Sid P Halsor, professor of Environmental Engineering and Earth Science at Wilkes University, agrees people will benefit directly from natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania. "Job creation as a result of Marcellus -shale gas development for people's development is probably the biggest dividend from the development of gas play," Halsor said. He said drilling into the Marcellus Shale formation is not a fad, either. STRESSED? HEADACHE? Headaches and back pain are two of the most common ailments treated at our clinic. Often, we can bring relief simply by taking the pressure off a pinched nerve. Here are other common symptoms of a pinched nerve. Neck Pain Back Pain Shoulder Pain Arm Pain Leg Pain Muscle Pain - Sports Injury - FREE 20 Min Hydro Massage Auto Accident - w WILKES UNJVERSllY FREE EXAM & FREE 1st Treatment Wilkes-Barre Chiropractic & Rehab Dr. David Lewis Chiropractic Physician 825-5535 380 Old River Road Wilkes-Barre, PA All Insurances Accepted dblewis326@aol.com www.nepachiro.com "Natural gas is here to stay for quite some time," Halsor said. "We are looking at 40 to 50 years of natural gas development for the Marcellus Shale region." He pointed out the economic impact drilling has already had in Pennsylvania. UGI Penn Natural Gas has already started reducing its rates for Pennsylvania customers. This shows the profound effect natural gas will have on future economic success, Halsor said. And even after these 40 to 50 years are up, Halsor said if economics are right, much deeper shale formations like the Utica formation can be drilled into. The Utica shale formation is much thicker than the Marcellus shale formation, geographically extensive and has already shown promise of a commercial impact in eastern Ohio. Gene Andzulis, petroleum landman with Gary A. Momoe and Associates, knows exactly what kind of commercial impact the Utica shale formation can have. Andzulis, a recent Penn State grad with a B.S. in petroleum and natural gas engineering, moved to Ohio because of a job opportunity to work on the Utica shale formation. "Drilling operations have· barely begun in northeastern Pennsylvania, once the pipelines have been placed and projects completed in Ohio, western Pennsylvania operations will move east," Andzulis said. Andzulis said he understands the strong economic power natural gas has in rural regions. "The economic impact natural gas drilling has is limitless. Creating new, high-paying jobs in a failing economy in a primarily rural area is not an easy task, a task now possible," Andzulis said. The Bureau of Labor statistics mirrors what Andzulis says about the creation of jobs. Employment related to oil and natural gas extraction for January 2011 topped out at 186,000 jobs, a 1,000-job increase over December of that year. But there are many concerns about whether these newly created jobs will be safe. "With any work site comes hazards," said Andzulis. "Those present on a drilling rig come from a lot of overhead dangers such as well casings, drilling components, tripped pipe, etc." Andzulis disagrees with the argument of many anti-drilling advocates that the hydraulic fracturing process creates methane. One of these anti-drilling advocates, Robert W. Howarth, Cornell professor of ecology and environmental biology, writes how the fracturing process creates methane in his scholarly journal. "Higher emissions from shale gas occur at the time wells are hydraulically fractured as methane escapes from flow-back return fluids and during drill out following the fracturing," Howarth said. Andzulis counters this by saying, "The hydraulic fracturing process does not create methane, methane gases are naturally present in the earth, however during fracking, it may be released and find its way to the surface." Andwlis suggests natural gas is a form of modem-day coal mining. Instead of going deep into the mines, workers stay above the surface and operate large scale·drilling equipment. Technological innovation has superseded the out-of-date methods of humans garnering coal. Now, he said, the same impact coal mining had on small towns, drilling has today. The impact of natural gas extends past its economic benefit: it is claimed to be much cleaner to bum and better for the environment. Naturalgas.org cites the main products of natural gas when lit are carbon dioxide and water vapor; both products humans exhale throughout the day. Coal and oil, the leading fossil fuels up until natural gas, are composed of much more complex molecules, with higher carbon, nitrogen and sulfur contents. "When combusted, coal and oil release higher levels of harmful emissions, including a higher ratio of carbon emissions, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide," according to the website NaturalGas.org. "Coal and fuel oil also release ash particles into the environment, substances that do not bum but instead are carried into the atmosphere and contribute to pollution." The creation of natural gas is quite an extensive process, a process that takes place over millions of years. The Union of Concerned Scientists describes how natural gas is created: "Like oil, natural gas is a product of decomposed organic matter, typically from ancient. marine microorganisms, deposited over the past 550 million years." It continues by saying when this decomposed matter is sealed off and exposed to increasing amounts of heat and pressure from being nearly a mile underground, a thermal breakdown process converts this decomposed matter into a gaseous state. The natural gas drilling industry employs thousands of jobs across the U.S., 72,000 in Pennsylvania alone over the past year. @BryanCalabro bryan.calabro@wilkes.edu �[ll(Bilill) ~,r, il1lil[ill ITUuDLru _/~~ GE{ITT (D L......L..L..L.~ ~ CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com APRIL 3, 2012 Well-intended Kony 2012 campaign a dangerous ignorance for the U.S. BY CARLYYAMRUS Opinion Editor Good intentions, poor execution. This is the most basic definition of the KONY 2012 movement. Like most Americans, I had no idea what KONY 2012 was until I woke up one morning and saw that Facebook was spammed with videos and statuses for change. It was not until recently that I decided to watch the thirty minute documentary on the issue, produced by the non-profit organization Invisible Children. KONY 2012 is a movement to find and arrest Joseph Kony, who is considered to be the world's worst war criminal. In 1987, Kony took over an existing rebel group and renamed it The Lord's Resistance Army. Kony's tactics for acquiring soldiers are horrifying. African children are abducted and forced into the LRA as soldiers or as sex slaves. They are then told to rape, mutilate and kill civilians, including their own parents. The mo, ement's rnain event called "Cover The Night" is set for April 20. When the rest of the world goes to sleep, KONY 2012 advocates will spam the country with KONY 2012 posters and the like. The point of this is to raise awareness and get the rest of the United States involved in this mission. I am actually a little excited to see how this turns out. It could really go either way, boom or bust. Co-founder of Invisible Children, Jason Russell created the video to make Kony famous and raise awareness for his arrest in the year 2012. The video itself features Russell and his 3-year-old son. It was an inspirational film but I couldn't help but feel that it was also misleading and oversimplified. Surely the task of arresting this rnan is not as easy as the video makes it out to be. While the whole idea of global change through the youth of America sounds enticing, Invisible Children may have gone about it the wrong way. What Invisible Children did here was both good and bad, but I'm leaning a little more toward the bad side. It is true that a cause needs awareness and momentum. Maybe I'm being a little cyni- BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 11 responses. Last week's question: What do you think Rutgers student Dharun Ravi's verdict should have been in the suicide death of his roommate? a h s, e h SI "'tt tt p V. Courtesy ofYouTube The recent KONY 2012 movement has recently spawned negative feedback from Africans who say that it showed too many white people and oversimplified the issue. cal but I don't think the target audience has the attention span for such a big issue. After all, the hype died down incredibly fast -- 48 hours at most. The group effectively rallied the masses but it didn't quite follow through. It's easy to click a button on Facebook in support, but how many people are actually going to give it the financial support that it needs? And even if it does get financial support, how much of the money goes directly to the cause? According to KONY2012.com, only 37 percent of the money raised goes toward Central Africa programs. The group claims to spend 80 percent of their profits on "the goal," with a great portion of this money going towards awareness programs and products. Sadly, most of the money would go towards marketing techniques and ignorant videos that fail to accurately represent the real victims. The video itself is really not sad enough for what it is trying to portray. I think rnore people would be inspired to do something had the video focused on African children. Instead, the video showed a lot of white people who were portrayed as the heroes -- the ones who, by spreading posters and bumper stickers, would set all the little African children free! The Invisible Children KONY 2012 video did get people talking, however, Ugandans responded negatively to the video. According to CBCnews, they were outraged that there was hardly any talk of their suffering over the years. They were puzzled as to why Americans were wearing Kony's face on Tshirts and buttons. Now that we are aware ofJoseph Kony and his arrny, it rnay be time to take a step back. On March 23 , the African Union deployed 5,000 soldiers in search of Kony on top of our 100 soldiers. Everyone wants to do what they can to stop this cruel rnan, but we have to be mindful of the victims and stop taking so much responsibility for this cause. The KONY 2012 movement has upset a lot of people who now think we are ignorant to their hardships. In the corning months, we will see how the rest of this movement plays out after the Cover The Night event. In the meantime, I highly suggest that supporters of KONY 2012 and Invisible Children educate themselves and donate directly to the African people instead of sending money back into the endless cycle of awareness. If you want to help, help the victims. @carlyyamrus carly.yamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com • 1O years in jail and deportation- 64% • Only a few years of jail time-9% • Probation and community service -9% • Deportation - 9% • He was innocent - 9% This week The Beacon asks: How do you feel about the upcoming Mac Miller spring concert? . He was my top choice for a performer He was not my top choice, but I will still go I do not like his music I do not know who Mac Miller is SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. cl d, it st m 0 st b! \\ fc ar ti< \\ lo s, Q or ch el: dr ge sit a1 A, Pl: Ce pl~ hi~ wi wa of wa pri l'v gr~ �THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 7 Animals suffer unnecessarily for product testing BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief Most people wouldn't put shampoo in their cat's eyes before they use it themselves. They wouldn't put mascara in a rabbit's mouth to make sure it's not toxic before using it. They wouldn't rub floor cleaner on their dog's skin before putting in on their floor. So why do consumers continue to support companies that do? Many common household items, from toothpaste to dish detergent, are tested on animals. In the U.S. alone, PETA states more than 100 million animals are experimented on every year, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, monkeys, mice and birds. The animals are treated the same way experimenters would treat a pair of latex gloves. Used throughout the experiment until they are worn out, and then disposed of. The animals are confined to cages, waiting for the torture to begin. Then, they can often be restrained in devices for hours, and are exposed to horrors like having their skin burned off or inhaling toxic fumes. These cruel practices will often lead to the animal's death. No animal deserves to die in a laboratory, at the hands of a human. Major companies and brands like Dove, Chj)stick, Johnson & Johnson, Maybelline, Neutrogena and Suave use these horrifying testing methods to test their products. This is no law that prohibits or enforces animal testing on this corporations - they decide to take part in the abuse. Consumers need to boycott these inhumane companies. The resources are at our fingertips, as PETA has an online database of cruelty-free companies and products. Yet, some justify their usage of cruel products with the idea that animal testing is necessary for human safety. If that was true, then the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would not outwardly state they do not require animal testing to ensure safety of any cosmetics. They go so far to say that if a company finds it essential to test their product, it is recommended they consider all alternatives to animal testing. The human safety argument comes up to support animal testing for medical reasons, as well. There are claims that testing on animals has enabled medical breakthroughs. The real breakthrough has been the conclusion that results on animals are rarely compatible with results on humans. Publications like the "British Medical Journal" and "Journal of the American Medical Association" have concluded that the immense biological differences between humans and animals lead to unreliable, incomparable and inaccurate results from animal testing. You simply cannot test a drug on a rabbit and expect the effects to be the same on a human, and the same is true with any animal. Basically, these animals are suffering needlessly. Finally, one company has stepped up to its ethical obligations. French cosmetic company L'Oreal announced last month they would partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to end animal testing in the cosmetics industry. The Beacon /Austin Loukas Despite companies efforts to end animal testing with new technologies, consumers are still purchasing their beauty products and supporting inhumane practices. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, As more companies and stars make the ethiL'Oreal is donating $1.2 million to fund a cal choice to reject animal testing, consumers computer model that will test the toxicity of need to join the movement. It takes a few minchemicals used in products. This new technol- utes to check the back a product for a logo or ogy will allow consumers to ensure their new statement labeling that item as cruelty-free. Or, flavor of toothpaste is safe, and not at the ex- you can go to an organic section at places like pense of innocent animals. Wegman's, where the cruelty-free products are More companies need to follow L'Oreal in vast. their noble lead, And consumers need to supAnd if you choose to continue supporting port L'Oreal in their moral decision to support companies that torture animals, look into the this project. eyes of your pet dog, cat or guinea pig the next Celebrities have started to show their support time you're using that product. Think about the for the cause, as well. Media giant Ricky Ger- animals just like them that suffered to ensure vais, best known as the brains behind "The Of- that your beauty products won't irritate your . flee," recently released a video lauding the or- skin. ganization Cruelty Free International for their @kirstinjeancook work in ending cosmetic testing on animals. kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu Rising gas prices the consequence of global supply and demand BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Assistant Opinion Editor Passing gas stations nowadays is arguably one of the worst parts of driving. The prices seem to only know one direction, and it's not down. As of Wednesday, March 28, the lowest gas price in Wilkes-Barre could be obtained at US Gas on North Pennsylvania Avenue and Butler Street, and PSC on Main Street with a price of$3.83, according to gasbuddy.com. Nearing $4 a gallon, it is hard to believe that a decade ago, gas was below $1.50 a gallon. Despite popular belief, gas attendants do not simply wake up in the morning and mess with the numbers in a random fashion. As easy as it may be to put Obama or the oil companies at fault, gasoline prices are really just a function of crude oil prices and economic conditions, along with a few other aspects like weather, refinery closings, and tension in the Middle East. Crude oil prices are affected by the sup- ply levels in comparison to the current and expected demands for fuel: a simple supply and demand case. For example, the reason why fuel prices shoot up in the spring is in preparation for the summer, when more people travel and the demand for fuel increases. Other countries like China and India are also depending more and more upon oil every day, and the overall supply is decreasing, even though the global supply of crude oil is expected to be an adequate source for at least 25 years, says the United States Energy Administration. Weather also affects price, especially major storms that affect oil production. During the mid to late 2000s, gas prices spiked due t0 the hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and floods in the Midwest. Such disasters caused pipeline and operation malfunctions, causing the refineries to shut down. Taxes, competition between gas stations, and distance from the source may also affect the prices. Essentially anything that affects oil production can cause an increase. At the end of February 2012, three refineries closed: two in the Philadelphia area (ConocoPhillips Trainer and Sunoco's Marcus Hook refineries) and one major Caribbean export (HOVENSA's U.S. Virgin Islands refinery) that supplies much of the East coast, the United States Energy Information Administration released. The EIA warned that such refinery closings could potentially increase fuel prices if supply was endangered. The only way to bring prices down is to diversify our energy options, which America is currently working on; however, a change like this certainly won't happen overnight. So naturally, since Americans have such a problem with the gas prices, you would think they'd be more frugal with their money, right? Wrong. According to a New York Times article based off information from the U.S. Census Bureau, America spends about $40 a week on gas. But surprisingly, rising gas prices had "no significant effect on the consumption of movies, bowling and billiard(s), casino gambling and only insignificant declines for recreational camps, sightseeing, spectator sports and spectator amusements," states the ar- . , , The Beacon/Austin Loukas ticle. These personal spending habits were observed during a period of high fuel price. Clearly the prices have affected our lives in all sorts of detrimental ways. Quit whining, America. Life isn't fair. @lyndsieyamrus lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu �8 OPINION Nuclear energy is not our bane BY ANTHONY GORECZNY Staff Writer With rising gas prices, and dwindling fossil fuel resources, more people, companies and governments than ever before are looking to convert to current forms of alternative energy, or discover new ones. Of the myriad possibilities for our future energy supply, one of the most hotly debated is nuclear fission. While very few would doubt the cleanliness of it, many people are concerned with what they see as inherent safety issues. Events like Chornobyl and Fukushima have caused many people to become wary of nuclear energy. These rare phenomena that occur infrequently they have a comparatively negli- i the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331 -FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) zza the legendary taste $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out Expires 06/30/12 valid ouly at Grotto Pizza locations I gent effect when likened to other sources of power, but consequences are often drastically overstated and sensationalized by media outlets. This causes a disproportionate level of fear toward what is not only one of the cleanest, but also the singular safest form of viable energy production. Since its inception, nuclear power has been supplying electricity continuously across the world for more than 60 years. The total number of number of nuclear fission plants has grown unceasingly, and even with the most recent incident in Japan, there are still over 200 plants in the construction or planning stages. During that time there have only been three major incidents. Of these three, only two were considered Level 7 events on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale. The first, and most infamous of these is the meltdown at Chornobyl. This is the one incident that all nuclear power opponents will reference. This is because it is the only one of any true consequence. Some sources claim nearly a million deaths resulted from the meltdown and residual radiation, but in reality the death toll was far lower. The official report, available on wolrd-nuclear.org, lists the primary casualties as combined total of 59. These were the workers who died in the initial explosions, and the emergency responders who received lethal doses of radiation. Additionally, there were about 4,000 deaths attributed to the radiation spread across the region by the wind and flowing water. While this is not doubt a tragic loss ofltfe, it is clearly no where near a million souls. Another reason why Chornobyl is not the harbinger of doom that many people have been led to believe is that it is incredibly unlikely it happen again, ever. The safety protocols in place were incredibly inadequate, even by 1980s standards. Now I am sure most of you are wondering if this is impossible, what happened at Fukushima? The other indent that INES classified as a Level 7 event does have much in common with Chornobyl, mainly some notable design flaws and the tabloid journalism applied to the event by mainstream media. While the design flaws are not a grievous as the ones that plagued the Chornobyl reactor, it seems that the engineers lacked common sense. According to an article on theconversation.edu. au, not only were the emergency backup generators place in the basement when the are was know for flooding, but the flood wall was only 5.5 meters high, despite the fact that the same area has been hit by two tsunamis weighing in at 30 meters before the the plant was even built. Approximately 20,000 people were killed when the earthquake and tsunami stuck. While this is a horrific loss oflife, and a truly sorrowful disaster of epic proportions, most people will be truly perplexed by how many THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 of these deaths were contributed to the power plant. A whopping five people were killed, and of these, an appalling zero died from radiation. One was crushed by a crane during the earthquake, two others were carried away by the tsunami, and another died of a heart attack. The last man's death will remain a mystery, as the company won't reveal any information except to confirm that it was not due to radiation. This particular reactor was built in 1971, making it older than the Chornobyl reactor. Yet it was still able to survive an earthquake and a tsunami in quick succession, two of mother nature's most brutal and destructive whims, without claiming a single life on its own. Needless to say, the reactors that are in production now are far more advanced and contain far more safety regulation than were present in the Fukushima reactor. The final incident took place at Three Mile Island, not far from here, and was considered a Level 5 event. In this case a partial meltdown started, and the safeties that were in place engaged exactly as they were supposed, completely shutting down the reactor. Little to no radiation was released from the plant and absolutely zero deaths were involved. The only reason this incident is even worth mentioning is because it a perfect example of how well protected these systems are. An Internet marketer named Seth Godin performed a study in 2008 on energy production methods and safety by comparing the deaths attributed to each and the energy it contributes, and made a surprising discovery. Out of all viable sources of energy, nuclear is, by no small margin, the least deadly. For every one person who is killed due to nuclear energy, 4,000 deaths are attributed to coal. That means that for each and every one of those 4,000 people who died at Chornobyl, coal has caused another 4,000 deaths each, or in other words, 4,000 Chornobyls. In China, coal kills 500,000 people a year. To put it differently, in three days as many people will die in China from coal as have died in over 60 years across the entire world from nuclear energy. I find this both mind -boggling and disturbing. Coal isn't the only culprit either. Oil kills 900 times, and biofuel 300 times the number of people nuclear energy kills per terawatt hour. Even the next saf~t from of alternative energy, hydro-electricity, still kills more than twice as many people as nuclear power does, and these calculations include the deaths caused by Chornobyl. If Chornobyl had never happened, as it never should have, the number of deaths per terawatt hour due to nuclear energy would be a decimal followed by so many zeros that even the most insane @4TonyG4 anthony.goreczny@wilkes.edu Al C ... l e, Ar Ur du re, pit ga hii far sta th{ us, pl~ za1 of Jar Lu an1 F zar wr. Mc pe< the pai tra: lirn tO I hin har for thiJ 1 er, to i lati cru con oft lati, par the his "I at t und stra �APRIL 3, 2012 - CONTACT EDITOR: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com Women's and Gender Studies Conference goes global in 2012 BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor To fulfill the Wilkes general education requirement, all students must take a public speaking class or two oral presentation option classes and a senior capstone. For students enrolled in Women's Studies 101, giving a presentation as a part of the annual Women's and Gender Studies Conference fulfills both of these requirements in a unique way. "This year's Women's Studies 101 students are completing critical analysis of the roles women in various films such as 'All About Eve,' 'Woman of the Year' and 'Thelma and Louise,"' Women's and Gender Studies director Jennifer Thomas said. This year's conference focuses on the theme of women across the globe, a theme Thomas said she chose to highlight the everyday actions of ordinary women. "Although women represent approximately half of the world's population, their accwnplishments often go unnoticed and they are often not afforded leadership positions," Thomas, assistant professor of psychology, said. Although this year's events have a global focus but not all of the events have this focus. Women's and Gender Studies Intern Julia Cikota said this year's theme is nice because people can learn about women's issues at home and abroad. "A lot of the events have a more global focus but the nice thing is not all of the events do," Cikota, junior psychology major, said. "So while that's the overall theme of the conference and one good reason to come to the conference is because you can experience things and learn about women from other cultures you can also learn about the conditions women here in the U.S." The conference will also go beyond Wilkes' campus. This year's conference is a partnership between Wilkes and neighboring King's College, with presentations from both Wilkes and King's professors and students. King's College Women's Studies director Robin Field had taken King's Women's Studies students to this conference in the past and Misericordia University's gender studies conference last year. After attending these conferences over the years, it occurred to Field to combine the re- The Beacon/Dan Lykens Some of Wilkes' women from across the globe include from left to right, associate research professor of biology Linda Guitierrez from Venezuela, visiting scholar Rael Sospateri from Tanzania, and assistant director of international students Felixa Wingen from Germany. sources of the Women's Studies program at King's and the Women's and Gender Studies program at Wilkes. "It seemed like a good idea to combine our resources and try to work together so that's what happened with me speaking to Thomas and getting our administrations' support," Field, an English professor at King's, said. Field hopes with the combined conference that Wilkes and King's students get an opportunity to interact in a unique way, particularly by going to each others' panels or combined panels of students from Wilkes and King's and exchanging ideas. "Some of the panels have students from both colleges to present so they'll get to hear each others' work and then I hope they'll go to panels where there are students from only one college or university and be able to exchange ideas," Field said. "We are studying the same things and have important ideas to talk about dealing with women and gender." All panel sessions will take place at Wilkes on the second floor of the Student Union Building in the Ballroom, Miller Room and Savitz Lounge with the exception of the keynote speaker, which will take place at 7 p.m. at Burke Auditorium in McGowan Hall at King's College. The keynote speaker this year is assistant professor of sociology at Boston University Ashley Mears, a former runway model who will speak about how the fashion industry puts labels on people to make them more valuable. Another highlight of the conference will be a luncheon on Tuesday, April 17 featuring Esther Petrie, a nurse who has been collecting and sending used, outdated, leftover and retired medical equipment to needy parts of the world for more than 20 years. She is joined by Kathye Gentry, a physician's assistant who has participated in medical missions all over the world as a volunteer health care provider. Those interested in attending the luncheon can contact Thomas at jennifer.thomas@ wilkes.edu for an invitation. It will feature a variety of international dishes. Other highlights of the conference include a screening of the documentary "A Walk to Beautiful," a performance' ~"The Waiting Room" by the Acting II class, n evening of dance featuring modem, Indian d African dances, anc.+ a poetry reading by Wilkes and King's students and faculty. Field hopes through this conference that students can see how interesting it is to present research at a conference and to pass along more ideas about women's studies, as it applies to all disciplines. "The ideas discussed within a women's studies class or the minor itself are very important and applicable across various disciplines so someone who's majoring in biology should minor in women's studies just as well as somebody who's majoring in English could do so," Field said. CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com �10 LIFE THE BEACON I APF IRHC Challen e goes lar er than life for spring semester 2012 (A l1 NI1 BYCI Life E< What like b The Beacon/Dan Lykens Inter-Residence Hall Council hosted its spring semester Cake Challenge on Monday, March 26, with the theme being big foods. For on-campus, the first place winner was Sturdevant Hall with the Swanson's Hungry Man TV dinner tray (bottom right, above) with second place going to Evans fourth floor with the pizza (bottom right, above). For off-campus, the winner was Commuter Council with the pancakes (top right, above) and senior p2 pharmacy major and Student Government President Willie Eggleston and Director of Residence Life Elizabeth Swantek with the strip of bacon (top left, above). Sturdevant received a $30 gift card to use for hall activities. Studer Woodl tures t. of the anticip morec "When by the night, I �I I APRIL 3 2012 NICHOLAS WIERMAN, OFF-CAMPUS COUNCIL PRESIDENT BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor "' Year: Junior Major: Earth and Environmental Science Hometown: Middletown, Pa. Duties: Representing off campus students, and serving on traffic council, student affairs committees and disciplinary committees. bicycles, fixing bicycles. That really stems from a family thing, my family does a lot of that. What is in your fridge? Indian food, I really like Indian food. If you had a superpower, what would it be? Ifl could choose a superpower I would say reading minds. The Beacon/Dan Lykens Off-Campus Council President Nicholas Wierman enjoys biking in his spare time. What are some upcoming OCC events? Block party is April 21 , right now we're in the process of closing off South Street because normally Block Party is held on the greenway but due to the construction of the science building it is being held on the remaining part of the greenway and South Street. What are some of your hobbies? I really like bicycles so anything with bicycles. I like mountain biking, road cycling, building What are some of your plans after graduation? I have a couple of options but nothing set in stone. I thought about joining the military after college actually or getting a job in computer science, geographic information systems aspect or working for an environmental protection agency whether that be the Environmental Protection Agency or a local community organization. What is a secret talent of yours? I'm really good at origami. Particularly unit origami, where instead of folding one piece of paper into an object you fold a bunch of pieces of paper and make a bigger object. I haven't done it in a while but in high school I made a tower that was about 4 feet tall. I loved it. What is the best place you have ever been to? The Dominican Republic (For Alternative Spring Break) If you were an animal, what would you be • What is your favorite TV show and movie? I really like "The Daily Show," that's the only show I watch consistently, that and "Archer." I just saw "The Hunger Games." That was a book I read a long time ago and and why? I would be a giraffe. Giraffes are awesome and really tall. CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: christine/ee@thewilkesbeacon.com 4T■SHIRTS.COM screen prlntln1 • emlaroldery • promo Items 1I0m~rn ALWAYS •GREAT GRAPHIC • GREAT PRICH • ON TIMI DELIVERY •. ens vas re). 99- The Beacon/Christine Lee Students danced the night away at Hollywood-themed Spring Fling, held at the Woodlands Inn on March 30. In addition to the new venue, students had their pictures taken at a set-up archway and take-home movie clapperboards as souvenirs of the night. Although the numbers weren't as high as Student Government had anticipated, SG corresponding secretary Kevin Hopper (above, right with sopho- more class president Amber Konopka, left) considers this year's Fling a success. "When you make a change you never can really be sure how it's going to be taken by the student body;' Hopper said. "But based on everyone's perceptions of the night, I think it went really well:' 14' IOUTN PINNIYLVANIA AYINVI / WILKU•IIARRI, PA 11101 NIAR DOMINO'S AND CORBA BIYIRAGII ------------ �12 THE BEACON I APRIL 4, 2012 LIFE SG to offer new Casino Week prizes, including skydiving trip BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer Students who enjoyed last semester's Casino Week don't have to look far for some more gaming fun. This semester's casino week will be running from Tuesday, April 10, to Friday, April 13, right after students return from Easter break. The games are Texas Hold 'em, which will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom on Tuesday. Bingo will be from Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m. in the , Miller Room, Horse Racing will take place W€dnesday from 7 to 9 p.m in the SUB first floor lounge. Finally, Casino Night will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday in the SUB Ballroom, with prizes announced at 9:30 p.m. The top eight winners for Texas Hold' em will receive Best Buy gift cards. For Bingo , night, $20 gift cards to Rifkin and Colonel Gambini cafes will be distributed: !Pad 2s will be given out for Thursday's Horse Racing and the door prizes for Friday's Casino Night will include a 47-inch LCD/HD television set. There will also be a new skydiving and mountain biking trip offered as a prize this year. Student Government Corresponding Secretary Kevin Hopper said this year's two Casino Weeks have set a new record for a Student Government-hosted event. "We usually get about 600 students to attend; that set a record. This is the most successful event Student Government hosts," Hopper, a senior business administration major, said. Student Government Executive Board Treasurer Samantha Bickert evaluated the prizes for Casino week to see which prizes were most popular. "I sent out a survey after spring break. It basically asked what prizes people like, what they want to see in the future, their favorite door prize, and any suggestions they had," Bickert, a junior Pl pharmacy major, said. Bickert said she tried to incorporate the student suggestions into the prizes. For example, the iPads from last year's event were highly popular among students, so she's Health and Wellness Fair 2012 added two of them as prizes this year. She be taking place during this Casino Week and also increased the number of door prizes more prizes will be available than at past caper requests from students, along with other sino events. Casino Week will be the last Student Govprize variations. "Also, people wanted more gas cards, so ernment event of the semester. I got more Sheetz gift cards, etc," Bickert CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: said. "And then of course, I kept all the priz- a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu es that people voted for the most and got rid of the ones with the least amount of interest to make room for new prizes." Like most Student Government events, pizza will be served, but Wilkes identifica- . tion card is required to prove that those who attend are Wilkes students. This semester's Casino Week will be similar to last semester's, except for the differences in prizes. Also for the first time this year, participants can donate one ticket to Wilkes Relay for Life, where one ticket will be the equivalent of $1. When one cashes in their chips, they will get a ticket, but instead of donating a dollar to Relay for Life, they can donate the ticket. For every ticket, up to $150 is donated to Wilkes Relay for Life from Student The Beacon/Archives Government. Garrett Schrader, junior history major, In addition, Hopper said more events wilt dealing at last semester's Casino Week. et the ree ire'' l er Graduate Programs • Master of Education Programs • Master of Science in Forensic Science • Master of Science in Nursing: Administration or Education • Pan-European Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing - NEW! . r ' Cedar Crest College was recently ranked a"Top Regional College" and "Best Value" for 2012 by U.S. News and World Report. I n ,, I The Beacon/Dan Lykens Health and Wellness Services hosted its annual Health and Wellness Fair in the Student ,Union Building Ballroom on March 27. Included were cholesterol and thyroid screenings, massages and chiropractic evaluations. Also included were educational topics on diabetes, nutrition, sex education and stress management. - L- - -- �CONTACT EDITOR: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com APRIL 3, 2012 Shades of gray: The tragic duality of ~ Amadeus' Wilkes' theater department explores morality as good, evil take center stage BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Don't be fooled. The title of the Wilkes University Theatre Department's latest production may be called "Amadeus," but the real driving force of this celebrated period piece isn't actually famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Rather, it's one of his contemporaries, a man many will be less familiar with: Antonio Salieri. "The character of Salieri is never offstage," Teresa Fallon, Wilkes' director of theater and the stage director for "Amadeus," explained. "This is basically a memoryplay for him. It's Salieri's memories of Mozart, who he feels has destroyed his peace of mind." Sophomore English and theater arts major Jamie Alderiso and junior theater arts major Luke Brady are taking on the roles of Salieri and Mozart, respectively. Presenting a fictionalized version of Mozart's life, the Tony Award-winning play, written by Peter Shaffer, introduces us to a Mozart very different from the image most people may have in their heads. Instead of the stuffy, po-faced man of stone busts and painted portraits, the Mozart that Brady portrays is a jovial, obnoxious eccentric with limited social skills. "The burden of genius is what Mozart has to deal with," Fallon said. "His abilities set him apart from everyone, which makes it hard for him to understand other people and for other people to ~derstand him. He sees things in another way." Mozart's rival, Salieri, is another composer whose own musical mediocrity leads him to spitefully sabotage Mozart's life. The relationship between the two characters is the crux of the play, which proves itself more complex than a simple black-and-white tale of bitter enemies. "Their relationship is a professional relationship poisoned by envy on Salieri's part," Fallon said. "He's very crafty. With the mask of friendship, he lures Mozart to his own destruction. "It's a complicated relationship, because at the same time, he's the only person who understands Mozart's music. So it's this strange love-hate relationship. Salieri loves Mozart's music and is amazed at his talent, but hates him for having it." Fallon described both Brady and Alderiso as "grabbing their parts with gusto," and remarked that Alderiso, in particular, has thrown himself into the character. "There's no amount of overdoing it for him," she said. "He's always delving deeper and deeper. " For Alderiso, all that delving has helped him dig up nuggets of psychological and emotional gold. The more the actor has come to understand Salieri, the more he's come to realize just how relatable the character actually is. "You hate him one minute and .then the next minute you feel really bad for him," Alderiso said. "He gets what Mozart gets. He gets the art of music and why music is important to humanity, but he can't contribute the kind of masterpieces that Mozart can do just off the top of his head. That gnaws at Salieri forever. No matter how hard he tries, he just doesn't have that in him." Preparing to play such a dark and multifaceted personality hasn't been easy for Alderiso, who called it the hardest role he's yet played. It's not just the layered characterization or the start-to-finish, nonstop stage-time that's pushing the actor to his limits, however. Salieri's penchant for breaking the fourth wall is also putting his skills to the test. "As an actor, it's challenging because I have to know when to switch. I' 11 be in the middle of a conversation with Mozart then suddenly stop, turn to the audience and say ' Did he just say that to me?" Then I have to snap right back to Mozart," Alderiso said. "A lot of Peter Schaffer's work is like this, where the main character is almost in a session with his or her shrink, and the audience is the shrink." When it comes to the stage, it seems there's never any shortage of challenges. A bout of pharyngitis recently sidelined Alderiso for a few days and weakened his voice. For Fallon, though, that particular speed bump has barely registered a blip on the radar. For her, a more pressing obstacle has been the fact that the "Amadeus" production period is trying to weave itself around the college's spring and Easter breaks. "There's always something that happens that you need to deal with. Theater is not the kind occupation where what you expect to happen happens every day," she said. "As a matter of fact, it makes you stronger. You get a little creative spark when you have an obstacle that you have to overcome. The show goes on." Taking such complications in stride, Fallon and Alderiso both believe that "Amadeus" has the potential to distinguish itself as a truly standout department production. The key to the story's power, Alderiso opined, is its fully fleshed-out principal characters, as well as the universal sense of duality they represent. "Mozart and Salieri are the epitome of the exact opposites of each other. Mozart holds nothing back. He's a genius, but he's not very socially intelligent. We all have moments when we feel like we're doing something really great but the world doesn't understand us. Meanwhile, Salieri is the average guy. He works hard to get some recognition, but Mozart comes in and doesn't have to try at all," Alderiso explained. "There's a little bit of each of them m everyone. They represent the eternal "Amadeus" will run in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 12, 13 and 14, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 15. Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 students and senior citizens, but are free for those with a valid Wilkes ID. @thatbillthomas billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com us all." Courtesy ofTeresa Fallon Antonio Salieri, played by Jamie Alderiso {left), looms over his hated rival, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, played by Luke Brady {right), in "Amadeus:' _ �14 A&E THE BEACON APRIL 3, 2012 Our Ashes Remain rises from ruin With new EP BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor It's hard to think of a more fitting name for Scranton-based metalcore act Our Ashes Remain. After their previous band, Pave the Way, went down in flames back in spring 2011, guitarist Butch Frable, bassist Rory Harper and drummer Bill Lester soldiered on, seeking a new vocalist to help them keep the fires of creation burning. "We did some try-outs and we had some excellent singers come in. It was very hard to / choose in the beginning.," Lester said. "We'd all known Jane (Moser) for quite some time, but when she came in and tried Courtesy of Bill Lester out, we were blown away. She nailed it. She With the disfolution of their previous band behind them, the members of Our Ashactually had lyrics written for one of the songs es Remain are ready to attack the NEPA music scene with a new EP out on April 14. we'd been working on, so we were like 'Wow.' That's the dedication we were looking for." opportunity to explore other genres and show- not only shows the talent and experience of Thus, Our Ashes Remain was born. case greater versatility. each individual involved, but also the passion ,,.. Now, one year later, the band is set to release "It has elements of everything we played in for what we're doing." - its first EP, titled "From Ashes We Rise." To previous bands. Rory and I come a little more Musical chops and a breadth of influences celebrate the event, the band will perform at from the hardcore background, Butch is more aren't the only things the members of Our Diane's Deli & Internet Cafe in Pittston, on thrash and power metal, and Hellistic Threat Ashes have gained from their respective pasts. Saturday, April 14, supported by opening acts (Moser's previous band) was underground Lessons have also been learned. One Red X, Psycho 38 and Cathedra. death metal," Lester explained. With the disbanding of Pave the Way still Using old songs originally written for Pave "What we did was take all three of those ele- fresh in the minds of Lester, Harper and Frable, the Way as a launch pad, the band members ments and we put them together and made it it seems like Our Ashes Remain is determined took the formation of Our Ashes Remain as an fit. I think the way we were able to mesh them to make up for lost time. "We're out there two, sometimes three nights a week, rehearsing, playing shows," Lester said. "We love it. We love working on new music. We just wrote two new songs in the last month and we have another one we're almost done with." For these workhorses, the constant cycle writing, honing and performing is not just something they savor for the fun of it. It's also what propels their claws-extended ascent. "We take a lot of pride in our hard work. We take our little breaks when we need to, but I think it's important for us to maintain our edge, maintain our focus. It's been working for us very well." Tickets for the Our Ashes Remain EP release /concert at Diane's Deli & Internet Cafe are $5. For more information, visit reverbnation.com/ ourashesremain or find Our Ashes Remain on Facebook. Listen to a track off Our Ashes Remain's 11From Ashes We Rise" at www.thewilkesbeacon.com @thatbillthomas billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Karaoke for a cause at Wing 'n' Sing benefit BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor • Zebra Communications, the student-run . public relations agency at Wilkes University, will be hosting a "Wing 'n' Sing" to benefit orphans in Tanzania through the "Embrace a Child in Tanzania" campaign. The Wmg 'n' Sing will be an all-you-can-eat wing-tasting event and karaoke challenge. All proceeds will go toward the campaign's fundraising goal and be used to sponsor children in Karagwe, Tanzania, whose lives have been affected by the AIDS virus. Senior communications studies major, Sara Cosgrove, who has been working on the campaign since it began in fall 2011, has been looking forward to the Wing 'n' Sing all semester. "I'm looking forward to see who actually wins the wing competition, and I hope we have some funny karaoke performances," she said. So far, local restaurants donating chicken wings for Wilkes students, members of the faculty and staff and the community to taste include the Ice House Pub and Bart & Urby's. Tasters will be able to vote for their favorite, and the restaurant with the most popular wings will be granted the title, "Wing 'n' Sing Champion" and receive a plaque to recognize their victory. While munching on wings and amusing their · tackle the uniquely choreographed taste buds, participants will be able show off hip-swinging performance. their singing ability in the karaoke challenge, The "Embrace a Child in Tanzania" or simply relax and be entertained by the mu- campaign has been working through sical stylings of the contenders. Attendees will the fall semester to raise funds for also be able to request the talents of a particu- orphans in Karagwe, Tanzania, who lar person by donating an amount of money show superior academic potential and to the campaign. The requested vocalist must have been affected by the HIV/AIDS sing or else donate an amount that exceeds the virus. Going to school in Tanzania is sum given by the challenger by at least $1. very competitive and many are not At the event, Alyssa Fursarro Lewandows- given the opportunity to receive an adequate ki, lead singer of the hit band "Soul" will be education. calling the shots as the appointed Master of The children who are sponsored are supplied Ceremonies. A feature slide show created by with a year's worth of food, clothing, school Dr. Linda Winkler, cultural anthropologist and books and tuition. School admission not only dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and provides students with an education but it also Social Sciences at Wilkes will be displayed at gives them sufficient housing and medical 8:30 p.m. treatment as it is needed. Winkler, who has worked in conjunction When asked why NEPA residents should with the AIDS Control Office in Karagwe show concern for the children in Tanzania, for more than 10 years, accumulated the fea- Communications Studies Professor and faculty tured pictures herself during her many trips adviser of Zebra Communications Jane Elmesto Karagwe. Winkler said that each person Crahall explained that instead of seeing race, depicted in the slideshow has their own story. she simply sees children. An African style dance will be performed "The children in Tanzania are children that at 10 p.m.by Tanzania native Rael Sospateri will grow up and interact with our children," Kakulima, who is teaching Swahili at Wilkes shesaid. "We are likely to cross paths with peothis semester as a visiting professor. All Wing ple around the world, all of whom are affected. 'n' Sing attendees are encouraged to partici- I have real difficulty saying that one child is pate with Rael and student volunteers as they less worthy than another child." Courtesy of Stock.Xchng Last semester, the campaign raised $1,400, resulting in the adoption of three boys. For the spring semester, the campaign hopes to raise $2,400 sq that five more orphans can receive aid and be given the chance to succeed. The Wing 'n' Sing will take place Wednesday Apr. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the SUB ballroom. Tickets are on sale now for $5; to purchase tickets in advanced contact Zebra Communications at 570-408-4158 or sara.cosgrove@wilkes.edu. @devoninovak devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com �15 THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 201<2 A&E 'Mirror, Mirror' on the screen, Adarker shade of noir: Crime, the classic as you've never seen existentialism in Sallis' 'Drive' BY DOMINICK CONSTANTINO Staff Writer Disney portrayed Snow White as delicate and soft. In "Mirror, Mirror," Snow White still has a heart of gold, she can also defend herself. She holds her own in a ~ncing duel and even rescues her "Prince Charming" when he's in trouble. Another interesting alteration is that the seven dwarves in this movie are all crooks who steal from anyone who ventures through their forest. Just like their Disney counterparts, though, the dwarves all love Snow White and protect her in any way they can. Tl's strange to see Julia Roberts as the villainous Queen. She · is usually the good character in most movies. Regardless, she does a great job. Her acting is believable and it's obvious that her character simply cannot stomach Snow White. The Queen's signature magic-mirror has also been given a face-lift. Once she says "mirror, mirror" in front of it, she is taken to an mystical cottage surrounded by water. Lily Collins plays the lead role of Snow White and gives a wonderful, realistic perfonnance throughout. Her fencing scenes are especially impressive, and the connection she shares with the Prince feels genuine. When their eyes met, one can easily see the love. The best scene displaying this is when Snow White has to break the Prince out of the Queen's spell by kissing him. The expressions on both actors' faces shows how much their characters love each other. The costumes here are very elaborate, with the Queen's dresses being the biggest. When she sits in her throne, her dresses take up the entire space. The outfits are colorful and puffy. Comically, it's the Prince's shirtless state in two scenes that gets the Queen interested in him. At one point, she has to summon someone to get the prince a shirt because "she couJd not focus." This is certainly an element that was not in the Disney version. Throughout th.e movie, I wondered when the infamous poison apple would come into play. In an intriguing twist on the story we all know so well, the Queen appears and offers Snow White the apple following her marriage to the Prince. Snow White cuts a piece and offers it to the Queen first. This symbolizes the end of the Queen's reign and a return to harmony for the kingdom as a whole. This is the classic happying fairy tale. The fonc· and other fighting see add a bit of acti to the movie th makes it mo enjoyable. you are a ti of the sto of Sno White, you will enjoy this movie. BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor At a tightly coiled 158 pages, James Sallis' "Drive" is an effortless read as lean and mean as its protagonist. Don't let the size of the slim volume fool you, there's nothing light about "Drive." This is a darker shade ofnoir. Many will no doubt recognize the story thanks to the Nicolas Winding Refn film adaptation released last year. The book on which it is based is a somewhat different animal. Call it "the 'Die Hard' effect." Much a'i with "Die Hard" - based on the Roderick Thorp novel "Nothing Lasts Forever" - although th.e book and movie versions of"Drive" are drastically different in places, the spirit of both remains the same. More importly, and more rarely, neither · rsion of "Drive" is betr than the other, deite significant al· rations. They're th good. Just ·fferent. Essentially a character study, "Drive" tells the story ofa man working as a Holly- ~--t---- wood stunt driver by day and underworld getaway driver by night. A laconic loner living a Spartan existence, this guy's a blank slate. So blank is he, in fact, that he doesn't even have a name. He is referred to simply as "Driver." That's it. His identity adapts for whatever rQle he must fill at any given moment. He is defined solely by what he does. When one of Driver's criminal exploits goes awry in a decidedly bloody and spectacular fashion, he finds himself on the run with a butt-load of mob money and a target on his back. Though the plot is basically the same as in the fi Im, the sequence of events is different, as is the tone. Sallis' book is darker but also has a dry, grizzled sense of wit and humor. More human, but Jess redemptive. More hopeful, but somehow less merciful. The most notable change is in the character of Driver himself. Whereas in the fitt, he was a strictly reactive personality, here he is more proactive. The focus is less on themes of repression and inevitability and more on unfortunate happenstance and the idea of violence as a means of self-reflection. Sallis' prose is sparse, his matter-of: fact approach to bloodshed offering a glimpse into Driver's loneliness. Sallis' style is all blunt, unsmiling elegance, brutal and shocking without being graphic or exploitative. Just as the "Drive" movie marked a neonoir high point in modem cinema, Sallis' existentialist crime novel is a contemporary classic in the vein of Jim Thompson's "The Killer Inside." Not for the easily w1settled, but utterly hypnotic to those with a taste for the grim ' n' lie's Restauran : n o die·but a goo Staff Writer This week I went to Ollie's Restaurant, a family-friendly eatery at 89 S. Wyoming Ave. in Edwardsville, across the street from Planet Fitness in the Gateway Shopping Center. The restaurant is older, but it's a great place to go, both for its food and its sense of history. If you are from the NEPA area you will find the memorabilia and murals on the walls charming. They illustrate the history of the Wyoming Valley with nostalgia and warmth. The restaurant's slogan, "quality at a price you can afford," definitely rings true. l 've eaten at Ollie's several times, and the greatest thing about the restaurant is the variety. I can order anything from a simple grilled cheese and french fries to Pecan encrusted tilapia or calf's liver with sauteed onions. The menu is huge. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert: it's all there, all great examples ofhomestyle cooking. Ollie's also caters and delivers, so you can have their food served wherever you are. To have a good dinner here, I would recommend being able to pay a bill for about $25 for two people having full meals. There is also a salad bar that has amazing Duchess Cheese soup and fresh baked bread. Unlimited, of course. For this trip, I ordered the penne pasta with alfredo sauce, and added the salad bar for a few dollars more. My friend ordered the Ollie burger with fries and the salad bar along with a piece of chocolate pie. The pasta was delicious and al dente, just the way l like it. It wasn't too buttery, and there was the perfect amount of sauce. A garnish of chopped parsley was added to the dish, but had no effect on the flavor. The alfredo sauce was a well-balanced mix of sweet and savory. The Ollie burger was topped with bacon, melted cheese and barbecue sauce. It looked delicious. I had some of the French fries so I know that they were great and not too greasy. T he salad was fresh and crispy, the bread was fresh and warm and the famous Duchess Cheese soup was hot and creamy. You will run into all sorts of people at Ollie's. Families, younger children, older folks and 4.5/5 ::;::~e c! gritty. something to love about Ollie's love. There wasn't a single person I saw during my visit who didn't look looked satisfied and happy at the end of their meals. What many people around me where raving about the most was the desert choice. Apparently Ollie's has ab~olutely amazing pie, which I will certainly have to try sometime. The wait staff is attentive and pleasant. There was no rush to get people in and out, drinks were always refilled and the food was delicious. For college students, you may not be able to eat here every day, but when you are craving a good, home-cooked meal, go to Ollie's. @WU_BeaconAE WU_BeaconAE@yahoo.com �CONTACT EDITOR: justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com Drebitko qualifies for ski nationals The Broad Street Senior business major, ski instructor to compete in Colorado Breakdown: BY JUSTIN FRANIAK MLB Preview Sports Editor "When I'm going down a mountain I feel free," Jonathan Drebitko said. "There's no stresses or worries about anything else." Drebitko's stress and worries will be nonexistent as the junior business major prepares to ski down the mountain at the USASA ski nationals in April in Colorado. Drebitko has not been competing long, but skiing is in his blood. "The first time I skied I was five," Drebitko said. "My dad influenced me because b~sed to race, and my whole family skis." Drebitko only took one skiing lesson in his whole life, but picked up the activity relatively quickly. He loved to go fast as a kid. Drebitko's competitive skiing started just last year. In his first competition, he claimed three gold medals and a silver. He went on to win the Mid-Atlantic region and will go into nationals ranked fifth in the nation. Drebitko competes in two types of skiing: skier cross and NASTAR, a type of • ski racing. Drebitko has always had the urge to compete, but didn't take the step until recently. "I knew that my dad raced and I' ve been we.nting to compete since junior high," Drebitko said. "But this year I finally took the steps to start. I've always thought I could be pretty good at skier cross." Drebitko said there's usually around 100 competitors at a ski event, depending on the competition. The national compeition will have 180. All skiers will inspect the course and be granted a few practice runs. All skiers will then run qualifying runs and will be placed into heats of skiers. The top two of these heats move on, continuing until there is a final heat, where a champion is'crowned. Drebitko says the training for nationals is tough and grueling. "Its hard to train for skier cross because not many mountains have courses," Drebitko said. "Any kind of racing or freesking is good." Drebitko credits Coach Keith Klahold for helping him train for this big event. Drebitko said he has spent hours in the Marts Fitness Center preparing. He said the work- BY BRYAN WISLOSKY Columnist Photo cou rtesy of Jonathan Drebit ko Jonathan Drebitko recently qualified for a national skiing competition in Colorado. This is Drebitko's first year of competitive skiing, but has been on the slopes his whole life. The national competition is April 7-10 and former competitors include professional snowboarder Shaun White. out Klahold created will help him adapt to the 13,000-foot altitude in Colorado. Drebitko also uses his time as a ski instructor to help him get ready. He taught ski lessons to everyone from beginners to intermediate. He said the overall experience was fun, yet insightful. "I had a great time working as a ski instructor this year," Drebitko said. "I met a lot of great people and learned so much from the older more experienced racers." Along with the rush of skiing, Drebitko said qualifying for nationals was a phenomenal experience. "It felt great to qualify for nationals and win the region," Drebitko said. "I'm really excited for nationals because I will get to race against some of the best in the country." At nationals there is lots of potential to get noticed, Drebitko said. He said that renown snowboarder Shaun White started competing at the USASA nationals. Drebitko said if he does well at nationals, he may get an invite to a professional tour next year. Drebitko said his favorite place to ski is Utah. His favorite mountains are Solitude and Brighton for the challenge they present. "The hardest mountain I ever skied was Solitude in Utah," Drebitko said. "It was incredible back country skiing, and it was awesome shredding untouched snow as high as your chest." Drebitko said he has had some spills and embarrassing moments skiing, but they aren't anything to worry about. "This past winter I was training on Sno's weekend NASTAR course and caught an edge and did a complete yard sale and cart wheel and slid into the woods and hit a tree," Drebitko said. He was not badly hurt, but noted that his coach and everyone watching had a good laugh afterward. Drebitko's coach said he possesses some natural ability. "There are some things with Skier Cross that you can't teach, and he has those," Radvanyi said. Drebitko will take his talents to Colorado April 7-10 and said he will "go big or go home!" @WU_BeaconSports justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com The 2012 Major League Baseball season kicks off this week, so.I would like to give my predictions for the teams that will be playing this October in the postseason. Let's start in the National League, more specifically the National League East. Call me biased, and maybe I am, but I'm picking the Philadelphia Phillies to win their sixth straight NL East division title. I just feel as if the Atlanta Braves are going to take a step back this season, the New York Mets are still a last-place team, and even though the Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins will be better this year, I can't see either of them staying consistent all season. I will admit the Phillies do not have anybody they can really count on at the plate, except for Hunter Pence, but their pitching staff is just too dominant to not at least be in contention for the division crown. Next we have the NL Central. This division is tough because the two big guns from last season, the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals, both lost their fire power in Prince Fielder and Albert Pujol~. But the other teams in the division just don't seem · that impressive. For that reason, I'm picking the Brewers _ to win their second consecutive division title, based solely off their great pitching staff. Now we have the NL West. None of the teams in this division made much of a splash in the offseason, so I'm picking the Arizona Diamondbacks to win it again since they ran away with the division last season. This year marks the first expansion of the postseason since 1995, when the MLB decided to add another wild card team. My NL wildcard teams are the Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins, a first-round rematch of the controversial 2003 NLCS. So now it's time to move onto the American League. Like the NL, let's start the AL in the East. SEE MLB, PAGE 18 �SPORTS 17 THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 SCOREBOARD Baseball 3/28 Scranton PPD 3/29 Keuka W 9-3 Softball . 3/29 Lebanon Valley L 3-6 L 1-11 M-Tennis 3/25 Elizabethtown W 5-4 Lacrosse 3/31 Rosemont W 18-0 WEEKAHEAD Baseball 4/3 Lebanon Valley 4/4 Misericordia 4/5 Misericordia Softball 4/4 Baptist Bible 4/5 Misericordia M-Tennis 4/4 Misericordia 4/10 Scranton Lacrosse 4/5 Eastern W-Tennis 4/4 Misericordia end messages nd pictures to Baseball will soon be in full swing. Bats will crack, popcorn will pop, and hot dogs will getboiled. Along with all the nostalgia, the critics will begin their predictions. The MLB awards are always interesting, especially with a pitcher taking the MVP and Cy Young award last year. My AL MLB award picks were actually pretty hard to predict. My rookie of the year will be Yu Darvish. Some may criticize me for it, but this kid has a lot ofupside. Although the history of Japanese pitchers in the bigs isn't too good, I have a good feeling about Darvish. I love Matt Moore from the Rays. This year he will actually reach rookie status and could make a run for the rookie of the year award. Yoenis Cespedes of the A's had a good two opening games, and has a huge upside, but I see Darvish taking it. My Cy Young pick is Jered Weaver. Based on last year's performance, Weaver should be the favorite and only has room to improve. I believe with the addition ofC.J. Wilson and Dan Haren on the staff, Weaver will push himself to the limit and capture the award. In tum, Weaver will lead the Angels to a deep playoff run. The usual suspects like Sabbathia and Verlander will give Weaver a run, but I think the Angels ace will excel. My pick for Manager of the Year is Bobby Valentine. Being a Mets fan, I love Bobby Valentine; he's my hero. I believe his no funny business attitude and hard working mentality will take the Red Sox far in the playoffs. If Valentine can control that locker room, he is a shoe-in for the award. My MVP for the AL is Robinson Cano. Yankees fans will love me becuase Cano will finally win. The second baseman will finally get the appreciation he deserves. Albert Pujols made the jump to the AL this year, but I do not think he will win the award. I would also not be surprised to see the Ray's Evan Longoria in the running for the honor. Miguel Cabrera's move to third may affect his chances for the award, but if he keeps his hitting to the usual, he can definitely make a push to take most valuable player. Baseball gets into full swing Thursday, and I cannot be more excited. Hoepfully the Mets will surprise me this year. Hopefully. With the MLB right around the come , predictions will start to fly on who will be this year's top performers. This year's competitions for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young and Manager of the year will be close no different from past years. The easiest one to predict in the NL w·IJ be rookie of the year. No one will be surprised when the Washington Nationals bring up the phenom Bryce Harper. Harper will most likely be in the majors after the All-Star break but could be in Nationals red as early as May. I predict Harper to put up solid numbers, but the hype around him could propel him to be voted as Rookie of the Year. • This year's Cy Young will contribute to a very interesting race. Almost all of the Phillie's pitchers ...:.il~ be considered for this award, but I see Cliff Lee pulling ahead as the front runner. I would not be · surprised if Madison Bumgarner or Tim Lincecum give Lee a push. Even Lee's teammates Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels will give Lee a little trouble. But I foresee Lee winning the award on a team where Halladay is considered the head guy. Clayton Kershaw will be in the mix also. A year after achieving the triple crown, the young gun will again put his name in the hat for the award. My sleeper pick in Gio Gonzalez. In arguably one of the best moves in me offseason, the Nationals picked up a guy who could potentially win multiple Cy Youngs, this just isn't his year though. Manager of the Year will also be a tough race. If Ozzie Guillen can guide the new look Marlins to a playoff spot, he is a shoe-in for the spot. Davey Johnson could also make a push for the award. If the Nationals nab a wildcard spot, expect Johnson to be accepting the trophy. My MVP pick was pretty hard to make. I do not see a pitcher winning it in the NL this year, unlike the rare occurence in the AL last year. I do,however, see Justin Upton taking the award. He's on a young Diamondbacks team which is young and not a joke. Arizona will continues its momentum from last year, make the playoffs and take a run. Upton will lead them to a nice playoff showing. �THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 SPORTS 18 MLB Wilkes softball drops series Continued from Page 16 As much as I hate them, I'm picking the New York Yankees to win this division. While the Boston Red Sox have more raw talent, the Yankees are just a more complete team. Now we have the AL Central, which is easy. The Detroit Tigers are going to run away with this division. Adding Prince Fielder to an already good line-up, and having Justin Verlander as their ace-yeah, this one's a nol;irainer. ' Finally we have the AL West, which again is an easy pick. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim added arguably the most soughtafter free agent in baseball history in Pujols; they also lured starting pitcher C.J. Wilson away from division rivals the Texas Rangers. Like the Tigers, the Angels will run away with their division. . My picks for the two wildcard spots in the American League are the Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. Boston has too much pure talent to not make the playoffs again ~ s season, and Tampa is a solid team, where nobody else in the AL jumps out and wows me. As for the World Series itself, again call me biased, but there just seems to be a lack of talent in the NL this year, so I feel as if • Colonels lose doubleheader to Leb Val BY SERENA MOLYNEUX Assistant Sports Editor the Phillies pitching staff can carry them to the Fall Classic. However, as much as I want to pick them to win it all, I really don't think they can, unless they can find a couple of solid bats in the lineup. My pick to win the 2012 World Series is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They were so close to making the playoffs last season, they've obviously improved the most in the offseason, and can really take control of L.A. with the Dodgers in the state they' re in. @WU_BeaconSports bryan.wis/osky@wilkes.edu 5....-.--....- 11111111._.. IFA,,,,1f"Py. . . :SPECIALS WEEKDAY SPEClllS ■-TH Large Pie $7.95 Chicken Wing Pie $10.95 Wilkes' women's softball team the hosted Lebanon Valley Dutchmen in a doubleheader Thursday, in a non-conference game. The Colonels fell short twice against the Dutchman. In the first game, Lebanon Valley took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Visiting Dutchman Allie Hartman had a two-run homer. Lebanon Valley earned two more runs, making it a 5-0 lead in the third. Wilkes' sophomore pharmacy major Kait Brown led off the inning with a single and made it home from an RBI double from sophomore pharmacy major Jordan Borger. The Colonels made an attempt to come back against Lebanon Valley's 6-1 lead. Junior psychology major Jessalyn Paveletz had an RBI single, which scored the Lady Colonels two runs in the fifth inning. Wilkes didn't score any runs in the last two innings, making the final score of game one 6-3, Lebanon Valley with the victory. Lebanon Valley continued to dominate the scoreboard in game two. The Dutchman scored four runs in the first inning and added another four in the second, which kept the Dut~hman in the lead 8-0 at the end of the third. Visiting Dutchman Hartman had a second homerun of the night, adding three more runs to the scoreboard, while Lady Colonel Borger scored the lone run making the end of game two, 11-1 victory for the Dutchman. The Wilkes Women Softball record is 4-8 overall for the season. The Lady Colonels hit the road to play Manhattanville College in the Freedom Conference on Saturday. @WU_BeaconSports serena.molyneux@wilkes.edu ..►1111'11" IIIIE=■ ■ 20 E Northampton St. Wilkes Barre 825-5166 NEllT TO MOVIES 14 FREE WI-Fi In our Dining Room (carry out/dine i n only) PIZZA DOUBIES 2 Medium Pizzas $13.95 2 Large Pizzas $16.95 ■ll&MATCH Any 3 Subs or Wings 2 Tickets to Movies 14 WB 1 Medium Pizza - 1 Topping 2 Drinks I We Ca.fer Parties At Movies 14 $15.95 WE CATER lAIGE GIOUP MNTS PlEASE CAll lEFOIE YOUR NElT MEfflNGI Hours: Mon. -Thurs. 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-12am Sun. 12pm-11pm We're more than just great pizza ... see our entire menu at www.januzzispizza.com �' ... ' ' ·'"' ... THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 ft 19 WE TREAT INJURIES AND ILLNESSES FOR ALL AGES. + JUST WALK IN. + ALWAYS A PHYSICIAN ON SITE. + MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED BUT NOT REQUIRED. + X-RAYS, LABS, EKGs, IVs, MINOR SURGERY. s t �r 20 SPORTS Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com "'J> THE BEACON I APRIL 3, 2012 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 April 3rd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 April 3 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/1a24c784a4f31edff89663ca79cc509c.pdf b2c3926e3a5bf4ede8b4b7f57ce48d67 PDF Text Text Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member THE BEACON www.thewilkesbeacon.com March 27, 2012 Volume 64 Issue 16 HARD HATAREA AUTHORIZED !!,!tSONNEL O The Beacon/Phat Nguyen Wilkes is set to have 18 months of continuous construction for the $35 million science building. The construction has drawn mixed reactions from students and faculty, as some support the building but others feel th~ liberal arts are being overlooked. Science building draws mixed reactions Bailey said his labs are almost always filled up, and he feels that News Editor Stark does not match the quality Senior accounting major Weston education being offered. McCollum believes Wilkes' new "Stark is starting to get old and science building is "a waste of shabby," Bailey said. "I think a money." state of the art science building is "They took away the only ap- essential." pealing part of our campus," McStudents and faculty hold strong Collum said. opinions regarding the new science Sophomore pre-med major Adam building, some of them conflicting. Bailey is happy to see the entire While some strongly support the greenway is not taken up but be- advancement of the school's scilieves the sciences do need a new ences, others see it as a selfish probuilding. motion and financial burden. BY PHAT NGUYEN The $35 million building, which is set to open in fall of 2013, will undergo 18 months of ongoing construction. That daily construction, which starts as early as 8 a.m. , doesn't seem to have students and faculty concerned about loud noises as much as costs and the loss of the university's greenway, which has been fenced off. One of the science departments allegedly in need of renovations is the Chemistry Department. Amy Bradley, chemistry chair, often deals with leaky sinks that have been reinforced but still require maintenance and cleaning. "It's a danger," Bradley said .. "Students can slip and fall." With 98 students emolled in organic chemistry and 135 students in general chemistry, scheduling is also issue. The department has to offer nearly 10 labs for organic chemistry which is limited to 16 students per lab because Occupational Safety an"a Health Administration SEE BUILDING, PAGE 5 The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com~ �Church and state reunite for the presidential elections BY MIKEL HARTSOUGH Correspondent "And that is what the perception is by the American Left who hates Christendom. .. Satan has his sights on the United States of America," Senator Rick Santorum, GOP presidential nominee candidate has brought religion into his campaign. Interfaith Coordinator Caitlin Czeh believes Santorum's sudden surge is not due to his core religious beliefs, but because of his traditional conservatism. Santorurn won Colorado and Minnesota convincingly. His momentum has slowed in the recent months, barely losing to Romney in Michigan and by a larger margin in Arizona. "Religion definitely plays a major role in how a voter chooses a candidate; different beliefs can turn people off from voting for you. There are candidates who push their religion onto people, these people especially affect a voter's decision." Czech said. Michael Tigue of the Catholic Student Union blames Santorum's misuse ofreligion. "When a candidate such as Santorum speaks about his religion, he is only doing so to win his primary. Over 80 percent of Americans identify with a religion, if yo1,1 present yourself as a strong religious candidate you appeal to a large percentage of Americans. Santorum is Christian, and over 60 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians," Tigue said. Although experts such as political science professor Dr. Andrew Miller believe that religion won't play a large part in the election, those in the religious profession don't see faith taking a back seat. "The candidates are pitting religion against each other when religions not meant to be compared. A voter can look at a candidate and say 'hey that's my belief.' Sometimes people can feel like they're one with that candidate, help them identify with them." Czeh said. Romney got the support of 90 percent of the Mormon voters in Arizona, which is a state Romney dominated in the polls. "A person should not be elected because of his faith, nor should he be rejected because of his faith," Romney said in response to the massive support from Mormon voters. Santorum who has spoken at several religious establishments in recent months was endorsed by the evangelical Christian leaders he spoke at the Cathedral of Praise in South Carolina during the primary. After Santorum was endorsed by the evangelical leaders the online donations toward his campaign increased 50 percent, the U.S. census identifies more than 2 million evangelicals in the U.S., but states the religion question is openended and not mandatory to answer. South Carolina Republican voters define themselves as born-again Christians, which is in association with the evangelistic church. According to the exit polls conducted during the 2008 elections 69 percent of voters said that the religious beliefs of the candidate mattered to them. 11 percent of born-again Christians voted for Romney in the election. According to a study at Baylor, Professor Wade Rowatt concluded that a higher percentage of people voting in a church instead of a school vote for a conservative candidate or proposition. The study showed that an Arizona school voted on a funding referendum in 2000 and voters who were polled in schools tended to vote in favor of increasing the state tax. While voters in churches tended to vote against the increase. Obama makes several references to his religious background in "The Audacity of Hope." "I was not raised in a religious household. For my mother, organized religion too often dressed up closed-mindedness in the garb of piety, cruelty and oppression in the cloak of righteousness. However, in her mind, a working knowledge of the world's great religions was a necessary part of any well-rounded education," Obama said. Greg Emory of Westminster Presbyterian had this to say about religion in politics: "I remember when there was serious discussion over Kennedy and his Catholic background, so looking at the history of religion and presidents, there will always be scrutiny. "However, I feel the majority of voters won't take it seriously. Candidates like Santorum can gain voters by expressing their religious beliefs, but at the same time they run the risk of alienating themselves to that specific audience." CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Beacon Briefs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>»>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:->>>>>>>>>>>>>>->>:>>>>>>>>>>>> BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor ASME i equests funds for annual car show - For this year's car show ASME requested $5,800 to cover the cost of T-shirts, prizes, entertainment and materials. Last year, ASME requested $2,000 which left SG wondering about such a large increasing in fund demands. After deliberating whether funding the car show would be an effective use of student activity fees, SG felt that ASME was unprepared and did not fundraise enough in preparation of the event. ASME was granted $2,000 to pay specifically for a DJ and a dynamometer. The Big Event of April Fools - Campus -wide community service project, The Big Event, has 209 students on board so far and is set to take place April 1. A fund request of $2,600 was granted to the event to pay for water bottles, bags, T-shirts, transportation and breakfast. Relay for Life fund requc;st - To cover the upfront cost of the Relay for Life event, $1,500 was requested for T-shirts, food for participants, a survival dinner and decorations. About 195 people have signed up to relay so far, an increase from last year's 100 participants who registered by this time. Out of the 195 people, 25 teams were created, 21 of them consisting of Wilkes students. BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com Much less than last year's $3,000 request, the $1,500 was granted. The event will take place April 28-29. · Casino Night: prizes, prizes, prizes - The main focus of Casino Night is the prizes. This year students can try their luck at winning a plethora of awards. The top items include: the MacBook Pro, the iPad, jewelry, a TV, gas and Visa gift cards and a skydiving trip. Each night free pizza and soda will be available for all participants. The event is projected to cost $11,500, most of which will pay for prizes. Casino Week is scheduled to take place April. 10-13. Campus g-mail - IT has decided unani- mously to make the switch from Wilkes email tog-mail. Use of g-mail will begin in the upcoming fall sefi!.ester. IT committee has considered holding a luncheon for faculty, staff and students to instruct on how to use g-mail. No final decision has been made yet on the luncheon. Spring to Hollywood - Spring Fling is set for March 31 at the Woodlands. Hollywood Bash will be a night with dinner, drinks and dancing. Tickets are now on sale for $5 in the SUB. CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: CarlyYamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Meet the Staff Laura Preby Photo Editor �THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 NEWS 3 Hotel Sterling and traffic blocks still standing Luzerne country unable to reach demolition agreement with city BY SARAH KENNELLY Correspondent One of Luzerne County's most famous and oldest hotels is causing the county some distress. The Sterling Hotel in Wilkes-Barre was condemned a few months ago, after the September Flood of 201 1. The 114-yearold building will likely be demolished in the future. Luzerne County has been trying to negotiate a demolition agreement with WilkesBarre and City Vest, the owner of the Sterling, for months. One reason the agreement has not been reached is the city refuses to waive demolition-permit fees. Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton said the city committed roughly $250,000 in state gaming funds toward the demolition. In addition, Wilkes-Barre is also paying $5,000 a month for traffic barriers constructed around the Sterling due to concerns of building debris falling onto nearby traffi c. The traffic barriers have caused irregular traffic patterns on River Street where the Sterling Hotel is located. "This county must make a decision soon because the building is a fire hazard and continues to attract the homeless," Leighton said. "It's likely the nonprofit CityVest will fi le for bankruptcy if the county doesn't take the property off its hands." Leighton said. "The property would then be frozen and conti~i e to deteriorate until the city could obtain funds for demolition." Leighton also predicts that the county will be tied up in bankruptcy court for years to try to recover some of its investment in the project. According to a March 2011 report released by CityVest, it would cost about $1 .2 million to demolish the property. The study also included a roofing company estimate to redo the roof, replacing the wood framing with steel and metal. This estimate, released in 2009, was $1.4 million. The CityVest study says it will cost anywhere from $5 million to $7.7 million to stabilize and mothball the entire building. There were some suggestions to save the Sterling Hotel. Wilkes-Barre architect Carl Handman asked Luzerne County officials to consider the cost of structurally securing and mothballing the Hotel Sterling for future preservation. Handman worked on the Sterling project The Beacon Archives The Sterling Hotel was condemned after the September 2011 flood but is still standing today. One reason the agreement has not been reached is that the city refuses to waive demolition permit fees. The 114-year-old building will likely be demolished. in 2003. He publicly criticized CityVest for failing to listen to his past recommendation to mothball the structure to prevent further deterioration. "CityVest's study claims that it will cost about $7 million to mothball the property," Handman said, "but the study lacks detail on how they arrived at that estimate." There is even a Facebook page group called "Save the Hotel Sterling" with 782 followers . People who have lived in the area for more than a few decades, such as Wilkes University Dr. Bradford Kinney, say it's a shame that the Hotel Sterling will probably be demolished. "There were so many things that could have been done to that building," Kinney said, "It could have been a museum, to attract people from other areas, or dorms for Kings and Wilkes students." Kinney remembered when the Sterling rented out part of the 1898 building to King's College and Wilkes University for dormitory space. By the 1980s, the tower had become a low-cost residential hotel. Around the same time the owners announced a plan to tum the hotel into condominiums for tourists. Unfortunately, the project was never completed. City health authorities later discovered several building code and health violations and ordered all residents living in the hotel to leave. Due to ownership issues, unpaid taxes, and a fire in 2000, the building remained abandoned for years. In late 2005, the nonprofit 0rganization CityVest bought the Hotel Sterling and decided to redevelop the original hotel building into residential and commercial space, with a budget of $6 million in Luzerne County money. The rooms and hallways in the 17- story Plaza Tower were too narrow and low for redevelopment, so CityVest demolished the building in February 2007. CityVest's initial loan papers with Luzerne County promised to begin work on the hotel in February, 2007 finish the job a year later, and create jobs for people of low and moderate income. County Controller Walter L. Griffith Jr. released an audit of the project in June, accusing CityVest and the county community development office of mishandling funds. "CityVest had failed to complete plans that should have been done years ago, and they never bothered to find a developer," Griffith said. "Now they claim they cannot pay back the $6 million they borrowed from the county and want to tear down the building and give the land to the county." Luzerne County council has split views over what should happen to the Hotel Sterling. Four council members are in favor of finding ways to save the Sterling Hotel. Elaine Maddon Curry, Rick Williams, Harry Haas and Eugene Kelleher have said the county should find out how much it would cost to mothball and stabilize the Sterling, and find out if the county has enough funds to afford it. The seven other members of the council expressed support for demolition. However, council members said they won't make any decisions unless a cooperative agreement is reached among Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre and CityVest. "There is no time frame yet to when or if the demolition will take place because the three groups, Wilkes-Barre, the county, and CityVest, have not reached an agreement." explained Council Vice Chairwoman Linda Mcclosky Houck. "As for the current condition of the building, with collapsing ceilings and holes in the roof, I believe if it was turn,,over to the county it would have to be demolished." Luzerne County Council hopes to receive some agreement with CityVest and Wilkes-Barre within the next few weeks, though it is not likely. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com �4 NEWS THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 Coal Street Project adds two lanes, revamps park BY AMANDA LEONARD Correspondent Every day, people drive on Coal Street to get to popular Wilkes-Barre destinations, to commute or to get to the other sic;le of town. As of late, it has become a congested, dangerous road giving headaches to many. Coal Street is a vital road that links WilkesBarre Boulevard to Business Route 6309. It also leads to Mohegan Sun Arena, the Wyoming Valley Mall and other commercial businesses. The $13.7 million Coal Street Project, a plan that will expand the three-lane road to a fivelane highway and revamp a 31-acre park, has been under construction since 2009. However, the project is not a new idea; it has been talked about since the 1990s. Butch Frati, Wilkes-Barre director of city operations, said that the idea for the project was developed in the late 1990s by a group who realized that the area needed to expand for businesses to flourish. "The conceptual idea for the Coal Street Project was put together by the local Metro- politan Planning Organization," Frati said. "The group identified a need to expand both the areas and roadways leading from the interstate system to urban areas as a way to encourage business investment specifically in the Wilkes-Barre area." The MPO is a federally mandated and funded transportation policy making group. Along with the Coal Street Project, the MPO is adopting a Long Range Transportation Plan that will serve as a guide when selecting projects for future transportation improvement programs. These two organizations coincide for the Coal Street Project. Along with the widening of the existing Coal Street from three lanes to five lanes from State Route 309 to Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, residents of Coal Street will also see a revamping of their front yards. "New curbing and sidewalks on both sides of Coal Street will be implemented, along with 97 new street lights, updated traffic and pedestrian signalizations and new pavement markings," Frati said. Michael Simonson, assistant Wilkes-Barre director of city operations, works closely with STRESSED? HEADACHE? • Headaches and back pain are two of the most common ailments treated at our clinic. Often, we can bring relief simply by taking the pressure off a pinched nerve. Here are other common symptoms of a pinched nerve. Neck Pain Back Pain Shoulder Pain Arm Pain Leg Pain Muscle Pain - Sports Injury - FREE 20 Min Hydro Massage Auto Accident - w WILKES UNIVERSllY FREE EXAM & FREE 1st Treatment Wilkes-Barre Chiropractic & Rehab Dr. David Lewis Chiropractic Physician 825-5535 380 Old River Road Wilkes-Barre, PA All Insurances Accepted dblewis326@aol.com www.nepachlro.com - The Beacon/Austin Loukas The Coal Street Project adds two lanes, improves curbs and side walks along with 97 new street lights and updates traffic and pedestrian signals to a busy intersection. Frati and is optimistic about the project. "It's our hope that this project will inject life into one of the city's most trafficked.rnadways," he said. Along with the widening of the road, the 31acre park, now named the Coal Street Complex, is complete and has office space to rent. It is a two-story structure that houses a 500-seat hockey rink with training facilities and opportunities for the public to skate. The Coal Street Complex is the former Ice-ARama structure. It has been renovated and connected to the new two-story structure. The Coal Street Project also demolished the swimming pool, in preparation for reshaping the park section of Coal Street. More than $600,000 is earmarked for two lighted basketball courts, tennis courts, a playground and a sports field. This sports complex will be available for ice hockey leagues, tournaments and camps. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins also hold practices at this complex, which is closer to their arena than their formerly used ice rink in Pittston, The Ice Box. The financing of the $13.7 million project has a breakdown of 80 percent federal funding and 20 percent local funding, Frati said. "The local match is a combination of three local taxing bodies contributing to a fund that is managed by the Luzerne Count Redevelopment Authority," he said. On May 18, 2009, the Coal Street Project received $950,000 in federal funding from Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Paul Kanjorski. This funding will be specifically used to construct new basketball courts, a sports field and other public recreational amenities. Though Coal Street has already seen its fair share of demolition, renovation and construction, it is not over yet and Coal Street businesses are hurting due to lack of customers and difficulty with entering their business. Nicole Theodore, owner of Arena Bar and Grill, said that the project has been affecting her business. "We now need to spend more money in the form of marketing and advertising to compensate for our lack of traffic flow," she said. Corridors blocked the entrance for Arena Bar and Grill and Walgreens, making it difficult for customers to enter their businesses with ease. Across the street from Arena Bar and Grill and Walgreens, Sam's Club sees similar problems. Sharon Holloman, Sam's Club employee, has to redirect her route to work due to the congestion of the road. "I usually come up Northampton Street instead of Coal Street since it's always so busy," she said. James Conlon, a Sam's Club supervisor, faces the problem of traffic congestion when cashiers report late to work due to traffic. "Not only is the construction inconvenient to us, its also dangerous," he said. Coal Street is a popular street that many need to travel every day. However, the construction deters some people from going to Coal Street businesses. "If I ever went ice skating, I'd be stuck there for five days trying to get out of the parking lot," Conlon said. Though residen~, commuters and businesses have shared in the stress of the project, Frati said that the end of construction is in sight. "The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October 2012," he said. "As the project stands now, it is relatively close to the original schedule, however by the end of 2011 the project was a few weeks behind schedule but with the extraordinary warm winter the contractor was able to make up time." CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 BUILDING Continued from front page mandates space to two students per hood due to space. Seven labs are open for the general chemistry students, but they are not limited by hood space. Bradley, one of the two organic chemistry teachers, said there are many fines that the school could face regarding cleanliness if the school does not meet standards set by the OHSA. OSHA's mission is to assure safe and healthful workplaces by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. "We're up to code on everything, but it'll certainly be easier with a new, clean lab," Bradley said. "I think students will benefit, research will benefit and safety will be better." Bradley went on to note the importance of air suction for the organic chemistry labs. "Organic students will all encounter dangerous chemicals and gases which need proper air suction for their safety," Bradley said. "While the students will only be in the organic labs for a fall and spring semester, the chemistry faculty and staff will deal with these chemicals as long as they're at Wilkes." Since Bradley has come to Wilkes, the school has installed lab hood monitors that indicate safe levels of air flow in laboratory fume hoods. The monitors are used to measure and report on exhaust flow in many critical or controlled indoor environments, including pharmaceutical and university laboratories. Each organic hood has been equipped with anAirGard405, which each costs $330. Bradford Kinney, professor of communication studies, believes the liberal arts should not be overlooked. "I think the sciences are good, but not on the back of the liberal arts," Kinney said. "Not that we don't need a science building, because we really do. I really believe that." When Kinney first came to Wilkes, he said he remembered how growing complaints eventually led to Wilkes buying property, tearing down houses and making the greenway, an open green space -and social playground. "It was so nice to see the kids out there throwing the Frisbee and enjoying their time," Kinney said. "Now, there is no greenway." Kinney is becoming increasingly conThe Beacon/Phat Nguyen cerned with what will become of the TV Faculty say the chemistry laboratory hoods need to be repaired often. Also, air sucstudio. tion is essential for safety as they work with dangerous gases. The science building, which was originally planned to be built near the Henry Student departments and they're ruining his educaQuestions remain on what the school will Center, is being built in between the Stark tion as the university is offering fewer up- focus on after construction is completed. Leaming Center and Conyngham Hall. per-level classes each semester. The next Wilkes president, Patrick Leahy, With the science building wrapping "We could have more things in the comm stressed the importance of a liberal arts eduaround Stark, there might be issues with department, and we could have more class- cation in his opening remarks, which may construction and a need to move the state-of- es, but we're funneling millions of dollars offer hope to non-science majors. the-art TV studio in the basement of Stark. into a science building that will only benefit CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN The fenced-off greenway also bothers ju- a portion of the school," Kurtz said. phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com nior communications studies major Trevor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kurtz more than just physically. The greenway, he said, was the student's place to hangout, and he is upset that Wilkes puts a higher priority in the, sciences rather than the liberal arts. "What really bothers me is I love my department," Kurtz said. "The fact of the matter is the school cares more about the sciences more than anything else." Kurtz believes budget cuts were made by Wilkes to fund the science building by all Special Offer! 40 West Apartments Leased 4 BR units receive a S100 grocery store gift card! Wait! There's more! First five 4 bedroom units leased also receive 3 MONTHS FREE INTERNET! The Beacon/Austin Loukas This 18-month construction comes at a heavy price of $35 million and questions about what will happen to places like the TV studio in the Stark basement. Students are upset about the fenced-off greenway. Fully furnished units include double beds, utilities and laundry facilities! For more info, contact Jacki Lukas at 570.855.4686! CALL TODAY! j lukas@radnorproperty.com �~ mmn [lliillJillI3 mm CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com MARCH 27, 2012 Guilty verdict in Tyler Clementi suicide is a wake-up call for bullies BYCARLYYAMRUS Opinion Editor "You do the crime, you do the time." Former Rutgers student Dharun Ravi is no exception to this rule after being found guilty of bias intimidation - a hate crime, invasion of privacy and 13 other counts in the recent webcam suicide case. Ravi could potentially be imprisoned for up to 10 years and may even be deported to his native India. The trial used Ravi's text messages and "tweets" as evidence, which he tried to delete after hearing his convictions. Was the sentence too extreme for this young man's actions? I think not. This particular case was a real eye-opener for to-· day's teenagers who use social media and text messaging as a way of expressing their every thought, opinion, or reaction. Immature tweets and text messages are one thing, but the real crime in this case was the carefully calculated webcam spying that Ravi broadcast not once, but twice. Ravi undoubtedly had no idea of the effect his socalled "prank" could have had on someone. Only after hearing that his roommate, Tyler Clementi, was contemplating suicide did he make an attempt to apologize and make ametfls. Dharun Ravi was 18 years old, a freshman in college, at the time ofClementi's suicide. At the age of 18, we are considered to be adults, and should possess some knowledge on bullying and the effects it has on others. Cyber bullying has been increasingly detrimental to the reputations and self-esteem of high school and college students. Clementi had asked his roommate for several hours of privacy in their shared room. Ravi responded by broadcasting the encounter to several friends and Twitter followers on multiple occasions. Clearly he did not act foolishly on a whim, as the spying occurred over the course of several days and required the setting up and testing of a webcam. Ravi committed an adult crime, and should be responsible for accepting the adult repercussions. Whether he was actually homophobic or not, the deeds were done and they are assumed to have been the motive for Clementi 's suicide, although it is not confirmed that this was the cause. BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 7 responses. Last week's question: How much food do you dispose of on an average day at the Wilkes cafeteria? • Several platefuls - 29% • None - 29% · • About a cup- 14% • A plateful - 14% • I don't eat at the cafeteria -14% This week The Beacon asks: Courtesy of Facebook, The Beacon/Austin Loukas Two years after Tyler Clementi {top left) commited suicide, roommate Dharun Ravi was found guilty. The court used that verdict as a way to crack down on bullying. Too many instances of bullying go unrecognized and without punishment. Ravi's conviction sends a clear message to teenagers about accepting consequences for their actions or words. This trial lets teenagers know that bullying can have serious effects on the lives of other people as well as the bully himself. Dismissing Ravi of his actions would send the message that bullying is OK, and that it is fine to embarrass others and invade their privacy. After reading other opinions on the topic, I was actually surprised that several people believed that Clementi did wrong in the situation by bringing a man into their shared dorm room, and that Ravi's actions were pranks. These people must have forgotten what it is like to live in a dorm room in college. That dorm room is essentially your house. As long as the actions are legal, I don't see how having a visitor in the room was in any way wrong. Many comments suggested that Ravi was only fooling around as college kids often do by playing a prank on his gay roommate. But since when is spying on someone with a webcam and knowingly violating their privacy a prank? Just because a dorm room is not private does not mean the students oc- cupying it have no privacy. If Ravi was that uncomfortable with his gay roommate, he should have gone to student housing and requested a different room. I am disgusted by the comments that ex cused Ravi for doing what he did. I cannot believe that people have the audacity to call this trial a promotion of homosexuality. Clementi killed himself because he was the target of homophobic bullying his entire life, a problem that many homosexual men and women face . No, Ravi probably did not think of the long term effects of his immature actions, but just because he did not see it coming does not mean he wasn't wrong. Ravi was offered a plea bargain that would have required him to complete 600 hours of community service and probation instead of jail time and possible deportation. He pied not guilty. There is no reason why our tax dollars should be spent keeping someone who influenced a suicide in jail for 10 years. We have no room in America for more homophobes or bullies. Send him home. CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carly.yamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com What do you think Rutgers student Dharun Ravi's verdict should have been in the suicide death of his roommate? • 1O years in jail and deportation • Only a few years of jail time • Probation and community service • Deportation • He was innocent Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com· SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. . Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �I ;;_. t I I jj 111 I\ - r THE BEACO-N I MARCH 27, 2012 7 Arts and humanities are still important at Wilkes BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor With the groundbreaking of the new fourfloor science building the mission is now clear: Wilkes will become the one of the premiere educational institutes in the region for science education. However, few are aware that at one time, Wilkes was once one of the premiere edu- cational institutes in the area for music. You heard me right: music. During an interview with associate professor of music Dr. Phil Simon, I was told that at one time, every room. on the third floor of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center had one baby grand piano. Now there is really only one that I can think of on the third floor: the one in associate professor of music Dr. Steven Thomas's office. Even better, at one time Wilkes had more The Beacon/ Austin Loukas Wilkes was once a premiere educational institute for music. Nowadays, the sciences have dominated the school, leaving the arts and humanities in the dust. than one language major besides Spanish. They included French, German and Russian and even had an art major, not just the current art minor or the integrative media major. According to the 2011-2012 Fact Book, the School of Pharmacy in total has 408 total enrolled as its primary major that includes the pharmacy practice program and the pre-pharmacy program. The Division of Performing Arts, meanwhile, only has 13 emolled as its primary major. And look at philosophy: only two majors emolled and one professor in its entirety. Now Wilkes is one of the few schools in Pennsylvania that has a fully accredited pharmacy school and is the size that it is, so I have to give it credit for that. But majors such as philosophy, Spanish and theater arts are only in existence because at least one class in one of these areas is required.for general education requirements. Every major has to take at least Philosophy 101 or Spanish in order to graduate. It simply blows my mind that a school that at one time was considered one of the best music schools in the area has now seemed to almost completely ignore the arts and humanities. I believe Wilkes should place more emphasis on the arts and humanities, as there is so much that they offer to society in terms of communicating human emotions, beauty and experiences that appeal to everyone. The arts and humanities give society the opportunity to pause, think and reflect on our experiences and the world around us. According to an essay online through Whitman College (which, by the way is also getting a new science building), the role of the arts in the academy, as in life, is to enable us to see the world and the human condition differently, and seeing the world through a particular work of art, to see a truth we might not have understood before. The arts and humanities should not just exist at Wilkes for extracurricular activities and general education but should be in place as academic classes, even academic majors for that matter as they compliment everything around us in society. The arts and humanities should not be viewed as something interesting to look at or something to do in one's down time. They need to be valued as academic majors just as the scientific majors are currently. CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: christine./ee@thewilkesbeacon.com Sit back, relax and stop complaining about concession prices BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Assistant Opinion Editor The next movie I plan to see is "The Hunger Games." I will purchase a small bag of popcorn costing around $4.50 and probably a small fountain soda at $4, give or take a few cents. The - tal will be a whopping $8.50. There's no doubt about it, I will definitely complain about this, but I will nonetheless snack and enjoy the movie. We've all had to deal with the burden of over-priced movie concessions at one point or another. The same burden exists at sporting events, amusement parks and concerts. Such events have a duty to make a profit; therefore, outside food and beverages are typically banned so that individuals are forced to buy their snacks from event vendors. Let's observe a hypothetical family of four who, for the sake of keeping things simple, each order a small bag of popcorn, a small soda and a box of candy (price estimate, $3.50). The four popcorns total $18. The drinks add up to $16 and candy boxes, $14. Dad then takes out his American Express card to pay and $48 disappears from his bank account. These prices are indeed outrageous, especially when you could get the same snacks at the CVS down the street for under $20. Michigan resident Joshua Thompson took matters into his own hands after buying a Coke and Nestle Goobers candy for $8 at an AMC theater, angered by the refreshment prices. In hopes of a statewide decrease in snack prices, the man later sued the theater for over-charging its customers. The majority of ticket sales actually go to the movie production and distribution companies, not the theatre. Within the first week of a showing, the theater is allowed to keep around 25 percent of ticket sales profit or less, according to theaterseat.org. EconWeekly says that distributors sometimes even split the revenue 90: 10 during the first week and decrease this amount every week that follows to 80:20, 70:30 and so on. Such splits are called sliding percentages. All in all, theaters do not come out ahead and must make a profit elsewhere. They tum to selling high-calorie refreshments that taste good and please movie-goers. After all, America excels in eating. Additionally, the theater keeps 100 percent of snack profits. All things considered, it's necessary for such high prices to exist, as unfair as it may seem. In reality, if food costs decrease, ticket prices would skyrocket. The theater must stay afloat if people want to have the treat of going to the movies. Otherwise, you'd be stuck with watching movies on your couch in DVD format on a much smaller screen. So look at it this way: a movie theater is essentially a junk food restaurant that happens to feature a movie. If you're in the snacking mood, suck it up and pay the price. If you're still unable to get past the prices, wait and rent it from Redbox. CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS: lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu The Beacon / Laura Preby A $5 popcorn may seem unfair, but these prices are necessary for the survival of the theater, which does not make enough money from ticket sales alone. �8 OPINION THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 The Senate should increase funding for NASA BY ANTHONY GORECZNY for our future. As anyone will agree, the space program is a great financial Endeavor. A single space "Space, the Final Frontier. These are the shuttle launch costs nearly half a billion dolvoyages of the starship Enterprise. Its con- lars. While many people may see this as an tinuing mission: to explore strange new unnecessary expense, that is only because the worlds, to seek out new life and new civili- grandiose nature of theses extraordinary unzations, to boldly go where no one has gone dertakings is lost upon them. before." The space program did not only expand our Those are the opening lines from "Star knowledge of our solar system and countless Trek: The Next Generation." Ever s~.141! _ ·;.:.swllac: phenomena, but also inspired every asremember.I have been fasc~ witb o~ ·· -~.Df humanity. space and what we might find•oot ~~ most obvious benefits are to all areas I am intrigued by the idea that we might dis- of math and science. Every individual field in cover new things none ofus have ever imag- these two areas of study has what is essenined in the nearly infinite unknown that is tially a symbiotic relationship with the space our universe. But there can be no Discovery program. without exploration, and recent massive cuts Clearly, space travel would be inherently to the space program have brought our extra- impossible without the study of math, physterrestrial exploration to a near stand still. ics, chemistry, and medicine. Consequently But it is not just my own infatuation with these disciplines, and many others, would not the skies that drives my opposition to these have made the advancements and achievecuts, nor is it the dreams and determination of ments we now take for granted. all the scientists and astronauts involved with GPS would be nothing but a dream if not NASA. Among those stars is a shining path for the satellites place in orbit using technolStaffWriter thin. .: · · the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331 -FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restauraut & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) zza $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I the legendary taste For delivery or take out Expires 06/30/12 valid only at Grotto Pizza locations I ogy from decades of aerospace research. new Apple product is released That dream was made possible by the hard that is, for all intents and work and determination of men and women purposes, exactly the striving to achieve their own dreams. In a re- same as the previous cent testimony to the U.S. Senate, well known year's. astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson delivered I doubt I need an inspiring message of hope for the future. to tell Through the space program, mankind has accomplished things once thought impossible. Cell phones, cordless power tools, mod- the econoem computers and even Lasik surgery all use my. ·when inncwations attributed to the space prograg:i. · The reason for this is, quite simply, these · Pre~ident men and women are dreamers. When told Obama set something is impossible, they do not simply the bailout accept their Challenger's supposition and in motion, walk away. They ask "Why can't it be done?" he poured This spirit of exploration is not unique to $750 billion the men and women as NASA, but they posses it in great abundance. This is the some spirit that drove Christopher Columbus, and the reason our first space shuttle was named the Columbia. the economy. It is their determination, their belief in the That would possibility of a world with a brighter future, similar to a parent who that invigorates their ambitions and inspires gives his child $1,000 in people across the world. the hope that it will teach him to Space travel has had as great an effect on stop wasting his allowance. To help our culture as it has upon our technology. pay for this, he made massive cuts to NASA, For years authors, poets, musicians and art- and put on hold all hopes for future exploraists have created works exploring the beauty, tion of the moon and Mars. mystery and enthralling sense of adventure This bailout cost more than NASA has rethat are inherent in space travel. There are few ceived in funding since its inception. As we people who would not instantly recognize El- have been continually abandoning our naviton John's "Rocket Man" or have never heard gation of the skies, our hopes for the future of"Star Wars." have been left among the nebulas and infant Since the dawn of ~e humanity has been suns of outer space. driven forward by our inclination toward It is time we reclaim them, and through edexploration. Our oldest stories include lost ucation and exploration bring all of humantreasures, like the city of Atlantis, that are just ity into a new golden age of prosperity and waiting to be discovered. progress. It is clear why many people refer to the Exploration and education provide jobs for modem era as the space age. So much of what millions, and motivate and inspire millions is integral to our society was either taken di- more to see possibilities they had never conrectly from, or inspired by the advancements sidered. Take the money back from the banks, and discoveries made by NASA and its com- which seek only to acquire more money, as patriots. that is their sole purpose for existence, and The space program brings us stability and reignite the fires which, in the Cold War, fupurpose. How many kids spread out in an eled the innovations that drove us to become open field to stare up at the stars, or dream of the most influential nation in world. being an astronaut as soon as their heads hit We may no longer have USSR breathing the pillow every night. It doesn't just inspire down out necks, but we have enemies far innovation and art; it unshackles imagina- greater that we carmot conquer along. War, tion and determination. If we turn our backs famine, injustice: all of these enemies may be on that now, our culture, our technology and confronted w:Wi knowledge and experience even our economy will severely stagnate. In gained through the space program. Perhaps fact, it has already begun. this path will give us all the ability to live Once we were entertained by stories of long and prosper. cowboys facing the unknown of the western frontier. Now we enjoy watching people get Photo courtesy of sxc.hu/ drunk and insult each other, and girls who are CONTACT ANTHONY GORECZNY AT: only 16 and already have a child. Every year a anthony.goreczny@wilkes.edu �. ~,,,,~0 ,1\1'.f'\~ EDITOR: christ) nelee@th,J~wilkesbe.1con.com WILKES UNIVERSITY HEALTH & W ELLNESS Alzheimer's Disease: a disease that disconnects The Beacon/Dan Lykens Left, Dr. Rhonda Soricelli presents on understanding Alzheimer's disease from the arts perspective. Right, a student views the work of artists in the "Memories in the Making:' a project that encourages those with Alzheimer's disease and caregivers to express their feelings and emotions about the disease through art. BY CHRISTIN E LEE LifeE~or Minerva Gaspar's grandmother has trouble remembering Gaspar. She can't even remember Gaspar's father, her own son, and thinks of herself as a child. "She needs constant care and (needs) to be watched 24 hours a day," Gaspar, an undeclared freshman, said. Gaspar said it-is stressful for her family to deal with the disease, as there is nothing they can do about it and the medication doesn't seem to help. Gaspar's grandmother is one of millions worldwide suffering from Alzheimer's disease, a form of memory loss affecting people aged 65 and older. This month, the Pre-Professional Society is hosting a series of awareness sessions with doctors and other professionals to help educate the public about the disease. About 5.4 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and there are approximately 15 million unpaid caregivers devoting 17 billion hours of care to those afflicted by the disease. The Greater Pennsylvania chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said every 68 seconds a person is diagnosed and the disease is the sixth leading cause of death and the only one that can't be cured or slowed significantly. GPCAA interm Director of Programs and Services Clayton Jacobs said until recently, Alzheimer's had a stigma that made people not want to discuss it. But the growing number of people aging makes the discussion more important. "Not only is it important for those going through it, we know one in every three families is affected so we all know someone, so (it has) some impact on our lives," Jacobs said. "It's partly our need to understand and to support each other in the community." The first session, "Diagnosis and EarlyStage Alzheimer's Care," held on March 13, touched on some of the warning signs, early stages of the disease and the disease's impact on families. The second session, "Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: A View from the Arts," was held March 21. Pre-Professional Society members Brielle Stanton and Nathaniel Lamoreaux, both biology majors, spoke at the session about the emotional and personal side of the disease. The session included a reception featuring artwork from the art therapy program "Memories in the Making." "(The program) is about the process of creating and finding different outlets for someone to express themselves even if they're having issues with memory and the ability to communicate," Jacobs said. Stanton said she was honored with participating in the session, and it has given her a new awareness about the disease. She has come to understand how it affects people and their loved ones. "With Alzheimer's and the Arts, (it) gives a better representation of how people are actually dealing with Alzheimer's," Stanton said. "You get a different perspective you wouldn't necessarily get through scientific information." The third session, "Alzheimer's Issues: Panel Presentation and Discussion," a panel discussion with six experts in Alzheimer's disease from around Northeastern Pennsylvania will take place at 6 p.m. March 27. The session will discuss available services, care needs and options for those working in the field or dealing the disease personally. Stanton hopes the presentations makes people more aware of the effects of the disease. "It's becoming a bigger topic today so it's very important that those who may be affected by it are aware of it because sooner or later each person is going to ~ave some connection to it," Stanton said Gaspar said awareness of the disease will help her family members prepare for the disease, particularly her father. "It'll prepare us for my dad, who (doctors) say is most likely to get it, we're looking at the way he acts as he gets older to see if he has any of the symptoms that she experienced and maybe get him on that medication that prevents it," Gaspar said. CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com �10 LIFE THE BEACON I can has Wilkes Memes? Students bring the lnb BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief Foul bachelor frog. Good guy Greg. Success kid. Courage wolf. Socially awkward penguin. Those are just a few of the Internet memes that have gone viral on websites like Memebase, Reddit and 9gag. The trend has even sparked an online database, KnowYourMeme, to document these Internet sensations and explain the humor behind them. And now, memes have spread to Wilkes. With the Facebook page Wilkes Memes, Wilkes students are putting their spin on Internet humor. Garrett Schrader, a junior history major, first noticed the Wilkes Memes page a few months ago, but followed memes in high school on web pages like the LOL Cat inspired blog, I Can Has Cheezburger? Through Internet memes are often known as images, they can also be catchphrases or videos spread across the online community. Schrader defined memes as inside jokes that everyone is in on. While he said people enjoy the humor behind them, the true purpose of a .meme is to describe things that happen in culture. "People can relate to them real well, that's the definition of a meme," Schrader said. "What a meme really is is it brings people together." People relate to meme situations, Schrader said, because they've been in those situations before or know someone who has. The more you can relate, the funnier they are, he said. "What people like about it is it relates to them in a funny way," Schrader said. Wilkes students may notice some familiar themes on the Wilkes Memes Facebook, like the new science building and the MyWilkes portal. Schrader said he has seen meme pages for other schools, but now Wilkes students can be in on the joke. "It's funnier here because we're a part of it," he said. Schrader said memes have become more popular recently as more people get access to them and they continue to spread. He said one reason memes are becoming more mainstream is that same relatability that defines the trend. "A lot of people share that same perspective, I think that's why they've grown in popularity," Schrader said. Darrell Dech, an undeclared freshman, agrees that memes have caught on and they refuse to let go. "I believe memes have become very popular in the last few months," Dech said. "Two to three months ago, practically nobody knew what a meme was. Now, you ask anyone and most people will be able to tell you one." Dech is another student who relates to Wilkes Memes. Some of his favorites include a Futurama character mocking the Wilkes mascot pronunciation and the Lord of the Rings character Boromir parodying online class registration. "My favorite Wilkes Memes is probably the 'Not sure if it's pronounced kernel or colonial' with Fry from Futurama," Dech said. "My other favorite is the "One does not simply log into the portal to register for classes."' Dech first found out about memes from the website Iwastesomuchtime.com after friends linked to them on Facebook. He decided to try making his own memes using quickmemes.com. "Memes are very simple to make," Dech said. "You just need to pick a topic and think of some creative, funny line about that subject." Schrader also occasionally makes his own memes, such as for the Ultimate Frisbee team. He said he hopes the trend of memes continues, especially the trend of Wilkes memes. He's always checking for updates to the Wilkes Memes pages, since he said those are especially entertaining. CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com SG hopes The Big Event volunteers make a sm BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer This year students, faculty and staff have given lots of hours toward community serv_.e, particularly in September after the flooding from Hurricane Lee. But, Student Government felt this Army of Colonels could do more for the community at large. The Big Event is a one day mass community service event with ultimate goals of the a group of Colonels will be doing tasks such as small home repairs, putting up fences, cleaning up parks and helping out in general. They will be taking work orders and then pairing up different people for those work orders and sending them out to help the community. For anyone who wants sustenance before the day's work begins, free breakfast will be served beginning at 9 a.m. Bagels that morning will be donated by the Bake House of Wilkes-Barre. Those on the Big Event committee have been working with different organizations to obtain volunteer sites such as the Jewish Community Center, St. Vincent Soup Kitchen, Wilkes-Barre Department of Public Works and the Luzerne County Disaster Relief group working for flood victims. "Most schools have this event, but because we are a university that is big on community service, we wanted to make sure we are doing something in the way of community service," Student Government President Willie Eggleston said. There will be short-term and long-term sites, so volunteers who finish up at one site can move on to another. The committee is trying to get the whole campus involved clubs, faculty, alumni, staff and athletic teams. Event flyers are posted all over campus with a barcode that can be scanned with a smart phone to lead directly to the website for the Big Event. This event has a Facebook page as well to reach out to volunteers. "Right now we are having a volunteer rush to get everybody registered and pair them up for sites. We have the work, we just need JUS the volunteers," said freshman class president and pre-pharmacy major Taylor Moyer. So far there are around 250 volunteers. Everyone will receive T-shirts and bags for their participation. The Big Event takes place April 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a barbecue at 4 p.m. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: alyssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Christine Lee Freshman integrative media major Moniquie Wood,)Nard helps clean up a home in Duryea during flood relief cleanup in September. Because the of the turnout for flood relief, Student Government and civic engagement have come encouraged more community service thorugh The Big Event. Jaimie Reside first-yE tion stl Hornet Camp, Reside1 lection, hall saf andR01 Justin , Reside1 �:ACON MARCH 27 2012 11 LIFE nternet trend to Wilkes Internet Memes 101 Here's some of the meme images that make the 'popular entries' thread on Knowyourmeme.com: LOLcats - One of the more classic memes, LOLcats can be traced back to 20th century photographer Harry Whittier Frees, who would add funny captions onto cat photos. Nowadays, the funny cat pictures are often captioned with the broken Englis text 'lolspeak'. Rage comics - Forever Alone, "Me Gusta" Guy and Y U NO Guy are a few of the many characters in the rage comic cast. The characters are all simple, stick-figure drawings made · Microsoft paint, and usually come with their own punch lines relating to real life. Advice Animals - This range of characters are captioned wi text showing funny, common character traits. These include Philosoraptor, Socially Awkward Penguin, Good Guy Greg,71'1""'••w.,;iiloti;~'l'ffl!.-Courage Wolf, Foul Bachelor Frog and many more. I took an arrow to the knee - An example of a pop culture influenced meme, this catchphrase is from the video game "The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim." The original phrase was, "I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow in the knee." The phrase went viral, allowing anyone to replace 'adventurer' with their own term. Yo Dawg - This celeb-o-meme features Pimp My Ride host Xzibit, who is known for putting random things like fireplaces into cars. The purposefully misspelled format is, "Yo dawg, I herd you like X, so I put an X in your Y so you can verb while you verb." This meme is often closely tied to the movie "Inception," because of the whole dream within a dream concept. residents in your hall especially with a position like ours where we're that much more removed from some of the traditional students, it still gives us the opportunity to interact with them on a regular basis because we live and work in the same place. JUSTIN ASTRIN, UNIVERSITY TOWERS RESIDENT DIRECTOR AND JAIMIE OSBORN, EVANS HALL RESIDENT DIRECTOR BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor ee O- le in ut nt Jaimie Osborn Residence Life Graduate Assistant and first-year Master of Business Administration student Hometown: Nazareth, Pa. Campus Role: Assists with the duties of Residence life, housing and in-housing selection, and the duties of Residence Life, hall safety and roommate conflicts at Evans and Roth no- Justin Astrin Residence Life Graduate Assistant and second-year Master of Business Administration student Hometown: Long Island, NY Campus Role: Oversees the RA staff that resides in University Towers and helps RAs with event planning, any issues that arise, and also serves on the Student Affairs oncall rotation. What do you like best about working at Wilkes? Osborn: I definitely like the friendly atmosphere, I feel like it's easy to get to know everyone not only the staff and faculty but also the students on campus. Astrin: Because it is a smaller, tight-knit community, it's easier to get to know the If you were to win a million dollars, what would you,,__ _,_spend it on? Osborn: I would pay off my stuI'd take a va. use whatevover to put on a house. would ball and go in it and roll down big hills and stuff. I would also buy a house, pay off my student loans, and get Lasik surgery. If you were to put something in a t_!_me capsule about yourself what would it be? Osborn: I would put my Nikes thaC I just bought because the United States no longer makes them. I would put it in my time capsule so I would have good shoes to run in 20 years down the road. Also I would put in Twizzlers just in case · they stop m aking them. Astrin: I would put my skydiv.· , ing See Questions, page 12 �12 LIFE THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 Spring Fling goes classy with new theme, venue BY ABBEY HALDEMAN Staff Writer Spring has just begun and students begin thinking about saying goodbye to this school year. One way Wilkes University is bringing an end to the school year's to celebrate the student's hard work with Spring Fling. "Spring Fling is just a dinner-dance at the end of the year that helps you escape the stress of finals, and it is a time for final goodbyes," Student Government corresponding secretary and senior business administration major Kevin Hopper said. For the past several years, the dance has been held at Genetti 's Hotel, but this year it will be put on at The Woodlands Resort. Student Government was hoping that a more modem venue this year would help to draw in more students. "The venue change is going to give it a different feel," Hopper said. This year's Spring Fling has a classic Hollywood theme to appeal more to students. QUESTIONS Astrin: My ability to draw out what I'm thinking in picture form. Courtesy of Freestockexchange.com The change of venue is not the only change, either. The event organizers decided to go with a more elegant theme after arranging a venue, figuring out prices and selling it to the Student Government executive board. "Last year there was a poll taken in which students got to decide which theme they would like best, and Hollywood came in second so, we (Student Government) chose it for this year's theme," Hopper said. Also, in the past there has been a photo booth, giving students an opportunity to take some sort of memorabilia with them when they left. For the theme of this year's Spring Fling there have been some modifications made to that. "There is a whole scene in which students can walk through and get pictures taken during," sophomore class president Amber Konopka said. Konopka, a middle school math and science education major, said Spring Fling is a good way for students to get together. "It is a good time and different than a usual social setting, as it a dinner dance. It also helps to bring students closer together," Konopka said. This year's Spring Fling will give students a chance to escape and have a fun time with those whom they have spent as much as (our years with or even as little as two semester with. Spring Fling starts at 7 p.m. on March 30. Tickets will be on sale for $5 · until Wednesday, March 27 in the Henry Student Union Building. CONTACT ABBEY HALDEMAN AT: abbey.ha/deman@wilkes.edu Continued from Page 11 video in there. I went skydiving twice and it was the coolest thing I've ever done. It was great time. If there was a movie made about your life, what actor would you want to portray you? Osborn: I would want Vmce Vaughn's per- sonality in Kate Hudson's body. Astrin: I would want Michael Scott's character from the office. Not Steve Carel! as a person, but Michael Scott's actual character. • If you could have any super power what would it be? Osborne: Definitely teleportation. Astrin: I would say, just to be able to fly on a whim like Superman. What is your favorite restaurant? Osborn: Carmines and the Melting Pot. They're pretty tied for me right now. Astrin: I've been a recent regular at Frank's Pizza on Main Street. It's awesome. Where is the most interesting place you've ever been to? Osbvrn: Capri, Italy. I studied abroad there for a semester. Astrin: The Seven Tubs up near Bear Creek. It was interesting because being in a city like Wilkes-Barre and having that only 10 minutes away, it is nice to have a cool get away like right next door. I don't get out much (laughs). What is your most unique talent? Osborn: I can French braid my hair upsidedown. What is your favorite time of year (season)? Osborn: Summer because it's my birthday season. There's wedding seasons, like I have a birthday season. Astrin: I would say spring because my birthday is in the spring, and I like the renewal that the season brings. What would you do if you had a time machine? Osborn: I would go back to the like the 1920s. I feel like there are a lot of things I could make happen. I could make my name in history, especially as a woman. Astrin: I would go back to the 1600' or 1700s because it would be interesting to see how people interacted more with each other then we do today. What is some advice you have for students living on campus? Osborn: I would say to definitely get involved on campus. I think the more involved you are, the more fun you'll actually have and get to know different people from different majors, grade levels from freshman to senior. Astrin: Your campus experience is like a cocoon where you're inside this place where you can grow, mature and and evolve as a person and you eventually graduate and appreciate the experiences that you had, not only you were a student at Wilkes, but the experiences you had living on campus. CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebecca.bolus@wilkes.edu Take your classes here. Transfer your credits. SAVE LOTS OF MONEY. �MARCH 27, 2012 CONTACT EDITOR: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Old is new again: The enduring appeal of vinyl How a seemingly obsolete recording format is bridging the generational gap BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Spinning. Shining. Black. Needle strikes vinyl. There's a faint hiss, as though the record player were a hotplate, with music notes sizzling in place ofbacon ' n' eggs. Then, a voice. Sounding as clear and packed with raw feeling as the day the song was recorded, decades ago. The audio is not just crisp, but also warm. Enveloping. Jay Notartomaso goes back to work, swimming around in waves of sound. He takes a black vinyl record out of its casing, inspects it, puts it in a pile. Does the same with another one. And another. And a couple dozen more. Some go in one pile. Some go in another. _ This is a life Notartomaso has lived and-. loved for more than 25 years. That's how long he's been the owner and operator of Musical Energi on 59 N. Main St. in Wilkes-Barre. His love affair with vinyl, though, can be traced back even farther. "I got my first record player when I was 4 years old. My dream was to be up to my eyeballs in records, and that's basically what's happened," he said. No kidding. The shelves of Notartomaso's shop are lined with LPs. Picture-discs and singles by everyone from Billy Idol and Tiffany to Motorl!ead hang on the walls. There are stacks and there are stacks, and then, just to switch things up, there are more stacks. "When I went to college, I had student loans, but I would sacrifice food for records," Notartomaso said. "When you buy a record you actually own something, as opposed to a download, which is just a tiny little spot on your hard drive." That's part of why Notartomaso feels vinyl records have endured while cassette tapes and 8-tracks have gone the way of the dinosaur. But another key to their resilience in the hearts of music aficionados is their resilience to the entropic effects of aging. "Vmyl is a permanent format. Records wear very, very little, as long as you have a good record player and a good needle," he said. "Most damage that happens to records is when they're not being played. People don't put them back right or they don't know how to handle them. But if you take care of them they'll last many lifetimes. We have records now from when they first started making re- The Beacon/ Austin Loukas Above: Trevor Kurtz has parlayed his love of vinyl into a classic rock show on Wilkes' radio station, spinning records from his personal collection on-air. Right : Musical Energi in Wilkes-Barre offers a an extensive array of vintage records for music fans. cords that are in beautiful condition." Looking back on the more than two decades he's spent preserving the legacy of vinyl in his own small way, Notartomaso has watched trends and cultural shifts breeze in and out the front door of Musical Energi. It's probably an understatement to say that the enthusiast in him is excited by the revitalized interest in vinyl he's witnessed firsthand from his post behind the counter at his shop. "It's great for me to see young people, especially, who like records. For me, it's a nostalgia thing. I grew up with records. It's part of my history. But to see young people who like to play records, I feel like there's more to it than that." One member of the new generation that has embraced vinyl is Wilkes University student and junior communication studies major Trevor Kurtz, who hosts the Vital Vmyl radio show on 90.7 WCLH, every Wednesday at4:30 p.m. For Kurtz, it is indeed more than nostalgia. It's an event. "I'd rather hold this big ol' thing," Kurtz said, comparing the new Bruce Springsteen LP, "Wrecking Ball," to its shrimpier CD counterpart. "Yesterday, I got this record in the mail. I sat on my couch, reading the lyrics, looking at the artwork. It's an experience. It involves you more in the music." Kurtz's affection for the format had led him to amass an extensive - and ever-expanding - collection. It's not just his love of classic rock or his preference for the more irnmersive experience of playing records that ultimately attracts him, however. In Kurtz's view, vinyl is simply a superior format. "With digital and CDs now, the recording process is different. It has a cold sound to it and it just doesn't sound right," he explained. "With vinyl, it's a much warmer sound, a much nicer sound. The fact of the matter is, with digital recording every record from every band sounds the same. With vinyl, you have different textures with different bands." It is that sense of auditory excellence that Kurtz believes has not only imbued vinyl with an eternal appeal, but has also given rise to the format's resurgence in the current musical climate. According to The Nielsen Company & Billboard's 2011 Music Industry Report, sales of vinyl LPs increased a whopping 36 percent from 2010 to 2011, marking a Nielsen SoundScan sales record. No other format's growth matched that number. Conversely, CD sales dropped by more than 5 percent. "There's a generation of people coming up that are like me," Kurtz said. "They're interested in the older technology because the newer technology is too much. For me, it's too much. I don't like downloading. I don't download legally, I don't download illegally. I just don't do it. "Frankly, the generation before us, I think, was much more concerned with convenience than quality. I think we're starting to see a turnaround in that." CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com �Stiff upper lip: Student seeks facial hair fame BY BILL THOMAS to donate the prize to Student Government. That prize? A $500 gift certificate to SpenArguably, few things say "man" in as man- cer's Gifts. ly a manner as a mustache. "I think with that they could throw a pretty Monolithic mountains o' machismo as kick-ass laser-light black-light party for the iconic as Burt Reynolds, Theodore Roosstudents." evelt, Wilfred Brimley and John Holmes Though Margavage is enthusiastic and have all boasted bountiful gardens of bushy hopes to solidify the terms of his donation bristles upon their upper lips, as if to com- soon, Student Government President William municate to the world - and to the ladies in Eggleston pointed out that no definitive plans particular - that the potency of their testos- for any such party have been made. terone levels is simply not to be questioned. "We are always interested in fulfilling as These days, it's not always easy finding a many student requests as possible and we chap with enough two-fisted derring-do and would certainly do everything in our power shave-resistant stalwartness to rock a robust to make the event happen if we received the mustache the likes of which Yosemite Sam donation," Eggleston said via email. would envy. "However, students would need to underWilkes University student Mark Marga- stand that events take a lot of preliminary vage, however, might just be planning and realistically NEPA's great mustachioed any sort of black-light parhope. ty or other event covered "The looks I get are usualby the donation would not ly from girls who just can't take place until the fall sebelieve it, or from guys who mester at the earliest." are jealous and wish they As of press time, Marcould grow a mustache like gavage has more than 800 this," Margavage said with a votes, putting him in fourth chuckle. "I groom it every place. And rising. day and it gets a little bit bet"The top three mustachter every day." es (besides my own) are all So distinctive are the jufake mustaches," Marganior earth and environmenvage said, imploring WilJill science major's handlekes students to stand up bar whiskers that they've for the cause of facial hair begun to get him attention Courtesy of Mark Margavage authenticity. whenever he goes out. It's Margavage hopes this picture Margavage's three main not uncommon for awe- will earn him the top spot in the competitors currently struck passerby to stop Mar- "Mustache March" contest. include "Nanuwins," a gavage and ask him to pose woman wearing a fake for a picture. mustache, "Kristina," an infant whose picture One such instance recently inspired the Ed- features her clad in a wool cap with a fake wardsville native to try and take his mustache beard attached to it, and "Lostboyz70x," a national. After a Spencer's Gifts employee man who isn't wearing even a fake mustache spotted Margavage's impressive 'stache, she in his photo. Instead, the mustache has been told him about a contest sponsored by Spen- drawn with marker onto the photo itself cer's, called Mustache March. "This is important. Help me beat these phoThe contest encourages mustachioed men nies." - and women! - of all ages to submit a headVoting ends Saturday, March 31. To vote shot so that Facebook users can vote on just for Margavage, go to facebook.com/spencers who actually has the best mustache of them and search for "Mark" using the Mustache all. Now, Margavage is on a campaign to be Marchapp. crowned Mustache Master. Users can vote once a day, though voting "I have a legit shot at this if the Wilkes stu- is not supported by the mobile app and must dents support it. I figured, if they support me be done using either a desktop or laptop comit's only right that I give back, " Margavage puter. said. It is with that sentiment in mind that Mar- CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: gavage, if his campaign is successful, plans billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Arts & Entertainment Editor Courtesy of Sarah Hassinger Art Club members, from left, include: pre-pharm freshman Kalie Burke, business administration freshman Shayne Wharton and pre-pharm freshman Riley Jackson. Creative juices flow at at new campus art club BY JANEL NARO Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor With busy class schedules, social activities, assignments to complete and papers to write, students have a hard time fitting in recreational pastimes such as art or music. But for those willing to make time for their passion, Wilkes University's new Art Club, formed just last semester, gives students outside of the art department the chance to partake in art projects throughout the year. "It seems so ridiculous that Wilkes didn't have an art club before," Sarah Hassinger, president and founder of the club, said. "I came from a school in an area, Neshaminy High School, outside of Philadelphia, where art is just such an important thing and everyone does art at least once. I was surprised they didn't have anything here." Most of all, Hassinger is passionate about providing an opportunity for busy students to express their artistic capabilities. "It just helps you think differently," Hassinger said. "You need a club for people to be able to go that don't have art classes to just do art." Hassinger, being a freshman pre-pharm major, cradles a busy academic schedule, but still finds time to start a club and host creative outlets for students. "I took it lightly at first and I started it, and I did not realize how hard it would be," Hassinger said. "It's hard for one person to do, because we're a new club." Sara Pisarchick, an integrated media professor at Wilkes, is the faculty adviser for the art club. Being a new club, it doesn't have any officers other than president. Hassinger hopes to build a committed group of officers for next year and has a pool of26 members this year to choose from. Of those 26 members, about 10 different people come to each event. Because of the low tum-outs, events featuring an art project are held at various times instead of having weekly meetings during club hours. The club's last project involved lighting a candle and dripping the wax on canvas then painting on top of it, then picking the wax off when it dries. "It doesn't take an artist exactly, someone who's trained, with shadow and shading and everything to do that," Hassinger said. "It's just fun." Hassinger has creative ideas for future projects, including a group statue made of recyclable materials in honor of Earth Day. Their upcoming event will feature a listening session, creating art inspired by music. "I'm going to have a really crazy diverse playlist of!Jlusic playing and we'll paint colors that you associate with each genre of music. So each song will have a different beat, mood and tone and you'll express it using colors and lines," Hassinger said. Anyone interested in joining the Art Club can email Hassinger at sarah.hassinger@wilkes.edu or check out the Art Club's Facebook group by searching "Wilkes University Art Club." CONTACT JANEL NARO AT: janel.naro@wilkes.edu �15 THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 A&E From page to screen: 'Hunger Hikers journey through nature, Games' film brings book to life self-discovery in 'End to Ending' BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer When the announcement of the "Hunger Games" movie adaptation was made, I was wary. "Oh, great," I thought, "Another amazing book that the movie will ruin." Well, I was wrong. "The Hunger Games" is an amazing movie, capturing the essence of the book without sacrificing the art of film. Reading the book, the characters are welldescribed. The film adaptation nailed down those descriptions and picked a perfect cast consisting of Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh .Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hensworth as Gale. Jennifer Lawrence is best known for her Oscar-nominated role in2010's "Winter's Bone." The story features a concept disturbing to some people. Two teenagers from each of 12 districts are chosen to compete in a fight to the death on national television. Needless to say, there is a lot of action. The action scenes in the arena, where the games take place, were fast and precise. Seeing the images on the screen was almost paralyzing in their uncanny likeness to what readers had previously pictured. The violence and brutality of the book is still in the movie, but, due to the PG-13 rating, it is faster and less drawn-out. What amazed me the most was the actors' ability to keep the different plots and sub-plots of the movie as important as the special effects and theatrics. In addition to the titular gan1es, there is a romance, a look at the home lives of those in the impoverished districts, the decadent reality of the Capitol, and the entire idea of a dystopian America. l11e bittersweet romance scenes between Peeta and Katniss in the cave of the arena are just as important as the deaths of the games' contestants. Due to the craziness ofthe Capitol as it was depicted on the page, T wasn't sure that everything would tum out well on the big screen. But, once again I was pleasantly surprised as every wonderful, strange hair color and skin tint turned out vivid and striking, leaving the impression that the viewer was supposed to come away with a realization of how extreme this world is. Lenny Kravitz makes a perfect Cinna, and takes the outrageous character to new levels. Few scenes from the book were left out of the movie. The only thing that readers may miss is the character of Madge source of the Mockin · pin which holds so mt · symbolic signific in the story. 0th than that, eve other detai I fi neatly int place, inter locking th story an · reality in its wonderful film adaptation. BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief It's not about the beginning or the end, it's about the journey. This is the message the book "End to Ending: an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker's Sto1y" gives while telling the story of the author's hike along the 2,000 mile path. Tanner Critz told the story of his six and a half month-long trip from Georgia to Maine. But, this tale is about much more than walking. It's about his self-realization as he transfom1s into his trail. name, Wayah, and the memorable experiences he has making close friends along th.e way. Critz, a young college student, start.<; off his trek alone. But, he's not alone for long, as he meets up with a band of various hikers with distinct personalities. .,,,. The new ac~ quaintances join ~ Critz to form *,.~ · ~ •.. , C ... 0 * ing group, the Vikings. The group builds a sense of camaraderie based on their support and reliance during the strenuous travel. You begin to feel like you're one of the Vikings as you follow them along. They create a tradition of sharing potluck camp food over little camp stoves, write inside jokes through the Appalachian Trail shelter journals and build other memories that you can't help but feel a part of. Despite the Vikings' man-bonding antics, there's a serious, emotional strain un~ eath the whole story. There's a recurring reflection ofpersonal gro""th, and the ever-looming threat that someone will cut their journey sho1t. If you read this book, don't expect a climax or any fonn of action. There isn' t a lot of excitement built into the plot; it's not that type of story. It more describes a setting, and the overall fee.ling of the journey. While some might find this format to be boring, I fmmd it peaceful and relaxiru5. l think anyone who enjoys simply walking in the woods or camping would get that same sense. At times, 1 wish the description was enhanced more on the surroundings and the nature they come across. While the development of the setting gave you a picture, it didn't quite satisfy my urge to want to drink the whole journey in with all its details. Nevertheless, the book was a light read to give outdoors enthusiasts wann feelings in their chest. The emotional and memorable qualities of this book make it hard to believe it's actually just about walking 2,000 miles. Spoiler alert: He finished the trail. ungry for Asian eats? Try Akeno Sus BY BILL THOMAS Staff Writer Luzerne County doesn't exactly have the most tantalizing array of options to offer those with a taste for sushi. Super Happy Panda Fan1ily King Buffet isn't going to cut it. Fortunately for those looking for higher quality Japanese eats at reasonable prices, a new restaurant has opened up in downtown Wilkes-Barre: Akeno Sushi, located at 72 S. Main St. In the interest of trying as wide a range of Akeno's offerings as possible - on a col1.egiate budget, no less - dinner for this outing consisted of "Sushi for 2," a sampler platter boasting an impressive selection of nigiri, as well as a California Roll (crab, cucumber and avocado) and a Spicy Tuna Roll (plenty of tuna, but surprisingly not a lot of spice). Before that, though, soup and salad acted as an admirable appetizer. Though the Mi.so soup lacked the authenticity the rest of the meal would proudly present, it was also far less salty and, thankfully, less gritty than the soup-mix Miso of other budget Asian eateries. More successful was the ginger dressing that was piled on the otherwise unren1arkable salads. Setting itself apart from its competitors, Akeno presented a clearly homemade ginger dressing more robust than the watery sort found elsewhere. Almost like coleslaw more than a salad dressing, with thick chunks of ground ginger - and, in one instance, sesan1e - clearly visible. Onto the main event, each piece of nigiri consisted of a single, thumb- length bed of sticky rice topped by a length of fish. The purpose was to highlight the tastes and textures of each individual piece of seafood, the simplicity allowing the inherent flavors of the fish to speak for themselves. Featured fish included tuna, salmon, Spanish mackerel, yellowtail, stray bass, red snapper, fluke and eel. Portions were generous without being indulgent. The flavors in both the nigiri and the rolls tasted fresh and clean. The rustic, earthy flavors of the mackerel and eel packed the boldest wallop whereas the fluke, yellowtail and snapper offered a more subtle, airy experience. Green tea-flavored mocha ice crean1 - essentially rice-based ice cream wrapped in a soft dough - capped the feast nfoeiy, oftering just the right mixture of chewy, • chilly and 3 5/5 subtle sweet to make a dessert ideally matched to the meal preceding it. For the more adventurous, Akeno offers a variety of rolls both standard and w1ique, as well as tempura and unagi don (broiled eel over white rice). Most specialty rolls are priced in the $10 range, which puts Akeno in an admirable position of marrying affordability with delectability. All told, "Sushi for 2" cost around $30, which, taking into account beverages, soup and salad, is pretty respectabl.e indeed. Throw in an enthusiastic staff and a tranquil atmosphere, and Akeno Sushi proves itself another exciting addition to Wilkes-Barre's downtown dining scene. CONTACT BILL THOMAS billthomas@thewilkes.beacon �MARCH 27, 2012 Colonels drop series to FDU-Florham Devils use multiple late-inning rallies to down Wilkes BY JUSTIN FRANIAK BY BRYAN WISLOSKY Sports Editor The Wilkes baseball team suffered three losses this past weekend in MAC conference play. FDU-Florham used a late inning rally on Friday to take down the Colonels in the first of a three game series. Junior Zach Lazar gave the Colonels just over six inning, allowing 11 hits and recording three strikeouts. Senior Matt Ruch gave the Colonels a triple in the first inning to start the Colonels scoring. Senior Mike Olerta took a pitch to the body, allowing Wilkes to put a run on the board. The Colonels would hold a 1-0 lead going into the fourth inning until FDU came and tied up the score, eventually taking the lead. Senior Tay Sidler helped the Colonels take the lead in the sixth inning by getting walked and moved to second after Mike Olerta's sacrifice bunt. Freshman Stephen Ruch would help Sidler score with a two-run RBI. FDU would use a triple and a single to bump their lead to 3-2. Junior Carmen Lopresto would use a deep triple, along with a wild pitch, to help the Colonels take a 4-3 lead in the seventh • inning. Freshman Dan Pisanchyn used his pinch hitting appearance to his full advantage, using a double to give Wilkes an 8-4 lead. FDU would not stay silent, as they blew the game wide open the next inning. The Devils used three hits and a multiple run double to take the lead 12-8 in their last appearances at the plate. The Colonels would only manage to score two additional runs, and fell to the Devils 12-10 in the first meeting of these teams this past weekend. The Colonels schedule continued to be grueling as they traveled to FDU-Florham on Saturday after losing a close nine-inning affair the day before. The Colonels jumped out to a 3-2 lead in the -first of the afternoon doubleheader. The Broad Street Breakdown Columnist The Beacon/Laura Preby Junior pitcher Zach Lazar (right) throws a pitch during Friday's baseball game against FDU-Florham. Wilkes went on to lose the game 12-1 o._T~e ~olon_els ~ro~ped the three game series to the Devils. Lazar pitched just over six innings m his Friday outing. Freshman Stephen Ruch (left) added a two-run RBI in the contest. Sophomore Tyler Marino and freshman Dan Pysanchyn would work together with a double and single to put the Colonels out in front. The Devils would come back to tie the game 3-3 and send the contest into extra innings. In the bottom of the eigth the Devils would use a RBI single to grab the win from the Colonels, 4-3. Wilkes would have no luck in the second contest of the day either. The Devils continued their streak by scoring 12 runs through six innings jumping out to a 12-3 lead. Wilkes would put up nine runs, including Pisanchyn and Stephen Ruch who would reach base and score. Sophomore A.J. Mihaly blasted a three-run home run to keep Wilkes in striking distance. The rally was not enough as the Devils scored six runs in the next two innings, and Wilkes fell for the third time 18-9. Senior Pitcher Mark Siebel said the Colo- nels need to finish ·their games strong in order to get back to their winning ways. Mike Olerta thinks that the next time the Colonels see the Devils, the outcome will be different. "It was a tough series, we battled hard the first two games," Olerta said. "I definately feel that if we get another shot at them in the playoffs things will go differently." Mark Siebel believes that finishing games is the key to winning. "When we are winning we need to keep playing hard," Siebel said."We need to work on having games where we hit, pitch and field well, not just one of the three." The Colonels currently sit with a record of 5-10. Wilkes will be in action again against the University of Scranton on Wed. March 28 at Artillery Park. CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com This Sunday, April 1, 2012, we finally get the mega-event we've been waiting for since last April. Live on pay-per-view, in Miami, Florida, in the legendary Orange Bowl, is the historic Wrestlemania 28. This year is possibly the most star-studded line up in the nearly three decade history of the event, headlined of course by the clash of the titans of the wrestling world, when John Cena goes one:on-one with the Great One, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This match was made on the Monday Night Raw after last year's Wrestlemania, so needless to say, it has some hype. Also on the card is the End of an Era match, where The Game, HHH, takes on the Deadman, the Undertaker, inside "Hell in a Cell," with special guest referee Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid. The Apocalyptic Warrior is undefeated at the Show of Shows and can make it an unthinkable 20-0 with a victory over the Cerebral Assassin. The only thing is, HHH nearly ended "The Streak" at last year's Wrestlemania, and Taker didn't even leave the ring under his own power. Then there is the bout for the WWE Championship between current champion CM Punk and Chris Jericho. This match will determine who truly is "The Best in the World." Also, we have the World Heavyweight Championship match between D~el Bryan and Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior earned this title shot against D-Bry by winning the 2012 Royal Rumble match. As we move down the card, there is the 12-man tag match where Raw General Manager, Johnny "Ace" Laurinaitis, will put a team together against Smackdown GM, Teddy Long, where the winner will gain cont,rnl over both shows. Team Johnny consists of team captain David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry, Christian and a wrestler to be named later. SEE WWE, PAGE 19 �17 SPORTS THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 SCOREBOARD Baseball 3/20 Penn College L 6-7 3/23 FDU-Florham L 10-12 3/24 POU-Florham L 3-4, .., L9-18 Softball 3/21 Alvernia L 8-9, L 2-10 W-Tennis 3/22 Haverford W 8-1 Lacrosse 3/22 Albright W 20-13 3/24 Cedar Crest W 16-4 WEEKAHEID Baseball 3/28 Scranton 3/29 Keuka Softball 3/29 Lebanon Valley 3/31 Manhattanville W-Tennis 3/31 Eastern M-Tennis 3/31 Eastern 4/1 Marywood Lacrosse 3/31 Rosemont East- Miami Marlins-97 wins, Philadelphia Phillies-94 wins- Wild Card #1 The NL East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. Last year, the Phillies won the division with a MLB best 102 wins and a monstrous pitching rotation. The Marlins have a new look, with a new stadiwn and new players. They brought inAllStars Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle. The Braves also have a good team with deep pitching staff and an interesting mix of veterans and young players, even .after their record collapse last season. This year, I think the Marlins will come through. The Phillies still have the best rotation in the division. But they might have the worst offense. Ryan Howard could miss most of the season with an Achilles injury, and Chase Utley is now in question. I still pick the Phillies to get a wild card slot. Central- Cincinnati Reds-94 wins, Brewers-92 wins- Wild Card #2 Last year when Adam Wainwright went down with an injury. I counted the Cardinals out. They ended up winning the World Series. This year they have no Pujols, and Chris Carpenter is looking like he is not healthy. It's hard to count the defending champs out. The Brewers lost Prince Fielder and a lot of protection and power in the lineup. But they did add Aramis Ramirez and already have a top of the line young pitching rotation that is probably in the top three in the NL. I pick them to win the Wild Card and play the Phillies in the play-in game. The Reds are my dark horse this year. Last year, the Reds were at the bottom of the league in pitching with a lot of injuries and inconsistences. NL West- Arizona Diamondbacks-95 wins Send messages and pictures to @wilkesbeacon Last year was no fluke for the Dbacks. They won the west by eight games over the defending champion Giants. I love the Giants pitching rotation, but their hitting is just not good enough to compete with the best. The return of Posey will help, and Lincecwn will have a much better year than last. I like the Dbacks with their young talent, Ian Kennedy, who has come into his own, and a great manager in Kirk Gibson. I see them winning by a game or two. East-New York Yankees 103 wins, Red Sox 97 wins-Wild Card #1, Rays95 wins-Wild Card #2 The American League East might be the best division in the history of sports this year. The Yankees have added a ton of pitching both young and old, addressing their major need last year. The Rays are a young team that just won't die. Mix the cut-throat "us against the world mentality," a great coach in Joe Maddon and a young pitching rotation, and they are a dangerous team. The Red Sox have all the talent they need, and new manager Bobby Valentine is bringing a fresh new mentality. The Blue Jays are worth mentioning, sin_ce they lead the league in home runs and ~ve great young pitching coming up this year. Central- Detroit Tigers 100 wins The Central is a mess this year, and the only constant is the Tigers. They added Prince Fielder to the monster Miguel Cabrera for the best 3-4 combo in the bigs. Mix that with Justin Verlander, Doug Fister and a great bullpen, this is a runaway year for the Tigers. The only question is Cabrera's move to third. The White Sox and Twins have disappeared and the Indians cannot stay healthy, so look for the Royals to finish second with an 85-win season but not come within 12 of the Tigers. West- LA Angels 96 wins The West is interesting. Take out the two bottom feeders in Oakland and Seattle, and you have a slugfest that spans 162 games for the division title. The Angels have vastly improved with Pujols and CJ Wilson coming over. The Angels rotation rivals the Phillies and is extremely deep. The Angels had 86 wins last year before adding Pujols, a 15-plus game winner in Wilson and healthy Morales. Look for them to get 96 wins. Texas has a great lineup but their pitching is a question mark. We don't know how Yu Darvish will do and their team lost their ace. I foresee them having 90 wins, but no playoffs because of the strength of the Angels and the East division. My ALCS pick is going to be the Tigers. I believe the Tigers have a fantastic pitching staff, and I am huge on Doug Fister. I think the Yankees will face them in the championships series, but Prince Fielder will claim his throne in the World Series. �THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -SPORTS --~---------------------- 18 Wilkes downs BU Huskies The Beacon/Laura Preby Amanda Rossi warms up before she and her teammates defeated Division II foe Bloomsburg University. Wilkes claimed victories in four out of six singles matchups. The team of Junior Alexis Donner and Sophomore Ally Kristofco clinched the victory for the Colonels in their doubles matchup. Wilkes beat the Huskies 5-4 and will be in action again March 31 against Eastern. Re '='~ • Ph'G't l A & ;,%/# $ As ¾)ft.,, Vid .. On.l,it1~9de-~i:Sl[llrrs : ... an.d m,e r,i, 146 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE/ WILKES-BARRE, PA 18701 We're hiring No experience necessary. We'll train. The Beacon will begin accepting applications April 2 for all the positions you see listed here. Don't leave Wilkes with just an education ... get experience. Working with The Beacon provides an opportunity to improve communication skills that are essential for any career field. For more information, contact Kirstin Cook, editor-in-chief, at kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu, 570408-5903 OR Dr. Loran Lewis, adviser, loran. lewis@wilkes.edu, 570-408-4165 UBEACO N ~ r-' News of Toda Re orted B the .Journalists of Tomorrow �19 THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 Wrestlers attend benefit - WWE Continued from Page 16 n :rs lior ed ;s. of ut :td n- er k- :s, rs n:rr Team Long has team captain Santino Marella, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, Zack Ryder, The Great Khali, and another mystery participant. It should be noted thift by the time this article comes out, the final two wrestlers for the match will most likely be revealed, but for now my predictions are Miz for Laurinaitis, and Brodus ----·--Clay for Long. Next, we have Randy Orton taking on Kane. The Viper and the Devil's Favorite Demon should put on a good show for the crowd. Then there is the match for the Intercontinental Title where Big Show hopes to end his string ofWrestlemania woes against current champion Cody Rhodes. The final match currently on the card is the Divas tag match, featuring Maxim bombshell Kelly Kelly teaming up with the host of Extra, Maria Menounos, to take on the dastardly Eve Torres and Divas Champion Beth Phoenix. This match is really only on the card as filler. As far as winners go, my predictions are Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos, Cody Rhodes retains the Intercontinental Title, Randy Orton, Laurinaitis will take control of both shows, Sheamus becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk retains his WWE Championship, Undertaker goes to 20-0, and as much as I am a part of Team Bring It, I have to say that the Cenation leader will take the victory in The Rock's hometown. John Cena is just too big a star, and Rocky just isn't around enough that a win will do the company any good. Either way, Wrestlemania has a sick lineup and could possibly be the greatest show of the year in the world of sports entertainment. CONTACT BRYAN WISLOSKY AT: bryan.wis/osky@wilkes.edu OPEN HOUSE I :s .n :e w :n is 1r, n Photo courtesy of Dave Oberrender Wilkes wrestlers Dave Oberrender (left), Ben Marich (middle), and Eric Bach (right) pose with Natalie Smirne. They recently attended a benefit for Smirne held at Kildare's Irish Pub in Scranton. The benefit was held to raise money to renovate Smirne's home to accomadate her and her new wheelchair. For information or to donate contact Oberrender at david.oberender@wilkes.edu. @ 40 WEST · At 40 West, you get the best. And then some. We' re hosting an Open House on a Saturday for students 8: parents to check out all the great amenities 40 West has to offer! WHEN: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, March 31 WHERE: Wilkes-Barre YMCA Lobby-enter through Franklin St. WHY: To showcase our amazing, new student housing complex! PERKS: Free food, awesome tour of modern & safe apartments and applications/leasing packets available! RSVP on Facebook! 40 West Apartments ' Follow us on Twitter! @40WestApts Call us with questions! 570.855.4686 Email our community coordinator, Jacki Lukas-jlukas@radnorproperty.com �SPORTS :.. Check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.com ~ THE BEACON I MARCH 27, 2012 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 March 27th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 March 27 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/3e59914a070247fb17c22e01bef44a1a.pdf e076cbde7016410837b0f42a0b07440b PDF Text Text w Est. 1936 PA Newspaper Association Member www. thewilk:esbeacon.corn March 20, 2012 Volume 64 Issue 15 The Beacon/Dan Lykens After being announced as Wilkes' sixth president, Patrick F. Leahy made it a point to visit every academic and administrative office on campus within his first 60 days. He currently serves as executive vice president at the University of Scranton. Leahy begins duties July, 1. THE NEWEST COLONEL Wilkes appoints Patrick Leahy to succeed Gilmour as President BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief PHATNGUYEN News Editor Patrick Leahy went from being a Scranton Royal to a Wilkes Colonel in a matter of hours. The former executive vice president of University of Scranton was announced as Wilkes' sixth president on March 12. "It's not every day that a college administrator can become a Colonel in just a few hours," Leahy said. After his introduction, Leahy stressed his plans to both enhance liberal arts at Wilkes and expand professional programs. "In my opinion, nothing prepares students better for the complexities of today's world than a liberal arts education," Leahy said. "I think engineering students should read Shakespeare. I think business stu- dents should study the American get to know as many of you personally as I can, and try to understand Civil War." Leahy stressed this enrichment of as well as possible the rich history liberal arts would be a continuation here at Wilkes," Leahy said. He began this goal immediately of Wilkes' strengths. following the announcement by visit"We must strengthen the tradiing the cafeteria, library and classes tions of the past as we imagine the to ta1lc one-on-one to students about possibilities of the future," Leahy what they like about Wilkes, and said. what they'd like to change. Leahy stated his first goal will be Leahy, who begins his position July to get to know the campus commu1, promised to visit each academic nity. "My first assignment will be to SEE LEAHY, PAGE 4 The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow For more information and content, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.co~ �National Security retnains hot topic ten years after 9/11 BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor Wilkes political science students brought two speakers to the Miller room in the SUB last Tuesday to speak on behalf of national security. Although it has been 10 years since the devastation of 9/11 , many believe national security remains a topic with many questions remaining. "As the two panelist discussed, it is still an open debate," said political science professor Kyle Kreider. "Even though we know what the issues are, we still do not have set answers as to what is the proper balance between liberty and freedom." The Wilkes chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha, Sigma Pi and the National Political Science Honor Society along with the rest of the political science department welcomed two speakers who presented "Ten Years Later: 9-11 and American Life." The two presenters, Richard Glenn of the department of government and political affairs at Millersville University and Reggie Shuford, executive director of the Pennsyl- Beacon Briefs BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor ASl\Y: car show - Wilkes American Society for Mechanical Engineers club requested $5855 for their annual car show which takes place Apr. 22. The club has $850 in their account with the addition of an anonymous check. With a projected cost of $5854.50, many SG members questioned why ASME did not factor in the money they already have in their account. ASME claimed the check will go toward covering prize costs for trophies and plaques. ASME believes this event is beneficial to students as it allows them to connect with people from different Photos Courtesy of Kyle Krieder Richard Glenn, left, and Reggie Shuford spoke about finding an acceptable balance between government actions towards security while maintaining American ideals of freedom to a room full of students. vania American Civil Liberties Union, both shared their knowledge on the history of national security before turning the discussion over to the audience for open conversation. The matter of debate was finding an acceptable balance between government actions toward security while maintaining the ideal freedom America was founded upon. Concern for national security has been an everlasting weight on the shoulders of each president to take office. Kreider explained that presidents receive classified information daily that the public never knows about and therefore the responsibility to keep the country safe lies predominantly in their hands. "The presidents have a need or desire to protect national security," said Kreider. "They are the ones that would face the recourse at the ballot box if there is a terrorist attack in the United States; they feel the pressure to keep America safe." Because the president has such a huge responsibility to maintain national security, the matter allegedly makes political party obsolete. For example, Kreider explained how many expected Obama to reform the policies Bush implemented for the War on Terror drastically. However, Obama kept the policies in place and just recently began bringing troops home from the Middle East. Political science professor Andrew Miller explained how significantly different views are to students on such a controversial issue. "I think it's important for students to get a different perspective," said Miller. "To cover different topics with different voices." age groups while learning about the history of mechanics. Some SG members argued this event benefits students directly. Since ASME only requested $2000 last year, SG feels this year's show cost increase comes with very little change. The decision on the fund request will be decided next week. with United Way, Luzerne County Disaster Relief and the City of Wiikes-Barre to make a difference in the community. The· event will cost a projected $3000. Campus e-mail switch to g-mail - IT's efforts in converting Wilkes e-mail over to Google's g-mail is a work in progress. Many SG members seem to be in favor of the idea. However, the decision is ultimately up to the IT department and their determinations. April Fool's Day - Students, faculty and staff are invited to join the "Big Event" Apr. 1. The event is a campus wide community service project allowing clubs and organizations who have not fulfilled their community service requirement for the year to do so. Breakfast will be offered before shuttles and SG vans transport participants to service sites. An estimated 200 participants have registered to date and will be working in conjunction BEACON Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com • ~: · Mac Miller concert - Tickets for the Mac Miller concert are available every day in the SUB from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from now until Mar. 30. Student tickets are $15 with ID and limited to two per person, faculty/staff/ alumni tickets are $20 and also limited to two per person, public tickets are $30 with a limit of four per person. CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 l Changes in SG - Because many students have complained about lack of friendliness portrayed by SG members at meetings, SG is considering creating a new position to host presenting students. A new office as sergeant in arms will welcome in students presenting at SG meetings by restricting the amount of chatter among representatives. SG has also discussed a harsher probation. Members who have scarce participation have been given the status of probation in the past. Because probation is nothing more than a status, little reform has happened. CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com ' .. t ... ( \. ~ , .. J News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Meet the Staff Rebecca Bolus Assistant Life Editor �THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 3 NEWS SHE building shoots for green and gold standards Architects plan for environmental friendly features, better energy efficiency BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief The new Wilkes science building is going to be silver and green. Silver meaning the certification level it is aimed to reach with an environment-friendly design, and green for the conscientious impact designers hoped to have on the planet. Architects hope to ensure green standards through the design and construction of the science building by including many innovative, environment-friendly features. These features include everything from the restroom sinks to carpeting. Wilkes President Joseph (rim) Gilmour described the new science building as green in nature at the M arch 1 groundbreaking ceremony. "We will really have a green building in character," Gilmour said. The building architects are aiming at reaching the second highest level, silver, in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, but Gilmour said he'd like to see the highest standard. "We're hoping for gold, but we will definitely be at least LEED silver," Gilmour said. One of the designers for the building, SaylorGregg architect Tom Breslin, said the architects met with the building committee to discuss the LEED checklist. The LEED certification is granted based on a system that awards points in categories, such as energy efficiency and construction waste management. "W• try to be as wise as we can selecting the strategies we can use that will get the most bang for your buck, both in terms of investing in future savings and just environmental impact of what credits you go for," Breslin said. Photo Courtesy of Marketing Communications One of the green features includes a "living wall:' an exterior wall covered in vines which would cut back on heating in the winter and save on cooling in the summer. Breslin said they hope to use sinks that are quick use and low flow, which will make the building much more water efficient compared to traditional buildings. "The goal is to reduce water use by 30 percent over what a typical building would be," Breslin said. Kenneth Klemow, biology professor and associate director of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, said another feature that would reduce water usage would be no flush or low flush toilets, which he said would be hygienic as well as conservative. "There are things that you can do that are still sanitary but reduce the amount of water coming through," Klemow said. Klemow was involved with the design of the building, as he and other faculty members provide ideas to the ~chitects. He said the green considerations are as detailed as the carpeting and adhesive used in construction, which may release vapors and pollutants depending on the type. But focusing on these details was always part of the plan, as Klemow said they've been planning on having the science building reach green standards since the first discussion. He said the building will allow Wilkes to "lead New businesses downtown W-B BY AMANDA LEONARD Correspondent A walk through Wilkes-Barre's downtown a few years ago would seem dull and almost lifeless, compared to today's revamped scene. Recently, Wilkes-Barre has had a face lift, as well as many businesses jumping at the opportunity to open or establish a business in the area. With the implementation of the RC WilkesBarre Movies 14 theater and the renovation of Wilkes-Barre's YMCA, the streets have became more lively. The trend of Wilkes-Barre businesses opening is on the rise and each owner has a different rea- son why he or she decided to open in the area. Tim Multahy, owner of ArtStreet USA & The Sweet Cafe, was born and raised in the area and is aware of the economic hardships the area has faced. However, he believes in the potential that the downtown area holds. "I'm from the Heights area (Southwest Wilkes-Barre) and I've always seen downtown as thriving and attractive for visitors," he said. "It took a little bit of a downturn for awhile but I think it's well on its way to recovery." Multahy has seen the downtown revitalized with RC Wilkes-Barre Movies 14 theater on 24 E. Northampton St. "I want to be part of this revitalization as seen by the movie theater and new restaurants on the square," he said. "So far, my business is doing very well." Multahy's business offers an assortment of coffee, vintage penny candy and jewelry that is made in the USA. Multahy is not alone in deciding to open a business in downtown Wilkes-Barre. According to a storefront occupancy trend chart provided by Larry Newman, vice president of planning, policy and development, the past six years have been successful for new business owners. "The reason is that 2006 is the year when our by example" in environmental design. "We knew a long time ago that we wanted to make the building a green building, because we wanted the building to be like a showpiece," Klemow said. One of the green features of the building will be a living wall, an exterior wall covered in vines, which Klemow said would cut back on heating in the winter and save on cooling in the summer. Large windows will be a feature to save energy on lighting by allowing maximum natural lighting inside the building. But, to balance out this light intake, Klemow said awnings must be included over the windows to avoid excessive heating in-the summer. "It's a whole bunch of things that you have to balance off of each other," Klemow said. Another feature that will help maintain building temperature will be the green roof, which will partially be covered in plants. Klemow said this roof will also help with storm water issues, and will direct excess rainwater to a rain garden that students can help design and monitor. Breslin said the roof would work as a sponge, as rooftop plants would absorb rainwater and prevent flooding issues from the traditional gutter system. "You're decreasing the additional load on the storm system and sewage treatment plants and everything down the line," Breslin said. Breslin said the biggest challenge of planning the building was offsetting the high-energy consumption of the science laboratories. "A lab building in general is an enormous user of energy," Breslin said. Klem ow explained that much of the energy is consumed by about 70 fume hoods needed SEE SHE, PAGE 5 downtown revitalization efforts really hit their stride with the opening of several anchor projects, such as Movies 14 and Barnes & Noble," Newman said. Since 2006, 70 businesses in Wilkes-Barre have opened while 38 closed. Newman said that in the United States, 3 of 10 businesses fail within the mt two years of opening and more than half of all businesses fail within the first four years of opening. "The recession has only exacerbated this trend in the United States," he said. However, Wilkes-Barre continues to see new businesses open to take the place of those that have closed. SEE BUSINESS, PAGE 4 �NEWS 4 BUSINESS LEAHY Continued from Page 3 Continued from Front Page The trend of opening a business in downtown Wilkes-Barre seems to be a mix of overcoming economic hardships and the desire to showcase a potential talent or skill. Susan Wampole, owner of Brazil Street Blues, found that a mix of both of these factors helped her make the decision that she wanted to open up a homemade pierogi business. The idea for her one-woman business, based entirely in her home, originally started within her family when they wanted to find a place that sold locally homemade pierogies. Most of the local churches that had sold pierogies at bazaars or other church-sanctioned events had stopped selling them, due to lack of volunteers and funds. So, while churches closed their doors on the pierogi-making business, Wampole opened hers. Wampole said that the supply and demand for pierogies is what structured her business. While some business owners open a business solely to sell what it is they have to offer, other owners delve more into the marketing aspect of it and understand that the supply and demand aspect is much more prevalent in a city that is devei ping, as seen in Wilkes-Barre. Mulligan's Irish Pub, located on 41 S. Main St, is within walking distance of both Wtlk:es University and King's College. With the success of Hardware Bar, the owner, Kaminoka Entertainment Group, has decided to open up another bar aimed toward college students, but without the club scene that Hardware Bar offers. Kaminoka Entertainment Group owns the Hardware Bar chain that includes the Bourbon Street Saloon, Buck Wild Rode House and Mulligan's. The chain is now extended to five locations: Bloomsburg, Harrisburg, Scranton, West Shore and Wtlk:es-Barre. Angelo DelSordo, general manager of Mulligan's, has always been attracted to the area and wanted to be a part of the downtown restoration. "The downtown area of Wilkes-Barre has been cleaning up nicely and there is a huge potential for bars locally, between all the businesses in the area along with colleges," he said. "Mulligan's is doing extremely well thanks to the local colleges." The majority of Wilkes-Barre's business growth stems from local colleges that have students who are looking for something to do at night. Prior to downtown's revamping, students' options were limited. As Wilkes-Barre continues to grow, business owners and college students alike become more attracted to the area and help with the revitalization and cleanup of a once broken city. department and administrative area on campus within his first 60 days. "We' ll have ample opportunities to get to know each other, that I promise," he said. He said focus groups will help him to establish a personal connection with students. "Students are the heart of the matter at a university like Wilkes," Leahy said. Leahy plans on using this feedback to remodel the decision-making process, placing a priority on involving campus views. "What we'll do is take a fresh look at governance here at the university to ensure that we're getting the proper voice from students, faculty and staff, the three important constituencies on campus," Leahy said. Besides this assessment process, Leahy initially plans on ensuring the new science building is "on-time and on-budget." He said his next target would be increasing enrollment, but he hopes this is not limited to NEPA. "I think we continue to invest in the campus so that we make coming to Wilkes University, coming to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. a destination place for students," Leahy said. "And not only throughout eastern Pennsylvania, but I think increasingly throughout the entire northeast portion of the U.S. and even specific areas abroad." Leahy said the futures of Wilkes University and Wilkes-Barre are intertwined, and Wilkes plays an important role in the city's revitalization. Leahy's appointment as the newest Wilkes president ended a nine-month search by an 11-member search committee composed of students, faculty and staff. The university's Board of Trustees chair Jack Miller said Leahy's presentation to the committee on his vision for Wilkes included a track record of outstanding fundraising, financial management and budgeting skills. "In order to move the institution to new levels of achievement, we need a visionary leader," Miller said. "I'm confident that Patrick Leahy is that leader." While Leahy said fundraising today is challenging, two things will make it easier to raise funds for the project. "One, is it is a very compelling project. What that science building will do is strengthen what is already a strong part of this university," Leahy said. "Two, we have no shortage of people who care about Wilkes University." During his tenure at the University of Scranton as executive vice president, Leahy's achievements include 16 percent increase in undergraduate applications CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 The Beacon/Dan Lykens Christa Filipkowski, far right, handed out gifts to Leahy and his family following the open remarks. One of the Leahy sons struggled to put his new shirt on. leading to enrollment of a class of 1,059 students in fall 2011. He was also a part of a team that raised $125 million "Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign" that ended at 29 percent above its original goal - nearly three times as much in the previous capital campaign. Leahy joined the University of Scranton in July 2004 as executive assistant to the president and has also taught student through the business leadership honors program. He earned a doctor of education degree in higher education strategy and management from the University of Pennsylvania and a dual master's degree from Cornell University in business administration and labor relations. He earned a bachelor's degree in English literature at Georgetown University. He said he is both humbled and energized by the university's prospects. Current president Joseph (Tim) Gilmour said he feels positively about the future of Wilkes with Leahy as his replacement. "I think he's someone who is extremely wellprepared for the position," Gilmour said. "I also think he understands what Wilkes needs to do next, and I think that's really exciting. I feel that Wilkes is going to be in great hands." Gilmour joked that he did not have any tips for the new president. "I'm not going to tell him anything," Gilmour said with a smile. "I'm actually going to see if I can learn from him. He's a great guy. I know he's going to be great." Gilmour said he has worked to establish Wilkes as a leading educational institute, and feels Leahy will continue to guide the school to its fullest potential. "The thing that I've been working for these years to do is set the stage for Wilkes to really emerge on the big stage," Gilmour said. "I think (Leahy) is the right person to do that." CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 SHE Continued from Page 3 is consumed by about 70 fume hoods needed in the labs to remove dangerous fumes from chemicals from the building. "In some cases, each hood can use as much energy as a small house," Klemow said. To combat this, high efficiency lab machinery will be installed, which Breslin said would lead to 19 percent less energy usage. Erin Emery, communication manager of the U.S. Green Building Council that coordinates the LEED Certification, said energy consumption is just one of the wide variety of categories the certification process considers. Emery said the LEED system, which began 11 years ago, has seen an increase in demand. She said they currently have over a billion square feet of projects certified, and 25 percent of new construction projects in the U.S. are pursuing some level of LEED certification. Emery said a commitment to sustainability is only one of the reasons LEED is important. "There are so many different reasons," Emery said. "It's about a consciousness of the space you occupy in the environment and how you treat your environment and our planet. She added that financial benefits are particularly pertinent with the economic state, which she said may be part of the increase in demand for certification. NEWS "There are also really money savings associated with it," Emery said. "There are big advantages to saving on energy, not only an conscientious impact to bettering our planet, but it's also saving the bottom line." Emery said that attaining these savings through certification doesn't necessary have to be more expensive. "It doesn't have to cost any more money to build to LEED standards than it does to build to regular standards that don't consider any green measures, but people can save a lot of money," Emery said. Some of the LEED credits are based on location. Breslin said that points specific to building in Willces-Barre emphasize storm water and construction waste management, with the respective issues of the nearby Susquehanna River and lack oflocal landfills. Breslin said he is confident the building will reach the goal of LEED silver, even though he said some parts of the requirements, such as proper disposal of waste materials, can not be estimated beforehand. "Based on our current projections, we are well exceeding LEED silver, so we feel like we have a good buffer," Breslin said. "If anything comes up during construction, we feel like we should be able to achieve LEED silver." CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK II etth aster's r e ree ith ire'' P er Graduate Programs • Master of Education Programs • Master of Science in Forensic Science • Master of Science in Nursing: Administration or Education • Pan-European Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing - NEW! 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We're more than just great pizza ... see our entire menu at www.januzzispizza.com �CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com Commuter addresses misconceptions Living at home with mom and dad is really "not so bad" BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Correspondent Coming to Wilkes as a freshman, I was nervous about the workload and making friends, like everyone else about to embark on their college career. Being a commuter made that worse in a way, since I am not on campus all of the time and thought it would be more difficult to make friends. My nerves got the better of me, and I can remember on the very first day of classes I almost did not know what to do with myself. The first couple weeks were somewhat rough for me as I was adjusting to the new environment and getting the feel for what college would be like. I felt that it was going to be more difficult for me to make friends that I could socialize with in my free time and spend time with outside of school. However, as the semester progressed,· I gradually found myself becoming more comfortable and things got much better. I began to socialize a little more and feel good about going to classes. Now, I could easily blame so much of this on commuting, and there is no doubt that commuting makes some aspects of college more complicated than living on-campus. But in the end, it was ultimately my decision, and after one semester down, I can say that I would not want it any other way. After much debating on what major I wanJd to pursue and what college would be oest for me, I concluded that dorm life was not for me. Some people may think that wanting to live at home and driving to and from school every day is a bad idea. The truth is, commuting is not nearly as bad as some people are led to believe. I find comfort in knowing that at the end of the day I can return home to do my work in peace rather than be bothered by the usual distractions of dorm life that I so often hear about. Granted the experience residents have is a little than the typical commuter experience. But, any commuter could do all the same things as a resident if he or she chooses to. Part of the reason I was initially so nervous to start at Wilkes was because even before school began, it seemed that the residents had formed groups. However, all resi- BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 25 responses. Last week's question: What do you REALLY think of the SHE building? • It's ruining the greenway 32% • It's a great opportunity for the school - 32% • Don't care - 21 % • Would rather have si law school-17% This week The Beacon asks: The Beacon/ Laura Preby Junior Katie Circone enjoys living off-campus because it gives her freedom to study and do her own thing. However, she still remains active in extracurricular activities. dents I have encountered so far have been extra friendly. Naturally, I think I clicked more with other commuter students who were probably in the same situation as me coming in, but I am also friendly with some residents. I personally feel that commuters are just as much a part of the overall Wilkes community as are those who live on campus, even though commuting is not what most people think when they hear the word "college." Many commuters choose to live at home because for many people who live in or around the area, Wilkes is a local university which allows people to save money and still get a good education. After all, Wilkes does have a high commuter population. People who live within 30 minutes or less of the university would rather not spend $15,000 on the 'college experience' when they can have the same experiences while living at home. The only downfall of commuting is the possibility of inclement weather during the winter months, but Wilkes is accommodating to those who have to drive to school. Furthermore, commuters have many opportunities to participate in different activities both on and off campus. For example, my friends and I attended the Winter Snowball Semiformal dance last semester at Bentley's, and we had a great time. The comedy night featuring Dave Russo was also a great time and offered the opportunity for a good laugh. Overall, even as a compmter student I feel fully satisfied with my college experience at Wilkes thus far and I am also so glad I chose to live at home. Some may disagree with the idea of commuting because college is about coming out of your comfort zone and meeting new people. I do believe that it is important for everyone to know what commuters do and that commuting really is not so bad. It allows one to do well academically, participate in social events and activities and enjoy the college life all at the same time. I love being a commuter and I would not change a thing. Many people assume that I am a resident most of the time, as if commuting in some cases is unheard of. In fact, a man at work recently said "I bet you wish you didn't live at home," and I found it interesting, because many commuters do not feel this way at all. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: alyssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu How much food do you dispose of on an average day at the Wilkes cafeteria? • None • About a cup • A plateful • Several platefuls • I don't eat at the cafeteria Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �THE BEACON J MARCH 20{ 2012 ~ I A I I I I ' 7 1 , Q I Ellen DeGeneres makes her haters her motivation BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Assistant Opinion Editor On typical Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I usually go straight from politics class to the SUB cafeteria and watch The Ellen DeGeneres Show as I eat a grapefruit. Since its debut in 2003, the show has become very popular, and includes jokes and gags, celebrity appearances and audience participation. Ellen almost always starts her show with a dance segment, a witty monologue and a chitchat with the DJ. The show and Ellen herself are both funny and entertaining. I can't see why anyone would have a problem with her. But unfortunately, One Million Moms (OMM), an activist group against negative influences from society on children, is in great distress over Ellen regarding her new role in JC Penney commercials, which first aired during the Oscars in late February. The commercials feature Ellen shopping in different periods in time, including Ancient Rome, the Old West and Victorian England. OMM's official purpose is to end child exploitation from the media, including profanity, immortality, violence and vulgarity in TV commercials, movies and music, to name a few. The group argues that fighting against sud. exploitations is highly necessary in order to preserve a moral society for our children. Now this sounds like a good cause, and I can definitely see their reasons for existing, but their recent complains have been nothing but ignorant. OMM believes that hiring Ellen as an "openly homosexual spokesperson" is essentially a joke, and will cause JCP's business to plummet since most of their current customers are primarily traditional families who have been forever faithful to the department store. They complain that homosexual individuals make up only a small percent of their customer base overall. The group also accuses JCP of''jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon." OMM's webpage includes whiny details about the issue, complaining that JCP's corporate customer services ignore their complaint calls, transfer them to voicemail or hang up on their demanding requests to replace Ellen with a more family-value oriented spokesperson and remain neutral in the culture war. What we're really dealing with is a lot of close-minded people with strong opinions and large mouths to voice them. There are five new commercials, and not a single one of them shows any sign of homosexuality whatsoever. The chance of children being exploited by these commercials is extremely low. Most children probably don't even know that Ellen is gay. I'd be surprised if they even knew what the word "homosexuality" means! The commercials are fun, amusing Mobile apps are invading our privacy as Big Brother, then Facebook must be that annoying, nosy cousin who you don't really Staff Writer want to spend time with, but your parents Most people are well aware of George make you do so anyways. According to a report by The (London) Orwell's 1984, and more specifically the character of Big Brother, the embodiment Sunday Times, Facebook has been using the of tyrannical government control achieved access granted by its app to read user's personal text-messages. through a complete and utter lack of privacy. As surprising as this may seem, Facebook Well, if the government is conceptualized isn't the only company who has admitted to doing this. Fatebt:N>k hf!t~.. you t:Ofltt~(l t\~O !thJrt wHt< Other compathe pe.op1e in yout hfe. nies, including Flickr and Yahoo, have been snooping into your personal lives as well. Don't think it stops at textmessages either. Certain apps can interThe Beacon / Laura Preby cept and lisIt has recently been reported that Facebook, YouTube and other ten in on your sites have been using their apps to read texts, intercept phone phone calls, calls and view pictures without their user's knowledge. BY TONY GORECZNY Courtesy of JC Penny Ellen DeGeneres dresses as a cowgirl in the new JC Penny commercial. Her cameo has sparked outrage from the family-value activist group "One Million Moms:• OMM believes JC Penny is jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon. and accurately represent the new changes JCP is trying to make. Thankfully, JCP is holding their ground. The company stood firm on their decision to keep Ellen as their spokesperson because her values match those of the company. According to Ron Johnson, JC Penney's CEO, the company was founded 110 years ago on the rule of treating people fairly. Ellen responded herself by giving a monologue on one of her shows, saying, "haters are my motivators." "First of all, being gay or pro-gay is not a bandwagon," Ellen joked. "You don't get a free ride anywhere, there's no music, and occasionally we'll sing 'We Are Family', but that's about it." All in all, major props to JC Penney for doing the right thing, and to Ellen for being the strong, confident and ambitious individual she is. and the YouTube app can access your camera at anytime to capture pictures or video without asking your permission. In 1984, the government monitored us though our television screens, In 2012 corporations track us through our cellphones. Governments are well aware of these capabilities as well. Though ours does not constantly monitor the messages and calls of the average person, it has the ability to access your phone and do all sorts of fun things. These abilities include reading text-messages, listening to calls, accessing your GPS locator, gaining control of your camera and even turning on your phone's microphone. Even if your phone is turned off, someone, somewhere can simply press a button to turn it on and create a window through which they can see the most personal and private aspects of your life. While this is a crux of modem technology that we must live with, it is the government's job protect a person's privacy, not to infiltrate it. Though there are laws in place to help protect phone records and prevent wiretapping, the legislature has been unable to keep up with the incredible growth rate of mobile communication technology. There are currently no laws specifically restricting what an entity can or cannot do with your smartphone through installed apps. According to Lawyers.com, courts have deemed it inappropriate for government officials to track people through the GPS locators in their smartphones. The only exception to this is when a person with a GPS equipped cellphone calls an enhanced 911 service, so that emergency responders may more easily locate and provide assistance to the victim or victims. Well, what about corporations? The government must protect people's privacy not only from itself, but also from other people. Accottding to the Supreme Court rulings in Dartmouth College v. Woodward and Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad, corporations are people. As such, they should not only be afforded the protections given to people, but adhere to the restrictions which confine them as well. The actions of Facebook, YouTube and the other implicated companies are an egregious invasion of privacy. Not only should they have to answer for these abuses, but permanent protections should put in place to protect a person's privacy from the proclivities, and propensities of profligate people looking only to profit from the penetration of an individual's personal and private passions. CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS AT: lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu CONTACT ANTHONY GORECZNY anthony.qoreczny@wifkes.edu �8 THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 OPINION Here's a restaurant tip: Pay your server, or else! BY CARLYYAMRUS Opinion Editor As a server working in food service for the past five summers, I've come to the realization that many people of varying ages and ethnicities do not know the first thing about restaurant etiquette. In particular, I mean tipping your server. The minimum hourly wage of a tipped employee in the state of Pennsylvania is a whopping $2.83, according to the United States Department of Labor. Subtract the taxes and, well, that's almost nothing. Almost all of what a server makes comes from tips. Many people complain about having to tip at restaurants. They often ask why the restaurant doesn't pay its servers minimum wage -- between $6 and $8, depending on the state. It actually makes a lot more sense to tip your server based off their performance. A server is not running around, getting drinks, taking orders, carrying food or writing checks for the kitchen staff, they're doing all that for their customers. The most irritating thing about being a • The Beacon / Laura Preby Misconceptions about restaurant employee pay leaves many servers stiffed and unhappy. Good service deserves 15 to 20 percent tip. waitress is bending over backwards for a customer, thinking you did a really good job, only to find an awful tip or worse: no tip. This is extremely discouraging and confusing to those servers who did everything they could to make their customer's dining experience a good one. People may not tip because they are assuming that their server I the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us onlinc for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville Gust across the bridge !) the legendary taste $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out Expires 06/30/12 I valid only at Grotto Pizza locations is making tips on top of minimum wage. Restaurants are only required to compensate their employees if their tips and meager "tipped employee" wage does not equal the hourly minimum wage. Before leaving the restaurant, one must consider a few things before deciding how much they will leave their server. Were they friendly? Did they greet you and effectively explain the menu? Did they answer your questions and make you feel comfortable? Did they deliver your food in a timely fashion? If you answer yes, then they probably deserve 15 to 20 percent tip. Servers are not robots. They are not perfect and sometimes they make mistakes. It is easy to forget that food service is a pro- cess and many people are working together to satisfy the customer. Sometimes there are miscommunications and things go awry. Understand that they have other tables to tend to and that their focus cannot be on you at all times. If anything, remember that they may be the ones cleaning up the mess you made on the table when you leave. However, a poor tip is acceptable if your server fails to recognize your needs or if they are unpleasant. Even if the service was unacceptable, remember that it is almost never acceptable to throw a temper tantrum in public. Customers who yell and cause a scene can hardly be taken seriously, as they are being rude to not only the staff but to other customers. If you take anything away from reading this article it's this next part right here: If you cannot afford to tip your waiter or waitress, you cannot afford to eat at that restaurant. A poor college student myself, I understand why people are so frugal with their money. However, this is no reason to stiff a server who relies on their customers' understanding and generosity, or lack-there-of.So the next time you go out to eat, I hope you sit down, order your drink and consider the logistics of that restaurant and how hard the staff is working to get those chipotle chicken tacos to your table. CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carly.yamrus@wilkes.edu Letter to the Editor: Sugar Tax BY GARY NEALE MD Laparoscopic Bariatric and General Surgeon Pennsylvania collects $1.5 billion from cigarette sales, and the CDC recommends they spend $155 million on tobacco prevention. Sadly, Pennsylvania spends just 9 percent ($13.9 million) on prevention (tobaccofreekids.org). Obesity is an enormous problem, and you can continue to allow people to eat all the sugar they want, but they will gain weight, develop more diseases, cost more money to care for, and that means higher health insurance costs for everyone. Not to mention the added costs to programs like Medicare and Medicaid that are run by the government through taxation. Thirty eight percent of the country is obese (has a body mass index greater than 30, healthy is between 18.5 and 25), and 68 percent of the country is obese or overweight, which means being of a healthy weight now represents the minority. So do not worry yourself that just a few people are ruining things for the rest of us. Obese individuals have 50 percent greater medical costs, and 80 percent greater prescrip- tion costs. Morbidly obese people (generally more than 100 lbs overweight) have a greater risk of diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cancer and a shorter life expectancy. Next to smoking, it is the second leading preventable cause of death. ., The medical costs associated with obesity total over $168 billion a year. Taxation of sugar may seem ridiculous, but the public has shown that making healthy choices is not easy, since 1.8 million of Pennsylvanians smoke. And do not think for a minute that obese people do not affect the lives of those around them, like drunk drivers or secondhand smoke. When people get to 300 lbs, 400 lbs or 500 lbs and have appendicitis or colon cancer, they put all the the health care workers at risk. From back injuries trying to lift the patient, to the bad outcomes of increased rates of infections, bed sores and mortality. Sugar taxation may not do much more than raise awareness, but since we have gone so far as to develop surgical operations for weight loss, perhaps we should still consider all options, even taxation. �CONTACT EDITOR: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com MARCH 20, 2012 UrtiMY,otfl\rtf Q14esfiorts with Important People GEORGIA COSTALAS, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION AND DIVERSITY work involving these students. What is your main goal in this position? To provide Wilkes University with opportunities for learning perspectives that are different from one's own. What is your favorite hobby? Biking. I've been doing a lot of that in the past year. It's just been tremendous. The Beacon/Dan Lykens Georgia Costalas has been working with international students for 30 years. BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer What exactly does your job entail? I have two jobs. I am Executive Director for the Center for Global Education and Diversity, which oversees study abroad, international student services and diversi- . ty initiatives; three separate units. Here I act as the supervisor, where I support and help get things done. I am also the Director of International Student Services. I work directly with students about international student issues, help international students come to campus adjust and help professors with paper What is your favorite and least favorable part about Wilkes? My favorite part is that people seem so willing to go out of their way to help. My _ least favorite part is that I have to travel 62 miles to and from work every day. What is your favorite book? My favorite book is "Jane Eyre." What is your favorite and least favorite part about your job? My favorite part is the interaction with students and my least favorite part is the paperwork How old were you when you got your first job and what was it? I was in sixth grade, 11 years old, and I took care of a first grader when she got home from school, such as helping her do her homework. What you find is the best way for you to relax after a long day at work? Reading or biking, depending on the weather. Ifl'm exhausted, reading. Is this the career you always saw yourseH in? Being in education, yes. I've worked with international students since 1982. Where is your favorite vacationing spot? Colly, Columbia, my other home. I used to come to the United States for vacation and now I go there. What has been your greatest or worst experience at Wilkes so far? Having this job is the greatest experience of my current life. It is my dream job. What advice can you give to the students here at Wilkes? To take advantage of opportunities that introduce them to people that are different than themselves. It is safe environment to do that, and it will help them forever. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: alyssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu C.A.S.U.A.L Day brings awareness of colon cancer . BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor Colon and rectal cancers are some of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania with regional incident rates about 18 percent higher than the US average, according to Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. In response, the institute has created Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Lives Day. This is a program to promote awareness of colon cancer and how early detection could significantly save lives. Student Services Associates Ann Marie Carey and Camille Daniels volunteered . as captains for the Wilkes University C.A.S.U.A.L. Day "team." Both learned about the event from a Lunch 'n Learn, coordinated by Wilkes human resources generalist Michele Grushinski. At these Lunch 'N Learns, faculty and staff are welcome to a free lunch and to learn about various wellness topics. "This is what got us involved," Daniels said. "We were shocked that Northeast Pennsylvania is 18 percent higher than the US average, and with early detection, you can be helped." C.A.S.U.A.L. Day was created in memory of Helen Phillips, who battled against colon cancer and passed away in the summer of 2002. - f' I I • I • Northeast Regional Cancer Institute will host the ninth annual C.A.S.U.A.L. Day on March 29. This event will be a day dedicated to wearing C.A.S.U.A.L. Day goldenyellow T-shirts and pins that were sold earlier in the month at Student Services. Various organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Marywood University and WNEP News will be sponsoring C.A.S.U.A.L. day alongside Wilkes. "It's good as a university to get involved in the community to support public awareness," Carey said. The proceeds of the C.A.S.U.A.L. day Tshirts will go toward colon cancer awareness. "Since the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a local organization, 100 percent of the funds raised through C.A.S.U.A.L. Day will stay in Northeastern Pennsylvania to support colorectal cancer education and outreach efforts," Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Community Relations coordinator and Wilkes alumnae Christine Zavaskas said. For more information about C.A.S.U.A.L. Day and to participate in March Colon Cancer Awareness Month activities, visit www. cancernepa.org . . CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebeccabo/us@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 10 Students deliver service to others during break Alternative spring break provides Colonels with unforgettable retreats B L, aI cc ti1 Ee gr IS WI in vc co Courtesy of Caitlin Czeh Courtesy of Justine Pevec Sophomore psychology major DJ Rembish clears debris in Eastern Kentucky. Senior psychology major Justine Pevec poses with children at a school. She taught English to internationational students through Outreach360 in the Domincan Republic. The Beacon/ Kirstin Cook BY CH RISTI NE LEE Life Editor On May 22, 2011 a tornado one-mile-wide and six-miles-long struck the city of Joplin, Mo., leveling the city. On March 2, 2012, an outbreak of tornados struck Eastern Kentucky and also wiped out entire towns. In other words, time to send in the Army Of Colonels. This year's Alternative Spring Break had students heading to four distinct locations at home and abroad to lend a hand. They were Joplin, Mo., Kentucky, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Misso»ri Upon arrival at the Southwestern Missouri city, an hour west of Springfield, a group of six students and three chaperones encountered a site they could only describe as "incredible." The group knew the city needed help and were prepared to work to help out, but they were unprepared for just how extensive the damage was. Even a year after the city was struck, the damage was still apparent. "I had an idea of what to expect but it's so much worse than you can ever imagine without actually seeing what it's like," junior business administration and accounting major John Sweeney, one of the students who went to Joplin, said. Student Development coordinator and Joplin chaperone Melissa Howells was humbled by the people of Joplin's resilience in wanting to rebuild their city. "My impression of Joplin was that no one is leaving, they are rebuilding and that's all there Junior history major Alex Madaya picks coffee beans at a plantation in Costa Rica. is to it; they're not going to let this them scare them out," Howells said. "Most of the people who have been in Joplin have been there their entire lives and they are not giving up on their city." Sweeney feels he made a difference by helping with relief work in Joplin. He said he could see firsthand that the group's work was helping residents out. Sweeney said even clearing lots made a difference and said you could see it on their faces the satisfaction people were feeling about their work. Howells said she cannot say enough about how satisfied she is with the work the students accomplished. "They were always looking for more to do and you can only accomplish so much in a week but I feel completely satisfied with what we did," Howells said. SEE ASB, PAGE 12 G~ ( Ar tat Bu j tio in~ tri1 the lari the IS C C staJ ti Si to f "] it £ nit) we, Dominican Republic As soon as Willie Eggleston wa!J<:ed into a school in the Dominican Republic, he was greeted with the chants of "Americano!" from the children. Eggleston, a senior pharmacy student who went to the Dominican Republic, described the children as affectionate and said he didn't expect the children to trust the group so quickly. "We walked into that school, taught our first class and had a recess after that with the kids and they were climbing on us and hugging us," Eggleston said. "The trust was immediate." The group worked with the organization Outreach360 teaching in English to students in Rt op wi ha grc cou H lliil' ,,, M IDOi sidt win L, tion for nict R1 COUJ 146 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE/ WILKES-BARRE, PA 18701 buil fron vide harr Lrur �THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 LIFE Adventure Education to host 'Cabin Fever' field day at Wilkes BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor Who's ever heard of Cabin Fever Day? Or better yet, who's ever jumped out of an airplane before? Or gone on a last-minute, completely random hike? Turns out these are just some of the activities and initiatives offered by Adventure Education this spring. Cabin Fever Day is a University-wide program in conjunction with Residence Life that is billed as a "University-wide field day." It will consist of teams of students competing in physical and strategic challenges that involve obstacle courses, problem-solving and communication exercises. "We are looking for ways to partner with Residence Life and provide more on-campus opportunities for residents to intermingle with the student body as a whole and to have some fun competition between the two groups," Adventure Education Coordinator Gabriel Lamberti said. Cabin Fever Day is scheduled to take place April 14 from lla.m. to 3p.m. Information tables were set up in the Student Union Building on March 13 and 15 and this week. Another highlight that Adventure Education has planned for this spring is a skydiving trip at the end ofApril. Lamberti said this trip is only offered every few years due to the challenges of arranging a trip of sue large proportions. But it is one that nonetheless students look forward to when it is offered. One thing that Adventure Education is starting this spring is random hikes. Lamberti said this one kind of event that is designed to fill the downtime students may have. "I try and fill some of the downtime when it feels like there's enough of an opportunity to get a few people together, and the weather's been so great to try and do a couple short-notice hikes or maybe a mountain bike or try to get people outside a bit when we catch a break in the winter weather," Lamberti said. Lamberti also said he is open to suggestions from students or groups of students for outdoor activities _when the weather is nice. Recently, the rock wall and high ropes course in the University Center on Ma· building gym has been given a buffer fund from Student Government that has provided the rock wall with new ropes an harnesses so the older equipment, as Lamberti puts it, "ends their useful life." "All this equipment is still safe," Lamberti said. "(But) you retire it every x number of times that it's been used. If you (have) such an increase in the use of the rock wall, that time has come a little bit earlier, so it's a good thing that we have to buy more gear because it means that the (equipment) are getting used significantly more than they were in the past." Lamberti said this is the first renewal of the rock wall equipment since the wall has been opened for five years. He said the ropes were in need of replacing and the harnesses are "pretty decent" but said it is a good idea to replace everything as brand new so it can be tracked for risk management purposes. Open rock wall is every Monday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lamberti said he is always interested in people becoming potential facilitators for Adventure Education trips and programs. He is also interested in forming the Adventure Education Advisory Council comprised of members of Student Government members, faculty, staff and students. The mission of the advisory group is to "to guide the program toward offerings and events that appeal to the widest swath of students" and to serve as a liason between Student Government and Adventure Education. Anyone interested in any of the Adventure Education programs or initiatives explained ~bove can sign up at the SUB information desk or contact Lamberti at gabriel.lamberti@wilkes. edu or (570)408-4036 for. - more information. Climbing The Rock Wall: - ~ " " ' ' · .1 ,What: "The Great Wall Climb" Where:UCOM When: Every Monday and Thursday 4-5:30 p.rn. Adventure Education: What: "Cabin Fever Day" Where: Wilkes University When: April 14, 11 a.rn. - 3 p.rn. �THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 LIFE 12 ASB Continued from Page 10 ''No matter where you were, no matter what the language was, you still felt like you were at home because these people were so friendly," Eggleston said. Sweeney, Rembish, Adams and Eggleston said their trips were excellent, life-changing and amazing experiences for them they will surely never forget. Kentucky · Since last year, students have gone to Eastern Kentucky to work with the ministry organization Christian Appalachian Project housing facet to repair homes. The group was originally slated to do general home improvement repairs and renovations for the elderly, disabled and those who can't work for themselves. But when an outbreak of tomados swept through Magoffin and Johnson counties in Eastern Kentucky, the group was thrust into helping those affected by the tornadoes. . Campus Interfaith coordinator and Kentucky chaperone Caitlin Czeh described seeing the damage firsthand as "heartbreaking." "There are no words to describe how heartbreaking and just the complete and utter devastation that you saw," Czeh said. Sophomore psychology major D.J Rembish said it was sad to see how people lost everything they had in 50 seconds, but inspiring to know the work the group did made .• a difference to those affected. "There was a family that came in and they literally cried on our shoulders saying 'thank you so much, you are my inspiration, you're the reason why I keep going on,"' Rembish said. .- Rembish described the work as physi- Courtesy of Melissa Howells Even a year after the city was struck by a tornado, the damage was still apparent. Wilkes sent this army of Colonels to Joplin, Mo. during spring break. cal: pulling apart houses, cutting wires and sifting through houses that were no longer stable. He said the work was emotional to some. "For some people it was overwhelming picking up people's lives: children's toys, shirts, seeing how someone's life had been placed out in front of you," Rembish said. The group was broken into two teams who worked a church, three houses and a holler -- a piece of property with multiple homes with one owner and one occupying family. Czeh said she could not be prouder of the students' work in Kentucky. "We worked through snow and then blistering heat, in complete mud. We were battered and bruised and exhausted from working nine and 10 hour days and the students never said 'I can't' or 'I wantto be done,'they just kept on going," Czeh said. The Beacon/ Kirstin Cook Students in Costa Rica turned coffee beans to properly dry them during a volunteer project. Alex Madaya attempts to turn beans. I ' Costa Rica The expression "Pura Vida" is Spanish for "pure life" and is universally known in Costa Rica since the 1950's. This expression certainly described the ex- periences of the students in assistant professor of political science Dr. Andrew Miller's Politics of Coffee class who went to the Latin American country. "The lifestyle there is a lot more laid back, the people are extremely friendly and it just gives you a wholesome and warm feeling everywhere you go," said senior psychology major Justine Adams, who went to Costa Rica this year. Having gone to the Dominican Republic last year, Adams said although she loved both trips, her trip to Costa Rica as a service learning trip had more variety to it. "You did different projects every day rather than focusing on ·one specific project, so there's a little more diversity with the services (done)," Adams said. Adams said going to Costa Rica taught her about the culture of another country. "I learned a lot about the environment and different ways oflife that Costa Rica has that we don't have in the U.S," Adams said. CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: christine/ee@thewilkesbeacon.com ----------------------. Take your classes here. Transfer your credits . SAVE LOTS OF MONEY. �[ITI8]] ,[lli'@]'fJD CONTACT EDITOR: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com _ MARCH 20, 2012 Courtesy o S aron Cosgrove The four paintings in the Elements Series, by art instructor Sharon Cosgrove, are currently on display in the home of US Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax in Kazakhstan.jrom March 26 to March 31, she will act as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Deparment's ART in Embassies Program, representing America through her art. Wilkes prof. takes US culture international Sharon Cosgrove to teach classes in Kazakhstan as part of ambassadorial program BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Though Wilkes University associate professor of art Sharon Cosgrove speaks neither Kazakh nor Russian, the two primary languages of Kazakhstan, she said that when she travels there at the end of the month, she doesn't expect the language barrier to be much of a problem. As part of the US Department of State's ART in Embas~ies Program, Cosgrove's trip will take her to areas with strong Englishspeaking populations and she will also be accompanied by a translator fluent in both Kazakh and Russian. However, Cosgrove explained, there is something even greater that allows her to communicate on a deeper level with the people of Kazakhstan. "Even though I don't speak the language, we have the visual language of art," Cosgrove said. "Colors, lines, shapes, styles. It transcends politics or climate and things like that." From March 26 to March 31, Cosgrove will spend time in Kazakhstan .visiting schools and cultural institutions in the Kazakhstani cities ofAstana, Kostanay and Almaty. There, she will act as a cultural ambassador, meeting and greeting Kazakhstani citizens and of- ficials and also offering lectures and classes to Kazakhstani art students. Four of Cosgrove's paintings are also on display at the U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax's residence in AsCosgrove tana. Started in 1963, the Art in Embassies Program will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary. In all those years, Cosgrove points out, the program has allowed the United States to share thousands of works of art with its international neighbors, so much so that art historian Henry Geldzahler notably referred to the program as a "footprint that can be left where people have no opportunity to see American art." Arguably more important, though, is the way the program allows for mutually beneficial cultural exchange, as the artists who participate interact with peoples of various foreign cultures. "This is a great international program that represents American artists worldwide," Cos- grove said. "It's like being called to duty to represent America. Why wouldn't I want to be involved?" Of the many items on Cosgrove's overseas agenda, one key element will be her visits to Astana, Kostanay and Almaty's "American Comers." American Comers are, in Cosgrove's words, "special places where they have movies, games, speakers, all in English." According to the website for the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, access to the American Comers is free and open to anyone. Their extensive offerings of activities and English teaching materials are intended to help interested Kazakhstani citizens learns English in more organic, engaging manner than a single simple academic course could offer. "That's part ofit," Cosgrove noted, discussing the purpqse of the program, "to help them prepare for classes in America." Cosgrove's visits to the American Comers, she said, will be "very informal" compared to the classes and the presentations will be doing. "Those will be big, long productions. It's very friendly, just us sitting down and talking," she said. Furthermore, Cosgrove points out that, whereas her classes will be geared specifical- ly toward art students, her American Comer visits will allow her to interact with "children, adults, people of all ages and walks of life." "My role as a cultural ambassador is something I'm very excited about," Cosgrove said. "I wish I could leave tomorrow. " · Experiencing other cultures is nothing new to Cosgrove. She has also spent time in Italy, where she was a visiting artist at both The International School of Art in Umbria and The American Academy in Rome, and taught students at Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence. In 1999, she was the recipient of the Medici Award from the International Biennale Exhibition of Contemporary Art in Florence. · "Every time I travel to a place other than home it's an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and gain insight from different point of view," Cosgrove said. "I think that what happens, as an artist, is it doesn't always take effect immediately. I tend to be very reflective. It takes a while to put things into place. Sometimes it takes months of years for whatever it was that transformed you to settle in. For an artist putting that into their work can have a very profound and long-term effect." CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com �_THE BEACON . I .MABCH 20, 2012 14 Curse of Sorrow rocks, shocks with new album BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Horror and metal are kissing cousins. It's no surprise that the two genres work well together. They're both aggressive, cathartic, outlaw art forms which get little respect from the mainstream public, but whose admirers are of the most ardent, die-hard sort. Nick Necro, lead singer for self-described "Grave Rock" act The Curse of Sorrow, knows all about that. Since the group's debut in 2006, the band has built up a devoted NEPA fan base, something Necro partially attributes to his chosen genres' ability to help listeners vent their own real-world frustrations through jet-black fantasy. "Our style is horror, because that's what we're into. But at the same time, with the music itself, we don't focus on trying to be terrifying. We focus on reality a lot," Necro said. "I think one of the best things about our lyrics is that I could play a song for ten people and ·· have every one of them take it in a completely different way. They can personalize it, put themselves into the songs." Preparing to unleash another slab of snarling, raucous horror-metal on the helpless masses, the Wilkes-Barre-based five-piece - which also consists of lead guitarist Jay Bones, rhythm guitarist Mark Massacre, bassist Steve Slaughter and drummer Evil Eric - • I ·' Courtesy of Keith Perks The NEPA five-piece returns with sophomore horror-metal record "The Uninvited:' will celebrate the release of its second album, "The Uninvited," with a special concert on Saturday, March 24, at Brews Brothers West in Luzerne. Supporting acts include Sinister Realm, Prosody and Mobday. Promising an unforgettable stage show, Necro remarked that the band's reputation for delivering flashy, frenzied live performances is no accident. "We do everything in our power to put on one hell of a show for anyone who comes out. We go above and beyond with our energy. We're not all about the shock, but we get car- ried away in our music," Necro said. "We just dropped a lot of money on a lighting system, because we want people to come out and experience not only music but a visual as well. We do everything we can to make sure we stand out." Ultimately, however, Necro feels the music itself is the star attraction. He credits the band members' eclectic range of influences for contributing to their unique "Grave Rock" sound, rattling off a list of inspirations including everything from Motley Crue, The Misfits and Iron Maiden to more surprising additions like The Grateful Dead and Johnny Cash. "That's the one thing I pride myself the most on with The Curse of Sorrow. When we sit down to write a song, it's not like a group meeting where we start playing a guitar part over and over until we have something great. We just get together and jam out," Necro explained. "It's not that any one of us really focuses on our influences. It's just that we've evolved from our influences and listened to our influences for so long, it just comes naturally. I've been playing music my entire life, but music just does not come together like it comes together with The Curse of Sorrow. We're blessed to have what we have." Tickets for the Saturday, March 24 show at Brews Brothers West are $7. Doors open at 8 p.m. and footage of the concert will be shot for an upcoming music video. For more information, visit thecurseofsorrow.com or brewsbrothersbar.com/brewsbrotherswest. Listen to a free track off The Curse of Sorrow's upcoming CD "The Uninvited" at www.thewilkesbeacon.com CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com WB film series commemorates centennial of Titanic disaster BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor For many, when thinking about the Titanic in cinema, the first thing that comes to mind is the James Cameron-directed 1997 epic. A new film series being offered at Wilkes-Barre Movies 14, though, may just change that. From Thursday, March 22 to Sunday, April 15, the downtown multiplex will present "A Titanic Experience," a series of five films, one screening every Thursday at 7 p.m., with the exception of the Sunday, April 15 date, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the night the Titanic sank back in 1912. The films included in the series will be the documentaries "Titanic Tech" (2003) and "Ghosts of the Abyss" (2003), and the fictionalized docudramas "A Night to Remember" (1958) and "Titanic" (1953). In between the latter two will be blockbuster adventure film "Raise the Titanic" (1980). More than just an opportunity to see a series of classic motion pictures up on the big screen, however, the series also promises to be an educational experience, with introductions and discussions led by Penn State Wilkes-Barre communications instructor Bill Bachman. "I'm going to guarantee that everyone who walks out of the series at the end of the fifth week will be a semi-professional on the Titanic. People will learn so much about that ship than they ever thought possible," Bachman said. "I felt it was necessary to give everyone a foundation in the first two weeks. What the heck was the Titanic? Was it unsinkable? In the second week's screening (Ghosts of the Abyss) we can see it literally dissolving into the ocean floor." The series will also feature a few special guests, including Penn State Wilkes-Barre chemistry professor Dudley Snyder and engineering instructor Jon Carson. It is the April 15 screening's guests, though, that Bachman is most honored to have present. "At the conclusion of the movie on April 15, I will introduce two families in the audience, one from Wilkes-Barre, one from Plains, both of whom had relatives on the Titanic," Bachman said. "They will speak for several Photo Courtesy of 20th Century Fox No Leo here! The 19S8 film "Titanic" will screen at Wilkes-Barre M ovies 14 in April. minutes and we'll conclude the whole thing with a memorial service, 100 years to the day the Titanic sank. We'll never get a chance to do something like this, not ever." Though the series is being offered as a class to students of Penn State Wilkes-Barre, it is open to the public and Bachman encourages both students from other schools and nonstudents in general to check it out. Non-Penn State students can attend the screenings either for their own pleasure or for the benefit of receiving a continuing education credit from Penn State Wilkes-Barre, which Bachman also encouraged non-Penn State students to talk to their advisers about transferring to their home schools. Anyone interested in participating in the series.., should register as soon as possible. Registration can be done online, by mail or inperson at the inaugural March 22 screening. Registration ends Thursday, March 29. Cost is $40. To register, go to wb.psu.edu/ce. For more information, contact Rachel Rybicki by phone at 570-675-9269 or by email at rrybicki@psu.edu. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: bil lthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com �15 THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 A&E Hard-boiled whodunit keeps things fresh with varying POVs 'John Carter' is a stellar sci-fi flick that no one wants to see BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor The box office has not been kind to "John Carter." The sprawling science-fantasy epic cost more than $250 million to produce, but made less than a quarter of that in America its opening weekend. Interestingly, audiences who actually paid to see "John Carter" have been much kinder to the fl oundering film , and a positive word-of-mouth buzz has begtm to stir. Still, the -future of the any planned sequels is in jeopardy. That's a shame, because, all in all, "John O uter" is pretty damn good. Based on Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs' seminal series of genre-bending sword-and-stardust stories, "John Caiter'' sees the title character (Taylor Kitsch), a Civil War-era cavalryman transported by means mysterious to him (and us) to the planet Mars, which he finds is neither airless nor lifeless, but dying. In addition, he finds his human muscles, accustomed to the greater gravity of Earth, make him capable of fantastical feats of strength and also allow him to make huge leaps that would ttm1 The Incredible Hulk green(er) with envy. Lost in th is strange, alien environment, called " Barsoom" by the natives, Carter wanders in search of a way back home, but instead finds himself embroiled in conflicts both between and within the various tribes of Mars, which include the green-skinned, four-armed, tusk-faced warrior Tharks and the royal Red Martirms. It is from the latter group that Carter encounters Dejah TI10ris (Lynn Collins), a strongwilled princess of the citystate Helium. A romance between the slowly blooms as cata- clysm looms over the red planet. It's sad, and danming evidence of Disney's grossly incompetent marketing campaign, that many mainstrean1 audiences think "John Carter" is some generic "Stai· Wars"f 'Avatar" knock-off. The tmth is that Burroughs' "Barsoom" books are among the most unique and endwing adventttre tales in the canon of American pulp fiction. That this adaptation has been in the works literally since the 1930s and that its release coincides with the centennial anniversary of the series' original publication makes the misconception even more insulting. As it is, "John Carter" inspires a genuine sense of awe and wonder, not to mention thrilling two-fisted fun, the way few films manage nowadays. Even better, it blends that with a str emotional core, as well subtext that manage say much about t human conditi despite the fi l being pop lated wit characters who are, on the surface, anything but. BY ANN IE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer In James Patterson's "First to Die," Detective Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco Police Department has a large problem on her hands: a serial ki ller intent on ending the Iives of newly betrothed wealthy couples. Even though Lindsay is a decorated police officer, she and her partner, Warren Jacobi, cannot crack this case alone. When the case stalls and the FBI is called in to help the homicide department, Lindsay feels that the investigation is going in the wrong direction. She wants take matters into her own hands. Lindsay gets by, however, with a little help. Claire Washburn is Lindsay's best friend, and the chief medical examiner. Cindy homas joins these two women llowing the story of the ' ride and Groom" urders, hoping to ake the front ge as the se·or writer at e San Francisco Chronicle crime desk. Finally thro"wn into the mix is assistant dis- ---+--- trict attorney Jill Bernhardt, the prosecutor who needs all the evidence that she can get. These four women make a group of talented, powerful individuals and form what they call "TI1e Women's Murder Club," taking on the case from different perspectives and utilizing all the resources they cai1. The first novel in a series, Patterson alternates viewpoints from each short chapter to the next, writing from the perspective of all four women and the killer. TI1e con~tant switching of characters is not as confusing as one might think., because every piece fits together. This isn't Patterson's typical hardboiled detective novel, but it's also not the clumsy, cozy, amateur-Jinds-out-a-big-secret mystery either. It's rare to find a detective novel with multiple heroes, but Patterson juggles all four women, the killer and their separate lives with ease, even giving Lindsay Boxer a love interest. Everything intertwines at the end. One would think with so much detail that Patterson would make it easy to find out "whodunit." Think again. One of the best parts of this novel is the ending, which comes as a complete surprise to the reader. Just when the book seems to close and everything is nice and tidy, another twist is thrown in the epilogue. The ability of Patterson to constantly keep his readers on edge and still make everything plausible and interesting is a rare talent in writers today. lf you like detective shows on television like "Law and Order," "Castle," "NCIS," or any of the others you will love reading he's: a classic t a a ways hits the sp BY DOMIN ICK COSTANTINO Staff Writer Most people in this area are familiar with the taste of an Abe's hot dog. There are many locations in the Wyoming Valley. The location I chose to eat at, though, is just down the street from Wilkes University on S. Main St. lt is a little street-side restaurant that draws countless customers every single day. I never ate at this location so I figured I would give it a try. The restaurant is small, but has a decent amount of tables for customers to sit at. Customers have the option of either sitting down and eating at the restaurant or ordering their food at the counter and taking it out. I took notice that a lot of people get their food for takeout. Since Abe's is famous for their hot dogs, l knew I had to order a couple. I got mine with ·'everything" on it. " Everything" translates to mustard, onions, and their homemade meat sauce. The hot dog itself was cooked well. It had a little bit of a brown grill but it was not burnt. The buns had a good texture and were not soggy at all. Some places that I've had hotdogs at before had buns that were mushy. The mustard and onions both added to the taste but did not dominate. I was a little disappointed in the meat sauce, though. It had a good taste to it and they definitely put plenty of it on the hot dogs, but the meat ;~;8 d~/ti am a fan of meat sauces that are a little more juicy. Despite this, the hot dogs were still very good. A friend of mine ordered a grilled ham and cheese sandwich on white toast. She described the sandwich as being "delicious and gooey." I tasted a little piece and found the toast was crunchy and the cheese melted and warm . The ham had a little bit of a salty taste, but still very good. The personalities of all the workers here were great. They were extremely hospitab le and showed us they really appreciated our business. "Thank you so much for coming," and "Thank you, buddy," were repeated multiple times prior to our leaving. ~ 'JIIII(' W 4/5 ~ewo::t:! in particular "FirS t to was very personable with us and asked us how we were enjoying the beautiful weather. This is defi nitely a place where yo u feel welcomed the entire time. Prices are very cheap here. My two hot dogs with everything and a large soda came to less than $5. This is definitely an affordable lunch spot fo r anyone who is watching their spending. In addition to hot dogs, Abe's also has hamburgers and other grilled sandwiches. If you're up in time, they also have a large breakfast menu. By the amount of people that were coming in and out as I was there, I can tell Abe's is a landmark that people value and love. CONTACT BILL THOMAS billthomas@thewilkes.beacon •• �MARCH 20, 2012 Getting to know ... Anth0 ny Da\t2\2tain, 149 lbs. lntramurals offer fun, social outlet BY JUSTIN FRANIAK -sports Editor BY BILL CONWAY Correspondent Meet Anthony Dattolo, a senior captain from Succasanna, N.J., who repeated as an All-American in NCAA Division III national wrestling championships in Wisconsin. Dattolo fell in the finals to Ithaca~ Jeremy Stierly 3-1. The prior weekend Dattolo won his second consecutive Metroplitan Conference Championship. The Wilkes Intramural program allows students with a tight schedule to get out of their dorms to enjoy a fun, social college sports experience. That's the primary goal of Intramural director Neal Biscaldi, getting the students out of their dorms and involved in a valuable learning experience through sports with fellow students ~d faculty. "A benefit of being involved in the program is meeting, and making new friends," Biscaldi said, "I Jove seeing these individuals around campus after just having met at one of our events." Biscaldi feels that the Intramural program is not only a great way to make friends, but that it is also a great way to take your mind off of school. The program offers a variety of sports, and has season specific programs. For example in the Spring, the program offers basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and bowling. Biscaldi says that it is possible to suggest other sports that you might be interested in playing, all you have to do is e-mail him, and prove that there is a big enough group for participation so that they can form a league. The area of participation is an interesting one. Biscaldi mentioned that for the more popular sports such as soccer, and basketball that they get between 70-100 kids participating. Biscaldi also encourages more female participation. The ratio of men to women is staggering, and Biscaldi would like to see it evened out. "I'm not really sure what the problem is," Biscaldi said, "I have done research and it's like that everywhere, not just here." If you're one of those females not participating in..Intramurals, or a male looking for something to do - the Intramural program is a way to solve that. The activities take place around two nights a week from 8:30 to 9:30, and to get involved e-mail neal.biscaldi@wilkes.edu Year: Senior Major: Business Administration Hometown: Succasanna, N.J. Going into conferences where was your head at? At this point in the season, it is do or die so I knew I had to wrestle tough for the full seven minutes of each match. What were your thoughts going into nationals? Going into nationals, the only thing I was thinking about was becoming an All-American. There was no way I was • going to be denied. I got a lot of inspiration from my coaches, teammates and family. When you got closer and closer to the finals what was running through your mind? I tried not to become overwhelmed with emotions as the tournament went on. I tried to keep a level head throughout the weekend. How about wrestling long time rival Zac Andrews from Delaware Valley to get into the finals? It was a war. Best moment at nationals? Making the finals and wrestling on the main stage. Courtesy of Sports Information Anthony Dattolo {left) poses with his second place NCAA Division Ill national wrestling championship at 149 lbs. Dattolo became a two time All-American en route to a championship finals birth. He dropped his finals bout _3-1 to Ithaca's Jeremy Stierly, placing second in the nation. He placed seventh last year. How was the atmosphere in the arena? It was really intense. People were always yelling. It was awesome to hear the roar of the crowd. How was the cheese in Wisconsin? Delicious. My favorite was the Pepper Jack. Did you really see WWE Superstar BookerT? Wilson, Fleck and I saw him waiting for his flight in the Detroit airport. Best moment during your Wilkes Career? My four years of competing. Advice for the young guys? Want it more than the guy in front of you and wrestle like there is no tomorrow. Plans for wrestling in the future? I want to open a wrestling club and coach. Any regrets in your career? All the times I cut weight the wrong way. Favorite pair of wrestling shoes? 2000 Adidas Sydney's. Favorite food? Pizza with a lot of black olives. Favorite Athlete? Derek Jeter. Favorite TV show? "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON SPORTS 17 MARCH 20, 2012 SCOREBOARD ,&, Baseball 3/13 Marywood W 10-9 3/16 Eastern W 14-7 3/17 Eastern L 1-18, L 7-10 Softball . 3/17 Eastern L 4-10, W 4-1 W-Tennis 3/17 Eastern W 7-2 Lacrosse 3/17 PSU-Abington W 17-12 WEEK AHEAD Baseball 3/20 Penn College 3/23 FDU-Florham 3/24 FDU-Florham Softball 3/21 Alvernia 3/24 FDU-Florham 3/29 Lebanon Valley W-Tennis 3/22 Haverford M-Tennis 3/25 Elizabethtown Lacrosse 3/22 Albright Send messages and pictures to @wilkesbeacon There is no doubt that the quarterback is the most important position in the NFL. You could argue it's the most important in all of sports. It's no wonder why NFL teams look build their franchise around a quarterback. But what happens if you had to build your team around a non-quarterback? For me, it's not that simple. Team building is all about preference, who would you pick? There is no one player that is so dominant in the NFL that they can be the clear choice. If you look at this question from a fantasy football point of view then you'd be most likely r-="'\t~%H?--••4:•;w,.,,, to go with a wide out or running back such as Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald. They're all very good choices, but ifl would go with an offensive linemen. The offensive line, it really is the back bone of one's team, and a great offensive line can w,,W make an average running back into a star like Shaun Alexander once upon a time. They give average quarterbacks the time and protection they need to thrive and develop. The center is the general of the OL. He snaps the ball, calls the shifts and audibles which are essential to a good flowing offense. The best center in the NFL is clearly Nick Mangold of the New York Jets and until this year has never missed a game, the 4 games he missed ended in disaster for the Jets this year. The defensive side of the ball gets a little tricky though since there are so many different choices to pick from. Darrell Revis is certainly the best defensive player in the NFL. He can shut down an entire side of the field and take even the best receivers out of the game. Patrick Willis has taken the title of best linebacker in the NFL away from Ray Lewis, who is aging. Willis, 27, gets better every year. He is a dominating force that teams are scared to face, if you like linebackers and a 3-4 style defense he might be a good choice. If you like pass rushing there are a lot of choices but if you're looking to build your team around. I would go with Jason Pierre Paul. JPP is one of the most dominant big play machines in the NFL after only two years in the league, he is 23 and has not even come close to reaching his potential levels. There is no safety in the league, other than maybe Eric Berry, that I would build a team around. But I even have a hard time with that because he tore his ACL last season. Ed Reed is aging and Troy Polamalu can disappear a lot in games. 1 a'e ; e WAatnp wq\lldqy tearh ,a ' t" 1he,. B ···:. "~'.:'de.··. ···>s.1 . ay : .· "'•: • . ,p .a}1~Yi;;iO \.;.,.·.·.· .;e. . . . , .. . , In the whirlwind of the Peyton Manning saga, other free agent players have been signing with new teams. This raises the question, if you had to build a team around a non-quarterback player, who would it be? My first choice would be the Broncos Von ~ Miller. He is a young talented linebacker and won defensive rookie of the year. He is still growing into his role, and his rookie year proved he will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Patrick Willis is another choice. He is still young and arguably the best linebacker in the league. He makes everyone around him a better player. Navarro Bowman and the Smith "Brothers" became great players because of other teams being concerned with Willis. • Ndamukong Suh is also another player tc build around. He has a hard-nosed mentality and is a force on the field. He took an irrelevant Lions team and instead of making them just relevant, he made them extremely intimidating. He strikes fear in offensive player's eyes. Darelle Revis is also a viable option. But in such a pass happy league, getting to the quarterback is an essential part of the game. Revis is an amazing defender, but you can plug him in anywhere and he'll excel. On the ·offensive side, the linemen are the core of the team. Building around a guy like Nick Mangold is not a mistake. He is massive and is the best center in the league. Putting role players around him will help any team win games. The left tackle spot might be the most important position on any football team. He protects the blindside of the quarterback. You can have the greatest quarterback of all time behind center, but if he is getting sacked every play, a team cannot win. Jake Long is a monster on the field. He is arguably the best tackle in the game. Building a solid offensive line around him will gurantee a solid running and passing attack. Running backs can also be an option to build around. Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster have exploded onto the scene and can be built around. They both can make a mediocre offensive line look great with one move. I believe that a defensive player is the most logical player to build around. If you sack the quarterback, you win. If the other team can't run or pass, you win. Finding stud defensive players is hard. but when it is done, teams are almost guranteed to win. After all, defense wins championships. �, 18 THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 SPORTS Lady Colonels down Elizabethtown, stay unbeaten Wilkes women's tennis nearly sweep singles, sit at a perfect 7-0 in the MAC COURTESY OF SPORTS INFORMATION The Wilkes University women's tennis team moved to 7-0 on the season in a matchup of two unbeaten squads Sat' ,,. urday afternoon posting a 7-2 win over Elizabethtown College. The Lady Colonels took two of three doubles matches before posting five wins in singles play. The team of Melanie Nolt /Katie Lynn scored an 8-4 win at the No. I doubles position, while Anna Mitchell / Ana English grabbed an 8-5 victory at No. 3 doubles giving Wilkes a 2-1 lead heading into singles play. Ally Kristofco posted a straight set c 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 3 singles followed by another Lady Colonel win at No. 5 sin- gles from Alexis Donner (1 -6, 6-2, 6-2). Lynn clinched the match with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win at No. 2. Nolt and Holyk were also victorious in their singles matches at No. 1 and No. 6 respectively. Wilkes returns to the courts Tuesday with a road contest at Division II Bloomsburg University at 3:30 p.m. Wilkes University 7, Elizabethtown 2 Singles 1. Melanie Nolt (Wilkes) def. Madison Pipkin (ETWN) 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 2. Katrina Lynn (Wilkes) def. Alena Marani (ETWN) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 3. Ally Kristofco (Wilkes) def. Allison Burkhardt (ETWN) 6-0, 6-0 4. Kristi Noecker (ETWN) def. Anna Mitchell (Wilkes) 6-3, 5-6, retired 5. Alexis Donner (Wilkes) def. C. Evangelista (ETWN) 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 6. Amanda Holyk (Wilkes) def. Sarah Poulle (ETWN) 6-3, 6-5 Doubles 1. Melanie Nolt/Katrina Lynn (Wilkes) def. Allison Burkhardt/ Madison Pipkin (ETWN) 8-4 2. Alena Marani/Kristi Noecker (ETWN) def. Ally Kristofco / Alexis Donner (Wilkes) 9-7 3. Anna Mitchell /Ana English Photo courtesy of Steve Finkernagel (Wilkes) def. C. Evangelista/Kait- Wilkes' Ally Kristofco continued her hot lyn Pellegrino (ETWN) 8-5 streak by beating Allison Burkhardt 6-0, 6-0. Eastern downs Wilkes baseball twice in doubleheader weekend COURTESY OF SPORTS INFORMATION • The Wilkes University baseball team dropped a pair of games at Eastern University Saturday afternoon in a Freedom Conference doubleheader. Eastern claimed an 18-1 win in game one, then followed with a 10-7 victory in the nightcap. Wilkes slips to 5-8 overall and 1-2 in league play, while Eastern improves to 9-4 overall and 2-1 in Freedom contests. Game one was all Eagles as the hosts pounded out 19 hits and 18 runs over the seven inning affair. Eastern jumped out to a 7-0 lead after two innings of play then plated 10 runs in the fourth to clinch the opener. Carmen Lopresto finished with two hits for the Colonels. Matt Ruch, Tay Sidler, and Bobby Schappell posted one hit each as Wilkes managed just five hits in the contest. Starter Ryan Fetterman recorded the loss on the mound going just one and twothirds allowing seven runs on eight hits. The Eagles wasted little time getting off to a good start in game two leading 4-0 after three innings of play. Wilkes finally responded in the fourth with a four-run frame to tie the game. Joel Watson singled to right field followed by a Stephen Ruch single to left field. Pinch-hitter Michael Olerta connected on an RBI single to center field scoring Watson. After back-to-back walks loaded the bases, M. Ruch doubled to deep center field plating all three Colonel runs tying the game at four. The Eastern bats were up to the task yet again breaking the tie with a five-run fourth inning to take back the lead for good, 9-4. Wilkes scored twice in the seventh to make things interesting down 10-7, but the Colonels could not find another key hit to make the comeback complete in their final at-bats. M. Ruch finished 2-for-5 with three RBI's to lead the Wilkes offense in game two. Watson and Schappell added two hits each. Sean Flecknoe was tabbed with the loss on the mound going three innings allowing nine runs on 11 hits. The Colonels host Penn College Tuesday in non-conference action at 3:30 p.m. at Artillery Park. STRESSED? HEADACHE? Headaches and back pain are two of the most common ailments treated at our clinic. Often, we can bring relief simply by taking the pressure off a pinched nerve. Here are other common symptoms of a pinched nerve . Neck Pain Back Pain Shoulder Pain Arm Pain Leg Pain Muscle Pain - Sports Injury - FREE 20 Min Hydro Massage Auto Accident - 'W WILKES UNIVERSllY FREE EXAM & FREE 1st Treatment Wilkes-Barre Chiropractic & Rehab Dr. David Lewis Chiropractic Physician 825-5535 380 Old River Road Wilkes-Barre, PA All Insurances Accepted dblewis3 26@aol. com www.nepachiro.com �19 THE BEACON I MARCH 20, 2012 WE TREAT INJUR IES AND lllNESSES FOR ALL AG ES. + J UST \VAll<IN . +.Al.W AYS.A PHYSICIAN ON S ITE. + MOST UJSUftAHCE ACC EPTED BUT NOT REOUHtED . + X- RAYS, LA.BS, EKG~. !V:s, MJHOR SURGER:Y. flu The ca · just wal .,~- ED. 271:"We .•• · .· ·wyomiqgA,en 570-28:J}t)'JQt 11, f;u:eaoJ~'COffl J �NEWS 20 . . The Beacon/Dan Lykens Ceremony opens SHE building's construction BY PHAT NGUYEN News Editor • President Tim Gilmour was revealed as the mystery excavator for the groundbreaking kick-offMarch 1. Equipped with a shovel used in the Stark Learning Center's 1956 opening, the president was the first to remove dirt for Wilkes University's new $35 million science project. The new building will house Wilkes' biology and health sciences, chemistry and engineering programs. The 72,500-square-foot building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013. It is located between the Stark Learning Center and Conyngham Hall. Gilmour believes that the building will bring not only state-of-the-art collaborative learning spaces to the campus, but also an enhanced pursuit of excellence in science education. "This greatly increases our ability to attract the best and brightest students every year," said Gilmour. Gilmour hopes the new building will open new opportunities for medical and other research with partners such as the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton and regional health care organizations like Geisinger Health System. "The building will contribute to the economic development of the region, but it is for our students first and foremost," Gilmour said. The.project is funded through private financing, philanthropy and government grants. Jack Miller, the chair of Wilkes Board of Trustees, announced the public phase of "Achieving Our Destiny," a $20 million fundraising campaign. The campaign has already raised $10.4 million towards its goal. Miller believes the science building will ensure another decade of extraordinary success. "Wilkes is at a tipping point and this building will put us over the top," Miller said. The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development estimates the building's annual economic impact at $5.8 million from new jobs and scientific research. The 18-month construction period will generate $20.5 million in Luzerne County and $46.8 million in Pennsylvania. Trustee member Michael Mahoney serves as chair of the campaign, with Hedy Wrightson Rittenmeyer and John Cefaly as cochairs. Frank M. Henry and William B. Sordoni are honorary chairs. The campaign's leadership donors played a major role in securing the more than half of its $20 million goal. Wilkes plans to use tax-exempt bonds to finance the remaining $15 million. State Sen. John Yudichak, state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton were all in attendance and helped secure $1 million from the Pennsyl- vania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and $2 million from Local Share Assessment Fund, gaming funds . Yudichak also spoke before the groundbreaking events stating his pleasure with the SHE building. "Wilkes and president Gilmour have been unremitting in their quest to establish the university as a regional, educational and economic asset," Yudichak said. "Wilkes is boldly charging into science and research." He went on to quote former US president John F. Kennedy saying, 'If history teaches us anything, it is that man in his quest for knowledge, is determined and cannot be deterred.' Yudichak then linked Wilkes' success as a leader in science to attract pharmaceutical giant CVS Caremark to the area. The project creates 18-months of ongoing construction apd fences off half of the university's 'greenway,' however, student government president William Eggleston believes the barriers and loud construction will be worth it. "Over the next few semesters, we'll encounter some noises and fences, but it'll all be worth it, because being Colonel means making these sacrifices for students who will follow in our footsteps, so they can truly achieve greatness," Eggleston said. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 March 20th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 March 20 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/29d3bc1614d4379dd846a4764a251157.pdf eb80661432cc74ca458aab03661589cf PDF Text Text goes colonel as 3rd candidate BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor The Beacon/ Austin Loukas The last of the three candidates, Scranton University's vice president Dr. Patrick Leahy, came to Wilkes last week to meet with students, faculty and staff. At the student forum , Leahy led off by declaring what attracted him to the presidential position at Wilkes along witli what he feels he can do if given the position. "I'm going to be perfectly candid with you," Leahy said. "I sense that there is some great work that happens here and I'm not sure that it's properly appreciated; I think there's a real opportunity to promote what we do here better than we have." Leahy feels he can be helpful in making Wilkes a better known school, which in his opinion will add to the university's credibility. After meeting with various members of the faculty and staff, Leahy noticed that many had a strong interest in improving the SEE PRES IDENT, PAGE 2 Aftermath of the biggest party weekend at Wilkes University left beer cans scattered in front of Breiseth Hall . • Behind the scenes of the real Winter Weekend BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor Students celebrated the annual Winter Weekend in starkly dif~ ferent ways. Some students participated in an on-campus photo scavenger hunt ending with five grueling rounds of Nickelodeon trivia. Others roamed South River Street with solo cups and cases of beer in their backpacks. Every year, Student Government sponsors the official campus Winter Weekend event for students. In addition to SG's events, numerous off-campus events also take place. When asked what Winter Week- end meant to them, many students had the same reply as senior communication studies major, Evan Katz. "Partying," said Katz. This year, Katz and his roommates took part in the festivities by creating their own team "Are You Afraid of the Dark? Because you Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 Birth control in vending machines PAGE 7 look better with the lights off," in line with SG's theme of '90s Nickelodeon. The team attended various off-campus house parties. Junior earth and space sciences major Mack Thomas planned to spend his Winter Weekend checking out the special events Downtown bars had to offer. Thomas Bio dept's wild inhabitants PAGE9 Anti-Flag punk politics PAGE 13 also planned to host his own house party complete with $5 cups and team T-shirts. Thomas explaind what Winter Weekend means to him. "It means celebrating my time at Wilkes by drinking more than I usually do," he said. SEE WEEKEND, PAGE 3 Sports Pages 16-20 Wmedupfor WIikes Baseball PAGE 18 ~ Established 1936 PA Newspaper Association Member �FEBRUARY 28, 2012 SG Notes BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor Bottom floor of SUB to be renovated Buffer Fund, a group that works on large projects, is working with architects on refurbish the space on the first floor of the SUB. The fund will make the space more cohesive, modem and warm. Making the three rooms on the bottom floor flow together better will allow the space to feel more open, the architects suggested. Renovations will include new paint, wallpaper, carpet, lighting and seating. Funds granted for rock wall equipment and mascot head - Buffer Fund Committee requested funds for new rock wall safety gear including ropes and harnesses. Buffer budgeted two ropes for $900 and 30 harnesses at $55.33 each. Buffer fund also asked for $3,500 for a new colonel PRESIDENT Continued from Front Page university. To Leahy this attitude is a positive; he said it's great that so many are "hungry for improvement." Wilkes' sense offarnily is another aspect of the university that Leahy appreciates. While searching for a school that has the atmosphere he found at Wilkes, Leahy was surprised to find it in his present hometown. The more Leahy learns about Wilkes the more enthusiasm he gains for the possibilities. "To be able to find a place where I think that there's untapped potential where I think they really ~ bout improving and where I think they really care about each other, I've been traveling far and wide to find a university like that to be a part of," Leahy said. Thrilled to be one of three finalists, Leahy believes he is a unique candidate that has distinctive experiences to bring to Wilkes. His involvement both inside and outside the system of higher education is a valuable skill Leahy feels he can use to overcome the university's challenges. In addition to the university's values, Leahy CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com head, claiming the old one was growing illnesscausing mold. Because both issues concerned safety, SG voted in favor of two separate motions: $3,500 for a colonel head and $2,560 for rock wall gear. In total, Buffer Fund was given $6,060. SG attempts to wean paintball club off tournament funding - Paintball Club requested $617.53 to help pay for upcoming tournament fees. Because the club consistently asks SG to fund their tournaments, SG deliberated whether they should grant the amount. SG also felt continuation of Paintball Club was an issue because many of the members will be graduating after this semester. Because Paintball Club has been a strong organization and has been dedicated to community service throughout its existence, SG decided to grant them $617.53 for their next tournament. SAAC fund request for Plutino community service award - The Plutino Award was an idea proposed by Student-Athlete Advisory Committee that will encourage community service while honoring Wilkes alumnus Sgt. Sandrino Plutino, who died while serving in Afghanistan. When Plutino attended Wilkes, he was a wrestling team captain and Army Ranger. To honor Plutino, sports teams will compete for the Plutino award by obtaining the most community service hours per player. SAAC requested $570 to put toward a plaque that will list the winning team each year. Spring Fling at the Woods - A Hollywoodthemed Spring Fling is scheduled for March 30 and will be held at the Woodlands. The venue and dinner will cost SG about $30 a person, although tickets will be priced between $5 and $10. Other costs include a DJ, security guards and shuttle services. Prior to the event, there will be a photo contest where winners will be given $100 to act as paparazzi at the dance. IEEE Club requests funds for Engineering Olympics - The Institute of Electrical and was also impressed with the location of the campus. Although he would like to help improve the downtown area, Leahy likes how the campus has a river view and proximity to the town's shops. Leahy feels there is great potential to improve the attractiveness of the campus and if chosen to fill the job, he plans to further develop the quality of campus. When asked what he believes is most important to receiving an outstanding education, Leahy placed the responsibility in the laps of the faculty. In Leahy's opinion, it is student interaction with the faculty that is the single most important aspect of their education, although he understands it takes a little more than that to make an outstanding institution. "A university is only as good as the people who work there, go to school there, and dedicate their lives there," Leahy said. After the last of the three candidates made a presence on campus, students had many opinions on each of the applicants. Although many felt all three had something unique to bring to Wilkes, most favored Gandre and Leahy. Before hearing Leahy, junior John Sweeney was leaning toward Gandre. However, after meeting Leahy, he was unsure which of the two he liked more. "They were both very impressive," Sweeney said. "What I like about Gandre is his approach to student interaction, I think that's something important because the university is about the students; Dr. Leahy is also very impressive with his fundraising abilities and he still seemed to have good intentions with student interaction." Crista Filipkowski said she is unsure which of the candidates will get the position as she feels all of them have strong qualities. The online surThe Beacon/ Austin Loukas vey at, www.wilkes.edu/ Dr. Tim Leahy respects Wilkes' value on family. candidates, can be filled out by students and will be considered in choos- CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: ing the next president. devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com Electronic Engineers requested $4,000 to help pay for the Engineering Olympics, a competition that brings as many as 10 high schools to Wilkes to participate in five engineering events. So far nine schools (more than 200 students) have confirmed participation. This is week one of the fund request; SG will make a decision at next week's ijeacon. would liket to apologize for eonfusion in last week's SG notes n Academic Banktupt~y. The Academi¢ tandards yonunittee recentfy began dis.. ussingrevisfon of'Grade Adjustment Pol~ y'' a policy that was used in the •1980s, ~? : ':. ··. . ecause the matter.is to·be.discussed fur4 ~ ;- News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak ··.. .·. ~ nted to theJuU faculty, it will !~ (l~ci~,in,lh~ltnnlf.'dlilt~fiilln'~. CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Lo ran Lewis . Meet the Staff Nona Poehler Design Editor �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 3 NEWS WEEKEND Continued from Front Page One team in particular put extra planning into their party: team Rocket Power. Since the offcampus house mates previously lived in the dorms, they have looked forward to hosting their own Winter Weekend party. Rocket Power kicked-off their party Thursday night with a team-exclusive gathering to get them ready for the big weekend ahead. The team hosted a house party Friday night that included a DJ, multiple kegs and an ice luge. Saturday morning, kegs and eggs were served followed by the beer Olympics. A party this big required a lot of work and money. Allegedly, team Rocket Power grew to over 100 people, all of whom paid a $25 fee that got them a T-shirt, solo cup with unlimited refills, access to the house events and food. All together the team estimated that $2,000 was spent on the entire weekend. Although they originally hoped to make a profit, they considered it good budgeting to at least break even. When asked why they spent so much time and money on this one weekend, Rocket Power team member and junior biology major Jabih Hernandez, said it was all about having a really good party and an even better time. "Wilkes isn't really known to be a really big party school, so to have one weekend that's dedicated to partying makes you want to go all out," Hernandez said. Students that celebrate Winter Weekend offcampus as opposed to the events run by SG do so for various reasons. Most of these students claimed that they simply didn't hear much about SG's Winter Weekend. "I don't really know what that is about," Katz said. Junior psychology major Ally Gill said she was unfamiliar with SG's Winter Weekend ~ that she was unable to go anyway because of her job at Red Robin. "I actually didn't hear anything about it," Gill said. "My freshman year I heard they do games and stuff in the SUB but I didn't go." Senior psychology major Nick Zinskie said The Beacon/ Austin Loukas Empty beer cans and cartons decorated student porches after the recent Winter Weekend festivities. Some say the celebration was a time to drink more than usual. SG's Wmter Weekend was foreign to him as well. "I don't even know what goes on in Student Government Winter Weekend, I'll be honest," Zinskie said. "I actually found out a few weeks ago that it's some scavenger hunt, I think." Zinskie hosted his party at The Mines on Friday, Feb. 24. He used the event for his entrepreneurship class, in which he was required to create a project that generated money. Since Winter Weekend has always been full of memories for him, Zinskie decided to use The Mines event to finish his last year with a bang. "It's the one thing that we look forward to every year," Zinskie said. "There's not much in this area, let's be honest, besides bars; from the beginning of the year we all know that winter weekend is going to happen, everybody looks forward to it all year." The party at The Mines included a DJ, live band, food from Maer's BBQ, an appearance from Angelina of Jersey Shore and drinks compliments of Clique Vodka. Students 21 and over from neighboring colleges were invited to attend. Zinskie believes the official Winter Weekend events don't cater enough to the students. He feels that most students pick a school that allows them to live the college lifestyle. He is concerned that if Wilkes isn't fun, no one will want to come here in the future. "People are in college and some want to drink and some don't, that's as simple as it is," Zinskie said. Although some consider drinking to lead to bad behavior, Zinskie believes that the majority of students are responsible when they party. He suggests that different demographics exist among students. "There are certain demographics that come to college for the college experience off-campus and there are also people who go to school for education, that's how it is," he said. SG members hold their own opinions on students celebrating Winter Weekend offcampus. "Realistically the students are going to do what they want to do," said junior P-1 Pharmacy major and SG Winter Weekend coordinator, Kris Rivers. "Students are going to do what they want to do off-campus but we will continue to offer them the opportunity oncampus to participate in the activities." As a resident assistant, Ian Foley expressed his concerns for Winter Weekend. "RAs like myself are committed to making sure our residents have a safe weekend, as they do each weekend of the school year," said Foley, a sophomore political science and communication studies major. "We are a very safe campus and public safety also does a good job at making the campus safe." However, some would disagree. Zinskie said he frequently calls Public Safety for a safe ride to avoid driving while he's drunk, although he can tell Public Safety does not like giving rides. "I go to ask for a ride home from the bar and they give me a lot of grief about it," Zinskie said. "I do it every weekend, that's what they're there for." Public Safety officer Zakk Patterson said Public Safety's main concern with Winter Weekend is vandalism. "Our main objective is t? keep campus safe from any vandalism that may go on," Patterson said. Patterson also said Public Safety's Safe Ride policies have been revised because too many were taking advantage of the service. Now, students can only use the Safe Ride for an oncampus address. Whether students decided to celebrate on or off-campus, participants of both groups claimed the weekend was memorable. Junior mechanical engineering major Sloan Citriello shared his fondest Wmter Weekend memory. "Freshman year I got really drunk, and then I took two Natty Lights and put them in my jeans and went to Rifkin," Citriello said. "I ordered something and put them on top of the tables and I was drinking a beer in Rifkin. Nobody said anything to me and it was fine, I don't know how I got away with it." CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com · Na vi gating for healthy options: a warning to eat better BY 808 GRABOSKY Correspondent A registered dietitian held a presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 21 on the Wilkes campus. Susan Hurd, of Sodexo Dining Services, said that students should all eat healthy because they will acquire more energy, which will reduce the risk of high-blood pressure and minimize the possibility of a stroke. There is a rising concern in the United States about child obesity. Children who eat an enormous amount of chips, candy, white bread and cookies when they're young are at risk of becoming obese when they are adults. People who are obese are at risk for diabetes, a disease that forces those who have it to limit their diet. There are about 26 million diabetics in the United States alone. Guidelines at Wesley Village nurs- ing home suggested people with diabetes should not have seconds at any meal. The best way to curb diabetes is to cut out the starchy foods such as chips, diet soda and sugar packed snacks. Hurd provided examples of foods that should be part of a diabetic diet. "Eat more whole grain, vegetables, fruits, low-fat or fat free milk, yogurt, cheese, or fortified soy beverages, and vegetable oils," Hurd said. The dietitian said healthy eating is necessary but it is also important to eat at every meal. Skipping either breakfast, lunch or dinner every day is not a good sign. "Always .eat breakfast, because it is the most important meal of the day," Hurd said. For more information, see the American Diabetis Association at diabetes.org. CONTACT ROBERT GRABOSKY AT: robert.grabosky@wilkes.edu �4 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 NEWS Benefits to support student injured in accident BY PHAT NGUYEN News Editor Sophomore biology major Natalie Smime and a friend were driving home from a concert in New York on Route 84. A routine drive turned for the worse when a deer ran across the highway. The driver swerved to go around it, but it was too late as sudden shift caused the car to flip over. Although the driver was unscathed, the accident left Smime paralyzed from the chest down. After being discharged from the hospital, Smime found she could not go home. Her house was not equipped for her needs. It was not wheelchair-accessible and the doorways where too narrow for her wheelchair. My parents are working on it. They got a loan so they could get it remodeled, but that won't be until after March, Smime said. "Bring Natalie Home" is a series of two benefits being held to raise money for a down- stairs bathroom and ramps for her house. Professional wrestler A.J. Evers, a high school friend of Smime, is one of the hosts of the other benefit. He wanted to do something for her as soon as he found out what hapSMI RN E pened. "It was a really heartbreaking story," said Evers, a junior business major at King's College. "I had this wrestling thing going on so I decided to help out an old friend." Keystone Wrestling Live features an eight -man single-elimination tournament to name the first ever Keystone Wrestling champion on Saturday, Mar. 3 at Grant's Martial Arts, 404 Main St. in Plymouth starting at 7:30 p.m. The event also features the first ever tag-team championship. While professional wrestling might turn away audiences, Evers said the wrestling is a family friendly event. "We don't want the stereotype where we're an 'over the top' offensive group," he said. "It's basically PG-13 rated version of Smack Down. Bring your kids." The benefits will help with repaying the loans and medical expenses. In addition to a show, they plan to have concession stand and a 50/50 raffle to benefit Smirne. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 1, and will be available at a number of locations, as well as at the door the day of the show. General admission tickets are $10 while reserved ringside seating is $12. A.J Evers can be contacted for ticket information at 570-4790366. A Keystone Wrestling Live Facebook page has been created for more information. Kildare's Irish Pub in Scranton is hosting the other benefit. As of Feb. 26, a benefit for Nata- lie Smirne's Facebook pag~ has 360 people attending. The response has Smirne nervous, but very excited. "I'm kind of nervous," Smirne said. "It's a lot of people. I'm very happy about that." Smime believes the success of this event is due to the efforts of her managers at New York and Co, Tracy Capalongo and Breynne Stanko. Her managers can be contacted for tickets at Breynne Stanko 570-909-8844 and Tracy Capalongo 570-589-1473. "If it wasn't for them, I don't think this would've really happened so quickly," she said "They're doing a lot for me. I really appreciate the help." "There are a lot of people who are helping and they really don't need to be, but they are." CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com E.h Meyers High School may become the next Hotel Sterling BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief A chorus of the E.L. Meyers High School alma mater ended the night after a special meeting focused on the possibility of closing the school. The Wilkes-Barre area school council held the meeting to reveal and discuss the findings of a report analyzing the effects of moving the 1000 current Meyers students to the other area schools, GAR, Coughlin and Solomon/Plains. Current students, alumni, parents and local politicians nearly filled the Coughlin High School auditorium to capacity, speaking out on this possibility of closing Meyers. They brought up concerns that a deserted Meyers High School building would become another Wilkes-Barre eyesore. "I hope it doesn't become another Hotel Sterling," Wilkes-Barre councilman George Brown said. Superintendent Jeff Namey said the idea of closing Meyers evolved from discussion on more efficient budgets, which led to the study of consequences of moving Meyer's students from the building. Namey said the closure would be an attempt to cope with a constantly shrinking budget from cuts to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. He said the goal would be to lessen the burden on taxpayers and benefit students at the same time. "There are some positives, there are a lot of negatives, and most importantly, there are a lot of unknowns," Namey said. Some of the unknowns include the boundary separation on which school students would be redistributed to, and classroom space in the other schools. Supervisor of Curriculum Andrew Kuhl said all the rooms in the remaining three schools are already assigned. are excessive," Kuhl said. Namey reiterated that these class sizes would be unacceptable, saying he understands the importance of a good student-to-teacher ratio. "We're very much aware that 30, 32, 33 in a classroom is outrageous, and that is some- The Beacon/ Au stin Lou kas M eyers High School, located on Carey Ave may close due to a lack of enrollment Kuhl said the study estimated that, with the addition of Meyers students, the class size at the area high schools would average in the high 20s to low 30s, which the crowd responded to with gasps. "We are fully aware that (those numbers) thing that we would not do," Namey said. After the results of the report were released, the meeting turned into a forum of praise toward the school's value and protest toward its elimination. Luzerne County Judge William Amesbury spoke as a Meyers alumni on the school's community and history. "Meyers is not simply a building located on Carey Avenue, but it is part of the substance and soul and the fiber of those who have walked through its halls," Amesbury said. Josh Schiowitz, an eighth grader, said it would be much more efficient to hire more competent and capable janitors and grounds keepers to repair maintain the building than relocating students. Michael O'Donntll, an area attorney and "proud" 2001 Meyers graduate, wanted to know why studies aren't being done on closing the other schools. He held up a thick book of laws that outline Pennsylvania codes for school closures or district reorganization, saying the many Meyers graduates in law enforce those laws. "Rest assured that the lawyers of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District and the families they support will be holding you to the letter of the laws in this book," O'Donnell said. Along with pride for the school, speakers reflected many questions they had on the possibility of a closure. How would the education of students be affected? Would the building end up boarded up and broken? Would there be issues of increased crime at the other schools? Will there actually be a savings through the closure? For now, those questions remain unanswered. CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 NEWS 5 Clean energy debate ignites to drive research at Wilkes Biased opinions on Marcellus Shale contradict recent scientific studies BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief A debate has ignited over Marcellus Shale drilling and whether the natural gas it produces is as clean as it's claimed to be. The concerns of air emissions from natural gas production have environmental engineering professors and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection calling for more information on the topic. The conversation has spread to The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research at Wilkes. Kenneth Klemow, IEER director and Wilkes biology professor, said more research must be conducted on the extent of emissions. He said the IEER is looking for funding to allow Wilkes researchers to conduct independent measurements and studies to shed some scientific light on the concerns. "There are different perspectives that you have and that's fine, but we need more science, we need more research to be able to figure out what's going on," Klemow said. The debate is between coal and natural gas, and which is the better energy source for the environment. Natural gas derived from Marcellus Shale has been generally held to be cleaner, but Klemow said there's not enough research for the public to be sure on this. Marcellus Shale is a rock that is found under approximately 72 percent of the surface of Pennsylvania, according to the IEER. Natural gas, mostly composed of methane, is extracted from the shale to produce energy. The problem, Klemow cited, is some researchers may have opinions on gas drilling that interfere with their studies. "It seems that there are some scientists that have almost an anti-drilling agenda, so the question is whether they're letting their pre~ nceived ideas influence their science," Klemow said. With the IEER, Klemow said the goal is to analyze both sides of the debate and evaluate scientific findings without bias. "We see the discussion is so fractured," Klemow said. "People are really in favor of this, or people are really against it, and our view is that we see both benefits and drawbacks." Klemow worked with IEER Coordinator Ned Fetcher to write "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Marcellus Shale," an essay in which they attempted to surveying the findings - some of them contradictory of various studies in an unbiased manner. The paper was updated three times to include newer studies. However, Klemow said Courtesy of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Gas well locations all over NEPA raise questions about environmental well-being. the most recent version, released in December 2011, is already out-dated because of how quickly information is being dispersed. "Now there are a couple new studies that have come out, which this is sort of out of date also, so the science on this is moving very quickly," Klemow said. A particular study that has served to fuel this acceleration was a project that stated natural gas from shale could emit up to twice the greenhouse gases compared to coal or oil. The study, conducted by a Cornell University team led by Santoro Howarth and focusing on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, contradicted previous statements on natural gas. "This just created a firestorm of controversy, and a lot of people were very, very upset by Howarth on this," Klemow said. "If you have people in the industry saying we have to use gas and not coal, but then if you have some scientist saying 'no, coal is better than gas,' that's going to have tremendous ramification." Fetcher explained the concerns were based on an apparent reversal of the status quo of natural gas. He said methane is often advertised as a cleaner form of energy than coal. "Methane and natural gas have been sort of touted as the answer to some of our greenhouse gas problems, because presumably when you bum natural gas it's much more efficient than burning coal," Fetcher said. Many researchers analyzed the same EPA data that Howarth did and found different conclusions. Howarth issued a rebuttal and fueled a heated and opinionated argument that Klemow said is detrimental to scientific reasoning. "Science isn't really based on opinion, we come to conclusions based on data," Klemow said. "And if you have a disagreement, the way you resolve the disagreement is not like having an argument with somebody, you go out and you collect new data, or you do new experiments." He said this recycling·of EPA information is one reason researchers need to collect new data. "If anybody else just does a reanalysis of EPA data, or .some of the other data ... I'm going to throw up my hands and just scream and go running out the building," Klemow laughed. Fetcher said that most of the concern from this data is focused on leakage that occurs during the extraction period. "When you bring it out of the ground, some of it's going to leak into the atmosphere, and the problem with that is methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas," Fetcher said. He added that leakage may occur during processes such as shipment and storage, as well. These leaked emissions can travel by wind to areas beyond the drilling sites, said Prahlad Murthy, associate professor of environmental engineering and earth science. He said this route of pollutants is one reason people should pay attention to air quality issues even if they do not live near a drilling site. Murthy has been working with students to study damaging emissions from drilling operations, such as construction of roads to sites and usage of heavy-duty diesel vehicles. He said they found indication that smog can develop from nitrogen oxides emitted from burning natural gas. "Initial results indicate there is potential for us to have smog related issues in the region," Murthy said. Despite the significance, Murthy said air issues have often been overlooked. "Most of the focus has been on water," Murthy said. "Air quality is an issue we need to be thinking about too, especially because, in the case of air, the problem doesn't sit at the source." Lauren Burge, staff attorney for the Group Against Smog and Pollution, echoed that air quality often "falls under tqe radar." She said a major issue with air emissions from Marcellus Shale is the long-term effects are unknown. DEP announced on its website that longterm monitoring studies on natural gas air emissions will begin this year. To spark this process, DEP is requiring 99 natural gas facilities to submit data on their air emissions from 2011. Burge said these reports, which will be available to the public by the end of the year, are important in planning and prevention by identifying pollutants. "It's hard to be able to reduce those emissions ifwe don't know what they are," Burge said. Also, the reports would help provide the state necessary information to EPA to determine if health standards are being met. "Right now they don't really have the information they need to report accurately on the Marcellus Shale industry," Burge said. Klemow feels these reports will be beneficial in eliminating what he calls an information gap on Marcellus Shale air emissions. However, he said the best solution to this lack of information would be scientific field work by scientists, which he hopes the IEER can accomplish. "If it keeps moving the way that it does, in two or three years we should have a good idea about what's going on, but right now we're still at such an infancy of knowledge," Klemow said. "At Wilkes, we'd like to contribute to that knowledge." CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com �I tTIBillli E3 ~ [IB:QJB(D CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.cor FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Lessons learned in laptop shooting Unusual punishment teaches respect and appreciation BY CARLY YAMRUS Opinion Editor If you have not yet seen the most recent home video gone vial, you probably should. I am talking about the Youtube video entitled, "Facebook Parenting: For the troubled teen." The video features a fuming dad, Tommy Jordan, sitting in a lawn chair and smoking a cigarette as he reads and responds to a nasty letter that his 15-year-old daughter, Hannah, posted on her Facebook wall. The letter, titled "To my parents," is nothing more than a long list of complaints about the chores that Hannah's parents require her to do. With a lot of attitude of course. In the letter, Hannah writes things like, 'Tm not your damn slave," and "We have a cleaning lady for a reason." She offers a solution to the problem which was, "You A North Carolina man shoots his daughters could just pay me for all the sh** I do around the house!" didn't threaten to shoot any people, just an Prior to finding the letter online, Jordan inanimate object. Happens every day. had just spent time and money updating his . When aske.d in a Question and Answer daughter's laptop. After his response to her why Jordan had used a gun to destroy the Facebook letter, he then took his pistol and laptop, he responded, "Because that was shot 6 rounds into her computer. what I promised her two months ago. If I'd The video was originally posted for promised to use a hammer, or promised to Hannah's friends and the parents of these give it to someone else, then that's what I'd friends. have done." No, I don't "like" guns, but they exist, and While this method of punishment may have been extreme, I firmly believe the they are legal in some states. If shooting anidad's spoiled, disrespectful daughter defi- mals is okay, then shooting laptops is definitely deserved that. Since the video, sev- nitely fine. eral opinions have sprung up. Some say that The point of the laptop shooting was to the punishment was ineffective and sent the prove a point. Jordan gave his daughter a wrong message. Others congratulate the laptop, and he has every right to take it away man fo~ • king a stand and giving his daugh- if she disrespects him, (which she did sevter a taste of her own medicine. eral times.) It wasn't necessarily good or bad In my opinion, that father had every right parenting; it was permanent fix to a reoccurto be mad at his daughter. After all, her fa- ring problem. This doesn't mean we should ther gave her that laptop and only asked for solve all problems with guns, I just don't chores in return. She repaid him by writ- think shooting a computer did any psychoing nasty messages on her Facebook about logical damage on this man's daughter. her parents, not once, but multiple times! Yes, there were definitely better ways of Clearly this girl is a spoiled brat who did disposing of the laptop. He could have donot appreciate everything that her parents nated it to someone more deserving or approvided for her. preciative. But in the end, it was his laptop But was gun use the proper way of solving to do what he pleased. The overall message this particular problem? In this case, sure! was a good one. I'm sure Hannah will reCome on, the video was funny. The dad member this punishment and think twice be- BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 1O responses. Last week's question: Which Winter Weekend activities, if any, are you participating in? • Attending off-campus parties -60% • Visiting area bars - 30% • I will not be participating 20% • Competing on a Student Gov't sponsored team - 10% • Watching Student Gov't sponsored campus events - 0% mage courtacy o outu e laptop after repeatedly disrespecting him. fore bashing her parents who give her everything. I highly doubt that she will "fear" her father for using his gun on something that wasn't moving. He could have easily used a hammer, a shovel, a rock, or a bathtub to ruin the computer. There are too many children who have this "entitlement" mind set, as if their parents are obligated to give them a computer, an iPhone, a television, etc. It is perfectly fine for a teenager to have to do _a few chores in return for all these nice material items that are handed to them. Most parents would be livid if their child was that unappreciative! Kids deserve to be punished, especially if that kid has an attitude and continuously fails to comply with their parent's rules. Nowhere in this video was the child harmed in any way. There may have been "better" ways of solving the issue, but hey, it made a good video. Hopefully Hannah learned a lesson in respect and appreciation. And if you were wondering what Hannah had to say about it, here was her reply: "I was mad, but you would be too. I got over it. I'm not, like, scarred for life." CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carly.yamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com This week The Beacon asks: What are you doing over Spring Break? • Going on vacation • Staying on campus • Going home • Alternate Spring Break • I don't know Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces ·for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. . �TH E BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Food regulation gone too far Inspector takes a pre-schooler's lunch lunchbox had most of the essentials, including meat, dairy, fruit, and grains. They must Assistant Opinion Editor have denied the meal due to the lack of vegetables and substitution of the salty potato Within the last few years, health news ar- chips. ticles regarding childhood obesity have inThe mother of the child explained that the creased tremendously. The problem is now girl was a picky eater, and vegetables were being referred to as a nationwide epidemic. never included in her lunch because she enAccording to the Centers for Disease Con- sures that her child gets them at home. trol and Prevention, childhood obesity has Picky four year olds don't care about namore than tripled in the past 30 years, and tional food guidelines, obviously. by 2008, more than one third of children and To make matters worse, the girl was then adolescents were overweight or obese, and given a school lunch in which she ate only the numbers are growing. three chicken nuggets and ignored the rest It is without a doubt true that of the food on the tray out of American children are pickiness. growing in size. With Let's talk about this. more than 17 perchicken cent of children and nuggets really more adolescents benutritious than the ing overweight home-packed or obese in the lunch described US, restrictions in this article? are an absolute And preschool must. The govcaretakers actuernment had ally sat around the right idea and watched in 2004, passing this young girl the Prevention of avoid her lunch? Childhood ObeThey couldn't have sity Act that aimed just given it back to to coordinate federal her and advised her policies and activities mother to pack more in hopes of lower- A preschoolers lunch was confiscated acceptable lunches ing obesity in homes, because it was deemed "unhealthy'~ in the future? Nutrischools and in the The meal was replaced with an un- tionally speaking, 60 community, accord- healthy alternative. percent of a chicken ing to congress. Some nugget is fat, whereas states chose to advance with their own re- a turkey and cheese sandwich is around 40 strictions such as required physical educa- percent, according to various nutrition fact tion for grades K-12 and the prohibition websites. Plus, chicken nuggets are deep of sugar-sweetened drinks in vending ma- fried! Talk about healthy! ~ hines. These restrictions and requirements With this, West Hoke Elementary mandatare perfectly acceptable, and as unappealing ed that the mother pay for the school meal as gym class in the middle of the day may forced upon her child. sound, it's necessary. Now I know if I were the parent in this But how much is too much? situation, I would be extremely bothered A preschooler at West Hoke Elementary by this. When it comes to childhood obeSchool was recently forced by a state in- sity in America, I am all for moderate food spector to put her home-packed lunch away regulations and the addition of daily physiand eat a school-provided meal because her cal activity in schools. However, lunch box lunch did not meet United States Depart- searching and seizing just crosses the line ment of Agriculture standards. That day, the completely, especially when it comes to prefour-year-old girl's mother had packed her a schoolers. They're three and four years old. turkey and cheese sandwich, a banana, a bag They don't understand. of chips, and apple juice: a perfectly reason- Photo: The Beacon/Laura Preby able meal. When I was young, I vaguely remember eating junk foods like Fruit Roll-Ups, CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS AT: Gushers, and Smartfood popcorn. The girl's lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS 7 Shippensburg Uoffers Plan B BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor I disagree with those who criticize Shippensburg University for offering Plan B in a vending machine. College is a time of experimentation and people sometimes get a little crazy. As young adults, students often don't think of the consequence until it is staring them straight in the face. But why should someone's entire life change because of a single mistake? I think Shippensburg offering this second chance to their students is not only acceptable but responsible. If a nurse were to simply hand the pill over, I feel that no one would think negatively about it. However, because it is offered in a vending machine, the public has this nasty image that they now correlate with Shippensburg University. I would like to clarify the cheap picture many have of vending machines all over Shippensburg's campus where students can buy a Coke, a snickers and, if needed, the morning after pill. In fact, there is only one vending machine that sells Plan B at Shippensburg, and it is located in a private room inside the university's health center. In my opinion, the health center using a vending machine to distribute Plan B preserves the discretion of students. Instead of having to ask a nurse, which could be embarrassing, a student can inconspicuously purchase the drug. Jimmy Chadwick, an entrepreneurship major who graduated this past December from Shippensburg believes the machine is a good idea. "I think the machine is a great way to allow those in need of Plan B to buy it more discreetly and maintain privacy," Chadwick said. · According to ibtimes.com, the morning after pill can be legally obtained at any pharmacy without a prescription as long as the purchaser is 17 years or older. Because the machine is offered in the university's health center, only students have access and according to their latest records, all students enrolled at Shippensburg are 17 and over. So why shouldn't the university be able to supply the morning after pill to their students? Campus health care facilities are able to administer other medications such as antibiotics which need a prescription. If campus health centers are able to provide prescription drugs, then they should be able to provide medications that don' t call for a prescription as well. It's just common sense. The FDA has questioned whether or not proper medical advisory has been given to those who have purchased the pill at Shippensburg. In my opinion, this argument is weak because any purchase of Plan B comes with medical information in the package. Also, the machine is located in the health center where medical aids are always on duty. Not only does information come with each purchase, but any student who wishes to seek further advice is in the proper place to do so as soon as the pill reaches their hands. Providing Plan B in their health center's vending machine does not encourage unsafe sex but instead allows students to make responsible choices according to their own beliefs. The same machine also provides condoms and pregnancy tests so students are not swayed by any one products availability. The University is merely making over the counter products more easily available to their sexually active students. CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK AT: devoni.novak@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/Laura Preby A vend ing machine at Shippensburg discretely dispenses Plan B, condoms and pregnancy tests to students. �8 OPINION THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Oscars give a narrow minded view of greatness BY BILL THOMAS Arts and Entertainment Editor There's no such thing as a bad movie, only a bad audience. That may seem a strange thing to say from someone who writes movie reviews, but, it's how I feel. My reviews are my opinions, nothing more. I don't pretend to speak for everyone, nor do I have the audacity to think my opinions are the "right" ones: In any case, I'd like to get say something else that may seem strange corning from someone like me, and that's this: I hate the Oscars. What's wrong with the Oscars? You mean, besides the fact that they amount to little more than a decadent, masturbatory, selfcongratulating, backwards-thinking sham wherein nominations and wins are awarded more because of industry politics than legitimate achievements? You mean besides their focus being more on maintaining the status quo and playing favorites with already-established stars -- many whom are long past the point of true relevance -- than on pushing the boundaries of the medium and honoring the hungry young talents on the front lines, who are busting their asses trying to expand and explore new possibilities in storytelling? You mean, besides all that? Well, how about this? Period. No, on second thought, hold the "period." Because the Oscars aren't just bad for cinema specifically; they're bad for art and entertainment in general. On a broader scale, I'll even argue that they're bad for society. Don't laugh, I'm serious. Now, we can argue all day long about who deserves to win an award and who doesn't, or about who got snubbed and why. The truth is it doesn't really matter. It's all opinion. The fact that it's all opinion, however, reveals a deeper problem with the Oscars, and that's that they built primarily on the idea that some people's opinions are more valid than anyone else's. See, here's the thing: art and entertainment are subjective. That's the way it is and that's the way it should be. "Good" and "bad" are meaningless words, the definitions of each relative to the worldviews of individual people. Simply put, different people have different tastes. Those with similar tastes may gravitate towards each other and form bonds based on shared opinions. Friendships are born. Somewhere along the lines, though, some people with shared opinions got together and decided that a friendship based on common tastes wasn't good enough. Their opinions, they decided, were the only ones that mattered. Those people formed the Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Academy gave us the Oscars, an award show meant to honor those films that best em- what distinguishes excellence. We've been deferring to them ever since. The Oscars have been around for almost a hundred years. A hundred years! Think about what that has done to our cultural consciousness, to the cinematic zeitgeist. For almost a century, the Oscars have essentially billed themselves as America's guide to the best filmmaking on the planet. We look to them to tell us what's good, and, by association, what's bad. The Oscars are a great, big homogenizing machine, dictating people's tastes to them. Modem society has developed a conventional, elemental understanding of what constitutes quality based on what we're told is worthy ofAcademy recognition. We all know that Katharine Hepburn was a brilliant actress, or that John Ford was a genius director. We know this because the Oscars said so. The fact that you can watch a movie and call it "Oscar-bait" or look at the Academy nominations and predict who is going to win illustrates the problem perfectly. You watch a movie and you can tell if it's going to get an Oscar, not necessarily because it's a groundbreaking or captivating work of art, but because it hits all the Oscar· criterion right on the head. At this point, when we ask ourselves who we think is going to get the "Best Picture" Oscar, we're not asking ourselves which "Best Picture" nominee actually is the best of the best. We're asking which one fits the longestablished, easily-predictable model that the Academy has established as necessary for all movies to conform to if they are to be deemed worthy of recognition and acclaim. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: bil/thomas thewilkesbeacon.com Benefits of being short during possible zombie apocalypse BY CATHRYN FREAR Stqjf Writer Growing up, I lived in a house of tall people, with their average height being just below six feet tall. There were setbacks to this, due to my height being five-foot-two. I had a hard time reaching and often even seeing things which were kept on top of the refrigerator or in the top two shelves of cabinets. It seemed unfair that I was so unlike my family. Our extended family still thinks I am between five and eight years younger than I am solely based on my height, as they had all been this tall by fourth grade or so. They continually tell me, "Don't worry about it, Chatti. You'll be fine. You're still growing!" I am 23-years-old. Growth outlook: not so good. Luckily, wi.t h age comes wisdom. A better understanding of the world and your place in it. Putting that into perspective has made being short a gift. Mostly due to the realization we will outlive all of you tall people. Within the next year or so, there will likely be many, many deaths due to Armageddon being upon us. No, it has nothing to do with the Bible or the Mayan calendar; those are just cover-ups for the real impending problem: the zombie apocalypse. During this zombie takeover, short people will be less likely to die. Bare with me. There are reasons. They are real. Short people have greater agility because, while our proportions may be the same as a tall person, we have less length to actually move. This means we can more easily dodge brain-consumption attempts. Especially is these are going to be the slow-moving zombies of "Night of the Living Dead," which, for the record, are so much scarier than fast-moving zombies. We short folks are also more likely to be able to use the agility for a longer period of time as the instance of health ailments such as heart disease and cancer are found less in short people. Issues with many other organs occurs less in short people, as well, because our bodies are shorter and our cell reproduction can be used in more useful places, like our livers and kidneys, which both lead to healthier blood, which leads to healthier everything else. It's a cycle of awesome, you guys. The planet will also last longer because we need less to live. Namely, less food, water, our clothes require less cloth, and so on. Because of our needs being quantitatively less than tall people, our carbon footprints are also lower. If everyone were shorter, we would use less fossil fuel because there would be less energy used for the supplies humans need. Tall people: the real cause of climate change. In addition and possibly most in direct re- lation to the fast-approaching zombie apocalypse is our tininess gives us more options in the places-to-hide department. I can, if necessary, fit inside of a dryer or in the cupboard underneath a sink. Point made there, I think. The only setback? It's much easier for our bodies to become unhealthy because the things we consume affect us greater than tall people. What does this mean? Mostly it means it's much easier for a short person to get fat, which cancels out all of the aforementioned benefits. So it's probably best you start to get yourself fit, now, short people. So, the next time someone picks on you for needing to"' stand on that rickety chair or that squeaky footstool-I'm talking to you, Farley Library-let it slide. They'll be dead soon, anyway. CATHRYN FREAR AT: cathryn.frear@wilkes.edu �CONTACT EDITOR: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com FE~RUARY 2~, 2012 Mobile apps a popular means of entertainment BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor The world of technology speeds ahead minute by minute. In this world of technology, smart phones have turned into more than just a means of communication, but also a source for entertainment and information. Everywhere you look, people are glued to their smart phones. With these devices comes the trend that is blossoming more than ever before: mobile applications. Mobile app producers, such as Apple and Android, continue to create new apps and are constantly updating current ones. Every day more and more apps are being d-.vnloaded. According to Apple's website, Apple is nearing its 25 billionth app download. The app market is vast for Apple and Android. Apple offers more than 500,000 apps and Android offers more than 400,000. These immense options include free and paid apps. Apps are not just for cellular devices either and are offered by products such as iPads, Android tablets and even Kindles. Categories of apps range from games, news, shopping, social networking and much more. So what is it about these apps that attract mobile device users? Apple's app store states on their website in bold lettering that there are apps "for work, play, and everything in between." After asking several students why they love mobile devices that provide apps, they adhered to Apple's statement from their website. "Apps take a plain phone and turn it into everything," said Anthony Bartoli, sophomore communications major. Apps allow mobile users to do many different tasks from that device anywhere, anytime. An app can turn a cellular device into a flashlight or a barcode scanner. It can help you figure out the name of a song when you're stumped. "Apps sort of transform my phone into what I want and what I need. They're easy to install and once I download an app, I'm curious as to what else is out there," said Stephanie Orr, sophomore education major. Apps appear to be a part of socializing among students, as well. "I always hear people talking about the new app they just downloaded or people comparing their apps," Orr said. Sports apps were also a very popular choice among students. "My favorite app is the ESPN app because I can check scores of any game right from my phone," said Steve Oprendeck, freshman, undeclared major. Overall, students surveyed about their favorite apps mentioned mainly social networking ones, such as Facebook and Twitter. "I like that I don't have to go on the computer to update my Facebook or Twitter since I have the apps for them; It's just convenient," said Nicole Kelly, junior pl pharmacy major. Along with the ability to check Facebook and scores of sports games, apps provide a world of gaming and ·music entertainment. Popular game apps among the Wilkes students surveyed, are Temple Run and Scramble with Friends. For music, Pandora radio is the most popular among music streaming apps. Apps have changed the way phones are being used entirely. This popular trend attracts students through its easy installation, being a convenient source for news and information, and its offerings of many different games. Who knows where the app market will take us in the future? The opportunities seem to be endless. Top Free Apps Move the Box. 1. Games V iev1 in lTunes ► · Draw Something Fr-e .. Games 2. VJew :in ffunes 3. ► Blood & Glory Garnes View in .i Tunes 4. 5. ■ ► Police Chase Smash Games V iew Jn iTunes ► Temple Run Games VieY\! in iTunes ► Courtesy o App e.com CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebeccabolus@thewilkesbeacon.com Pictured are the most-downloaded free apps on the Apple app store. The top apps among students are social media apps. Ferrets, cockroaches, other wild inhabitants of Bio Department BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor Walk through around any room in the Biology department on the third floor of Stark Learning Center and one is likely to encounter a critter wandering around in a tank, cage or on its own through a classroom or lab. Most of these animals are used for scientific research involving undergraduates. Research Associate Andrew Bartlow has been doing research in the plant-animal interactions lab for several years and highlights several research projects the department has undergone that involve small animals. One project done two years ago involved research on patterns of seed dispersal, focusing on how rodents disperse seeds and how it affects oak forest regeneration that involved grey Squirrels at Kirby Park. The study looked at the cache recovery Courtesy of Dr. William Terzaghi ·oana (above) and Rana were familiar sights to those who had a lab with Dr. Terzaghi. Sadly, both ferrets have passed away. Terzaghi also keeps Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. behavior of grey squirrels, or grey squirrel behavior around burying acorns in the ground for later use. The question posed was whether grey squirrels have priority over their caches. Bartlow said part of the experiment involved live trapping and marking Eastern Grey Squirrels. "That's what I did for a month, just trapped squirrels everyday and marked them, painted them up," Bartlow said. "We had at least four or five people on that project and that's what we did for one summer. That was fun." Passive integrated transponder tags, small electronic devices implanted into an animal 's skin used to track movement, were placed in acorns and presentecNo._Qie squirrel§ and he-team observed the squirrels burying the acorns, making sure they were in the ground with the tracking tags. "We had two types of animals: animals that were left in the park as we monitored the caches and squirrels that were taken to Dr. (Mike) Steele's house as we monitored the caches," Bartlow said. Bartlow explained that the caches of squirrels that stayed in the park had acorns that ( SEE ANIMALS, PAGE 12 �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Photos:<:ourtesyof Jason Benjam in, Meri beth Derkach and The Beacon/ Dan Lykens Winter Weekend culminated the weekend of Feb. 24-2S. Teams included memb~ of the Ultimate Frisbee Team, Cheerleaders, Student Government, Hiffi1N1 Club and Chemistry Club. The winning team of Angry Beavers was composed of members of the Ultimate Frisbee Team. Blue's Clues was-composed of cheerleaders and Hey Arnold had members of the History Club as its members. Events included athletics in UCOM, a scavenger hunt and a mascot competition. The winning team of Angry Beavers will have its name engraved on a plaque outside the Student Government office. �2 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 LIFE 11 51:.pACRJCf5 t:)AI tveNC5 MAl\Ch 1N D)l\_0U(}h0Ut: D)e M0ND7 ;0,;;t;~ ~ ~iliiiiliiiiiiiailiiii....~U.. . "?~}. ~9, '. 'I?~ y '~ • ~~-· Mat:Th& Renal Race 'When: Minh t1. leyisllaliuu begins, at7 a.m.: race starts at 8a.m. 'Where: Kny Pn Wltat Pub toor Men: March 11 arotll'lilt2 ' pm. (m8owing the parade) Wllel'e,: Muligan's frish Pub. SaulhMairlShet. What: Cefm rook 500W ,When: Mardi 1. 1:30 p.m. Where: F.M. Kimy Center fur tie Perfmmm.g.Arls. Publlic ,, •Square Photo Illustration: Nona Poehler St. Patrick's Day celebrations will take place around Wilkes-Barre leading up to the March 11 parade on South Main and Main streets. Special Events Coordinator Lore Majikes said the parade usually draws from 10,000 to 15,000 people every year. Throughout March there are celebrations taking place all over NEPA, such as Scranton. has the bagpipers jumping and dancing and the crowd clapping. "People really get into that," Modzelewski said. "It draws a nice crowd; people love BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief Irish pride in the Wilkes-Barre l}!ealias expanded St. Patri<;k's Day celebrations from more than just one day. Butch Modzelewski, self-proclahne9 Polish bagpiper, said it's m~,like "St. Patrick's month." The Wyoming Valley Pipe and Drum band, which MOffli;elewski plays the bagpipes for, will,be~orming throughout the month at area pub.st as well as the Wilkes-Barre and Scran t. ades. Modzelewski said the crow s tp come out for the band's unique bagp~ sound and Irish outfits. The audience members aren't the only ones that e the show. "We put a lot of fun into our performanc• es ... we have a ball," Modzelewski said. He said their signature song, "Five Times Fast," really gets the crowd going. The song starts out slow but then speeds up, resulting in an upbeat performance that r"'., '"'~! u. . ,II" The Wyoming Valley Pipe and Drum ~ has bee~-8f0und for four years, and they've playt}d in the Wilkes-Barre parade every year. , . , This year•\patf'a p will take place 2 p.m Sunday, March 11, along South Main and Main Streets.i ajikes, special events ilkes-Barre, organized the it gives everyone a chance Irish culture regardless of of the lrJsh clans are represented in the parade. "They all want to be out there to celebrate their pride," Majikes said. The parade will include many musical performances, from the Wyoming Valley Pipe and Drum band to The Imaginary Boys. Majikes said there are a lot of young adult performers that would appeal to college students. The Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick's Day parade draws an estimate of 10,000 to 15,000 attendees, Majikes said. "Our parades are always very popular." She added that they don't try to compete with the Scranton parade, which will take place noon on Saturday, March I. She said the relatively smaller Wilkes-Barre parade gives everyone good views of the event. Majikes said the parade has such a good turnout because it's something different to do in the springtime. "I think people are just looking for something different to do," Majikes said. "People are anxious to get outside and do something different." A new addition to the parade events is The Renal Race, which is a one-mile fun run to raise funds for The Kidney Cancer Association. Registration will begin at Kirby Park at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 8:30. The parade and related activities are only a part of the St. Patrick's day plans for the area."St. Patrick's month" begins with Gaelic Storm, a Celtic rock show at F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on March 1, which are $22 for balcony seating and $32 for orchestra and mezzanine seating. According to kirbycenter.org, the band plays traditional music of Ireland with a modem American rock and pop twist. The band will be visiting the WilkesBarre Hardware Bar at 12:30 prior to the Wilkes-Barre parade on March 11, and after the parade will stop at Mulligan's Irish Pub, Senuna's Bar and Grill, Outsiders Saloon and more. To continue the March St. Patrick's festivities, the Wyoming Valley Pipe and Drum band is holding several pub tours throughout the month. More details on their events can be found at http://wyomingvalleypipeanddrum.com. CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com �12 UriiW\Y,orft;rif Q14esfioris with _Important People _ JERRY REBO, PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGER BY ABBEY HALDEMAN Staff Writer ;.---------------- What is your role on campus? I am the public safety manager, which means I the supervisor 15 public safety officers. What are some of your hobbies? Eating -- no, I'm kidding. I like to watch baseball and football and play with my grandkids. My favorite teams are the Yankees and the Colts •• What is the last movie you sa;w in theatres? _'::, That's a tough one 'cause I haven't been ANIMALS Continued from Page 9 disappeared after a few days. But the squirrels that were taken out of the park had caches that remained and when the squirrels were released, the cache would go missing. The team concluded that Eastern Grey Squirrels have priority over their caches with no pilfering. Bartlow said small mammal trappings of mice, chipmunks and voles are common in the department. The department also monitors animals indirectly by placing seeds and monitoring how the animals in the wild interact with the seeds. He explained that small animals are useful in research because they show best how species of plants and animals interact. Students that have had a laboratory with professor of biology Dr. William Terzaghi will no doubt be familiar with the two ferret mascots that frequented the lab or the Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that inhabit his office. Terzaghi got Princess Ribonucleic Acid -- (or Rana) after students working in the lab over the summer asked for a lab mascot. A r~ student noticed a ferret that was up for adoption at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Terzaghi said he had to work with Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Dr. Dale Bruns and biology department chair Dr. Mike Steele to get approval. But by the time approval was granted the ferret at the SPCA had been adopted but Terzaghi was the movies in, I bet you, 15 years. I really don't go to the movies that often. I work too much. I'm a workaholic. When you were younger, what did you aspire to be? Two things, a baseball player and cop. And I reached one of those goals. Is there anywhere you would really like to travel and why? Ireland. I am Irish so, my grandmother was from there. I would really love to see Emerald Island . What was your first job? able to get a ferret at a local pet store. Terzaghi said in order to keep Rana and her predecessor, Prince Deoxyribonucleic Acid (or Dana), he had to sign an agreement with the Animal Care and Use Committee that they would be his pets and would go home with him every night. He would also have to get rabies shots, and the ferrets had to be confined to one part of Stark. He said most students liked the ferret mascots and was surprised by the number of students who had ferrets and liked the animals. "About 90 percent positive, 5 percent neutral and 5 percent hated them," Terzaghi said. "I had quite a few girls over the years that said 'I miss my ferret, can I pet him?"' Terzaghi said ferrets have to be trained about not biting and are playful and catlike, investigating things and socializing with people and other animals on their terms. "In a Biology department you ought to have living things running around, it's fun and it's something to talk about," Terzaghi said. Terzaghi originally got a colony of Madagascar hissing cockroaches for what he calls "cockroach death matches" during Pre-Med Day. "I would have two different varieties of cockroaches and we'd put them both in a container with dry ice and saw which keeled over first," Ter- The Beacon / Dan Lykens Jerry Rebo has·been the public safety manager at Wilkes for 15 years. My first job was working at car wash. What is your favorite type of animal? Why? My little Yorkie that I have, Bella. She is zaghi said. "Then you take them out and do a little cockroach CPR and they come back to life." Now in retirement, the cockroaches are used for a different purpose. "Now I use them to creep out the freshman," Terzaghi said. as cute as a button. CONTACT ABBEY HALDEMAN abbey.ha/deman@wilkes.edu CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com �CONTACT EDITOR: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Anti-Flag's punk rock politics 'Human Floor' breaks record but not bones J BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor In addition to whatever else he has in store for those who check out the Diane's Deli show, Tino will also try to break his record. As always, he's looking for the audience to get involved. • Specifically, Tino hopes to get at least 24 girls to come and stand on him, hoping for a combined weight of 4,000 pounds, or two tons. Strange as Tino's act may seem, his abilities have landed him TV appearances on such shows as "America's Got Talent" and "The Tyra Banks Show" among others. Despite pushing his body to the very limit literally hundreds of times throughout his life, though, Tino said he's never been seriously injured. "This one time, I was on a bed of nails with two girls standing on top ofme. I had my arms outstretched and I had my bracing onto something. One of the girls went to get off me and she stepped right on my arm. It pushed my elbow in," he said. "It felt a little funny at the time, but the next morning I couldn't move my arm. I thought I broke it, but it was OK. I got lucky." Admission for the show at Diane's Deli in Pittston is $5. The event starts at 9 p.m. For more information, call 570-602-5200 or look for "The Human Floor" on Facebook. When most folks say "people walk all over me," it's a bad thing. When Pete Tino says that, it's a way of life. Pete Tino, you see, is "The Human Floor." What does that mean? Well, in 2010, at the Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee On Delaware, Tino set a world record by having 21 women, weighing a cumulative total of 3,531 pounds, stand on his torso, arms, legs and even his face for 10 seconds. The achievement was recorded Courtesy of Cory Morton· by the Record Holders Republic. Touring in support of a new album, Anti-Flag's W-B show will offer fans free music. "Everybody asks me if I meditate when explained that, following Anti-Flag's depar- I do this stuff, and I say 'No. I just do what BY BILL THOMAS ture from major label RCA Records and the I do.' I don't put any thought it into it," Tino Arts & Entertainment Editor release of their 2009 album "The People or the remarked. "If I think I can do it, I can do it. Since the 1997 release of Anti-Flag's debut Gun" on independent label SideOneDummy That's all there is to it." On Saturday, March 3, Tino will return to album "Die for the Government," the Pitts- Records, the members of the band members burgh-based punk group has gained a reputa- found themselves contemplating just what de- NEPA for a show at Diane's Deli & Internet Cafe in Pittston. In between performances tion for being a "political band," openly voic- fines Anti-Flag. "Maybe there are others who have a simi- from local bands Our Ashes Remain, One Red ing their support for groups such as Amnesty lar agenda that we do, but I don't think many X, Psycho 38 and Snow Falling on Cedars, International and Greenpeace. Likewise, the band has performed every- people approach that in a fashion similar to Tino will entertain audience members with where from the steps of the Minnesota State the way Anti-Flag does. Whether for better or an assortment of freakish feats from his bag Capitol, in opposition of the 2008 Republican worse, with Anti-Flag you know you're go- of tricks, which includes eating and breathing National Convention, to the middle of New ing to be getting a band that is writing songs fire, rolling around in piles of broken glass and York City, in support of the Occupy Wall that are standing up to racism, sexism and ho- being sandwiched between beds of nails. Tino points out that, unlike many sideshow mophobia," Head said. Street protests. Watch videos of "The "We felt like, in 2012, there aren't really any performers, he doesn't use assistants. The Still, guitarist Chris Head insists that, reHuman Floor" in action at: gardless of the causes the band support, the bands that sound like Anti-Flag so let's just be people he gets to throw darts at his chest and www.thewilkesbeacon.com message at the heart ofAnti-Flag is a relatively confident and make the best-sounding Anti- swing sledgehammers at those cinder blocks Flag record we can make. That's what 'The stacked on his stomach aren't trained professimple one. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: sionals. They're average, unsuspecting people "Whether it's just going to school and General Strike' is." lucked from the audience. To give fans a taste of "what 'The General hearing someone throw homophobic speech around or whether it's going to your job and Strike' is," everyone who attends any of the your boss is an asshole but you feel like you Redwood show will receive a free download can't say anything to him because he's your card featuring three songs from the album as boss," Head said. "With our songs, what we well as two exclusive unreleased tracks. "When we picked the songs that we thought try to do is give people some solace." Fifteen years after "Die for the Govern- were right for the record, we were left with a ment," Head and the others members of An- few more," Head explained. "We figured the ti-Flag - singer-guitarist Justin Sane, bassist basis of the band is the live show and the peoChris #2 and drummer Pat Thetic - are set ple who come out to the live show. So why not to release their 15th full-length studio album. reward them with these extra songs?" Admission for the Redwood Art Space conTitled "The General Strike," it is due out Tuescert on Saturday, March 10, is $15. Doors open day, March 20. Before that, however, the band will perform at 7 p.m. For more information, visit anti-flag. at Wilkes-Barre's Redwood Art Space on Sat- com or redwoodartspace.tumblr.com. urday, March 10, supported by The Flatliners Courtesy of Pete Tino and Have Nots. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: Pete"The Human Floor" Tino is inviting the ladies of NEPA to be a part of his recordTalking about "The General Strike," Head billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com breaking attempt to withstand two tons on his face, torso and extremities. �14 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 A&E NEPA filmmaker seeks funding for'smoking hot' new project BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor For NEPA-based filmmaker Mitch Csanadi, it's all about the characters. The more unique, colorful or over-the-top, the better. Since founding Dirt Productions in 2005 alongside producer Dan Maher, Csanadi has written and directed a number of short horror films and one feature. All have been lensed in NEPA, throughout the Lehigh Valley, and all have showcased their fair share of oddball personalities. The characters that have captured Csanadi's imagination as oflate, however, have not been works of fiction. "Everything from a gnarly 85-year-old dude in a wheelchair who orders his wife around while she's cooking all this barbecue at a competition to a team of really hot, young, blonde girls from Long Island who do it and win," Csanadi said, describing some of the personalities that have inspired his latest project: an in-depth, feature-length documentary about competitive barbecue called "American Smoke." "There are so many interesting characters out there. It really writes itself. I was like 'We have to capture this. This is a chunk of America. We've got to get this scene.' It's a scene I never even knew existed four years ago." Four years ago. That's when Csanadi got bit Courtesy of Mitch Csanadi "American Smoke" allows Csanadi to combine his passions for film and barbecue. by the barbecue bug and began competing. He is now part of two teams, Zombie Barbecue and Smokerhead Barbecue, which make the .rounds in the East Coast competition circuit. The other bug that bit Csanadi, the one that bit the hardest and whose grip has held the Iongest, is the filmmaking bug. Talking about his adolescence, Csanadi describes himself growing up as "just a little punk, renting a VHS camcorder from West Coast Video down the street and shooting backyard horror movies." Hold down the fast-forward button. Csanadi, now 30, has plied his passion on a seeming- ly endless number of short films - including award-winners ''Nothingface" and "The Dead" - as well as a music video for Allentown-based hip-hop act Fat Cat Daddies. The filmmaker's first feature-length project, the raunchy '80sinspired comedy ''Nacho Mountain" was recently picked up for by Chemical Burn Entertainment for national video-on-demand DVD distribution this summer. With all that under his belt, "American Smoke" marks Csanadi's first adventure into documentary territory. "As a filmmaker, I never want to get lumped in with any one category. I love the excitement and I love the challenge of doing some completely different," Csanadi said. "We've never done something like this, but the material is so damn interesting to us. Also, it's unique. It's something we really haven't seen. Yeah, there's been TV shows like "BBQ Pitmasters" and little things here and there, but there's really a huge underground world of barbecue competitions that's never really been explored in-depth. These people are diehard." Csanadi plans to venture beyond the East Coast competition circuit to get a fuller picture of the barbecue lifestyle. To do that, he is currently raising funds for "American Smoke" on Kickstarter.com. Accepting donations until Sunday, March 11, the project has received $1,190 of its $2,500 goal as of press time. For more information, visit dirtproductions.com or kickstart- Watch Mitch Csanadi's short horror film "Torment" as well as the trailer for "Nacho Mountain" at www.thewilkesbeacon.com CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: bi Ilthomas@thewi Ikesbeacon.com Vintage photos offers glimpse of harsh history BY JANEL NARO Assistan1 Arts & Entertainment Editor Lewis Wickes Hines died in 1940, but his work continues to have an impact even today. A sociologist hired by the National Child Labor Committee in 1906 to illustrate the harsh working conditions children faced in the coal mining industry, Lewis spent 10 years taking pictures of workers in canneries, coal mines, cotton mills, farms and sweatshops. The goal was for Hines' photos to capture the attention of both the government and the public, raising concern against child labor in the United States at the time. Many of those photos can currently be viewed as part of an exhibit called "Let Children be Children: Lewis Wickes Hines' Crusade Against Child Labor," which will be on display in Wilkes University's Sordoni Art Galley until Sunday, March 11. "(Hines) was a visual socialist. He was a reformer," Robert Wolensky, a University of Wisconsin Stevens Point sociology professor, said. "He was fighting for a very important cause - to get rid of child labor, to outlaw it - which eventually happened - and to get these kids in school." Wolensky, also an adjunct professor of history and sociology at King's College, gave a presentation entitled "The Anthracite MininglndustryinNortheasternPennsylvania During the Lewis Hines Years" at the opening of the exhibit on Jan. 17. For Wolensky, what made, and still makes, Hines' work stand out the most was, and is, "his dedication to the cause of eliminating child labor and, secondly, he took photograph of local boys that nobody ever took. Wolensky, originally of Swoyersville, has written books on Northeastern Pennsylvania's history, with an upcoming release "Anthracite Labor Wars," co-authored by William Hastie, due out in the spring. Wolensky is also involved such area organizations as the Luzerne County Historical Society, the Lackawanna Historical Society, the Huber Breaker Preservation Society, the Anthracite Living History Group and the Anthracite Heritage Foundation. Like many others who grew up in the area, Wolensky has a connection to the Pennsylvania coal mining industry through family ties. "Both of my grandfathers were miners, and niany uncles, and my own father was a mine lhe Beacon/ Austin Loukas On display until March 11, the current Sordoni exhibit is a window into the past. worker," Wolensky said. "The breaker is a big, tall, black building where coal is processed. There are about 300 in the area. My father worked above ground at the breaker, cleaning the coal." The conditions faced, especially for children, were extreme. "There were some young boys who worked underground too, opening and closing doors, they controlled the draft. They worked in the damp and cold for 10 or 12 hours a day picking rocks out of the coal," Wolensky said. "Children should not be working in breakers. They were terribly abused. It was a brutal existence." The Sordoni Art Gallery, located in the Stark Learning Center, is open daily from noon to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 570-408-4325. CONTACT JANEL NARO AT: janel.naro@wilkes.edu �~ A&E 15 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 'Hilarity·Ensues' is hard to put Generic rom-com focuses on clash between yuppies, hippies down, but it's not for everyone BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor There are two types of people in this world. There are people who hate hippies. And there are hippies. It's not the philosophy that rubs folks the wrong way, mind you. It's the execution. The hippie ethic of peace and love is a worthwhile vision, but the holier-than-thou superiority complex, impractical naivete and flighty lack of reliability quickly become overbearing and obnoxious. It's appropriate, then, that "overbearing and obnoxious" turns out to be an ideal desctiption of"Wanderlust," the latest comedy dud from producer Judd Apatow and director David Swain. Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd play Linda and George, a couple of uptight would-be social climbers trying to keep up with the fast pace and high cost of big-city life. When that doesn't pan out, they pack up and head out to the suburbs, where George's insufferable brother.offers him a bottom-rung job doing data-entry for a Port-a-Potty rental agency. Serendipitously, the pair's pilgrimage instead leads them to a hippie commune, where they decide to trade in their beautifully manicured but meaningless existence of "stress, Blackberrys and sleeping pills" for a life of pot-smoking, casual sex and didgeridoos. In other words, paradise. After all, who doesn't love a didgeridoo? Unsurprisingly, the high-stnmg duo's metropolitan worldview ends up clashing with the hippies' hardline nature-worshipping, New Age rabble-babble. Wackiness ensues. Or, rather, it's supposed to. Sure, the directing, edit- there. He has vices that society frowns upon and an intelligence level most of us wish that we possessed. Even if you end up pretty much disgusted with him, depending on how easily offended you are, you stil.l don't want to put the book down. Tucker and his cast of friends move throughout life and go on ridiculous adventures that land them in various parts of the country, in jail at the O'Hara airport, on the Northwestern of"Deadliest Catch" fame and in many, many bars. He tells these sto~ s with as much honesty as he can remember and even the pickiest o-freaders can all agree on that one thing: the man can write. These books do not necessarily need to be read in order of publication date. The sto1ies are different each time. The only part that might be confusing would be to figure out who some of his nicknamed friends are, but Max explains it as well as he can without going over the entire cast of his life again. The first book has also been turned into a movie. Tucker Max is a phenomenon, something no one understands, something most young adult men want to emulate for a short period of time and something women are confused by. Max is loud, crude and does some of the most infantile things, but he is also intellectual and hilaiious and much more honest than many autobiographers out there today. He has captivated many people with his writ~ ing an~ the "fratire" genre he's created. • ~/ ~ If you are not sure whether or not ._, his writing is too crude for you, check out his website, tuckennax.com, and sample some of ing and music here is competent and confiStoff Writer dent, even exceptional. But this is a comedy, and that means the weight of the film rests Many of you have probably heard of on the shoulders of the script and the actors. Tucker Max. Best known for his runaway ln examining these elements, one major flaw best-seller "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," becomes unavoidably apparent. Max created his own genre dubbed "fratire." Simply put, there's not a single likable "Hilarity Ensues" is Max's third and final character anywhere in the film. Our protago- book of this nature. nists are irritating. The hippies are irritating. Many people have been offended by his The villains are irritating. The ancillary char- writing, and just as many have laughed hysacters are irritating. It almost seems like this terically over it. Even so, Max's books should was done purposefully, as if "Wanderlust" come with a warning "do not try this at home, was trying to deliver some kind of misanunless you're Tucker Max." thropic message: There are douchebags evMost of Max's stories center around erywhere, in the city and in the country, in drinking and sexual escapades. The main business suits and bell bottom s. In short, evthing I wondered though was, how does he eryone sucks. get away with all of this? Speaking frankly, " Wanderlust" is This man spent a month in an apt title for this derivative, ----1t---ancun, while he enrolled generic comedy, as that's · law school. To top exactly what you' II be ~· · all off, he sti II struck with while assed . watching it. Per~ Max not sonally, for , ~ admits much of its ~ 98 -m inute ~ runtime, l ~ could not help but wish l was the biggest somewhere ego of any else. Anyautobiogwhere else. rapher out l\\* ff:,'v <_ Euro Bistro is a 1amond in the roug BY DOMINICK COSTANTINO Stoff Writer I love going to restaurants where I feel welcomed the minute I walk through the door. This was the way I felt when l ate at Euro Bistro located at 21 Public Square in WilkesBarre. I knew my dining experience was going to be wonder.th] when the owner was so welcoming and outgoing. My regular dining partner Brittany Battista and I were greeted and then given menus once we got to the counter. The menu has European-style homemade soups, bistro salads, sandwiches (wrnps or pitas), baked sandwiches, paninis, sweets and pizza. I love panini and I don't get to eat them often, so I decided to order the "Veggie Baby." This panini is made with. a traditional east- - they added a nice touch. While we were waiting for our meal, the ern European vegetable spread (giilled eggplant, tahini, lemon juice and garlic), zucchini, staff let us try the chicken that is used for gyonion, sweet peppers and mozzarella. It was ros. Good stuff We also san1pled their "Euro delicious. The homemade panini bread was Wedding Soup." It had a different taste than cnmchy and had a great texture. The sweet Italian wedding soup, but it was still good. peppers and zucchini dominated, packing a I'd previously had a chance to san1ple their powerful punch. This is definitely a wonderful homemade crepes made with a variety of fruit fillings including blueberry, cherry and grape menu option for vegetarians. Brittany got a panini cal led "For Chicken fi lling. I tried one with Nutella and was surLovers Only." This one had roasted chicken, prised at how good it was. It was nice and light pickles, sweet peppers and mozzarella over with that great Nutella taste. The ov.ner said a thin spread of honey mustard. Brittany said they don't sell a lot of them because most peoit was delicious. The chicken was tender and ple don't know what they are. flavorful. She wasn't sure how she would like The restaurant's subtle European-sotmding pickles with this particular combination, but music in the background sets th.e mood for a relaxed envionce she ronment. The tried it she paintings on thought 5/5 his the walls are stunning. The ow11er said they're even better at night when it get<; dark out and they shine special lights on them. The staff really went above and beyond to talk with us and make sure we liked what we ordered. It was also very nice of them to let us sample some of the items. When we went to pay, the owner asked us if we were students so he could give us the IO percent off discount. In most restaurants, the customer has to mention the discount. I would recommend this place to anyone who loves phenomenal service and great food. For more infonnation, visit theeurobistro.com. CONTACT BILL THOMAS billthomos@thewilkes.beocon �FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Hockey skates its way onto campus New team is finding identity on and off the ice The Broad Street Breakdown BY BRYAN WISLOSKY BY PHAT NGUYEN Columnist News Editor The phrase 'to break a leg' is used to wish someone good luck. Junior psychology major Hayden Lerner got the most of this well-known idiom when he literally broke his leg. That bit of luck was exactly what the Wilkes Hockey Club needed. A broken leg forced Lerner to take a medical leave of absence, allowing him to focus all his attention on starting up the Wilkes Hockey Club last fall. Lerner and a friend pitched their idea to ' Student Government, which voted in favor of the formation of the club. The next step was to find a way to pay for uniforms. Lerner's luck came through once again, and after hundreds of emails between companies like Warrior, Timberline and National Business, Warrior decided to sponsor the Colonel club. "They reluctantly gave us jerseys, which really saved us a lot of money," junior psychology major Ryan Maloney said. As the team grew, the biggest hurdle has beefl#llances. They wanted to join a Men's B league on Coal Street that costed $2,400. Also, every player on the team would need to pay the $40 registration to USA hockey. • They presented to SG that they needed $900-$ I, 700 for the league, $300 to refill their account and $500 for the community service that they did as a club. The club has worked to fulfill their service hours this semester by making Nylon with the Chemistry Club for Women Empowered through Science, and through a dual team Relay for Life with the Mixed Martial Arts club. After gathering the majority of funds, the next biggest hurdle was gathering interest, Lerner said. With a limited roster, it would " be difficult to consistently field a team. "We only had seven or eight guys initially, and I was really worried that we didn't have enough for a team," Lerner said. But the team saw progress quickly as time went by. "Even though we only had seven or eight guys responding to emails initially, as word spread and got out, the team grew," Maloney said. the students by insisting for them to call him by his first name. "Listen this isn't a classroom. Call me Greg," Peters said. The Coal Street men's league has nine games, plus two play-off games. Harris believes the competition is top notch. "We're playing against pros, former pros, semi pros and junior hockey players -- the level before you go pro -- and NCAA guys," Harris said. "Dennis Bonvie was on defense for the last team." Bonvie was a former member of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Another problem the club has that it's limited to hold regular practice since paying for ice is expensive. "That's the biggest reason why I never played when I was growing up. The league itself is $2000 to set up," Maloney said. They are limited to open hockey at UCOM. Coaching and managing the team is Well, it's almost March, which means we are getting into the heart of the NFL offseason. The NFL Scouting Combine started this past week with over 100 hopeful NFL prospects participating in the drills. This year, there is also a plethora of high profile free agents hitting the market, especially at the wide receiver position. Oh, and there's the situation regarding Peyton Manning's future, just in case you didn't hear. It's just over six months until week one of the 2012 NFL season, and with all these major offseason stories to follow, the landscape of football will be bent backward by then. With the combine comes thoughts of April's NFL Draft. Will the Colts take Andrew Luck? What will the St. Louis Rams do with the second pick? Is Reisman Winner Robert Griffin III a better pick than Luck? And most importantly, will fat Andy finally stop trying to outsmart everyone and actually make a move to push the Eagles in the right direction? Even though I will be more focused on who Philadelphia will take with their first pick -- hopefully a linebacker -- the majority of football fans will be looking at the Colts. With Peyton Manning owing a massive bonus at the end of March and having the opportunity to draft a quarterback with the most promise since Manning, the Indianapolis Colts need to decide if they want to keep their four-time MVP QB or cut him loose and start over with Luck. Rumors surfaced this week that the most probable destination for Manning is the Miami Dolphins. I personally think Indy should draft Luck and keep"llilll under Peyton's wing for two years, but that's just my opinion. Rookies won't be the only players calling new cities home in September. 2012 has quite an impressive free agent class, headlined by Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Ravens running back Ray Rice, although both of them are likely to remain with their current teams. The big story in free agency this year is the laundry list of wide receivers on the list. SEE HOCKEY, PAGE 19 SEE NFL, PAGE 19 The Beacon / Phat Nguyen The Wilkes hockey club poses with its new jerseys. Pictured are (left to right) Ryan Maloney, Epes Harris and Hayden Lerner The newly formed team plays Tuesday and Thursday nights at the local ice rink. Lerner, a junior, (right) was instrumental in the formation of the new club. By the time the first league game rolled around, the team grew to 20 members ranging from freshman to senior and including Dr. Gregory Peters, an assistant professor of chemistry. Peters was recruited through multiple students in the club. "Personally, I'm friends with him," Maloney said. "Our club secretary Jess Khalil is also very good friends with him." Peters played competitive hockey in graduate school at Wyoming nearly 18 years ago. "The last time he played hockey competitively was before some of our freshmen were born," Lerner said. "He's not bad, but some of his equipment would've looked bad on Gretsky though." Maloney joked after noticing Peters' old gloves. Junior criminology major Epes Harris said he's seen a lot of passion from Peters. "He has real fire in his eyes," the assistant captain said. "He even slammed his helmet on the bench one time." Peters has adjusted to the camaraderie of �SPORTS 17 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 SCOREBOARD Men's 8-Ball 2/22 Eastern W 103-98 OT 2/25 Misericordia L 69-41 WEEK AHEAD Baseball 3/3 @ Manchester, in S.C. 3/4 @ Roanoke, in S.C. @ PSU-Abington 3/5 @ Catholic U, in S.C. 3/6 @ PSU-Harrisburg, in S.C. 3/7 @Averett, in S.C. Softball 3/2 @York, in V.A. @John Jay 3/3 @F&M, in V.A. @ N.C. Wesleyan, in V.A. 3/4 @ Randolph, in V.A. Tweet us pictures of the scoreboards @wilkesbeacon The MLB offseason has focused mainly on the Miami Marlins and the L.A. Angels. The Marlins added all-star shortstop Jose Reyes, as well as veteran Mark Buehrle and shut down closer Heath Bell. The Angels added the best hitter in baseball, Albert Pujols, and the best starter available, C.J. Wilson. But neither team is the most improved in the league. As far as wins and losses relative to other teams in the division, neither is a lock. In the NL East, the Phillies the favorites. The Marlins can add as many players as they want, but if Josh Johnson does not give them 30 plus starts they will not get close to winning the division. Though the Phillies certainly haven't gotten better, they are still a 94 to 97 win team. Reyes, Buehrle and Bell cannot close that gap alone. Add healthy 20-game winner Johnson and it is possible, but still unlikely. Chances are, the Marlins will be fighting for a wild card berth. The most improved team is the Yankees. The Yanks had one glaring need and weakness that prevented them from getting far, which was starting pitching. They addressed it the right way by trading Jesus Montero -- whom they did not need -- for a great young starter in Michael Pineda, who last year at age 22 pitched to a 3. 74 ERA with 173 strikeouts on a last-place team. They also added Hiroki Kuroda, a great work horse and mentally tough veteran. Last year, Kuroda, had a 3.07 ERA and had over 200 innings pitched -- exactly what the Yankees needed. With the Red Sox a big question mark and the Rays showing no glaring improvements other than maturity, the defending divisionwinning Yankees did what they needed to do. They will not win many more than 97, but they have succeeded in widening the gap. They still have an all-world lineup and a close to unstoppable bullpen. Rivera at age 42 is still the best closer in baseball and with David Robertson as the best setup man in the league and Soriano as the seventh inning guy, starters usually just have to get to six with a lead to secure a win. The Yankees for once will show you don't need big names to have big improvements. They will be the favorite to win the AL east and most likely the AL. Yankees have another year or two before they have to replace the rest of their core in Jeter and Rivera, -- and even A-Rod soon, -- but these guys will be hungry for one more. The MLB season is quickly approaching, and the smell of pitchers and catchers is in the air. Gloves are being broken in, bats are being cracked against the ball and cleats are being screwed in. Everyone is undefeated. Looking back at this past offseason, many teams made big moves, while some stayed content with what they have. The newly named Miami Marlins come to mind as a very improved team. With the addition of Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle, the fish have added to a solid pitching staff which includes Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco. The health of the Marlins is a big concern. Jose Reyes in an injury prone shortstop and hasn't finished a season in the last couple years. The addition of Reyes also leads to Hanley Ramirez having to bump over to thijl base, a position he has never played. Staying within the division, the Washington Nationals made big strides in the NL East. The Nationals expect Stephen Strasburg to come back and be healthy and effective. I would also not be surprised to see Bryce Harper up in the bigs this year. The Nationals made my favorite move of the offseason in acquiring Gio Gonzalez. This young pitcher is on his way to pure domination in the league. The Nationals also snagged closer Brad Lidge, and expect Ryan Zimmerman to have a stellar year. The Nationals can make a push for a wild card, but it comes down to Jayson Werth getting back to his old ways. The Detroit Tigers became a whole lot better with the addition of Prince Fielder. The vegan slugger will fit perfectly in Detroit and automatically bring them more wins. The Yankees added Hiroki Koruda and Raul Ibanez in the offseason. Koruda was a very smart addition, but Ibanez will be a work in progress at the designate hitter position. A sleeper pick for a very improved team is the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays added Reds reliever Francisco Cordero, along with White Sox closer Sergio Santos, to make an effective punch in the late innings. The Angels made the biggest and most effective moves this offseason. They added the feared hitter Albert Pujols,"El Hombre," who will absolutely thrive in LA. But what is more interesting is the Angels' pitching rotation. C.J. Wilson was one of the best offseason signings. He has no pressure in L.A., as he . will be the No. 3 started behind the talented Jered Weaver and Dan Haren. This pitching staff will be something to watch this year. CONTACT JOSEPH PUGLIESE AT: CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: joseph.pugliese@wilkes.edu justin.franiak@wilkes.edu �18 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 SPORTS ·- Wilkes baseball uses preseason to improve skill Colonel sluggers are set to take on spring training in Myrtle Beach, S.C. BY JUSTIN FRANIAK " , Sports Editor The grass is being mowed and the field is being raked to prepare for this year's Colonel baseball squad to march out for its 2012 campaign. The Colonels are looking to improve their record of 21-16 from 2011, after losing a few key components from last year. Returning to the team are athletes Tay Sidler and Matt Ruch, both of whom batted above the .330 mark, with Ruch recording 34 RBI's. Sidler posted a .443 on base percentage in the 2011 campaign. Infielder Carmen Lopresto also returns, bringing his 33 runs scored and .300 batting average from last year. Senior business administration major and relief pitcher Mark Siebel is excited for new players this season. "I'm excited to see how the freshmen • do," Siebel said. "I've been impressed so far, I want to see them in conference play against tough opponents." Siebel said the freshmen have a good chance of starting and making a big impact on this year's team. Last year, the Colonels were 11-10 in the conference, and are looking to improve from that. "We can improve everywhere," Siebel said. "Hitting and pitching are areas where we can always improve." The Colonels return pharmacy major and starting pitcher Ryan Fetterman who led the team with a 3.26 ERA from last season. Fetterman also tacked on 11 batters struck out looking. Senior Sean Flecknoe led the team with 13 batters struck out looking last season. Senior history and secondary education major Mike "Snail" Olerta say the preseason is going well. When asked what the purpose of the long preseason is, Olerta said many thing are involved. "Getting and shape and staying focused is what we need to work on now for the season," Olerta said. Olerta, along with others, will look to spark the Colonels offensively this season. The team will soon leave on its annual spring training trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Siebel and Olerta both said the trip is fun and enjoyable. The team bonding is a key component of the trip. Senior business administration major and Colonel infielder Tom Pless! also commented about playing on the turf in South Carolina. "There's not bad hops, which helps everybody," Pless! said. Personal goals are a part of every team season, and the Colonels are no different. Siebel is within grasp of the appearance record and saves record and hopes to break both of those. Pless! is at 79 games played and his goal is to reach 100. Olerta would like to break the .300 average this season. A major team goal for the season is making a playoff run, according to Siebel. "If you make the playoffs anything can happen," Siebel said. "The ultimate goal is to win the MAC." Olerta said that there is always room for improvement, and with i{l1provement comes that coveted playoff run. Olerta said it boils down to one thing. "Winning," Olerta said. "Winning and hitting, I think we have a good team this year." Siebel summed up his biggest fear for the season simply. "I hope my curveball works," Siebel said. CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: j ustin.franiak@wilkes.edu STRESSED? HEADACHE? the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. t I in Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) Headaches and back pain are two of the most common ailments treated at our clinic. Often , we can bring relief simply by taking the pressure off a pinched nerve. Here are other common symptoms of a pinched nerve. Neck Pain Back Pain Shoulder Pain Arm Pain Leg Pain Muscle Pain - Sports Injury - FREE 20 Min Hydro Massage Auto Accident - w WILKES UNIVERSll\' FREE EXAM & FREE 1st Treatment Wilkes-Barre Chiropractic & Rehab Dr. David Lewis Chiropractic Physician the legendary taste I $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out I Expires 06/30/12 I --------valid only at Grol1o Pizza locations 825-5535 380 Old River Road Wilkes-Barre, PA All Insurances Accepted dblewis326@ aol.com www. nepachiro.com �19 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 'W' is for Wilkes Fans cheer Colonels to victory The Beacon/Laura Preby Students who were a part of the "Blue Army" get rowdy at halftime of Wednesday's Freedom Conference Playoff game. The crowd featured students with painted bodies, referee shirts and the "Blue Army" shirt. Wilkes went on to win the game in overtime, helping the Colonels advance to the Freedom Conference Championship Game. Continued from Page 16 The Beacon/Laura Preby Wilkes cheerleaders lead soccer players, wrestlers and Wilkes fans. The cheerleaders and "Blue Army" cheered Wilkes to an overtime victory over the visiting Eastern Eagles, putting them in the Freedom Conference Championship Game. NFL Continued from Page 16 Notables include Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs), Marques Colston (Saints), DeSean Jackson (Eagles), Vincent Jackson (Chargers), Mario Manningham (Giants), Mike Wallace (Steelers), Reggie Wayne (Colts) and Wes Welker (Patriots). Now Pittsburgh's Wallace is a restricted free agent, so they have a very good chance of resigning him, but everyone else is basically free game. Personally, I'm waiting to see what Philly does about their prima donna WR. Just as early as the end of the 2010 season, DeSeari Jackson was adored in Philadelphia. He was known as the most explosive player in the league and essentially end- ed the New York Giants season with a gameending punt return to cap an incredible threetouchdown deficit comeback. However, at points this season, he was doing his best Terrell Owens impression and didn't even look like he wanted to play. By the end of the season, it appeared he realized he was being a baby and actually started to try. I think they should give him the franchise tag and focus on giving LeSean "Shady" McCoy a contract extension so he doesn't become a free agent next offseason. Also a minor note, Reebok's contract with the NFL ran out, and Nike scooped it up. So Nike will now be making NFL jerseys. It is also planning make many different jerseys for each team, like it does for the Oregon Ducks. So it definitely appears as though the NFL is entering into a strange new world. CONTACT BRYAN WISLOSKY AT: bryan.wislosky@wilkes.edu another problem. Team captain Maloney balances out the team while he lets Lerner manage lineups. "He's a dictator," Maloney said with a smile. "Hayden did a lot for the club. He's been putting out the lines. Sometimes not everyone agrees with him, but we'll have a talk before the games." The goalie situation is a mess, Maloney said. "Right now we have three goalies, that's unheard of," he said. "We're giving them all a period each because there's nothing we really can do." Some of the players are still trying to understand the game. "It's tough. Some kids are trying to score and don't even have a puck," Lerner said. The captains said there are only two true defensemen on the team with 15 skaters who don't want to play defense. This forces them to put a few of their best forwards as defensemen because no one wants to play defense. There is also a wide range in skill level, Harris said. "The skill level ranges from 15 years experience to someone who says, 'hey this is my fifth game,"' Harris said. "So picking lines is tough. At the same time, we are play- ing in the very tough league." However there has been many signs of progress, Maloney said. "We lost the first game 20-8, but we were playing against a kid named Marty, who tried out for the baby Pens," he said. "We're just a bunch of college kids who are trying to have fun. He made us look silly to say the least." "I love this game. I've played football for 15 years of my life, but there's nothing 1ufe stepping on the ice for the first time," Maloney said. "Being on there when someone scores their first goal of the season, it's a special feeling." There have been many close calls where the game was in reach for the Colonels, but due to sloppy play, they have been unable to convert them to wins, until last week when they won their first game ever. But even with losses, the team said the experience was still unbeatable, Maloney said. "To play with some of the guys who I've grown up with, it was still a lot of fun to actually get on the ice and play some hockey." The club also draws in a strong fan section, which includes roughly 30 people a game. Maloney claims that half those people are probably his family members The hockey club team has long term goals to one day become a D-III athletic team. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com �20 SPORTS THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 28, 2012 ~ Wilkes outlasts Eastern to advance to championship Colonels down Eagles; drop conference championship to Misericordia BY JUSTIN FRANIAK Sports Editor . _______________ , The Marts Center was rockin' this past Wednesday night as the Colonels opened up their playoff run by beating the Eastern University Eagles 103-98. The win, however, did not come easily, as both teams would need extra time to finish this Freedom Conference game. Senior Kendall Hinze led the way for the Colonels. The big man scored a career high 28 points and 14 rebounds. But Hinze's free throw percentage is what took the Colonels to the win. Hinze shot 75 percent from the free throw line, adding 12 points to the scoreboard for the Colonels. Both teams held the same momentum going into the half as the score was tied. But, the Colonels would keep pushing. Senior Paul Huch hit some momentum swinging three throughout the entire game. Huch shot 80 percent from beyond the arch, adding to his total of 24 points. The Colonels held the lead with under two ·• minutes left in the game, but the Eagles answered and tied the score back up. Wilkes held the advantage late in the game, but the Eagles would not backdown. Eastern would need a jump shot to send the game into overtime as the score stood 75-75. The Colonels opened up the overtime period on a hot streak. Freshman Jourdon Wilson would score the Colonels first six points as Wilkes jumped to a lead quick. Wilkes would outscore the Eagles 28-25 in the extra time. With under three minutes to go the Colonels would have the adavantage 86-81, but the Eagles would not be held down. A few three-pointers later the game was still very close. The Colonels would use their excellent foul shooting to pull them through this hard fought victory. The foul line saw the Colonels shoot a 77 percent. Wilson scored 17 points and dished out four assists, while senior Matt Mullins would also tack on 17 points and four assists. "We knew the game would be close," Mullins said. "We just kept trying to knock down our shots and keep on increasing our lead." The Colonel senior did comment on what his squad would need to improve on to bring home a ring. "We gave up a lot of points," Mullins said. "Ifwe stiffen up our defense and keep playing the way we can on offense, we can definitely bring home a win." Misericordia 69, Wilkes 42 The Colonels win over Eastern set-up a clash with neighboring foe Misericordia. The game put the No. I and No. 2 seed in the conference against each other. Kendall Hinze scored 21 points in the Colonels loss. Hinze did, however, reach the 1,000 point milestone. Hinze helped the · Colonels go into halftime with a 27-24 lead. The Colonels lead would not last long though. Misericordia would open up the second The Beacon/Laura Preby half with a hot three-pointer streak, giving Freshman Jourdon Wilson sets up a play inthe Feb. 22 game against Eastern Univerthem a 35-29 lead within the first three mintsity. The Colonels would go on to win the game in overtime. Wilson scored 17 points ues of the second half. along with four assists. Wilkes would not regain the lead for the rest of the game. Misericordia would lead by 25 points at one point, and the Colonels would not catch up. Wilson scored seven points in his rookie year finale. Senior Paul Huch would add five points, four blocks, and two steals for the m Colonels. Matt Mullins dropped four points B and a steal. Misericordia's Steve Artzerounian would J be named the Freedom Tournament's most valuable player. Artzerounian dropped 18 points while snagging 10 rebounds in the game. Junior Cliff Richardson summed up the loss by being optimistic. "We have nothing but determination to get back to the MAC championship game," Richardson said. CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu 146 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE/ WILKES-BARRE, PA 18701 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 February 28th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 February 28 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/719dce244a19751b7779e85546329e60.pdf b0cba8f3b11962b40d6a4ed89c6cdf88 PDF Text Text February 21, 2012 Volume 64 Issue 13 THE NEWS OF TODAY REPORTED BY THE JOURNALISTS OF TOMORROW www.thewilkesbeacon.co Downtown successfully attracts new businesses BY BRYAN CALABRO Design Editor In September 2001 , WilkesBarre's downtown area was in a dire state. Nightlife was nonexistent, inhabitants had very few choices when it came to entertainment, and storefronts were either abandoned or closing. "Downtown used to be the hub of business activity," said Dr. Anthony Luzzio, Business Professor at Wilkes University. Luzzio said businesses in downtown struggled mainly because of the challenge to compete with strip malls, chain restaurants and mass retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl's. To combat the depressed and primitive state pre-2001 in WilkesBarre, Many were held throughout Wilkes-Barre to tackle the business drought then the Diamond City Partnership was formed. The The Beacon/Bryan Calabro partnership laid the groundwork Junior com munications major Mikel Hartsough bites into a habanero filled pulled pork sandwich at Maer's BBQ for a fund raiser for Zebra Communications Relay for Life team. Maer's is one of many new down town businesses in Wilkes-Barre. SEE BU SINESS, PAGE 5 Who will fill the presidential shoes of Tim Gilmour? BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor While the country is debating who the best candidate is to fill the seat in the White House, Wilkes University has its own decision to make in filing the presi- dential seat in UCOM. Two candidates came to campus last week to introduce themselves to the Wilkes community, faculty, staff and students. The final candidate will soon arrive and present his insight to the presidential position. Dr. Jim Gandre, executive vice president of Roosevelt University in Chicago, is among the three finalists of possible presidents for Wilkes University. Gandre was attracted to Wilkes by the tight knit personality of the campus which reminded him of the university he Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 The Gingrich debate PAGES studied at as a student. He feels the Wilkes campus has the power to be life-changing to attending students. In honor of Valentine's Day, Grande used a love affair metaphor to explain his passion for Wilkes. "From my first introduction to Wilkes I' ve sort of had a bit of a Heart Disease Awareness PAGE9 Estwick's Oscar picks PAGE 13 love affair," Gandre said. "This is like the engagement period right now, but unfortunately the university is two-timing on me; I've got to win the final heart of the university and be chosen to get married." SEE PRESIDENT, PAGE 3 Sports Pages 16-20 Women's Tennis preview "' PAGE 16 VH1 Established 1936 PA Newspaper Association Member �CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com PRESIDENT Continued from Front Page Although Gandre has few plans for Wilkes presently, as he is not familiar with the issues of the institution. He feels the true core of the university resides within the people who make up the student, faculty and staff population. In the future, Gandre plans to implement changes that correlate with Wilkes' mission vision and values. Before he does so, Gandr~ feels he needs to become more engaged on campus first. A strong on-campus presence is something Gandre deems of high importance. In order to reach out to students, he plans to make frequent visits to the campus cafeteria and classrooms. Gandre explained he would rather approach students personally, since students are busy and often don't show up to scheduled gatherings. By reaching out himself, Gandre believes his interaction with students will be more natural and effective. He hopes students will be comfortable talking with him ifhe is chosen as the next president. Because of the recent cuts in state funding, Gandre understands financial issues may become a setback to the institution. Gandre stated that all cuts have a long-term effect. However, if cuts need to be made, he would make eliminations that have the least shortterm effect on students. If programs were at stake of depletion, Gandre would consider how things can be done differently in a way that is more efficient. • Gandre said it is vital to include faculty, staff and administration in order to make the best decisions for the institution. Although state funding has been cut, Gandre believes PA. will eventually be able to provide funds again in the future. In order to assure funding revival, Gandre suggested that Wilkes maintain a positive relationship with state legislatures. Gandre feels the other candidates were carefully chosen but hopes he is still the best choice for Wilkes. He aspires to become the The Beacon / Dan Lykens Gandre plans to implement changes correlating with Wilkes' vision and values by engaging more with students. university president because he loved being a "chief officer" as a dean and is excited to work with the students, faculty and staff at Wilkes. "I loved being a dean it was probably the best job I've ever had," Gandre said. "And being president is kind of a big deal, you get the chance to work with the entire community in ways that inspire and motivate." Dr. Molly Smith, former president ofManhattanville College in New York, who also visited campus last week, recognizes the value Wilkes puts on diversity. Although she understands Wilkes has a rich history of diversity on campus, Smith would like to increase the institution involvement with the UN. She believes the world is becoming a diverse place and it is important that students BEACON 130 5. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com understand different cultures in order to be successful. "If you are going to succeed in 2050 you're going to have to know and understand the importance of diversity," Smith said. "We would be failing ifwe didn't anticipate that." Before coming to Wilkes, Smith said she looked for references to her Indian heritage to make herself feel more at home. After finding a Thai restaurant that offered her favorite cuisine within walking distance, she knew she was on the right track. While researching Wilkes further, she was captivated by the institutions tie to community and the beauty of the campus' old buildings. Smith noted how lucky Wilkes is to be close to the community. She has worked on college campuses that are bound by fencing because of the dangers of the location. Smith understands that Wilkes has an identity as a thriving member of the community of Wilkes-Barre. Part of her vision for the institution is to strengthen the college's ties to the area while expanding the institution globally, "preserve your core while extending your footprint." Because she believes that students can unite through various clubs offered on campus, Smith encourages students to enjoy college by getting involved. "You know you're in- an extraordinary enviable position as students, I don't think you quite realize," Smith said. "By the time you reach your fourth year and you're about ready to get out, you will realize all the things that are precious about being a student (and) make the most of it." A big issue Smith hopes to address if chosen as president is the cost of education. Smith suggested that the cost of education is a big issue everywhere and many are financially unable to attain higher education. A goal of hers is to work on fundraising and make education more accessible by offering scholarships. Overall, Smith hopes to increase access for students by providing funds that will make college more affordable. Although Smith worked at three places for short periods of time, she is looking at Wil- Photo courtesy of Marketing Communications Smith wants education to be more affordable for students by pushing for more fundraising. kes with the intention of staying until the end of her career. When asked about her job record, Smith stated she didn't stay long at her previous positions for various reasons. Smith intended to stay at Manhattanville until her career was finished; however, it didn't work out. Her career goal is to help lead an institution during her last 10 to 12 years of work. Students who have attended the candidate forums feel that the two candidates, who have come to campus so far, are very different although both would be fit for the job. "I think that we definetly have some strong candidates," said junior accounting and business administration major, John Sweeney. The Wilkes portal will offer a survey for students to voice their opinion on the presidential candidates. Dr. Timothy Leahy will visit Wilkes Tuesday at 5p.m. in the student union building. CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: CarlyYamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Meet the Staff Justin Franiak Sports Editor �1THE BEACON j,'FEBRUARY 21.. 2012 NEWS 3 Beacon Briefs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BY DEVON! NOVAK Assistant News Editor Intramural bowling tournament Members of the Wilkes campus and community are welcome to join the intramural bowling tournament. Sign-ups are now open and will end March 1. Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up ASAP. The tournament is scheduled March 12-15. For more information, email the Intramural Office at neal.biscaldi@wilkes.edu. Local cop book signing at Barnes & Noble - Keith Gilman will be signing copies of his detective novel "My Brother's Keeper" Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Barnes & Noble book store on Public Square starting at noon. This book is the second to be published in Gilman's award winning series. Fans are encouraged to attend. Wilkes website newly updated - Check out the Marketing Communications department's new web page design on wilkes.edu. The department would like to thank everyone who contributed to the new design. Al- though design changes were drastic, functionality of the Wilkes website is primarily the same. If anyone has problems with the updated site, call 408-4755. Educational Forum Series - Caroline Maurer, associate dean of the School of Education, and Helen Semanski, professional development of school liaison and elementary teacher will both speak on behalf of the Wilkes University and Heights-Murray Elementary School Professional Development Partnership on Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m. in Martz 214. The lecture is open and free of charge to the Wilkes campus and community. After observing the speakers on behalf of the educational and business community, those who attend are able to receive Act 48 credit. Contact Robert Gardner at 800WILKESU, Ext. 4686 or robert.gardner@wilkes.edu for more information. Other scheduled events in this educational series can be seen at Wilkes.edu. Linda Rottenberg presents as part of the Allan P. Kirby Lecturer Series - The Allan P. Kirby Lecturer Series will feature Linda Rottenberg at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 in Stark Learning Center Room 101. Rottenberg's presentations "Reclaiming the American Dream: Getting Back Our Entrepreneurial Spirit" is free and open to the public. Contact 408-4330 for more information. Daughter of Fidel Castro Scheduled to speak for Women's History Month - Alina Fernandez will share her experiences growing up in Cuba as a daughter of a leader in honor of Women's History Month March 22. Fernandez will begin at 7 p.m. in Stark Learning Center room 101. Attendance is free and open to the public. Northeastern Pennsylvania Diversity Education Consortium and the Office of Diversity Initiatives will sponsor the event. Wilkes art professor teaches abroad Wilkes associate art professor, Sharon Cosgrove, will be traveling to Kazakhstan this March to teach master classes in art. As part of the Art in Embassies Program, the Ambassador Kenneth Fairfax's residence in Astana has four of Cosgrove's paintings on display. While in Kazakhstan, Cosgrove will be visiting Kostany, Astana and Almaty to spread her knowledge of art to students and local artists at various institutions. For more information on Cosgrove's art visit www. sharoncosgrove.com. Wilkes running club races for Heat - At Relay for Heat, sponsored participates will raise money for less fortunate families in the area to help pay their heating bills during the long winter months. The eighth annual relay will be hosted by Wilkes University's· running club on Feb. 25. The event will be held on the Kingston flood wall at 6 a.m. Participants must relay and run a combined total of 100 miles to raise money that will go toward the Martin Luther King Fuel Fund. Those who prefer not to run can help by donating a fixed amount for each mile run. Contact Dr. William Terzaghi at (570) 4084762 for more information. CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Open House! At 40 West, you get the best. And then some. You don't want to miss our Open House with free food, Top 40 hits from DJ Hersh and a guided tour of the newest off-campus apartments. RSVP on Facebook today! • Wednesday, Feb. 22 and Thursday, Feb. 23 4:40 p.m.- 8:40 p.m. Enter thru Wilkes-Barre YMCA on Franklin St. Contact our Community Coordinator, Jacki Lukas, at 570.855.4686 or jlukas@radnorproperty.com for more information! Sign up on our Coming Soon page and get $40 off 1st months' rent! I] . Facebook us! 40 West Apartments Tweet@ us! @40WestApts �4. NEWS THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21', 2012 Budget cuts keep birth control under wraps Pfizer recalled over 1·million packets of birth control due to packaging error BY PHAT NGUYEN about the recall. Wilkes 2002 alumnus Dr. Donald Miller, Pfizer's administrators and researchers are the pharmacist in charge in Kingston's CVS, reflecting on policies and errors in proce- also has not seen too many concern users of dure that lead to the recall of over 1 million Pfizer's birth control medications. packets of birth control. "Part of the reason is that I believe it was Testing revealed that some blister packs mostly the brand," Miller said. "We don't contained an inexact count of inert or active have a whole lot of people who are on the ingredient tablets and that the tablets could ones that were recalled, so we haven't seen be out of sequence, Pfizer said. too much impact." As a result of Pfizer's packaging error, Drugs are made in batches on a large scale Wilkes Health and Wellness Services was which can make up to millions at a time, contacted for more information regarding Miller said. Each batch is issued a lot numconcerns with birth control. ber on the outside of the packages to differThree years ago, Wilkes had a nurse prac- entiate one from the next. titioner group called Women to Women that "They probably test each lot, but with would teach women's health at the univer- thousands to test, it probably takes a while sity. to get results, Miller said. They probably reDiane O'Brien, the director of Health and lease the lots to the market and if they find Wellness Services, said due to changes in a problem with one of the lots, that's when Pennsylvania state law, Wilkes is "no longer they do a recall." in the business of handing out birth control." Pfizer recalled 14 lots of Lo/Ovral®-28 The previous policy used to cover the first birth control and 14 lots of its generic norgpack for free with each additional pack cost- estrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets on Feb. 1. ing $20, O'Brien said. Lo/Orval and its generic are oral contracep"With new state laws, they have to run it tives mainly used to prevent pregnancy. through students' insurance. That makes it "Birth control works by tricking your body tough for the kids," O'Brien said. into not ovulating," O'Brien said. "It the The Beacon / Bryan Calabro No students have come to Health and amounts are off by a little there can certainly Pfizer estimates that 30 packs of birth control have received an incorrect count. Wellness Services worried about Pfizer's be consequences. I would hope girls are takrecall, O'Brien said. She believes most stu- ing extra precaution. I know some don't, but Birth control pills are normally packaged who took pills from any of the recalled lots dents would either go through Ptizer or their they really should." in blister packs containing 21 tablets of should use a non-hormonal form of birth pharmacist now after changes in governThe recalls are handled in a few different active ingredients and with seven placebo control immediately, Lewis-Hall said. She ment funding. ways, Miller said. At a manufacturer level, tablets. Contraception may be significantly urged woman on Lo-Ovral or Norgestrel to O'Brien would refer concerned students to people are no longer able to order the medi- weakened if the sequence of birth control take caution and consult their doctor immeWomen to Women or Planned Parenthood. cation anymore. At the patient level, the pills is out of order, Fuller said. diately. Nurse Practitioner Cheryl Fuller of Worn- pharmacies call the patients about their pre"If this is the case, patients may be at "If you are a woman in the United States en to Women has not seen many students scriptions. higher risk for unintended pregnancy," who has used Lo-Ovral or Norgestrel pills the over the last several months, please confollowing "Birth control works by tricking your "During the Fuller said. cuts in governDigitek recall, While birth control medications seem suit with your physician and begin using a ment funj .ng. body into not ovulating. If the amounts we actually very similar chemically, they have somenon-hormonal barrier method immediately," had to call per thing called an "estrogenic effect," Miller "Wilkes stu- are o ff by a litt · 1e there can certam · 1y be Lewis-Hall said. dents used to person to ev- said. That effect can be drastically different Non-hormonal barrier methods are only come to us but consequences. I would hope girls are eryone that between them even though the chemicals used during sexual intercourse. They inelude male condoms, female condoms, diaever since th e taking extra precaution. I know some had. It's a very could be pretty close to the same somegovernment common heart times the effect is different, Miler said. phragms, caps and spermicidal lubrication. funding has don't, but they really should." medicine. That "Not so much that it wouldn't work for Wilkes Health and Wellness Services has took us hours them," Miller said. "You'll still get the changed, we provided free male condoms in their wait-Diane O'Brien, director of Health and Well- to call and try coverage as far as having children but the haven't had too ing room for students for the last 20 years, many Wilkes ness Services to get them to problem would be mood swings, weight O'Brien said. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ bring it back." students." gain, weight loss, or agitation. All of those "Students will always utilize that," When they brought it back, there was a things could be expected when they are She said her patients have not affected by O'Brien said. "The kids know they can take the recall either. system to refund the patient and give them taking things that have been recalled." as many as they want. We're just happy that "We were concerned at first, but none of a brand to replace it. Send everything back Pfizer's Executive Vice President and they use them." ,.. our patients were on the recalled medica- to the manufacturer so CVS would get re- Chief Medical Officer Dr. Freida LewisHealth and Wellness Services is on the first tions. If they were, we would've called them imbursed. Hall said all lots possibly affected were refloor of Passan Hall. Because the Pfizer recall was the manu- called, the problem was fixed and prevenand had their prescription changed." The Wilkes-Barre Planned Parenthood facturer's responsibility, pharmacists were tion measures are now in place. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: branch had only seen two patients concerned not given a similar calling list, Miller said. But even if the error was limited, women phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com News Editor �THE-BEACON I -FEBRUARY. 21; 20~ 2 . BUSINESS Continued from Front Page groundwork for six downtown revitalization strategies. Then the Diamond City Partnership was formed to tackle the business drought. The partnership laid the groundwork for six_downtown revitalization strategies. The downtown revitalization work plan was divided into six groups, each having their own specific duty. Group one focused on Business Improvement, group two focused on the quality of life of downtown residents, group three worked on maintaining historical landmarks, group four combined Wilkes-Barre's collegiate institutions to address issues of mutual concern, group five 's job was to lead the way with strategic marketing and group six's duty was the formation of the Main Street program. Statistics on storefront occupancy trends over the past 10 years from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry show a slight impact of these revitalization strategies. The trend shows on average that for every business closed, two businesses opened. Therefore, the average rate of success of a startup business in Wilkes-Barre over the past «> years is at 50 percent. Bureau of Labor Statistics data on establishment age show that 49 percent of establishments survive 5 years or more, 34 percent survive 10 years or more, and 26 percent survive 15 years or more. Since 2002, there have been two years in which one can see staunch growth in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Before the recession in 2007 and 2008, store occupancy was on the rise, with an opening-to-closing rate of 4 to 1, an 80 percent business success rate. One can argue that the economic recession may have played a role in the leveling ofbusiness success. Larry Newman, the Vice President of Planning, Policy and Development at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry thinks this is the case. "The 2008 great recession created a chilling effect for the ability of entrepreneur to create a business," said Newman. Newman still is proud of the progress Wilkes-Barre has made. "We are very happy with downtown's performance last year and seen a net gain of 35 filled storefronts from 2002 to 2011," said Newman. Newman said he believes there are many reasons a business might collapse in WilkesBarre. He outlines a set of problems an entrepreneur might encounter when they start up a business in Wilkes-Barre. "They are not competitive in their given market, competitors are better. The business entered into a lease that was not supportable," Newman said. "If you know you are only NEWS 5 going to be grossing $300,000 a year, you shouldn't be entering into a lease that costs $100,000 a year." Phil Rudy, president of Circles, a successful hoagie shop since 1985 on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, knows what it takes to be suc0 Businelses Closing ■ Businesses Opening cessful in the Wilkes-Barre economic climate. "You have to understand demographics, who your customer is, have a strong idea of . 18 what service you provide and then mate the IS two," Rudy said. 12 For Rudy, downtown Wilkes-Barre has treated him well, most of his customer base 9 revolves a block around Public Square. 6 As an experienced 25-year business owner, 3 Rudy knows the situation can dramatically change at any moment. He insists that busi0 ness owners have to be flexible and expect -3 change in the market. -6 "It is an owner's responsibility to have a -9 certain amount of skill with asset management and make sure to not squander everything," - 12 said Rudy. -IS Drew McLaughlin, administrative coordi-18 . nator for Mayor Tom Leighton's administra2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 20 IO 2011 tion, explains that the when the $28 million Photo courtesy of Larry Newman James F. Conahan lntermodal Transportation Facility opened July 6, 2010 in Wilkes-Barre, Before the recession in 2007 and 2008, store occupancy was on the rise, with an many businesses now had a better reason to opening-to-closing rate of 4 to 1, an 80 percent business success rate. move into Wilkes-Barre simply because they , - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - finally had a place to park. The federally funded six-level facility on South Washington Street brings the total number of parking spaces to 1, 100 in downtown Wilkes-Barre because it connects with the Park and Lock Central garage. In a July 2010 Wilkes-Barre Times Leader article, Rob Finlay, president of the city's largest landlord, also cites as a factor when it comes to businesses moving to Wilkes-Barre. According to Finlay, the Wilkes-Barre We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Center at 39 Public Square, a IO-story office Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, building with 116,381 square feet of space is wings, burgers & more!visit us onlioe for a complete menu & listing of specials at almost 97 percent filled from 45 percent three www.grottopizzapa.com years ago. or visit our restaurant & sports bar Despite all the obstacles entrepreneurs Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in might face in downtown Wilkes-Barre, they Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) are still coming out to open new businesses. Maer's Barbecue, Franks Pizzeria and Outrageous are some of more recent businesses opening in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Akeno Sushi Restaurant will also add to the growth of downtown by opening in early March to take over the previously occupied Blue Chip restaurant that closed in October. Before 2001, the state of downtown WilkesBarre was faltering on every level, businesses were closing, shops were riddled with plywood over windows and the future was uncertain. Ten years later, downtown Wilkes-Barre the legendary taste has stabilized and it has leveled with national averages. STOREFRONT OCCUPANCY TRENDS: DOWNTOWN WILKES-BARRE, 2002-2011 i the legendary taste Go Colonels! . zza CONTACT BRYAN CALABRO AT: bryancalabro@thewilkesbeacon.com I I $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out I Expires 06/30/12 I - - - - - valid only at Grotto Pizza locations �CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com FEBRUARY 21, 2012 Circumcision: Foreskin or against it? Body mutilation for men and women is unjust, immoral BY CATHRYN FREAR Staff Writer These days, body modification is relatively commonplace. By its most basic definition, it's likely that more than half of the people you know have modified their bodies in some way. Even everyday ear piercings are a popular and widely accepted form of body modification. There is one other form of body modification that is also conm but which 85 percent of the world does not the tip of his penis when something went undergo: circumcision. wrong and his entire penis was burned off. His family was advised by psychologist The thing about circumcision is it's not solely a simple change to one's body, it's Dr. John Money to raise him as a girl. Almutilation. Generally though Money reported this case a success story, Reimer never identified as female and speaking, Americans think circumciwhen his parents told him what had happened, he immediately wanted to begin livsion is fine to ing his life as a male. do to boys. Regardless of the turnaround, the damHere is a age was done and Reimer eventually killed fun fact: himself due to depression. There Circumcision in females is something just is no anesthetic about everyone in the U.S. will stand up and give a resounding "NO!!" response to; involved because it's considered too dangerous. Yes, you read however, it happens all over the world all of the time. In certain countries and cultures, that right. The doctor uses a scalpel to slice off and permanently remove a women are forced into having their labia minora and clitoris completely removed to piece of skin -- which is not causing any prevent the women from becoming sexual health problems whatsoever -- off a baby and it's not considered dangerous. But beings. . While that is the most commonly referanesthetic is. This is a decision made by the parents of enced occurrence of female circumcision, an individual before that individual even has there are times when such actions are actuthe chance to object or otherwise decide for ally voluntary. This usually doesn't involve himself. And I don't know if you've heard, the clitoris, but rather a trimming of the labut penises are pretty important to males. bia minora. As it turns out, women are afraid their As they should be: they are used to make other people. So this is a big decision that genitalia are ugly, so they get local anesstarted out back in the day as a way to keep thetic and-while awake-have a doctor men from cheating on their wives, as it re- remove what they consider to be excesduces sexual pleasure for men. Nowadays sive, unnecessary amounts of their labia. If it's generally anyone ever tells you your vagina is ugly, ladies, argued punch them in their probably circumcised penis and leave. To see an example of female circumcision done by choice, watch "The Percircumcision is for hyfect Vagina," a documentary by the UK's giene. Channel 4 on these types of procedures. But, really, how hard is it to move a little There are certain religions that require circumcision be done as a religious rite. piece of skin for a second to wash? Admittedly, a Jot of the research I have And I'm not going to touch on that because done about circumcision is documentary- it's a whole other topic of discussion. But I stand by the belief this is unjust and based. If you want to hear a horror story or two, watch documentaries on this. immoral. If we don't cut off a man's nipSpecifically, watch "Dr. Money and the ples, why do we cut off part of his penis? Boy With No Penis," a documentary by It's barbaric and wrong and it needs to be BBC Horizon. It's heartbreaking. Basi- stopped. cally, a Canadian boy named Bruce Reimer was having a circumcision in which a ma- CONTACT CATHRYN FREAR AT: chine was used to burn the foreskin off of cathryn.frear@wilkes.edu BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 3 responses. Last week's question: What do you miss most about being home? • Pets- 33% • Home-cooked Meals - 33% • Not having to do your own laundry - 33% • Friends - 0% • Family/Siblings - 0% This week The Beacon asks: Which Winter Weekend activities, if any, are you participating in? • Competing on a Student Gov't sponsored team • Watching Student Gov't sponsored campus events • Attending off-campus parties • Visiting area bars • I will not be participating Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to heor your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �7 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21; 2012 I' The show will go on Judge dismisses PETA whale lawsuit BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Assistant Opinion Editor SPIT Facebook: battle of the breast-feeders BY ANTHONY GORECZNY Staff Writer Facebook has become so permeating that itJ~ now evolving into more than just a s·oc1al networking and utility website. For many, it has become a technological extension of their everyday lives, and has nearly replaced the real social interactions of some excessive users. Once this realization is made, it's not surprising that many Facebook users upload virtually every aspect of their lives to the site. As is to be expected, this has brought to light a question which is both recurring, and difficult to answer. How much is too much? A recent report from CNET states that a group of women have begun organizing demonstrations to protest Facebook banning their breast-feeding pictures. The fact that this is even an issue is appalling. Humans are, by nature, social animals. However, there are certain things that, in regard to either self-respect or interpersonal civility, should be kept private. Public breast-feeding has been a controversial issue for many years and on the surface may seem like the main concern of this Facebook confrontation. But the reality is, this is another matter altogether. I am primarily concerned with the posting of breast-feeding photographs on Face book. This is, for all intents and purposes, wholly unnecessary. While I understand that there are logical arguments for breast-feeding in public, no such argument exists in favor of posting pictures of this action on Facebook. If a women wishes to post pictures of herself breast-feeding her child online then there are plenty of other websites on which this would be acceptable, and some forums that might even welcome these posts. However, Facebook is not one of them. The posting of these photographs on Facebook serves no legitimate purpose, and represents a lack of respect for oneself and a disregard for other people. The minimum age requirement for opening a Facebook account is only 13, and children of this age are often still innocent and impressionable. Most users do not wish to be exposed to uncovered breasts while they are browsing Facebook. Also, if older users are looking for bare bosoms online, they will, in all likelihood, not be perusing this social network. If they are, I doubt they have the same intentions for the photographs as the uploader originally did. One of the leaders of this movement, Emma Kwasnica, claimed that most of the photographs that are removed were uploaded in error by the mother. If this were truly the case, these women would be thanking Facebook employees for saving them from a possible source of great embarrassment, not organizing "nurse-ins" outside of their workplaces, and Kwasnica would not have been banned four times with 30 of her pictures removed. On the other hand, perhaps exposing themselves to Facebook employees in large groups is their way of thanking them. The final, and most compelling point, is that Facebook only removes photos that have been flagged as inappropriate by other users. In other words, Facebook users are stating quite clearly through their actions that these photographs do not belong on this website, and that they don't want to see them. I hope that these women eventually realize how inconsiderate they are being, because I am truly sorry for any child who is raised by a mother who appears to lack basic human decency. CONTACT ANTHONY GORECZNY AT: anthony.goreczny@wilkes.edu The captivity of orcas, or killer whales, for amusement park performances and exhibitions first occurred in the 1960s, predominantly at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla. SeaWorld describes its "One Ocean" Shamu show (previously known as "Believe") as a spirited and energetic journey that connects humans with the colors, vitality and rhythms of the ocean. Killer whales are acknowledged and appreciated for their extraordinary behavioral, learning and problemsolving skills, and are thus used to enchant thousands of marine-loving visitors, young and old, each day. All marine-loving visitors that is, except PETA, who is making another splash in the news. Last October, PETA filed a lawsuit against the San Diego SeaWorld for violating the 13th Amendment and denying the orcas of their constitutional right to freedom. The organization argued that the whales deserve the same protection from slavery and involuntary servitude as humans. PETA complained that the five plaintiff whales, Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka and Ulises, are stripped from their natural environments, artificially inseminated and bred as performers solely for SeaWorld's profit. This lawsuit was unquestionably a publicity stunt, and SeaWorld describes that act as a "baseless" argument and a waste of both time and money. The multi-million dollar company has been delighting park guests with whale performances for a little more than 50 years now, and nothing has been said about the performers until recently. The show was created to showcase these majestic creatures and their talents and to bring awareness toward nature conservation and appreciation. The performances are certainly not just money-making schemes. SeaWorld is a business. Its goals are to provide an entertainment service to the public and to protect and preserve wildlife, respectively, at the same time as making a profit. (That's what businesses do, PETA). According to SeaWorld Inc., the company donates more than $1 million toward animals in need and endangered species each year, and has previously donated $8 million to protect wildlife and natural environments. In my opinion, if the whales weren't happy flipping and diving around for fish snacks all day, they wouldn't be doing so. What about the actual human individuals who were enslaved in our country during the 17 and 18th centuries? It's a tad bit unbecoming to that matter, especially since the whales are perfectly content in their SeaWorld homes. Luckily, U.S. judge Jeffrey Miller agreed on Feb. 8 that PETA's outrageous equalrights-for-whales claim should no longer be discussed. The lawsuit was the first in U.S. history to attempt to apply constitutional rights to non-human animals and was dismissed two days after its beginning. SeaWorld claims to treat its animals with love and care, stressing positive reinforcement, trust-built relationships and providing the whales and other marine creatures with proper healthcare from well-trained professionals. The parks are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and remain respectable institutions for the care and appreciation of marine animals. CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS AT: lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu Image/PETA PETA, an animal rights organization, unsuccessfully tried to sue Sea World for enslaving its killer whales for entertainment purposes. �8 OPINION THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21 , 2012 Newt Gingrich: The chosen one, or lying crook? Coworkers from his own party His policy experience makes can't stand his lack of morals him the best GOP candidate BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief No one is more qualified to speak on a person's professional ability than a coworker. So, it is fitting that we look to Newt Gingrich's coworkers to determine what type of professional he would be in the White House. According to USA Today, several Republicans who worked with Gingrich when he was speaker of the House have strong feelings about his deficiencies as a leader. Peter King, R-N.Y., said Gingrich doesn't have the "mental discipline, the consistency, or the ego control to be a good nominee or a good president." Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio, described him as a "sober Charlie Sheen." If you don't believe his acquaintances, look at his record. Gingrich's immoral conduct in his past marriages does not correspond with his supposedly wholesome beliefs that he intertwines with his campaign. One minute, Newt is making a speech on family values. The next, he is handing his first wife divorce papers while she is recovering from cancer surgery, or asking his second wife to tolerate his affair with his wouldbe third wife. For those who separate his ethics in the bedroom from his ethics in the Oval Office, think ag<lfl. There are clear examples of Gingrich's lack of morals in the workplace. Gingrich was fined $300,000 by a House Ethics Committee investigation that found he used poor judgment in his ethical conduct, according to The Christian Science Monitor. Gingrich demonstrated a clear conflict of interest by distributing his conservative views through films of a college course he was teaching and using tax-exempt organizations to finance his propaganda. Even more condemning is the fact he provided false information to the committee during this investigation. When confronted, Gingrich blamed his staff for distributing the mistakes. You would think the speaker of the House would give a little scrutiny to documents from his office regarding an investigation of his ethics. Some consider this misinforma- tion to have been intentional. It was the first time in the history of Congress that a speaker was scolded for unethical conduct. Gingrich has also spewed out false information on increasing gas prices, increasing food stamp usage, and the development of Iranian missiles that could U.S. Not to mention his ego the size of Canada, and the $1.6 million he pocketed from Freddie Mac. He states his deception best in his own words. During an interview with Esquire, his second wife Marianne Gingrich recalled his comments to her after she found out about his affair. "It doesn't matter what I do," he said. "People need to hear what I have to say. It doesn't matter what I live." Actions speak louder than words. Do you despise Newt Gingrich? Tell us at thewilkes beacon.com CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com BYIAN FOLEY Correspondent, President of College Republicans Newt Gingrich is a better candidate for president than a lot of people give him credit for. In the race for the White House, meaning is reduced to meat, and presidential d e - bates are postulated as evening entertainment. The interests of American voters are being compromised in order for the "gotcha" question of the night to appear on the Colbert Report. Foremost and center, hypocrisy takes the cake, the ultimate spin raw from the strategists, cooked up by the media, and served to the public. There is no denying that Gingrich is on his third marriage. However, it is important to step back and ask if this disqualifies him from governance. He admits the affair and apologizes. The question is: Does this make him any different from John Edwards and Bill Clinton, who remained in office after the affair was made known? And then, we have the recent surfacing of White House intern Mimi Alford, whose words of relations with Kennedy, supplemented by information from White House Aide Barbara Gamarekian in her JFK files, calls into question another president. The world gives little credit to the integrity on past indiscretions, not seen by those akin, in some cases even worse than his own. Gingrich also comes under fire for money he received for consulting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These moneys are really no different than those Romney received from the same industry and are similar to those Obama received in contributions. Obama is the second highs:st recipient from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, second only to Sen. Frank Dodd, senior Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, and ahead of Sen. John Kerry, who has spent decades in the Senate. In terms of policy, Gingrich has the ability and record of reaching across the aisle . When he was in office there was no problem, but on the campaign trail, it is a matter both sides can take pot shots at him with. Politicians flip-flop to get reelected, but wait, since his election to the House in 1978, Gingrich has never faced a fiercely competitive re-election race. He is a man who has been through compromise and the bipartisanship needed for substantive policy to move this country forward. Gingrich made these past decisions based on the service of government and the people, something missing from the current arena of politics. When you separate the campaign rhetoric and Entertainment Tonight framing, that is what makes him different from the rest of the field. t C Are you a Gingrich fan? Let us know at thewilkesbeacon.com CONTACT IAN FOLEY AT: ian.foley@wilkes.edu Photo Illustration: Michael Klimek ' a �- - - - -- - - - -- - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - CONTACT EDITOR: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com .,.· WILKES UNIVERSITY HEALTH & WELLNESS BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor February celebrates not only love and romance but also the heart. This month is American Heart Month and aims at spreading awareness of heart disease. \ According to the National Library of Medicine, Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. This month the American Heart Association sponsors the "Go Red for Women" campaign to spread awareness of heart disease in women. Director of Health Services Diane O'Brien defines the disease as anything that affects the vascular system. It is a class of diseases that involves the heart, arteries and veins, including coronary .• heart disease, heart failure, inflammatory heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Hypertension and heart attacks also fall under this category. O'Brien said some of the risk factors for heart disease include obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, lack of exercise and stress. She said other conditions have an effect on the disease as well. "Having chronic health conditions like hypertension and diabetes play a part in heart disease, as your our chances of running into heart disease are greater," O'Brien said. O'Brien said one can get heart disease at any age, but there is often a hereditary component involved. Those with onset heart disease may not be able to do physical activity as well, like not being able to walk a great distance without getting winded or having chest discomfort (angina). "Lots of times people with heart disease have a limited amount of physical activity, they get winded, or feel chest tightness short of breath," O'Brien said. ·-- ' •C<~ <->» ,:;,,; ,., . -~ Have a heart for heart disease awareness month O'Brien ecommends staying physical active, watching one's diet looking at labels and watch· g the fat contents in foods to void the disease. "Diet and physical ac ·vity are two of the biggest key o avoiding (heart disease) an we need to start it early on with good habits and choices," O'Brien said. O'Brien said good health practices started .early and maintained throughout one's life are the key to preventing heart disease. for women your heart \ American Heart Association~ CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: The America~ Heart Association uses the month christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com of February t°'{aise awareness of heart disease as the No. 1 killer f women with Go Red for Women. Forgiveness Garden flourishes 'Phlash' mob takes over SUB Spot seeks to comfart those who grieve BY LAURA PREBY Photography Editor BY ALYSSA RALSTON Correspondent College can bring stress and hardships to many in their lives. Sometimes a break from the hassle of everyday can help to ease the mind. A garden of forgiveness in the works gives visitors the chance to relax and take time to reflect on whatever has been bothering them and let go of problems that are a burden in their lives. · The Wilkes greenway will have a new exclusive spot for forgiveness, a garden with a bench for students, faculty and staff to sit and reflect on the day or what is bothering them located between Kirby and Chase halls. Professor of psychology Robert Bohlander's positive psychology class is planning the construction for this place of solitude by creating a garden with places to sit. They will be working throughout the semester on the garden with the goal of finishing by the end of April or beginning of May. The Garden of Forgiveness will be built for those who want to think about the hurts and troubles in their life and let go of them. It will be a little secluded from the rest of the greenway for relaxation. Bohlander was inspired to construct this garden from three specific ideas he has that he believes are central to the process of forgiving. "Engaging in forgiveness can raise one's level of psychological well-being and good health," Bohlander said. "Being a clinical psychiatrist, I see patients stuck in anger and depression for years because they can't forgive people in the past who have hurt them and it holds them back from leading a better life." Bohlander gave an example of successful forgiveness through a guest speaker he brought to his .positive psychology class. SEE FORGIVENESS, PAGE 19 The first floor of the Henry Student Center was filled with pharmacy students on Thursday, Feb. 16, when a surprise "phlash" mob took place during club hours. The mob was organized by Courtney Graham, a senior P2 pharmacy major, who wanted to do something unique to draw attention to the pharmacy program. Students from different parts of the School of Pharmacy came together to interact and present to students what they're all about, using poster boards and displays to inform students on heart health, diabetes, drug abuse and other health topics. At exactly 11 :30 a.m., the pharmacy students broke into their best dance moves and proved to Wilkes that not all pharmacists fit the serious, labcoat-sporting stereotype. "I got the idea from another pharmacy school, but we put our own spin on it," Graham said. "I talked to Meribeth (Derkach) ,who has a dance minor and is very good with music, about putting together the choreography." Junior Pl pharmacy major Meribeth Derkach not only choreographed the moves, but also mixed the music for the mob to dance to. The songs she chose were "Party Rock Anthem," by LMFAO and "This City," by Patrick Stump. "I WclJJ.ted to do a dance everyone would be able to do, and they'd have fun with," Derkach said. The pharmacy students were recruited during their classes and those who wanted to participate practiced by attending two of six sessions organized by Graham and Derkach. The mob was organized quickly. With only two weeks of practice, the pharmacy students mastered their moves and pulled off their spontaneous performance to an audience full of their unsuspecting peers. "I was very happy with the results," Graham said. "It was nice to see pharmacy students in a different light." Graham hopes the event will spark an interest in the pharmacy program and create and awareness for the health issues they are trying to address. CONTACT LAURA PREBY AT: /aurapreby@thewilkesbeacon.com �- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----- THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21, 2012 10 School of Pharmacy students hit the (SUB) floor The School of Pharmacy had signs with important health information up around the first floor of the SUB. The dance scene broke out at around 11 :30 a.m. during club hours, attracting a crowd on all three floors of the SUB. Photos: The Beacon/Laura Preby Pharmacy majors practiced the unexpected dance routine for two weeks under the direction of junior p1 pharmacy major and dance minor Meribeth Derkach. Coordinator and senior P2 pharmacy major Courtney Graham thought of the idea last semester and used this semester to put her plan into action. She hopes the flash mob will get more people interested in the pharmacy program and hearing what students have to say about living a healthier lifestyle. Students from various parts of the School of Pharmacy rehearsed during class periods. The songs chosen and re-mixed included "Party Rock Anthem" and "This City:' Derkach says "This City" reminded her of the city of Wilkes-Barre. picli;]sb screen printing • embroidery • promo Items rr0m:rn ALWAYS The Beacon/Christine Lee The new garden of forgiveness is being placed in between Kirby and Chase halls and will give students, faculty and staff a place to reflect and forgive events in their lives. FORGIVENESS Continued from Page 9 Bohlander gave an example of successful forgiveness through a guest speaker he brought to his positive psychology class. Gadeson had lost both of his legs in combat in Iraq and was able to move forward from the incident and forgive what had happened. A quote Bohlander lives by is, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to find out the prisoner is you." •GREAT GRAPHICS • GREAT PRICES • ON TIME DELIVERY "It is an uplifting, freeing kind of experience," Bohlander said. Bohlander may be looking for volunteers in the near future to help out with the construction of the garden of forgiveness. Each volunteer will be assigned a certain job helping out with the construction of the garden. Anyone who wants to volunteer for the program can contact Bohlander at (570) 408-4561 or robert.bohlander@wilkes.edu. CONTACT ALYSSA RALSTON AT: alyssa.ralston@wilkes.edu 146 SOUTH PINNSYLVANIA AVINUI / WILKIS•BARRI, PA 1&701 NEAR DOMINO'S AND CORBA BEVERAGE! �THEBEACON I FEBRUARY21 , 2012 11 LIFE Relay for Life campaign hopes to'~ cancer goodbye" BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer It's that time of year again for the Relay for Life! The kickoff was held on Tues., Feb. 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Student Union Building, with a theme of"Kiss Cancer Goodbye." The main goal at the kickoff was registering teams an~ participants, and providing people with information regarding fundraising and about what will be going on. In support of fundraising efforts, a fundraising social took place on Feb. 29 at Red Robin, and there will be others in the next few months at different restaurants. "This year we have more focused on keepi~g our events balanced between team development, fundraising, survivorship, and advocacy, which is something that we hope will be visible at the kickoff," Relay for Life Coordinator Bethany Sharpless said. There is not much being done differently in preparation for this year's Relay for Life event, aside from the fact that the relay committee is larger which will hopefully be helpful in trying to work on fundraising efforts. Overall, everything is being led in similar manner. ~ •◄ . RELAY FOR LIFE • - . Relay for Life 2012 will be held from April 28-29 from noon until 6 a.m. Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu The Beacon/D~ Lykens On Tuesday, Feb. 14, Relay for Life at Wilkes kicked off with a sign-up table for teams interested and a game of scrabble. This year's Relay for Life at Wilkes takes place beginning the morning of April 28 and ends the early morning of April 29. This year's theme is yet to be determined but teams are encouraged to register online as soon as possible. Winter Weekend competition intense for teams competing Team names reflect 90 s Nickelodeon cartoons such as "CatDog" BY ABBEY HALDEMAN Staff Writer It is time to start talking strategy. Winter Weekend is creeping up and now that the teams have already been formed, the competition is ready to begin. Every team consists of 10 people -- five male and five female. Teams pick a name, and often include a team slogan, which is generally put on to their shirts. Examples of slogans include: "We're the things that go bump in the night" for Team Ahhh! Real Monsters!! and "double the trouble" for Team CatDog. For this year's contest, teams include Ahh! ! Real Monsters, CatDog, Rugrats, Angry Beavers, Doug, Rocket Power, Hey Arnold and other Nickelodeon shows from in the 1990's. Junior chemistry major Breanna Conklin, and few of her friends from the Chemistry Club coordinated Team Ahh! ! Real Monsters! Some of the members are returning competitors, while others are new to the events of Winter Weekend. This is the team's first year competing as a group. "You never know what the Chemistry Club members are capable of .. . we don't even know what we are capable of," Conklin said. Sophomore psychology major Alysha Bixler is part of the CatDog team, which is primarily made up of the Wilkes softball team with a few outsiders. Bixler thinks the CatDog team will have a leg up on the competition when it comes to the sporting aspect. Their team is also working hard to prepare a skit they said is sure to never be forgotten. "We joke about studying up on Nickelodeon," Bixler said, referring to the trivia part of the competition. With teams as varied they are this year, there is no doubt this year's Winter Weekend will be fierce. 8•1' 9C,W- TMMS reGd9•••rr·s bOUT To 90 down \ Courtesy of Kristofer Rivers CONTACT ABBEY HALDEMAN AT: abbey.ha/deman@wilkes.edu This year's Winter Weekend theme of 90's Nickelodeon cartoons is reflected in the logo, designed by junior integrative media major and Student Government member Mike Ogar. The competition begins Friday night at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Building and ends around 4 p.m. in the same location. Events include athletics, trivia, a scavenger hunt and a mascot competition. �12 ""t Q14esfiorJS Important People U"i~~otf THEBEACON I FEBRUARY21,2012 LIFE with JOHN STACHACZ, DEAN OF THE EUGENE S. FARLEY LIBRARY I love movies; . I watch about 15 movies a week. I love seeing movies in the movie theatre with the big screen and I love being around people to see their reactions. I also play a little golf, too. What kind of sports do you like and what are your favorite teams? I love baseball. I am a Mets fan, but it's hard to be one these days. I am also a long suffering Cleveland Browns fan, having been from Cleveland. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Older (he kids). You know, I'm still trying to answer that question. To be honest, I wasn't interested in becoming a librarian until graduate school. I was working on a Master 's Degree in geography, but I always knew it was going to be a career in academics. The Beacon/Dan Lykens Dean of the Farley Library John Stachecz is most often found at the Reference desk, where he offers his services to members of the Wilkes community looking for research resources. What are some of your hobbies? I like to read. I am a huge big movie buff, Where at is your favorite place you have ever traveled to? Mexico. I had a good opportunity to go by train across Mexico. I saw a lot of the country site. I was young in college; and it was a spring break kind of thing, but that was pretty memorable. I've actually been all over the United·States with the exception of the Pacific Northwest. EAlll'£C- ltlltlll... IIIIIF■ ■,_EIHIV' BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor What are your duties as Dean of the library? To make sure the library operates to its fullest capacities and to explore new ways to bring services and resources to students and faculty. We support the educational mission of the institution and it's my job to figure out ways to do that. Where would you like to travel that you've never been before? Europe. I have had opportunities to go, but they all fell through. If you could recommend a good book, what would it be and why? "Encounters with the Archdruid" by John McPhee. It's a great book. I read it when I was younger and I have used it in first year seminars that I have taught in other places. It's not preachy, it comes to no conclusion, and it makes the reader make up his/her own mind. It's an excellent book for students who are just starting college to learn how to form arguments and make their own decisions. What was the last movie you saw in theatres? "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" with Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks. I did and I did not like this movie. It was a little preachy, but it was a decent film. What kind of music do you listen to? I'm a parrothead. I love Jimmy Buffet. CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebecca.bo/us@wilkes.edu _.· ..·_·_ ~Ill SPECIALS WEEKDAY SPECIAI.S M-TI Large Pie $7. 95 Chicken Wing Pie $10.95 20 E Northampton St. Wilkes Barre 825-5166 NEXT TO MOVIES 14 FREE WI-Fl In our Dining Room (carry out/dine in only) PIZZA DOUBlES 2 Medium Pizzas $13.95 2 Large Pizzas $16.95 Mll&MATCH Any 3 Subs or Wings 2 Tickets to Movies 14 WB 1 Medium Pizza - 1 Topping 2 Drinks I We Cater Parties At Movies 14 $15.95 WE CATER lARGE GROUP EVENTS PlEASE CAll BEFORE YOUR NOT MEDINGI Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-12am Sun. 12pm-11 pm We're more than just great pizza ... see our entire menu at www.ja n uzzispizza .com �- Wilkes' resident film expert weighs in on Oscar noms BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Every spring, film buffs everywhere start buzzing with talk of Oscar gold. Just about everyone has an opinion, including Evene Estwick, an associate professor of communication studies at Wilkes University. If any faculty member should have an opinion on such matters, it's Estwick. Estwick is currently teaching the class "The Art of Film," a course she said Wilkes intends to offer every other year, with this being the second time it's been offered since she started teaching it in 2010. "I've always loved film, even when I couldn't use the academic terms, the proper terms for what I was seeing," Estwick explained. "I just liked to watch films. I was fascinated with how you can take words and use visual images with those words to tell a story." That fascination led to Estwick getting an undergraduate degree in film production from Howard University. During her school days, she directed a 10-minute short film and had the opportunity to intern as a production assistant on several movie and music video sets. Since coming to Wilkes, Estwick has offered the students in her yearly "Mass Media Literacy" class a chance to take part in an Oscar poll. The students are challenged to offer up their predictions and pit them against Estwick's own. How many times has she lost? "Quite a few times," she said with a chuckle. "I've lost a few times and I've won a few. It's about fifty-fifty." Estwick recently sat down with The Beacon to give her opinions on the nominees for the 84thAcademy Awards, offering up her take on who should win, as opposed to who will. Though she said she rarely agrees with who the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ultimately picks to win its major awards, she admitted that, this year, if her predictions tum out to be correct, it would mark a rare occurrence wherein most of the nominees Estwick feels ought to win an Oscar actually do. The awards telecast will air Sunday, Feb. 26. at 7 p.m. on ABC. Best Picture: The Artist "The Help" will win because of the sentimental nature of the story. But ''The Artist" should win because it is a true work of cinematic excellence. There's a difficulty of acting with no words, which is a lot more involved. With other films you have words and you have visuals, but with ''The Artist" you just have the visuals. Best Director: Michael Hazanavicius Without a doubt, Viola Davis both will and should win. She was the center of ''The Help"; she kept it grounded. Her acting is so nuanced. Again, the novelty of it and the difficulty of filming silent makes ''The Artist" stand out." Again, ''The Artist" is a silent film, so you have to tell a complete, engrossing story without any dialogue. That's impressive. "Drive" got snubbed just because of the violence, but Gosling's performance was so strong. Read the Beacon staff's "Best Picture" picks at: thewilkesbeacon.co~ �14 A&E THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21, 2012 Hometown heroes take NEPA noise nationwide The triumphant return of Title Fight A Fire with Friends is burning· bright BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Outside, the February night held a bitter chill and the faint scent of cigarettes. It was very quiet and very cold. Inside? Not so much. Sweaty, shaking bodies stood shoulderto-shoulder, wall-to-wall. A capacity crowd filled Wilkes-Barre's Redwood Art Space to the brim, 200 rabid punk and hardcore music fans swelling the boundaries of a room probably never meant to hold a single hundred, let alone two. The atmosphere crackled with electricity as stage-divers flung themselves into the audience and s~t poured from the bows of several dozen banging heads. The cause for all this heat and kinesis? Title Fight was back in town. . On Saturday, Feb. 18, the band played in front of a hometown crowd for the first time in eight months, with supporting acts Halfling, Self Defense Family and Pianos Become the Teeth. Seeing as how members of Title Fight helped found and fund the fledgling all-ages venue when it first started just one year ago, the sold-out concert proved to be a homecoming triumph for the Kingston-based band in more ways than one. "I was going to shows at Cafe Metropolis (Wilkes-Barre's now-defunct all-ages music venue) since I was 12 and 13 years old, Courtesy of Johnny Bouchard With a·· spot on the 2012 Warped Tour, Title Fight is look forward to the future. so when that place shut down there was nowhere left to go," singer-bassist Ned Russin said. "A couple ofus from Title Fight got together with (Redwood co-founders Greg Gover and Matt Wren) and we found this place on Craigslist. It was vacant for two years or something, but all these kids came up and helped us build the stage, paint, set up the P.A. system, everything. We put a lot of our own money into it, but it was a big community effort." That sense of community is strong in the local music scene that Title Fight comes from and which the venue they helped create caters to. Before the group - which also consists of singer-guitarist Jamie Rhoden, guitarist Shane Moran and drummer Ben Russin - took the stage, flannel-clad Redwood regulars mingled among themselves in a manner more akin to an extended family reunion than a punkrock mosh-pit. Unfortunately for any "family members" who might not be fans of Title Fight, it doesn't look like the band's momentum will be letting up anytime soon. After teaming up with SideOneDummy Records, the members of Title Fight have shown up everywhere from the interior of AMP Magazine to the cover of Alternative Press, in whose pages their first full-length album, 2011 's "Shed," was named one of the most-anticipated releases of the year. They've also had the opportunity to tour with the likes of Rise Against and New Found Glory. This summer, though, what might be Title Fight's biggest break awaits. The band was recently tapped to be part of this summer's Vans Warped Tour, alongside acts like Senses Fail, Every Time I Die and another clan of NEPA noisemakers, Scranton's own Motionless in White. "I'm not excited to be playing out in the sun for 12 hours a day, sweating my ass off," Russin said, chuckling. "It's like a rite of passage though. I'm grateful for the opportunity, getting the chance to play to so many new people, different people, kids who have no idea who we are. "Who knows? Maybe that will get people to come out to a place like Redwood and discover this whole other world of music they never knew existed. Even if it's just one person, that would make it completely worth it for me." For more information, visit titlefight.net. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com J r J I• Courtesy of Katie Trott With a new album in development, things are heating up for this Scranton 7-piece. BY JANEL NARO Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor Scranton band A Fire with Friends shows promise of a bright future. With the band's 2010 record "Happily Haunted" voted Best Album of that year by Electric City/ Diamond City magazine and a music video about to get national play on Fuse TV, things are looking good. Band member Dan Rosier agrees. It's the band's eccentricities he thinks most peopleincluding himself - find most exciting. One thing that makes AFWF unique is that it's not the typical rock-band lineup of three or four. The band katures seven artists, including Rosier on guitar and vocals, Chelsea Collins on piano, Eric Foster on synthesizer and percussion, Brian Errigo on drums, John Husosky on bass, Chris Pelak on percussion and guitar and Scott Jordan on guitar. The inherent unconventionality of AFWF has spilled over into the recording studio as well, most notably during the creation of their 2011 album, "Like Giants Sleeping in Basements." For that album, the band worked with friend and engineer Shawn Davis, not in a slick, state-of-the-art facility stocked with all the usual creature comforts, but instead in a barn that had been remodeled into a recording studio. Other times the band worked with Davis, they tracked songs in a trailer where there was no heat or water. "It was kind of wild," Rosier said. "I remember recording vocals and a horse walked through the front door. It makes it interesting. But I wouldn't mind a more normal recording process this time around." "Normal" isn't always something in the cards for AFWF, though. Their music video for "Electric Chair Blues" was shot in a courtyard at The Ellen Powell Memorial Museum in Philadelphia. Although an ex- hilarating experience, Rosier admitted it wasn't his favorite way to spend the afternoon. "It was very awkward but very fun at the same time," Rosier said. "It was awkward because none of us have any rock star attitudes and there is a camera in your face and I was like I don't know ifl can do this." Currently scheduled to air on Fuse OnDemand throughout the month of March, the national exposure "Electric Chair Blues" promises to bring isn't the only thing AFWF fans are eagerly anticipating. The band is also working on a new album, with about a dozen songs under way. "It's cool that I have a number of songs that I've written and then we have songs that are kind of like a collective effort," Rosier said. "So I guess right now we're just trying to do the best we can and see which way the album will take shape." Despite being poised to embrace a brand new audience, Rosler 's home remains Pennsylvania. When asked to name his artistic influences, Rosier praised the local music community. "There are a lot of really good bands in the area," Rosier said. "They make you want to get better." A Fire with Friends will be playing at "Winter Weekend Bash" which will hosted by special guest Angelina Pivarnick from the MTV reality show, "Jersey Shore." The event is for those ages 21 and over and will be held from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at The Mines nightclub at 105 N. Main St. in Wilkes-Barre. Tickets are $15 in advance for Kings and Wilkes students only by texting Nick Z. at 570-498-1363, or $20 at the door. CONTACT JANEL NARO AT: janel.naro@wilkes.edu \ ( I( ') f ' ) < '.) I j ) :J )" •l L , ( (] ' IJ ,,. �A&E 15 ... Latest Marvel movie doesn't THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21, 2012 Benulis' epic tale of angels and demons is heaven for readers have a'ghOst" of a chance BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor the subtly sympathetic quality of Hinds' Devil, are left unexplored. Directed by the filmmak:ing brain-trust of Admittedly, Neveldine and Taylor have a Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor - the same talent for crafting powerful visuals with dizzyanarchic duo responsible for the "Crank" franing energy, even if the imagery doesn't always chise - "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" gel with what's happening on-screen, and Dahopes to rescue the Marvel-licensed property vid Sardy's industrial-metal score is suitably from cinematic perdition. Sure, this sequel is apocalyptic, with an aggressive, infectious miles ahead of its predecessor, but what we're pulse. The film's sole major success, though, left with is still a one-way ticket to Dullsville. is its portrayal of the otherworldly Rider. Barely supported by the thinnest storyline Gone is the previous movie's stepped-offthis side of porno, "Spirit'' reintroduces us to the-front-of-an-Iron-Maiden-shirt cartoonishJohnny Blaze (Nicholas Cage, looking dopey ness, replaced by a Rider who is truly infernal. and bewildered as ever, like he still hasn't figAll twitching, snarling viciousness and laconured out what actors do). Mostly ignoring the ic fury, this Rider is ~ imposing, occasionally tone and plot of the first film, Blaze - host to unsettling presence, a horror-geme Terminator the soul-sucking, sinner-scorching, antiheroic of burning bone, sizzling leather and flailing demon-entity known as the Ghost Rider - is chains. It's telling that every scene in now a bitter, self-pitying hermit who's opted which this computer-generated for a solitary existence in Eastern Europe(?!) creation isn't on-screen, in an attempt to snuff the hellfire inside him. out-acting his human ~Alas, Blaze's bid for isolation is undone counterparts no less, when he's enlisted to keep a child with mysis a total bore. A terious powers (Fergus Riordan) out of the In the end, , ~ · clutches of no less vile a villain than the Devil this "Ghost ~ himself (Ciaran Hinds). Along for the ride is Rider" seeyeliner-abusing love interest Nadya (Violan- quel wants O te Placido) and wisecracking black sidekick to be hell Moreau (Idris Elba, slumming big-time). on wheels, Can Blaze and the Rider learn to co-exist? but it's a Why exactly is the Devil after some snot- lot closer to nosed brat? How does Nicholas Cage keep being just getting work? These are the questions "Spirit" plain helldares us to ask, unaware that the answer to ish. the first two is "Nobody cares," while the an,~ swer to the last one is ''Nobody knows." ~ .7 Meanwhile, more interesting ques' \ .7 tions, such as those inves,,,, tigating the blurry line between vengeance and justice or BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer The concept of Wilkes alumnus Sabrina Benuli's novel, "Archon: The Books of Raziel" - the first in what is set to be a trilogy of books published by HarperCollins - drew me in at once. Fresh out of a mental institution, Angela Mathers attends Westwood Academy, a special university operated by the Vatican, to find some balance in her life. Balance is nowhere near, though, because Angela is a "blood head." As a blood head, Angela has special abilities that act as more of a curse. An angel comes to her day and night, for instance, but that's just the tip of the iceberg in this supernatural universe. Some characters believe Angela is the one who will fulfill an ancient prophecy, which keeps both .,.,.A good and evil allies ~ vyin~ for her at~ tention. ~ This plot is - - original in every way, and C it resembles : 0 nothing that -. I have ever read before. It is a mix of mythol- ---t--- 9\ * ff:,'(, .it C *,.~ D ,..* ogy and religion that comes at a fast-paced rhythm, with plot twists around every comer. For such a supernatural book, the characters are surprisingly relatable. I was pleasantly surprised to connect with Angela, who doesn't really want to conquer a universe. She just wants some control over her own life. Readers will never be bored with this book; in fact, they may not want to put it down. Usually in a trilogy, at least in my experience, the first book isn't too dark or ace6npacked. It serves the purpose of slowly setting things up for the next book. "Archon" throws this model out the window. The action starts immediately, and there is no denying that the tag line "The war between heaven and hell begins now," is a perfect description for the novel. The writing is held together well, with a nice flow evident in everything from characterization to plot structure. Many ideas in the novel show so much potential for the rest of the series. The inhabitants of Westwood Academy and the isolated island city of Luz draw the reader in and make you want to know more about them, even if they are evil. The only issue with the book that I could find was that if you don't pay attention, you might get confused. When I pick up books, I don't read them lazily or only a few chapters at a time. Ifyou are a reader who does, though, you may have to remind yourself who, for the example, the Jinn, Supernal, High Assassin or Archon are and what roles they play. Honestly, I loved this fast-paced, enticing novel. Even in moments where there is little action, a reader can sense the pulse beneath. Something is going to happen. I can't wait for the next one to come out. 'The Fat Dagwoo excels at excess touching Staff Writer I've heard about Dagwood's Deli & Subs in Kingston for quite some time now. Those that went raved about their hoagies and meals. I knew about some of their more 'unique' hoagies before going to the restaurant. Beacon Advertising Manager Brittany Battista joined me once again. We stood at the menu board for quite some time because there were so many options. Soups, salads, full meals, barbecue sandwiches, wraps and a plethora of different hoagies were all on the menu. We decided to try the hoagie that we both heard about, the legendary "Fat Dagwood." This hoagie is made with chicken fingers, fries, and mozzarella sticks topped with wing sauce, bleu cheese and provolone cheese. Sounds like a healthy hoagie to me! When the hoagie came out, I wasn't sure how to eat it because it was so big and had so much on it. Luckily, they give you a knife and fork. The hoagie was actually really good. The chicken fingers were my favorite part because they were crispy. I counted three full-sized chicken fingers just on my half of the hoagie alone. The mild chicken wing sauce that we chose drenched the hoagie. The sauce was not sweet at all. It had a nice tang to it. The mozzarella sticks were very good, and there were about two of them on the hoagie. There were plenty of fries on the hoagie, too, but they were a little soggy because of all the wing sauce. The provolone cheese on top was gooey while the actually hoagie bun was toasted and crunchy on the outside. I couldn't even finish my half of the hoagie because it was so filling. If you like any of the items I mentioned that are on this hoagie, then I would definitely recommend getting it. Brittarry described the hoagie as "everything I love that is unhealthy for me, all on one hoagie." Another customer got a grilled-chicken wrap. She thought it was great. She said the chicken was warm and tender, and all the other ingredients in the wrap made for a delicious and filling meal. Dagwood's impressed her enough she said she could see herself going there on a regular basis. Another customer had soup and a ~ 4/5 grilled cheese sandwich. He told me he loves their soup and sandwiches. He makes a visit to Dagwood's a couple times a week. The atmosphere is very nice. When you walk in, you look at a menu board and then you place your order at the counter. Once your food is ready, they bring it to your table. The employees were all extremely pleasant. Prices are reasonable. The Fat Dagwood was $12, but it was big enough for two people. Dagwood's is right across the Market Street Bridge at 418 Market St. They are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. At lunch time, though, the restaurant can get crowded, so keep that in mind if you go. CONTACT BILL THOMAS billthomas(a)i:hewi/ke~.beacor, �FEBRUARY 21, 2012 Wilkes beats King's on senior night BY JUSTIN FRANIAK Sports Editor At the end of each sports season comes a week of rivalries, and Wilkes is no diffe rent. On Friday night, King 's College traveled a few blocks down the· street to take on the Colonels grapplers. The match began with honoring Wilkes's six senior wrestlers. Captain Anthony Dattolo, Ben Marich and Ryan Wilson were all honored along with Matt Ellery, Buddy Gouger and Shane Everett. After all the beginning festivities , the team honored its seniors by winning big. Freshman Michael Fleck began the night off with a technical fall of King's ~ Aaron Perez. Fleck is now three wins away from tying the single-season win record at Wilkes. Sophomore 133-pounder Myzar Mendoza didn't disappoint either. Coming out to the crowd favorite "Zombie Nation" song, Mendoza tacked on three more points for the Colonels en route to a 19-6 major decision over Travis Boardman. The first senior wrestler of the night was 141 -pounder Ryan Wilson. Wilson stepped onto the mat while "Wild Thing" played in the background. Wilson ended his regular season with a pinfall in 4:40. At 149-pounds, Wilkes suffered its first loss of the night as freshman John Lynch lost a close one, 3-1, to King's Chris Mazzochi. The Colonels then received a forfeit at 157-pounds, and senior Matt Ellery recorded that win. Junior Nathan White continued the Colonels success with an 11-2 score over King's Ahmed Burton. Junior Dustin Stough took on King's Shane Stark at 174-pounds and used his riding time point to gain the victory. The score was 28-3 after this close match. Senior Buddy Gouger lost to nationally ranked Mike Reilly in the 184-pound match-up. Reilly is a returning All-American. Sophomore Dave Oberrender gained Wilkes' last win of the night as he beat King's Cemah Tudae-Torboh. Sophomore Jon Slack rounded out the night by losing by pinfall. The Colonels won big 32- 14. CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu BY BRYAN WI SLOSKY Columnist The Beacon/J ustin Franiak Freshman wrestler Sean Lombardi sports face signs made by wrestling fans. The signs were in honor of seniors (from left) Benjamin Marich, Anthony Dattolo, Matthew Ellery and Ryan Wilson. ,Women's tennis set to begin new season Colonels look to improve after historical, successful run BY SERENA MOLYNEUX Assistant Sports Editor :i. It is that time of year again. Women's tennis is back at it for the spring season and they have already begun to accomplish great things. The Colonels look to carry over their success from last year, which saw them win the MAC Conference and gain a NCAA national bid, for only the second time in history. The team was led by Coach Chris Leicht for the eighth season, along with senior captains Anna Mitchell and Rebekah Shanaman. "We' re working hard and hopefully good things are going to happen," Leicht said. There are nine girls on the team, and the top seven consists of all upperclassmen. "This gives us a lot of good experience and depth," Leicht said. "We really don't have a weakness." With such a strong line-up, Leicht has added some new competition to the season. The women will be playing some division two schools and they are looking forward to the increased competition that they have coming up. New competition is not the only excitement that the team has to look forward to. The girls will be going on a week-long spring break trip to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina beginning March 5. "We get to have team bonding in an atmosphere that isn't typical," said Melanie Nolt, junior accounting major. "It's a chance to relax and enjoy a change of pace." The Broad Street Breakdown While in South Carolina the girls will get to play outdoors and also take part in some tournaments. The athletes said the spring break trip is a big contributor to helping the players prepare and train for the season. Right now the women are practicing four to five days a week indoors, working on conditioning and running. "After returning from the spring break trip we will definitely be ready for the season to start," Leicht said. While the team is working hard to get ready for the season, it is also working to improve their double strategies. "I wouldn't call it a weakness, but it is something we need to work on," Leicht said. TENNIS, PAGE 19 As much as I hate to do this, I need to congratulate the Detroit Red Wings for the NHL history they made. Last Tuesday, Feb. 14, they beat the Dallas Stars 3-1 for a National Hockey League record 21st straiglit home victory. They surpassed the 1929-1930 Boston Bruins and the 1975-1976 Philadelphia Flyers, who were both tied with 20 straight home wins. This is just one more reason for me to hate Detroit. I became a diehard Flyers fan when I was 6 years old. Philadelphia made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, but they were swept in for games by the Red Wings. Now they break what I feel is a very impressive record partially held by my franchise . Detroit's home winning streak started on Nov. 5 with a decisive 5-0 win against the Anaheim Ducks. Before that, the Wing's home record was a mediocre 3-2-1. Throughout this streak, they have beaten the Ducks, Avalanche, Oilers, Stars, Flames, Predators, Lightning, Coyotes, Jets, Kings, Blues, Blackhawks, Sabres, Blue Jackets and Flyers. So that's 21 straight wins against 15 different teams. The irony in all of this is that a one of the teams who shared the record, my Philadelphia Flyers, had a chance on Sunday, Feb. 12 to stop the Red Wings from tying the record. They had 19 straight home wins going into the Sunday night showdown with Philly and tied the record against one of its holders. If we look back at the previous two record holders, Wings fans should be getting excited since both the Bruins and Flyers made the Stanley Cup Finals in the years they sej the record, 1930 and 1976 respectively. But the city that should be really pumped for the playoffs is Montreal. Even though both Boston and Philadelphia made the Stanley Cup Finals in those seasons, both had their championship dream crushed by the Montreal Canadiens. The 1930 finals were a best-of-three series and Montreal defeated Boston two games to none, winning Game 1, 3-0, and SEE RED WINGS, PAGE 19 �17 ,"'" THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21, 2012 SCOREBOARD Wrestling . 2/17 King's College W 32-14 Men's B-Ball 2/14 DeSales L 59-61 2/18 Kings W 74-60 Women's B-Ball 2/14 DeSales L 54-66 2/18 Kings L 61-70 WEEKAHEAD Wrestling 2/26 Metro Championships @ Elizabethtown Men's B-Ball 2/22 Freedom Conf. Playoffs vs. Eastern University GUEST HOME OU1\RTER BONUS FOULS SHOT CLOCK FOULS Tweet us pictures of the scoreboards @wi Ikesbeacon !f@@@@@J Sports have always been filled with legendary players and legendary achievements. But ever since the beginning, we have been trying to come up with new ways to remember certain plays and players. "The Catch", and "The shot heard 'round the world," are two examples of great plays that we remember just by hearing the name. Players' nicknames are the same: they transcend time by being unique in their own way, all unique to their own sport. Some that come to mind when we talk about all time greats: Michael "His Airness" Jordan earned his name with his · massive dunks and style that he brought that no one ever had before or after him. Deion Sanders was called "Prime Time," he was a showman and .a performer and he loved the big stage and the bright lights. Babe Ruth had several: "The Great Bambino" "The Sultan of Swat" or simply "The Babe." Ruth was the most popular baseball player who ever lived. His nicknames were more popular than his real name, which was George Herman. Babe was larger than life. Another is Earvin "Magic" Johnson. No one knows Johnson by his first name, we simply say Magic when we talk or refer to him. Boxing probably had some of the best nicknames around. We all think of Rocky, yes, a movie character, as "The Italian Stallion." Muhammad Ali was known as "The Greatest" and "The Louisville Lip" for all his witty banter. The best from boxing is probably "Iron" Mike Tyson. This past week we said goodbye to another great nickname, Gary "The Kid" Carter." "The Kid" transcends all other nicknames; it is the one I would love to have. "The Kid" exemplifies what sports is all about, sports are made for kids and should be enjoyed as such. Carter brought that mentality to the field every time he stepped out there. He played every game like it was his first with contagious enthusiasm and joy. Whether it was a single or a homerun, Carter would have a smile like a child who got a base hit in Little League. For Carter it wasn't a business or a job, it was a game. Long live "The Kid" and rest in peace Gary Carter. CONTACT JOSEPH PUGLIESE AT: joseph.pugliese@wilkes.edu Nicknames come naturally to me. I have been everything from Maniak to Big Guy to Peanut Butter and Jelly. So remembering memorable sports nicknames is second nature. One of my favorites is William "The Refrigerator" Perry. The man was a massive individual and his nickname reflected that. One of the worst was former Eagles, Freddei Mitchell. After his catch against the Packers in the NFC Championship he was known as "4th and 26" and "Fred-Ex" It seems that the Eagles that year had ~ any horrible nicknames, including Todd "Gator Arms" Pinkston and James "Trash" Thrash. Harry Kalas presented me with one of the most memorable nicknames. Kalas would always call Mike Schmidt, Michael Jack Schmidt. Jack was his actual middle name and transcend any nickname. More recently, Shane Victorino has been known as "The Flyin' Hawaiian" and Ryan Howard has been known as "The Big Piece." The Phillies always seem to have great nicknames. My favorite this year was Vance "Vanimal" Worley. With Jeremy Lin's recent success many nicknames have sprung up. Linsanity and Super Lintendo seem to be the most popular. Signs sporting "All I do is Lin" have also been sprouting up. My favorite nickname from the past few years is Benj arvus Green-Ellis. His nickname is "The Law Firm." This nickname is one of the most clever nicknames I have ever seen. We all have seen the law firm commercials with multiple names, so this nickname suits him perfectly. I need to pay homage to some of the greats. Babe Ruth, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, Jake "The Snake" Roberts and "Broadway" Joe Namath. These guys not only had great nicknames, but grew into them. A nickname can make or break a player. He can either live as a legend, or be known by some goofy name. Some of the worst include "Booger" McFarland, Randy 'The Big Unit" Johnson, and Lester "The Molester" Hayes. Hopefully your favorite athlete won't wind up like Lester. CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu �18 SPORTS THE BEACON J EEBRUARY.21r2012 , WE TREAT INJUR IES AND lllN ESSES FOR ALL AG ES,. + J UST VJALK IN. + ,ALWAYS A PHYSICIAN! ON SITE .. + MOST 1NSUftA.NCE ACCEPTED ·"'· BUT t.l!OT REQUIRED . + X· RAYS, LABS, EKG~. IV:s, MIHOR SU RG ERV. �TENNIS Continued from Page 16 . Making improvements to the double strategies will help ensure that the women will win the conference .., again. Along with that, they are going to use their biggest strength, which Leicht said is their depth and experience. "We have been dominant in the past and you can expect even more commitment and team unity this season," said junior team member Katrina Lynn said. The team has some exciting matches they are looking forward to, like a competition against NYU at the Flushing Meadows tennis courts, where the U.S. Open is held. More locally, they are looking forward to the match-up against Bloomsburg University. The women took a close loss against Bloomsburg last season with a score of 5 to 4, so they are looking for a big win this season. Women's tennis first home match is against rival Elizabethtown on Saturday, March 17 at the Ralston Athletic Complex. 'BLUE ARMY' RAGES AS COLONELS WIN CONTACT SERENA MOLYNEUX AT: serena.molyneux@wilkes.edu UPCOMING TENNIS SCHEDULE FOR 2012 ns 1f:>r .er rk u1te 110 ag si- :or SI- :s- 3117/2012 Elizabethtown Ralston Athletic Comp.lex 1:00p.m. 3120/2-012 Bloomsburg Bbomsburg, PA 3:30p.m. 3J22!20t2 Haverford College Ralston Athletic Complex 3;30 p.m. 313112012 Eastern * St Da•1ids, PA 1:00 p.m. The Beacon/Justin Franiak Da.llas, PA 3:30 p.m. The Wilkes basketball cheering section, known as the "Blue Army:' shows off its various costumes. The crowd included Gumbi and Pokey, along with men in denim dresses and jumpsuits. The "Blue Army" cheered the Colonels to a win against crosstown rivals King's College. The win solidified a home playoff game 7 p.m. this Wednesday, Feb. 22 at at the Marts Center. * 4/512012 MiericordJa 4/912012 Dickinson Carlisle, PA 4:00p.m. 4114/2012 King's." Ralston Athletic Complex 'f:OOp.m. 4/1512012 NYU New York City, NY 1:00p.m. 4118/2012 Muhlenberg Allentown, PA 3:3Op.m. 4121/2012 Manhatta:nville • Purchase,. NY 1:00 ,p cm. STRESSED? HEADACHE? RED WINGS Continued from Page 16 game 2, 4-3. By 1976, the finals were in its current format of a seven game series, but the Flyers suffered the same fate, losing the series four games to none. However, it doesn't look like history will be repeating itself. Currently the Montreal Canadiens are tied for 11th place in the Eastern Conference with the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders, and are eight points away from a playoff spot. If the Habs do find a way into the playoffs, it will be a story to keep an eye on, though. Even if it isn't against Montreal, I could definitely see the Red Wings losing in the finals this year. Given that they are 24-2-1 at home, their incredibly average 15-15-1 road record is preventing them from separating from the rest of the pack in the Western Conference race for top seed and the overall race for the President's Cup, most points in the league. As I write this they hold only a two point lead in the conference Headaches and back pain are two of the most common ailments treated at our clinic. Often, we can bring relief simply by taking the pressure off a pinched nerve. Here are other common symptoms of a pinched nerve. over the Vancouver Canucks and a one point lead over the New York Rangers for the most points in the NHL. So once again, congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings and their record for most consecutive home wins, but as we've seen in the past, it doesn't always lead to hoisting up the cup. oinment/ ari Join t e e ate on Bryan's post on http:/ · thewilkesbeacon.com. CONTACT BRYAN WISLOSKY AT: bryan.wislosky@wilkes.edu Neck Pain Back Pain Shoulder Pain Arm Pain Leg Pain Muscle Pain - Sports Injury - FREE20Min Hydro Massage Auto Accident - 'W WILKES UNIVERSllY FREE EXAM & FREE 1st Treatment Wilkes-Barre Chiropractic & Rehab Dr. David Lewis Chiropractic Physician 825-5535 3 80 Old River Road Wilkes-Barre, PA All Insurances Accepted dblewis326@aol.com www.nepachiro.com �20 SPORTS THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 21 , 20 12 " Dance team brings new energy to halftime festivities Performers use experience to break it down at mid-court, on the field BY JUSTIN FRANIAK _ Sports Editor ,u •ei ·• The rebirth of the Wilkes Dance Team is spicing up halftimes at Colonels basketball games. Before the 2010-2011 school year the team had been defunct, but now it's entertaining crowds at every home basketball game. "Dancing at halftime is so much fun," Hayley Dutka, sophomore co-captain, said. "We love performing for the crowd, and lately we've been getting a lot of positive attention for it." The Spanish/secondary education major says the dance team likes to shock the crowd with their routines, which usually gets positive feedback from the crowds. Sophomore pharmacy major Jaclyn Palummo also feels the adrenaline rush at games. "It's really exciting," the co-captain said. "The audience gets really into it; I'm glad we can entertain the crowd. Palummo took over the program last year and says it's a little more organized than it used to be. Dutka and Palumm collaborate on planning the choregraphy and music. Dutka says that she thinks different viewpoints make for a better experience. "I feel that Jaclyn and I have different dance backgrounds," Dutka said. So when we mix our styles together, it creates a great piece." Palummo and Dutka bring vast experience to the team. Palummo had been dancing for 18 years, and Dutka has been in the studio since she was 3. "When I came to Wilkes, I knew I would have to do something with dance because it's what I love to do, and I can't imagine not doing it," Dutka said. Starting the team back up last year was a little tough Palummo said, especially as a freshman. Dutka also said there are sometimes struggles to promote the club. "It is hard to build up a club that isn't that well known," she said. "We are always trying to expand the team." The dance team is always trying to be innovative and try new things, even if that is changing dancing venues. "This was actually the first year the dance team performed at a football game," Palummo said. "Dancing on the turf wasn't as bad as you would think too." The team is also community oriented. It participated in last semester's flood and relief and is starting a Relay for Life team too. "I feel like we are definitely a lot closer this semester because of involvement in the community," Palummo said. Both captains said that making the team stronger was their biggest goal. They both want to leave Wilkes by making an impact on the team. "The most important thing is to make the team as strong as it can be," Dutka said. Whether we have 10 girls or 20, it's all about The Beacon/Justin Franiak The Wilkes Dance Team performs at halftime at a recent basketball game. The team has garnered a positive response from the crowd and continues to entertain fans. The club practices at beginning of each week and is always looking for new members. the strength of the dancers and the routines." Palummo said the team practices Sunday and Monday nights for around two hours. They are always looking for new members. Dutka says that practice is always a good time. "We have a blast at practice, we are constantly sharing stories and laughing," Dutka said. "The team got really close, so it's a great way to make friends too." As for any plans to continue dance after college Palummo said, "I don't think there is much a dancing pharmacist can do." CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu ., For more information and pictures, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.co~ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 February 21st Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 February 21 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/c5657b1348a748fc069d60ea51c84f5c.pdf 2b4e81dd825312736e777b4f4efaac58 PDF Text Text The Beacon/Au stin Loukas Director of Residence Life Liz Swantek, right, makes Valentine's Day crafts with students at Hate it or Love it, a new late night event hosted by Residence Life on Friday, Feb. 10. A new policy will enforce a sophomore on-campus residency for the class of 2016, which Residence Life hopes to supplement with more campus events. Policy to require sophomores to live on campus i«RSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief A new Residence Life policy to enforce a two-year residency for incoming students is actually a reincarnation of rules that are at least 20 years old. The new policy will require students to not only remain in campus housing their freshman year, but their sophomore year as well. This sophomore living requirement existed at Wilkes from 1992 to 1999, said Director ofResidence Life Liz Swantek. The idea was made a year ago through the university's master plan, when the plan committee and an outside architectural firm went through every residence building on campus and assessed the ideal number of residence students. The suggestion was to reinstate the sophomore residence requirement to reach that number, so Residence Life considered the option. "Obviously instead of just implementing it just away ... we decided to look into it some more, do some research, see what other schools are doing," Swantek said. Swantek looked at area colleges, and found that most had similar residence rules. "For the most part, they had either a two-year living requirement or they have four-year living requirements," Swantek said. She also considered the history Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 Bittersweet truth about chocolate PAGE6 of the policy, and decided that if it worked then, it could work again. She said there is considerable academic research showing positive correlation between living on campus and benefits ranging from "increasing an aesthetic culture" to "increase in graduation rate." "We just wanted to know if it fit here, and if it was adaptable," Swantek said. Swantek said 46 percent of Wilkes sophomores live off-campus, Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Zumba craze captivates Wilkes PAGE 10 Love stinks PAGE 14 which is an average of the last three years. To accommodate this increase of students required to live on-campus, Residence Life and Facilities are planning to renovate the Fortinsky buildings next to Schiowitz Hall, similar to the Roth Hall project that combined two older dorm buildings four years ago. Residence Life won't seen an increase in students living on campus until fall 2013, which Swantek said Sports Pages 16-20 Athlete of the week: Elena Stambome PAGE 20 SEE RES LIFE, PAGE 4 lM Established 1936 PA Newspaper Assodation Member �CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Wilkes Pocono branch celebrates grand opening Feb. 1S Wilkes University will hold a grand opening for its new Pocono location at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 . The event will kick off with a ribbon cutting and light refreshments will follow. The public is invited to attend. In case of inclement weather, the opening will be held at 11 :30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Wilkes University's new site is located in the Shoppes at Crossroads on route 611 in Bartonsville next to Giant Food Store. The 2,800-square-foot facility houses two classrooms, a conference room and study space. The Pocono site allows adults to complete their degree at a convenient location in the center of Monroe County. Programs include a master of business administration degree and an accelerated bachelor of business administration program for those wishing to complete their degree. A master of science degree in engineering management is planned for fall, with additional program offerings to be added in the next year. Thirty students are currently enrolled in spring classes at the site. Classes are scheduled in evenings and on weekends. Those interested in learning more can visit www.wilkes .edu/pocono or call (800) WILKES-U Ext. 7000. Prospective students can also visit the site during these hours: Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 :30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Beacon Briefs sponsorship for Wilkes students who are participating in the race. Because mileage has increase this year from one mile to four, SG was unsure of the appropriate amount to donate. It was questioned whether or not students would be in favor of their activity fees going toward Relay for Heat sponsorship. Ultimately, it was decided that donating to the event would be a way that SG could give back to the community. For every mile run by a Wilkes student, $5 will be given by SG with a limit of$1 ,000. Ten teams are signed up to compete. Although participation keeps increasing, SG was able to spend about $100 less this year than they had the year before. This year a can drive will also be incorporated to bring the community aspect back to the weekend. The event is scheduled for Feb. 24-25. dent was given in their old major in order to boost their GPA. All grades will still remain on transcripts; however, a higher GPA may help earn scholarships. BY DEVONI NOVAK Assistant News Editor Hockey Club granted $990 for league fees - Hockey Club requested $1500 to pay for league fees, jerseys and Relay for Life gear. The club was having money troubles because the majority of the funds they raised had been donated as a part of the commun_ity service requirement SG set upon all campus clubs. SG believed that Hockey Club was donating "more money than time" and suggested the club come up with a plan for future funding. To cover league fees, $990 was granted to Hockey Club. Biology Club requests funds for Fear Factor - For the annual Fear Factor event, Biology Club requested $200 to replace old supplies. Throughout the year, Biology Club has been fundraising; however an increase in participation calls for additioD:• funding to keep it free for students to compete. Because of the growing popularity of Fear Factor, SG deliberated the importance of aiding the event. The final decision has yet to be decided. Sponsorship of Wilkes students relaying for heat - Relay for Heat requested Recycling Showdown receives funds for pizza and prizes - Recyclemania asked for $190 to fund Recycling Showdown, a competition in which student teams build a monster made of recycled materials. Funding was needed for gift card prizes and Pronto Pizza for participants. SG showed a concern for the amount of students the event attracts. Making the Recycling Showdown a part of Winter Weekend was considered; however, the desire to offer more on campus events led SG to grant $200 to Recyclemania. The event will take place Feb. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Winter Weekend budget decreased Winter Weekend will cost $4,582 this year to cover the cost of team T-shirts, food, prizes, supplies, and promotional items. BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com White envelope containing $70 missingAllegedly, Spirit committee stored $70 in a white envelop in a locked cabinet last week in the SG office. Upon retrieval, the envelop was missing which left Spirit committee out $70. Anyone who has information on this matter may contact SG president, Willie Eggleston, anonymously. LCCC students benefit from Wilkes social activities - Admissions of Financial Aid Committee are worJ.cing on a program to include possible LCCC transfers to take part in Wilkes student development activities. They believe the social aspect will help attract more students and make them feel more at home; here at Wilkes. This project is still a work in progress. Need a GPA boost? File for academic bankruptcy - Academic Standards Committee proposed a new policy for students who decide to change their major called "academic bankruptcy." What the new program will do is wipe out all grades a stu- CONTACT VICKI MAYK AT: vicki.mayk@wilkes.edu Nesbitt College: School of Nursing gains Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program approval - At its Jan. 23, 2012 meeting, the PA State Board of Nursing approved the Wilkes University MSN Nurse Practitioner program in the Psychiatric Mental Health concentration. Graduates of the program will be eligible to seek national certification as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health CRNP. The program will enroll the first cohort in August 2012. For more information, please the School of Nursing Graduate Office. Wilkes University Accounting Students Offer Free Income Tax Help - Accounting students in Wilkes University's Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership will offer free tax assistance to the public through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. The service will be offered Feb. 4, 11 , 18 and 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first floor of Breiseth Hall, 137 S. Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre. CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: CarlyYamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Meet the Staff Dan Lykens Photographer �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 3 NEWS Wilkes w-elcotnes Rottenberg as part of Kirby Lectures CEO encourages America to dream, get back its entrepreneurial spirit BY PHAT NGUYEN News Editor Fifteen years ago, the editor of the Portuguese Brazilian dictionary called Linda Rottenberg because there was no word for entrepreneur. "They had just entered emprendedor and emprenderismo into the lexicon," Rottenberg said. "I get in trouble for saying this but it's true. There was no word for entrepreneur, and entrepreneurship was not used. Now emprendedor and emprenderismo are very commonplace." Rottenberg saw a similar pattern in problem in the Arabic and Turkish languages. This was never a problem for Americans, however. As CEO and co-founder of Endeavor, Rottenberg works with entrepreneurs around the world to help them start and grow their own businesses. She believes entrepreneurship is within Americans. "It's in our DNA. The American Dream is essentially about entrepreneurship," Rottenberg said. "It's about shaking things up. It's the idea that you can be better than your parents were. It doesn't matter where you grow up. If you have a good idea you could make it happen." Rottenberg is set to speak about "R.eclaiming the American dream: getting back our entrepreneurial spirit" as part of the Allen P. Kirby Lecture series Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rite Aide Auditorium in the Stark Learning Center at Wilkes University. Endeavor now has offices in 15 countries with 250 employees. Its entrepreneurs have created more than 150,000 jobs that annually generate nearly $5 billion. Sharing stories and examples of successful businesses and networking helps bring the entrepre- • RES LIFE Continued from Front Page gives them time to renovate and make the buildings more pleasing to students. "We should be at the capacity we need to in order to make this happen," Swantek said. Local landlord Bill Henry was surprised to hear the decision, since he said a sophomore residency policy failed at King's College. He said it will not be a detriment to his business at all, because he can still rely on juniors and seniors looking to move offcampus. He said he supports what the school decides, but administrators should keep in Rottenberg comes to Kirby: Who: Linda Rottenberg, co-CEO of Endeavor . .What: Reclaiming the American dream: getting back our entrepreneurial spirit." Allen P. Kirby Lecture Where: Stark 101, Wilkes University When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. <:i<ost: Free and open to the public .yw leadership such as Facebook, but we should look to other examples as well. "I'm all for that and social networking, but those can't be the only we have associated with entrepreneurship," Rottenberg said. "Look at Wal -Mart, Pixar, or other high growth companies in more traditional industries. We have it in us , we just have to adjust our economy for the globalizing economy to see more of the entrepreneurial spirit in action." Rottenberg is also calling for more fe- male entrepreneurial leadership. Endeavor has seen an increase from 8 percent female-led companies a decade ago, to now 18 percent, she said. The Allan P. Kirby Center Lecture Series hosts two forums annually, which provide students and the community insight into the creative process and drive of the entrepreneur. For information, call 570-408-4330. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phat.nguyen@wilkes.edu neurial spirit to action, Rottenberg said. As a graduate of Harvard University and Yale Law School, Rottenberg was named one of America's Best Leaders by U.S. News and World Report and one of 100 Innovators for the 21st Century by Time Magazine. Having assembled an unparalleled network of the world's foremost business leaders and investors, Rottenberg is often sought out for her ability to understand new trends in global business. "It used to be when we see companies in South Africa, in Turkey, in Mexico, in Brazil in Egypt, in Indonesia, they would be looking locally or then they would look to their neighboring country, but then if they really wanted to be big, they would have to get to the U.S. market. That has changed," Rottenberg said. She said Endeavor is seeing a lot of countries look to emerging countries with similar economy. "We're seeing Indian companies replicate in Africa. We're seeing Brazilian companies replicate in the Middle East. That to me is a phenomenon that is happening." "If American companies want to remain competitive, they really have to start looking at the global market from day one." In her speech, she looks to highlight several examples of outstanding entrepreneurial Photo courtesy of Marketing Communications Rottenberg is excited to talk with Wilkes students about entrepreneur leadership. mind what students think. "I think the school is making a business decision," Henry said. "I think it's a good experiment for the school to try, but it's all up to the students and how they feel." Henry, who leases about 12 nearby buildings to Wilkes and Kings students, said one downfall to students living on-campus is they don't have full access of their apartments, such as over school breaks. He said the new policy will benefit some of the students, but might not others. "I think students want to be on their own after freshman year," Henry said. Swantek also hopes the new policy will make students feel more involved in campus events. To accommodate and entertain the growing population of students on campus, Assistant Director of Residence Life Danielle Kem is trying to create more "after hours" activities, such as the recent "Love it or Hate it" event on Friday, Feb. 10. This late night event was held as a pilot to see if students are interested in that type of evening activity. Residence Life welcomes new ideas for campus events. "If students want it, we'll do it ... if it works and students really want that, we'll make it happen," Kem said. Swantek said if the students support them, more programs will be created to give stu- dents more things to do on campus. She hopes to make students feel more engaged and involved in the campus community. "We'll be working with ~.':udent Development over the course of the next couple of years just having more of these programs, as long as people are interested," Swantek said. Swantek urged that if students have issues with the new policy, that they should discuss them with Residence Life. "I think they need to voice their concerns so we're prepared and can help the students in the long run." . CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com �4 NEWS THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 Search committee hosts presidential candidates Dr. Tim Gilmour became the fifth Wilkes president. He has embarked on a strategic plan for 2010 and exceeded undergraduate enrollment goals six years ahead of plan. He led the development of a 20-year master plan for long-term, sustainable develo ment of the Wilkes c1m µs. Dr. Jim Gandre is the provost and executive vice president of Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. He worked to establish a new college of pharmacy and the school's first Ph.D. program. He also oversaw a $2.5 million renovation/constructi<>r1J<>a:thf! s<>!legf! c,f Phctrmacy. Or. Molly Smith is former president of Manhattanville College. As president, Smith supported the launch of the college's first doctoral degree in educational leader~.h ip, She also initiated the UN's Academic Impact/ to infuse global perspectivl!s into thf! cµrriculum and co~curriculum. Dr. Patrick Leahy is executive vice president of the University of Scranton. He led the efforts to complete the university's $125 million capital campaign at 29 percent above the or:iginal goal . . He made Scranton's Division-HI athletics one of the leading t<>p in the country. Presidential search brings in three potential candidates to speak at Wilkes BY PHAT NGUYEN News Editor The search to find a replacement for President Tim Gilmour is in its final steps. After narrowing down many qualified candidates, the Wilkes Presidential Search Committee has found three finalists to potentially succeed Gilmour. Leahy is the only candidate currently employed at a Pennsylvania school. He is executive vice president of the University of Scranin, which has about 5,100 students. Gandre is the provost and executive vice president of Roosevelt University, which has campuses in Chicago and Schaumburg, Ill . It has approximately 7,300 students. Smith served as president of Manhattanville College in New York, which has 2,700 students. She is on sabbatical but since July has served as the executive director of the Initiative to Develop Women as Academic Leaders for the International Associ ation of University Presidents. The three candidates have been invited to campus during the next tw,o weeks to meet with students and faculty. Associate vice president and executive assistant marketing communications Jack Chielli, who also serves as staff and proj ect manager to the committee, was pleased with chosen finalists. "The three finalists are all different, talented educators who bring extraordinary experiences into search interviews, Chielli said. "They were able to demonstrate the Wilkes vision that we were looking for." The results of the forum and the survey from the fall have shaped the job description that will be publicized, Chielli said. The top responses aided in the construction of the job description through background information about Wilkes and a list of desired experiences and opportunities. "Two overriding leadership characteristics that stood from the campus community survey were the ability to fund raise and the ability to communicate and build trust within the campus," Chielli said. These top-ranking responses are going to be areas the committee will focus on when they recommend final candidates to the board of trustees, which will ultimately decide the next president. The student impact is very important, Chielli said. He has been impressed by the two student members of the committee, Christa Filipkowski, the Student Government vice president, class of 201 4, and Alexandra Madaya, a junior history major who is one of the student representatives on the search committee. "Chrsta and Alexandra have been ex- tremely influential throughout the search. They are both well spoken, thoughtful and they have represented the student body so well as a whole." The student responses indicate that they are looking for a president who understands the mentoring and growth through relationships through students and faculty. Following the campus visits, the committee will collect feedback from the campus community via an online survey to help in the selection. Virginia Sikes, the chair of the search committee said student input is vital and will affect the final decision. "I am asking the campus community to attend the open meetings. The committee will collect feedback from the campus community via an online survey." The candidates each will spend two days on campus. Gandre will be on campus on Tuesday and Wednesday; Smith on Thursday and Friday and Leahy on Feb. 21 and 22. The Wilkes board of trustees appointed the 11-member presidential search committee last year to identify and narrow down applicants. The committee is comprised of Jay Sidhu, chairman and CEO of Customers Bank and whose name the Wilkes School of Business bears; Michael Gottdenker, chairman and CEO of Hargray Communications; two current students; two professors; three university administrators; business consultant Bill Miller, a 1981 graduate of the school; and Virginia Sikes, a partner in the Philadelphia law firm of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP. Sikes chairs the committee. The committee reviewed approximately 120 applications and ultimately interviewed 11 candidates, according to Wilkes. The three candidates are given an opportunity to present his or her vision for Wilkes and a plan for attaining that vision, the college announced. For more information contact Jack Chielli at jack.chielli@wilkes.edu. wfloor nter. b. 16 e of ·k,"'at . , m'\ 5-!6;;p,m>on' the first+flopr Jourirge !' ofrtpeHe1ry<Studer1t Ceoter. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 NEWS 5 Behind the scenes of the much-anticipated snow day alerts Dean A-dams says timing is everything with school closings or delays fore hand," Adams said. In addition to thinking about the Wilkes campus, Adams collaborates with both Attending a university in Northeast King's College and Mi.s ericordia UniverPennsylvania almost guarantees some sity on the decision. Some students are dual enrolled in a troublesome weather during the winter couple of the local colleges so it is a courand snow days come with the territory. tesy that the leaders take into account When the weather turns dismal with when deciding what to do on snow days. heavy snows and icy conditions, the safeInstead of one school being opened while ty of faculty and students is taken into another is closed, they try to make a unanconsideration when deciding on snow imous decision. In some cases one school days . In the spring semester of 2011 there may call a snow day when the others do were eight days that inclement weather affected school days. Four of those were not; it is up to the individual school. An example of this independent decitotally canceled days, which was the most sion happened not with a snow day, but days off in at least 14 years. Some students, and even faculty, wait with the flood. When the flood of 2011 affor the incoming texts, television school fected Wilkes-Barre, all the local colleges closing crawl, or the inclement weather shut down, but Wilkes University decided hot line to let them know if the conditions to stay closed for an additional day. This intercollegiate decision usually are dangerous enough to delay or close the school. But how many people know happens at around 6 a.m. and then the rest of the university population is informed. the process behind the decision? Faculty, students and the maintenance There is one man who ultimately decides what will happen when snow is in staff are all informed of the decision at the same time through the forecast. One the news staman who holds the "It seems that 50 percent of tions,localtext mesopportunity to gain sages or the Wilkes a couple extra hours the times, snow days fall on of sleep. He is Dr. test days. If class is canceled, portal. No one is informed of the dePaul Adams, Vice cision beforehand. or even if it is a compressed President of Student The maintenance Affairs. schedule time is still lost." staff has a meeting Adams does not to discuss how to have a crystal ball, -Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, handle a snowfall or a snow globe as communication studies professor if a heavy storm is the case may be, predicted. that determines the Bill Marino, a weather. He actually decides the same maintenance employee, said that they reway that normal people do. He consults ceive text messages like everyone else if Accu Weather. there is a closing or delay. They have their AccuWeather gathers their weather data priorities if it is closed. The maintenance fro ~ the State College area and local staff will clear the way to the more heavnews stations also use the information to ily visited areas on campus, mainly the inform people of the weather. library and the cafeteria. Adams usually gets updates from the Mike Rob, a cafeteria employee, said system that lets him know what to expect that the amount of students who linger in from oncoming storms. When a storm is the cafeteria actually increases on snow predicted he wakes up at 4 a.m. to check days. "They usually come in and stay for one final time before a decision to close longer just hanging out, and eating," Rob or delay the school is made. said. "Timing is everything," Adams said Faculty also has to rearrange their about when and how much snow is preschedules due to snow days. Missed days dicted to fall. mean syllabuses need to be revised and If the snow happens early enough, lomissed class time. cal road crews can clear the roads before "It seems that 50 percent of the times, conditions get too bad. snow days fall on test days," Dr. Jane "We don't make the decision frivolousElmes-Crahall, a communication studies ly. A lot does get taken into account beBY KRIST INA SEI GER Correspondent professor, said. "If class is cance led, or even if it is a compressed schedule time is still lost." When a compressed schedule is arranged, classes start at 10 a.m. and classes are shortened to either 40 minutes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or 50 minutes on Edit Tuesdays and Thursdays. "With a compressed February 14, 2012 schedule you barely have NO School!!! 12:2B AM time to introduce a new topic and then class is 12:28 AM ✓✓ HOORAY!!!! over," Elmes-Crahall said. The question was raised that since many of the students live either on campus or within walking distance, why should the university close when so many students could make it to school? "We have to take into consideration that faculty and commuters have to be on the roads. We take people's safety in account first," Adams said. "If I don't think the roads are safe enough and there's still school, I won't risk it," Alex Kijek, an undeclared freshman, said. "I know that when I get a job we won't have snow days, Photo Illustration, Bryan Ca labro/ The Beacon so I'm going to enjoy them while I have them." School delays and cancellations depend on Faculty may not have to timeliness and heaviness of precipitation. go into work when there Students can also call 408-snow for updates. are snow days, but they still have to do work. messages. Then I go back to sleep," "I usually grade papers and tests. Then I Kijek said. have to shovel and clean up my property," To receive up-to-date changes in the Elmes-Crahall said. schedule due to snow days or other in"I still come to campus to make sure ev- clement events sign up for the Wilkes erything is alright and running smoothly. notification text messages. Checking I never actually get to enjoy a snow day," the Wilkes homepage and also the web Adams said. portal are other official ways to see if "A snow day really makes no difference there are new developments. Also calling to us, we still have to come to work to the SNOW hot line at 570-408-SNOW make sure the students have food to eat," (7669) will provide a recorded message Rob said. informing the caller about any changes to While some people may use their snow the schedule . days productively, others use it as a time CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: to catch up on sleep. "I usually check my phone for the text phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com . �FEBRUARY 14, 2012 CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The bitter truth about BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief If you're still deciding on Valentine's Day gift for your significant other, you might want to bypass the chocolate hearts, truffles and Kisses for a gift that is a little more ethical with human rights. While chocolate is a popular Valentine's treat for a sweetheart, the dark secret behind the candy is anything but sweet. The chocolate industry is being tainted by unethical and irresponsible usage of forced child labor. CNN estimates that 200,000 children are working against their will on cocoa fields in the West Africa, the source of around 75 percent of the world's cocoa beans. Some of these children are kidnapped and smuggled to the cocoa fields, according to the International Labor Rights Forum. Children as young as 7 are forced to endure long hours and work with dangerous tools and pesticides, a scenario that evokes major human rights concerns. One of the biggest violators is Hershey's chocolate. Unlike other chocolate corporations, Hershey's has fiercely resisted ensuring its products meet ethical and legal labor standards. In a report, "Time to raise the bar: The real corporate social responsibility for the Her5ifey company," ILRF states that Hershey's does not have a policy to guarantee their cocoa is not produced through child labor. The corporation, which has 42.5 percent of the market share in the U.S . chocolate industry, has refused to identify its suppliers or take part in a certification like Fair Trade to ensure illegal practices like child trafficking and forced labor do not occur at its cocoa sources. The fact that a company that has such a large role in our culture would lack such basic moral principles is despicable. This isn' t a new problem. U.S . lawmakers have been working for more than 10 years to oLATE OG v~ BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are ba~ed on 22 responses. Last week's question: What are your thoughts on the tap water quality on campus? • The water needs to be improved 50% • I drink bottled water 27% • I use a water filter 14% • The water quality is fine 5% • I don't know 5% This week The Beacon asks: end the covert distribution of chocolate produced at the expense of young slaves. In 2001 , the Cocoa Protocol was passed to require verification that companies had ceased child labor practices by 2005. The protocol was extended to 2008. Then again to 2010. And today, Hershey's has continued to ignore the protocol. Some of Hershey's biggest competitors, Kraft Foods and Mars Inc., have complied with these social standards. They have both agreed to have their cocoa certified by the Rainforest Alliance certification program. To pressure Hershey's into rejecting child labor, the Raise the Bar campaign attempted many forms of protest to get the message through. According to the Huffington Post, the campaign led the distribution of consumer alerts in grocery stores and the posting of protest photos on Hershey's Face book calling attention to their immoral labor practices. What finally got Hershey's attention, though, was a threat to display an ad publicizing Hershey's connections to child labor outside of the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis during the Super Bowl. A week after this announcement, it was no coincidence that Hershey's vowed to ensure its Bliss chocolates line is Rainforest Alliance Certified by the end of 2012. Raise the Bar, in turn, decided to cancel the commercial. Bliss will only be Hershey's second line, along with Dagoba chocolates, to reach proper ethical standards, and the Huffington Post reports that they are only a fraction of Hershey's products. More has to be done to prevent the abuse of children. forced to create our Valentine's day treat. As consumers, we need to force Hershey's to fulfill its social responsibility. We have the right to know where our products come from, and whether they were created through cruel and illegal means. Until Hershey's agrees to become completely child-labor-free, buyers need to stop supporting them. Send Hershey's a message for Valentine's Day and bypass them for a more ethical chocolate producer. Or, better yet, send them an actual message through www.greenamerica.org/takeaction/hershey. There's nothing romantic about child labor, so keep that in mind when picking something out for your Valentine this year. CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com What do you miss most about being home? • Pets • Family/Siblings • Friends • Home-cooked Meals • Not having to do your own laundry Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous lette~ will not be published. �7 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 A lack of dining on Wilkes University campus BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor It's a Sunday night after a long day and I'm starved. I look in the refrigerator: nothing. I look in the cupboards: nothing. I think to myself, "I can just go across the street to Colonel Gambini's Cafe and grab a bite to eat," but then realized that they're already closed, so that is out of the picture. I don't have a meal plan on the weekends, so I can't go to the cafeteria. Oh, yes, and Rifkin Cafe is closed as well. At Wilkes University, we have four eating options on campus: Henry's Food Court, Rifkin Cafe, Colonel Gambini's Cafe, and the Lobby Smart Market in Stark Learning Center. Henry's Food Court is open Monday The Beacon/Laura Preby The lights at Colonel Gambini's Cafe shut off mid-day at 3 p.m. each weekday. through Thursday until 11 p.m. On weekends, the cafeteria closes early. Rifkin Cafe is open Monday through Thursday until 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday until midnight (on Saturday they don't open until 7 p.m.), and Sunday they're closed. Colonel Gambini's Cafe is open Monday through Friday until 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday until 1:30 p.m. Lobby Smart Market in Stark is only open Monday through Friday until 2 p.m. These hours are hard for students to work around between sports, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities. In addition, not all students have a meal plan on the weekends. So, if a student does not have a meal plan where can they go on weekends with Rifkin closed on Sundays and with limited hours on Saturday and Colonel Gambini's Cafe only being open until 1:30? Wilkes University already has limited dining options for students and it does not help that the hours are even more limited. Along with very few places to eat on campus with not so great hours, there are repetitive food options. Lobby Smart Market in Stark sells the exact same "to go" products that Rifkin does. Also, Rifkin and Garn- bini's Cafe have similar food choices. That leaves the cafeteria. Personally, I get sick of the cafeteria and wish there was some place to go where Wilkes students can use their dining dollars that is opened later and has different types of a food. Students pay enough to attend Wilkes University, so they deserve adequate meal alternatives. Wilkes University should invest in opening a cafe where students are able to use their dining dollars that is open seven days a week at least until 11 p.m. during the week and all day until midnight on weekends. Wilkes needs a more late-night atmosphere for a cafe that sells grill-like products (burgers, fries, etc.) that are not available at Rifkin or Gambini's. This could be an investment that is really worthwhile. This not only will benefit the students, but the university as well. An eating place of that nature could be popular, bringing in more revenue for Wilkes. Weekends are tough for me in deciding what I'm going to eat. With a late night eating option, that would not have to be a worry any more. CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebecca.bolus@wilkes.edu Compact Fluorescent light: a not so bright idea for the future BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Assistant Opinion Editor How many Congressmen does it take to change a light bulb? The ans\Yer: 535 congressmen. Signed in 2007 by George W. Bush, the Energy Independence and Security Act mandates that the common light bulbs now use about 25 percent less energy starting in 2012, said the U.S. Department of Energy. And so it begins. The incandescent phase-out began on Jan. f of the New Year with the 100-watt bulb only. Stores are allowed to sell the rest of their stocks, but once they run out, they're gone for good. Within the next few years, the common incandescent will cease to exist altogether. In 2013, the 75-watts will disappear from shelves, and in 2014, the 40 and 60-watts will too. America now has three options: The halogen, LED or the compact fluorescent light bulbs. Halogen light bulbs- otherwise known as energy-saving incandescents- meet the new lighting standards by decreasing the amount of energy consumed, which the Department of Energy estimates at about 25 percent. They last twice as long as the original incandescents. A two-pack of GE Halogen bulbs costs about $5. Not too bad of a deal. LEDs use around 75 percent less energy. According to the Light Comp LED Corporation, the largest advantage of LED lights is their long life-span, lasting about 100,000 hours, or 11 years. However, LED lights are expensive: a single GE Energy Smart LED general purpose 9-watt light bulb, comparable to the 40-watt incandescent, sells for about $46 online. Higher watts cost more, of course. The manufacturing companies for these bulbs have not yet found a way to produce these types of bulbs at a more convenient cost for widespread use. This brings us to the compact fluorescent. CFL bulbs also use 75 percent less energy. A 100-watt GE general use Spiral costs less than $9 and lasts for around 8,000 hours, which is about 333 days. The bulbs are available in a range of colors, for those who prefer whiter light as well as those who appreciate the yellower, incandescent-like light. Consistent with the Department of Energy, the CFLs will pay for themselves in less than 9 months and save you money every month after that. Sounds like the perfect light bulb, right? Not exactly. CFL bulbs contain mercury, a necessary component that causes the light to illumi- nate. Exposure to mercury can cause neurological damage. In the event that a CFL bulb breaks -- although the amount contained within is very small -- a necessary but inconvenient process has been designed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean up the accident. All pets and individuals need to exit the room and have it aired out for about 15 minutes. The HVAC system in your home needs to be turned off to avoid the vapor from spreading. A thorough collection of the breakage and powder needs to be performed using proper cleanup materials, and then you need to contain the bulb debris and cleanup materials in a sealable container of some sort, and throw them away. Yes, you're supposed to throw away your dustpan and broom. Once you discard of everything, out comes the vacuum. Lastly, you can't tum your HVAC system on for another few hours, disregarding the fact that it may be the dead of summer or winter. Too bad. Many people probably don't know that CFLs contain the hazardous element. It is probable that a CFL bulb breakage would not result in any cautious efforts to clean the mess simply because the effects are unknown to the owner. An average person may simply pick up the pieces with his/her hands while simultaneously inhaling the toxic va- pors, and then go eat a cheeseburger. Now it's on the bun, and now it's inside you. The Beacon/Laura Preby The compact fluorescent bulb is cheap and efficient but will leak hazardous materials if broken. . CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS AT: lvndsie.vamrus@wilkes.edu �8 OPINION THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 Sugar regulation takes basic American freedoms BY CARLY YAMRUS Opinion Editor I recently stumbled across an opm10n article on CNN written by a medical sociologist claiming to know what works and doesn't work when protecting people from harm. After listing her credentials, she then proceeded to tell me that sugar should be regulated like alcohol. The professor offered several "solutions" for America's enduring obesity problem, including taxes on sugar and age limits. That will be the day, when you must be 18 or older to buy a bag of candy. And more taxes! This lady has it all figured out. Her argument for regulating sugar like alcohol? Both alcohol and junk food can cause high blood pressure and a fatty liver. What else causes high blood pressure? Too much salt, stress, lack of physical activity, old age ... According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 33 percent of adults are obese and 17 percent of children and adolescents are overweight. These numbers have tripled in just one generation. In 1992, about 12 percent of adults were The Beacon/Laura Preby Sugar and alcohol both affect health, but should not be regulated in the same way. obese. For generations, people have been eating snacks and drinks with sugar in them. Fast food has been around for decades. All of the sudden there is this great increase in overweight individuals. Many it's not the food, but how much of it we eat and how much we do or don't exercise. Point is, a lot of things are bad for you in large quantities. Eating sugar is not neces- sarily bad for your body if it is eaten in moderation. What won't work is applying laws to healthy people because of the poor eating habits of others. Alcohol and tobacco are a little different. They affect the lives of not only the individual, but others around them. Drunken driving and abuse, as well as secondhand smoke, affect the lives of nondrinkers and nonsmokers. The amount of sugar a person consumers, well, that's a personal problem. No matter what the causes are for this ongoing issue, one thing is for sure: This is America, where we are free to choose. Free to choose the.food and drinks we put into our bodies and free to choose whether we want to exercise. I have a problem with people telling me what I can or cannot put into my body. After all, it's mine. What we need to do is educate Americans on the harmful effects of overeating and the facts of basic nutrition. Healthier food should be made more affordable to those living in poverty. There are many changes to be made but in the end, it all comes down to personal choice, effort and awareness. There are consequences for every action and some people just can't seem to accept that fact. I can hardly believe that the idea of regulating sugar was even considered to be an option for us. We do not need our government making the most basic ehoices for us. When we do, we lose our freedom. It's time for Americans to take responsibility for their actions instead of waiting on changes that may not come in this lifetime. CONTACT CARLYYAMRUS AT: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com Clint Eastwood commercial was pro-American, not pro-Obama BY CATHRYN FREAR Staff Writer This year's Super Bowl Sunday was full of excitement for everyone. Whether you were there for the love of football or just for wings and socializing, chances are you were in the presence of a television with the giant Patriots chas4- after a pig's skin. Those who aren't big followers of huge American men in tights often still sit through the game to watch the commercials. Always a big deal because they often cost millions of dollars in development and sponsorship, Super Bowl commercials are notorious. They're generally full oflaughs, and this year was no different. Elton John portrayed an eccentric king for Pepsi. Talking babies were talking. Dogs of all shapes and sizes dominated the screen. First things first: Clint Eastwood is awesome. Eastwood is also a registered Republican and self-identified libertarian. So imagine his surprise when what was thought to be a patriotic American car commercial for Chrysler was interpreted to have a hidden proObama message. This view was largely held by individuals and media alike who mainly identify with the Republican right. They saw the "halftime for America" messa2:e as "halftime for Obama." This appears to be a case of people seeing what they want to see. Because it wasn't clear enough, Eastwood has been asked about and openly explained he was not trying to give off any kind of political message. According to FoxNews.com, in an interview with O'Reilly Factor producer Ron Mitchell, Eastwood said the ad was pro-America, not pro-Obama. His full explanation was, "I just want to say that the spin stops with you guys (the media), and there is no spin in that ad. On this I am certain. I am certainly not politically affiliated with Mr. Obama. It was meant to be a message just about job growth and the spirit of America. I think all politicians will agree with it. I thought the spirit was OK. I am not supporting any politician at this time. Chrysler to its credit didn't even have cars in the ad. Anything they gave me for it went for charity. If any Obama or any other politician wants to run with the spirit of that ad, go for it." That's right, "If any Obama or any other politician" is in support of the American spirit, Eastwood is fine with it. The real issue here isn't whether or not Eastwood is pro-Obama, it's why the H-E-double hockey sticks are people immediately jumping to ulterior-motive conclusions when someone is trying to send a message that America is awesome? Can't we all iust a!!fee America is awesome because of Photo courtesy of YouTube Image from Chrysler's "Halftime in America" commercial during Super Bowl XLVI. In the advertisement, Eastwood talks about rebuilding the economy. you in good hands?" Allstate guy, and everythe people and not because of politics? Most of the commercials that play during the day, average Americans looking dramatically Super Bowl are silly and meant for light-heart- into the camera. ed fun times. This commercial, on the other The point is, the response to this ad has hand, had significance in a way that was smart been upsetting. Instead of seeing it as someand not just about sales. As Eastwood put it thing positive, people took it as manipulative. "Chrysler didn't even have cars in the ad." America, I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed. Which isn't literally true, but cars were not the feature focus of this ad. Instead, it showed pro- CONTACT CATHRYN FREAR AT: testers. firemen. a man who looks like the "Are cathrvn.frear@wilkes.edu . �FEBRUARY 14 2ort'+;w ,,:0»: :_ ..-,{ -:'Nci,<:¾::..~::C:->;,.xc:::m.,':-.w. .«, .. ik~S:d%WW • v..-,::::::1,:,.....,_.,;,,., ._._ . h .-~ • , New Swahili class tea.ches more than language BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief l f s n e y e e y a ii k Students in the new Swahili class are learning about the Swahili language, the culture in Tanzania and pumpkins. Yes, pumpkins. The professor, Rael Sospateri, is a visiting scholar from Tanzania, a country in East Africa. Christine Shaneberger, who is taking the Swahili course, explained how the students are learning about much more than the language from Sospateri's cultural background. "I think what's great about it is, I'm not just learning the language but getting to interact with someone who's from Tanzania and she can kind of immerse us in her language and her culture and her history," Shaneberger, a political science and international studies junior, said. Pumpkins are just one of the random cultural comparisons that have come up. Sospateri said she was amazed when students told her about using pumpkins to make American delicacies like cakes, since they are not typically consumed in Tanzania. "Eating pumpkins means you have nothing else to eat, you are poor and you have here are sometimes," Shaneberger said. The five students in the class have been learning Swahili words and expression along with the cultural aspects. Sospateri said students have learned the basics of greetings and things like asking the news, but will learn more words and the process of building sentences by the end of the semester. Since it is more difficult to learn new languages when you're older, Sospateri has been astonished at how well the students have picked it up, since they generally don't get the chance to speak it outside of class. "I was so surprised that Christine and other students were able to speak Swahili so quick, so I think that they might be geniuses," Sospateri laughed. Shaneberger said the most difficult part is how different Swahili is. "The basis of the language is completely difference from ERglish," Shaneberger said. The Beacon/Kirstin Cook "Rael's made it easy for us, she's a great Rael Sospateri has traveled from her hometown of Karagwe, Tanzania, to teach the teacher." Swahili language at Wilkes. Allow with words and sentences, students are learning · Along with being a teacher, Rael is also a cultural differences relating to things like food and courting. student at Wilkes. She is taking a few eduno options other than that," Sospateri said. in the two cultures. cation classes as well as participating with Even though the class joked about these "We tried to explain to her pumpkin pie, the women's studies and English as a second conflicting views, Shaneberger said it make and then we tried to explain Halloween and her serious think about the social differences it made me realize how odd our traditions SEE SWAHILI, Page 12 ·· Safe Spaces allies provide safe, support for LGBTQI community BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor Since the start of the semester, rainbowcolored signs reading "Safe Space: Colonel Ally" have appeared on the offices of various faculty and staff. This sign is to let the campus know that those faculty and staff have gone through Safe Space training, becoming allies to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and inter-sex community on campus. The Safe Spaces initiative is a national program that fosters a safe and supportive environment for tGBTQI students. Faculty, staff and students that choose to become allies go through a three to four hour training that entails vocabulary and specifics of the history of the LGBTQI community. Director of Residence Life Liz Swantek, assistant professor of English and GayStraight Alliance advisor Dr. Helen Davis and associate director of diversity initiatives Erica Acosta are facilitators for the program dent to," Swantek said. on campus. The facilitators and those interested in beThe facilitators work together but Swan- ing allies are tr_ained through the Commistek is responsible for the training of sion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and staff, Davis is responsible for Transgender Equity at Pennthe training of faculty and sylvania State University Acosta is responsible main campus. There are for the training of currently 15-20 faculstudents. Swantek ty and staff members says that although trained as allies. the program 1s Although there self-selective for has not been a stustudents, student dent group trained leaders should be yet, Swantek says aware ofit. five to six interest"We want students ed students met with that want to be allies the commission from to participate in the Penn State last spring. program but student leadButtons, mini-posters and ers should be aware of who stickers are issued to those the allies on campus are so in who went through the traincase they're not comfortable Courtesy of Elizabeth Swantek ing through the university speaking with students about and are allies. it, at least they know who to refer the stuThe Gay-Straight Alliance is currently planning a coming-out/reveal event that will happen the week of Feb. 21 during club hours. The day will include an informational table with flyers and some treats. There will also be a sign-up sheet for students interested in the Safe Spaces program. "It's a reveal kind of a celebration to kickoff of the Safe Spaces program, to show the community that it's available," Davis said. "During the event we will have big pictures of the logo so people can see and we will also have flyers with information on the program that will also feature the logo." Davis says the point of having an event that incorporates the Safe Spaces logo is so students can find out about it and have an understanding of what the log means when they see it on campus. "We want to be proactive in supporting our students and making sure that they know they're supported and that they know who their"' safe resources are," Davis said. SEE SAFE SPACES, Page 12 �....... ,... __ . .;"','1. ~).,.,,.. ,if ,c;:":" ' 10 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 Many oblivious of free space to create websites BY KAT DODSON Staff Writer Do you use the free web space provided to you by the university? "No, I never use it," said sophomore computer science major Cody Bauman. "We have that?" senior biochemistry major Michael Ryan asks. Like the H: drive that allows students to save information on the school's network, the W: drive is space allotted for serving students' or faculty members' web pages to the public. The service, which has been offered for five years, is useful but little-known and little-used by the campus community. "It's a space that's designed for students who want to create web pages. You control what's on there and you can put a link to it wherever you deem appropriate," Chief information officer Gloria Barlow said. Once stored on the W: drive, information is visible on the web to the general public and the Wilkes community. According to Math and Computer Science department chair Dr. Barbara Bracken, one of the most sensible uses of the system is creating a portfolio displaying professional work for use in a job or internship. "A website or portfolio about yourself is something you can send to a prospective em- ployer and not only give them facts but show your creativity," Bracken said. The service also gives students the opportunity to gain real-life work experience while remaining in a classroom setting. "When I teach my web design class we use it to host several websites we work on," assistant professor of integrative media Sara Pisarchick said. Since basic knowledge of website architecture is required to create a webpage, many students who lack such knowledge may feel they have no use for the W: drive when they encounter it. "I think it's underutilized because students may not know how to use it, may not know it's there and some may not know how to go about creating a web page," Barlow said. One of the simplest and most effective tools on campus computers is SeaMonkey, a free cross-platform Internet suite containing an easy-to-use HTML editor "SeaMonkey is so simple, and if there's a problem, I can go into the source and usually figure it out," Bracken says. "If you're creating a Word or Excel document, you can save it as a webpage and publish it that way." This November, Pisarchick held a series of free workshops that taught attendees to use their free web space by creating web portfolios, uploading web files and updating their web space. IJ Sara Pi.sarchtclt•Red, - Windows Intemet ·e.p1orw C 'O ~ :·~~/. ;~,~~:,1:;,~~~:~-;,:·~,~:,~~-~:~~u;~; _if." /: " "~:n~·=~""'~:r.=.~~=--~~--~i~"' : ..,;""': "· ..:.~====~====··l:~I. i!}x·:r:;? _G.."&;i'! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - · · · ~ " · · ..·-·:. -··-··--·-L' .• · Courtesy of Wilkes StudentWebspace Above is a screenshot from assistant professor of integrative media Sara Pisarchick's webpage. Pisarchick uses the spaces to show samples of her and her students' design portfolios. "There are a lot of programs that will actually plug everything together for you," Pisarchick explained. "You can have something pretty dynamic with the click of a few buttons, and that's what we showed people." Those who attended the workshop learned to use Adobe Bridge Portfolio Templates. The user simply adds images to a folder and fills out a form, and the program then creates an interactive website including titles and descriptions of the creator's work. Pisarchick felt that the endeavor was an overall success. In a survey, all 16 participants in the three sessions rated the workshop as helpful, and most plan to use their web space in the future to create professional portfolios. "It seems that the general campus community is interested in having something like this available to them," she said. Wilkes staff members plan to advertise the service more during the coming semester. "I think it's disappointing that we have resources that not enough students know about," Barlow said. "We want students to have the opportunity to use a lot of technologies that will help them in their academic and future careers." CONTACT KAT DODSON AT: katerine.dodson@wilkes.edu Alt. Spring Break fundraisers bring in record profits for trips BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer As students, faculty and staff perused through the Henry Student Center, various faculty members and a student could be seen behind orange meshing. As passersby came and went, they called out to release them. This is one of the many fun events that is in supi°rt of the upcoming Alternative Spring Break trips starting March 3. On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Jail and BaiLFundraiser took place in the HSC. Students and faculty were locked up in their fake jail cells and money was given to either free or keep them in 'jail.' The Spaghetti Dinner, which took place on Thursday, Jan. 26, saw record-breaking numbers. The dinner was prepared for 500600 people, but got close to 1,000. "It was much larger than last year. We didn't think we could get close to last year, but the campus turnout support was just amazing," said Student Government president and senior p2 pharmacy major Willie Eggleston, who is going on an ASB trip to Dominican Republic. In addition to this, grilled stickies have also been sold in the HSC every so often, and will continue to again. An fundraiser called 'Stick em-up' will be taking place on Feb. 23 in the sub lounge. Here students and professors will be standing up against boards and people can buy arms-length pieces of duck tape and tape them to the wall. 'Stick-em-up' is expected to raise $200-$300. Moving off-campus, we see some restaurant fundraisers going on to help with the ASB trip. There was a restaurant night held at Rodano's. A Friendly's fundraiser happening on Thursday, Feb. 16 will encompass the entire day. Flyers are at the information desk, and 20 percent of the profits from the entire day will go back to Wilkes. At a second restaurant fundraiser coming up on Feb. 28 at the McDonald's on the comer of North Hampton and Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, people simply mentioning Wilkes ASB will send a percentage of the profits back to Wilkes. There are close to 35-40 students going on the trip, who can go for a minimal cost of $450. "It is looking like we will reach our fundraising goal of $50,000. There have been great turnouts at the fundraisers thus far, and we are hoping for that to continue, especially with our expanded hours and we are hoping for help from families and faculty," Eggleston said. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Christine Lee Assistant professor of education Dr. Marcia Balester stands proud in her "jail cell" on Feb. 7 to raise money for Alternative Spring Break Jail and Bail. Jail and Bail is one of sever~! planned fundraisers for Alt ernative Spring Break. �- .. ;-~-:r.~~~f' ·, ~- ) .,. THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 LIFE 11 UrtiM.Y,orf'1rtf Q14estiorts with Important People CORTNY SASSERSON, COMMUTER COUNCIL PRESIDENT BETHANY SHARPLESS, INTER-RESIDENCE HALL COUNCIL PRESIDENT · BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor Bethany Sharpless. Inter-Resident Hall Council President Year: Junior Major: Pharmacy (Pl) Hometown: Lansing, N.Y. What are your duties as presidents of these clubs? Sasserson: We hold a meeting every week, but on top of that I sit in on various other committees with Bethany and other presidents of the tri-council and student government. Along with student government we do traffic hearings, and we're on disciplinary and student affairs committees. It's those administrative meetings on top of our personal club meetings. We're sort of part of like a go-to student panel, we're the first to be contacted and it's a whole group ofus. Sharpless: If things come up with general university concerns or issues, I will sit in on food committee on occasion or traffic. If specific instances come up that involve our What are your hobbies outside of Wilkes? Sasserson: Anything to do with art and painting. I'm taking a ceramics class, so I spend a lot of my spare time in the studio. I live off campus, so I also like spending time with my roommates. I'm also very outdoorsy so I like to hiking. I'm also a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant and I love to bake. Sharpless: I like to bake and I enjoy being active. I volunteer a lot, so when I'm home, I spend a lot of time doing community service activities. What are you plans for after gradu3'lons, career-wise? Sasserson: I'm going to be working as an executive team leader for Target so I'll be moving to Boston and working in that district. I would ideally like to work for a year and then get my Master of Business Administration. Sharpless: I still have a few years here as a pharmacy student, but after graduation, I'm looking to get a position in the military. Cortny Sasserson, Commuter Council President Year: Senior Major: Business and Administration Hometown: Westfield, Pa (lives off-campus in Kingston) What are the main goals of Commuter Council and Inter-Residence Hall Council? Sasserson: Commuter Council represents the commuting student body on campus. We throw small socials and we handle parking questions. We're kind oflike the liaison between Public Safety and the Students. Sharpless: IRHC represents the students who live in the residence halls, and similar to commuter council, we run some socials and programs, but we also do a lot of work with facilities and Sodexo in terms of food because the residents are eating in the cafeteria more than most of the other students. So we handle issues regarding residence life. Sharpless: I'm an officer in Programming Board, I manage Relay for Life with Wilkes and I'm involved in Health and Wellness Club. What is your favorite food? . Sasserson: Chocolate, that would be a given. Sharpless: I really love breakfast food s like pancakes. Ifl could I would eat breakfast food constantly, I don't think I'll ever get sick of it. The Beacon/ Dan Lykens As president of the Inter-Residence Hall Council, junior p1 pharmacy major Bethany Sharpless, left, is responsible for study breaks and cake challenges that take place in the SUB. As president of Commuter Council, senior business administration major Cortny Sasserson, right, is in charge of bus trips into New York City and holiday socials. The two clubs often combine for events such as cake challenges. undergraduate students, we may be called in to assist. What are some upcoming events/activities do you have planned for your clubs this semester? Sasserson: We have our Valentine's social, New York City bus trip, Mad Hatter Tea Party, and we'll also be jumping on with other events that IRHC has. Our clubs work together. Sharpless: We have our Grammy Award watching party, a party for leap day, cake challenge, next great baker and study break. What are some future goals for each of your clubs? Sasserson: I'd like to see us continue to build attendance. When I got this position we had about four people coming, and now we average to about 12-15. I'd like to see commuters continue to stay involved with the club. I'd like to see us gain a bigger presence on campus. Also, looking at the parking policy and making it more readily available and easier to understand for students. Sharpless: I'd like to see us continue to work with residence life and have a cohesive effort to have programming, especially on weekends when a lot of students are going home. What are some other extracurricular activities and/or clubs are you involved with? Sasserson: I play Ultimate Frisbee, sing with Chamber Singers, an E-mentor and a writing mentor. What is your favorite movie of all-time and why? Sasserson: "You've Got Mail" because it has Tom Hanks in it and I love Tom Hanks. Sharpless: Probably "Sweet Home Alabama." Maybe it's not my favorite because it's hard to choose, but I don't get tired of watching it. What is your favorite genre of music and artist? Sasserson: Florence and the Machine lately. I'm more toward alternative bands like Mumford and Sons and The Fray. Sharpless: My dream concert would have to be The Fray, Lifehouse and Sara Barrelles. If you could go anywhere right now where would you go? Sasserson: That's easy; I would go to Boston early. Sharpless: Somewhere sunny right now, nowhere specific, but I would appreciate a little sunshine CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebecca.bolus@wilkes.edu �12 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 LIFE Zumba a fitness trend of partying to weight loss BY MORGAN EVANS Staff Writer It is apparent the "freshman 15" doesn't disappear once finals are over. One can burn those extra calories and give into guilty pleasures. Instead, students can join in on the Zumba "fitness-party" craze that's sweeping the globe one dance party at a time. Zumba-fitness uses Latin-inspired aerobic dance moves derived from styles such as Salsa, Merengue, Hip-Hop and Reggaeton by blending sizzling international music with current pop, hip-hop and dance music. Its various levels make it relatable for everyone, while the upbeat atmosphere helps participants forget they are torching up to about 800 calories per hour. With over 12 million fans of the fitnessprogram worldwide, Zumba has been ranked No. 9 of the "Top 10 Fitness Trends" by the American College of Sports Medicine as ofNovember 2011. Why is it gaining such rapid popularity? Christy Galliford, fitness instructor and owner of The Studio 32 of Forrest Street, Wilkes-Barre says once one starts Zumba, it just becomes part of their lives. She says with Zumba she has lost over 30 pounds e eacon an y ens Members of a Zumba class boogie down at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA. Zu mba is offered at the YMCA Monday through Saturdays for $1 for student members. and dropped four dress sizes. Kimberly Baltruchitis recommends coming to watch it first if you want a real reference of what goes on. "Commercials on TV are not the same as classes," Baltruchitis said. Zumba fans range from all different ages, shapes, and sizes and everyone is encouraged to join. "The fitness-program is for anyone trying to lose weight, get in shape, or get toned," Baltruchitis said." In Zumba the music grabs you and gets you up and moving and being in a class atmosphere pushes you to keep up, but at the same time you don't feel pressured." For those trying Zumba for the first time, Lavelle recommends not getting discouraged at first. "Once you get a little experience it becomes easier every time," she says. "Going to the gym on machines feels like a strenuous activity that you begin to dread, but with Zumba it's different, it's just as strenuous as a workout but you don't feel like you're putting in as much effort because you're doing something fun at the same time." Baltruchitis's experience as a fitnessinstructor shows that Zumba isn't just any fitness class, it's something more. The party-atmosphere lives on, but making the connection with people is what it's really all about. "It's so great as a teacher to see people watch you. When they are smiling and having fun, it's truly one of the best feelings ever." To finding a local Zumba class, visit www.Zumba.com for more information about classes offered nearest to you. There are also classes offered at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA Monday-Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk of the YMCA. CONTACT MORGAN EVANS AT: morgan.evans@wilkes.edu SWAHILI SAFE SPACES Continued from Page 9 Continued from Page 9 language programs on campus. • Sospateri hopes to learn from how Americans learn, and how it is different from how Tanzanians learn. One major thing that has stood out already has been the usage of technology, which Sospateri has jumped headfirst into through an online education course. She said it is much different from the secondary school she teaches at in Karagwe, Tanzania, where there are three working computers and maybe one that has Internet access. While Sospateri has benefited from learning about American culture, she hopes the Wilkes campus benefits the same way from her culture and open global doors. "By learning my culture, by learning my language, (you) open new opportunities," Sospateri said. She said there are other benefits to learning Swahili too, since it can be used to work with people internationally not just in Tanzania, but in Kenya, Uganda and other countries. "I think Swahili is a language that is growing so fast," Sospateri said. "It's an The Beacon/ Kirstin Cook Swahili professor Sospateri, center, plays Uno with Felixa Wingen, assistant director international students, at the Global Coffee Hour in the Savitz Multicultural Lounge. Sospateri is taking classes at Wilkes along with teaching them. important language to learn." Linda Winkler, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences dean, was involved with bringing Sospateri to campus and reinforced the need to learn about new cultures. "I think it bridges cultural gaps," Winkler said. "Our world is increasingly diverse, we're surrounded by people from multiple different cultures." Meeting Sospateri has opened a new opportunity for Shaneberger, as it has inspired her to travel to Tanzania this summer. She said the class has been a once in a lifetime chance for her. "It's been an incredible experience," Shaneberger said. "It's something I wouldn't have an opportunity to learn otherwise, probably." Davis says that anytime one is a member of a minority group the support isn't always obvious and if Wilkes can show support in an explicit way so students know where the support is, she says they will be more likely to find support when they need it. "For the LGBTQI students, it will provide them with explicit obvious support and make them feel like a welcome part of the community," Davis said. "For the larger community at whole, it will be a sign that Wilkes is a welcoming and inclusive university." Swantek says there is a website and brochures being developed for the program. For more information about the program, email safespace@wilkes.edu. Courtesy of Elizabeth Swantek CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE kirstin.cook@thewilkesbeacon.com christine.lee@thewilkesbeacon.com �CONTACT EDITOR: billt homas@thewilkesbeacon.com Not so ~Little' women Vintage Ataris: new music, old-school style BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Kristopher Roe has an old soul. Though he's only 35 years old, Roe's rustic, confessional approach to music makes him appear a nostalgic throwback amid the current mainstream music industry, which seems to be increasingly dominated by electronic dance-pop and flagrant Auto-Tune abuse. In an era where even the tiniest audio flaw can be effortlessly smoothed over by sterilizing software programs like Pro Tools, Roe is having none of it. "When you're staring at a computer screen, just analyzing sound waves all day, you're really picking things apart in the wrong way," Roe said, explaining why he prefer to record using vintage analog equipment. "There's just something you can feel, something you can hear when you record onto tape and the sound travels through those old tubes. There's a warmth to it that modem music just doesn't have. Everything is so disposable these days." · It's clear Roe is has developed some strong opinions after being in the music industry for almost two decades. Since 1995, he's been the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for Indiana-based alt-rock act The Ataris. Five studio albums in and several lineup and record label changes later, Roe remains the only original member of the band. Pairing the frontman with guitarist Thomas Holst, bassist Bryan Nelson and drummer Rob Felicetti, The Ataris' current tour marks the first time Roe has toured with a live band since 2010. One tour stop will bring Roe and Co. to Wilkes-Barre's Redwood Art Space on Tuesday, Feb. 21. "The shows are a very fast-paced and energetic. It's tight but it feels like it can fall apart at any minute; it's unpredictable," Roe said. "I'm really exciting to be playing with a band again. It's been a great tour and it's only improving with each show." That sense of high-impact urgency is something that has also re-emerged in the form of recent strides the songwriter has made toward finishing the long-awaited Ataris album "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." Originally started back in 2007, "The Graveyard of the Atlantic" found itself repeatedly delayed by the aforementioned lineup and label changes. After years of keeping fans in anticipation, Roe now promises the album will finally see release this summer. The album will also find Roe returning to the same punky, upbeat sound that pushed The Ataris' 2003 album, "So Long, Astoria," to No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and landed the band a spot on the "Spider-Man 2" soundtrack. "When I'm writing songs, I let whatever is going to come out come out," he remarked, explaining the reason for the stylistic shift. "I don't like to feel like we're going backwards. There was a time in my life when I was trying to find contentment after going through a lot of turmoil. After that, I felt like I came full circle and was able to write an album that was more back to being organic rock 'n' roll songs." For more information on The Ataris' concert with The Queers and Far From Finished at Redwood Art Space in Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, Feb. 21, visit redwoodartspace. tumblr.com or facebook.com/theataris. Courtesy of Facebook Ataris singer Kris Roe rejects electronic perfection in favor of analog warmth. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: bi Ilthomas@thewi Ikesbeacon.com Courtesy of Wilkes Theatre Department Cassidy Conroy (left) as Laurie and Cierra Cellerari (right) as Jo in "Little Women:' BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor A few hundred years ago, you would be hard-pressed to find any women involved in theater. In the Elizabethan Era, for instance, male actors would throw on a wig and skirt to play female roles themselves, rather than allow a woman to ever step foot onstage. These days, though, there are more females in the theater scene than males, according to Naomi Baker, a Wilkes University assistant professor of performing arts. Baker, who was recently honored at the 44th Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in January, admitted that she herself is unsure of just when and why the gender tables so dramatically turned. Nevertheless, the fact that there are more females than males in the school's theater department is a big reason why "Little Women: The Musical" was chosen as the Wilkes' first big production of 2012. It's not the only reason, though. "I have a particular leaning toward stories about women because I believe that for far too long the stories of women have been relegated to the 'less important stack,"' Baker, who is also the play's director, explained. "I see it as part of my job to balance that out as much as I can. It's very important to me, as a woman, to get women's stories out there," she said. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, "Little Women" - which will run for the next two weekends in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center - is a coming-of-age story set in Civil War-era Massachusetts. The play's protagonist, Jo, is a strident toughgal with aspirations of being a writer. The only thing she cherishes more than her love affair with the written word is her bond with her three sisters. Playing Jo is junior musical theater major Cierra Cellerari of Pittston. Passionate about the performing arts since being enrolled in dance classes at the age of three, Cellerari said this is one character she relates to wholeheartedly. "Jo is a strong character. She wants what she wants, and what she wants is to follow her dreams and support her family," Cellerari said. "Of course, I want to fulfill my dreams of being an actress, and I want to help my family though doing that." It's that kind of reach-for-the-stars feminist attitude, Baker said, that makes "Little Women" such a perfect choice for her. Regardless, Baker is quick to clarify her feeling that just because "Little Women" has a uniquely female perspective, that doesn't mean the story doesn't also possess universal appeal. "I'm always looking for shows about women, but I don't want them to be shows that only women like," she remarked. It's a sentiment echoed by Cellerari. "The whole aspect of family and fulfilling your dreams, it's something everyone in the world cares about," Cellerari said. "Everyone has felt the way these characters feel. Everyone can relate." Performances will be held at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center on Feb. 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 and 26, at 2 p.m. Admission for the general public is $15, but free for those with a valid Wilkes ID. For more information, call 1-800-WILKES-U, ext. 4420. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billt homas@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 A&E 14 ,. Manuscript writers break hearts, buck tradition BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Every Valentine's Day, tokens of affection of every size, shape and retail price change hands a thousand times over. Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives, the young and the old, male and female, all show their loved ones how much they mean to them with flowers, candy and jewelry, not to mention other exchanges of a decidedly more "naughty" nature. Perhaps the most ubiquitous of the gift items that have become synonymous with the holiday is the Valentine's Day card. Writers for companies like Hallmark and American Greetings see their words printed on little squares of cardboard in elegant cursive script, with the intent being to help lovesick customers find the perfect way of expressing the emotions they feel for their significant others. For some, though, the results are more saccharine and insipid than genuinely romantic. "Valentine's Day is a very sappy holiday and its focus is too much on love and gushing Hallmark cards and chocolate," Miranda Baur said, explaining the reason Wilkes University's Manuscript Society has decided to hold an "Anti-Valentine's Day" poetry reading on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. in Kirby Hall. Bauer, a sophomore English major, has been a member of Manuscript since her freshman year and now serves as the organization's public re~ations '-.. It comes out twice a year, once in the fall semester and once in the spring, with this semester's issue expected to see release sometime near finals week. In addition to the magazine, Manuscript also holds poetry readings every month. Mischelle Anthony, an associate professor of English who has been a Manuscript faculty adviser since 2004, wanted to pointed out that every semester bring some brings fresh faces realism to the holiday," she said. to the student-run "We wanted to organization, and with those fresh show that it's not all about chocolate and faces come new flowers ." perspectives and new Since 194 7, Manuscript directions. has continuously published "I have seen Manuscript a free literary and visual / }. ;/.l:,.,., strengthen and grow over art magazine, also called · '·!,/ the years. Every year is a new Manuscript. The magazine gives . \/ experience," Anthony said. "This students a chance to flex their ·' .:' 1,",; year's staff is really into reaching · cre~tive _muscl~s and share . · 1 , .. , t_o . other organizations and 1 • . ou~ the1r pass10ns with the caippus -: 1 l- · '!'· ~_ a larger on-campus 1,,. • , , mamtammg community. . · . I;, ,'.; 1 :i, · • ·· presence. For example, Manuscript e~:: · ~\. if,•;, r,~\:': has decided to reach out to the Wilkes University Gay-Straight Alliance to hold a special poetry reading focusing on gay and lesbian issues on March 19." For February's poetry reading, though, the "Anti-Valentine's Day" theme was chosen simply as a way to emphasize individuality over tradition. "Valentine's Day has become this mainstream thing that says 'Here's what you do if you love someone, here's the appropriate thing to do,"' Anthony said. "I think the Manuscript staff is trying to say 'Be creative. You don't have to be a part of the mainstream. Be yourself, even if that means not being (in line with the accepted norms of) Valentine's Day."' For more information about Wilkes University's Manuscript Society, including how to contribute to the poetry readings or the maga?ine, email magazine@wilkes.edu. The deadline for the spring 2012 issue is Sunday, March 18. Those interested can also attend the Manuscript staff meetings held every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Stark Center, Room 7. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Local bands aren't 'tracking' around with gas drilling concert BY JANEL NARO Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor - The Marcellus Shale, a formation of sedimentary rock that lies under a large portion of Pennsylvania, has been recognized by geol~ ists as one of the most promising natural gas resources in the United States. However, gas drilling has become a controversial topic due to some of the negative environmental effects of the process. Do the risks outweigh the opportunities? The Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition of Luzerne County doesn't think so. That's why on Sunday, Feb. 19 the organization is putting on Don't Frack with the GDAC, a concert fundraiser at the River Street Jazz Cafe, featuring local artists. Scranton native Michael Mizwinski, who performs under the more succinct moniker "MiZ," is one of the featured artists playing at the event. MiZ first got involved with the Marcellus Shale issue by playing a similar show called Gas Stock in 2010 at the Luzerne County Fair Grounds in Dallas. "I started kind of getting hip to what was going on, around that time, with a lot of the gas drilling and stuff like that. And I've talked to a lot of different people, a lot of different musicians, activists, and things like that," MiZ said. MiZ, who has spent much of the last year touring and recording his recently released full-length album, "East Hope Avenue," said that he is excited to be a part of the benefit concert and is passionate about the cause as well. "I strongly support taking care of our environment. I strongly support things that don't have a negative effect on the planet," MiZ said. "As a musician, I just try to promote positivity in any way that I can and I feel as though this is one way to do it. Anything that's polluting the environment can't be good for us or the human species." Money raised will be used to bring in national experts on hydraulic fracturing, also known as "fracking" - a process which can lead to groundwater contamination - and for producing media to educate the. public on the negative effects of the Marcellus Shale's local gas production. The GDAC encourages those concerned with the environmental impact of gas drill- ing to take action by writing legislators and local government officials, and by becoming a member of the GDAC. Most importantly, the GDAC hopes people will spread the word and support events such as the concert benefit. Tickets for the Don't Frack with the GDAC concert at River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains, on Sunday, Feb. 19, are $10. Admission covers the price of a complimentary pasta and salad bar as well. Also performing at the event will be the bands Mother Nature's Sons and Aziz, a Rush tribute act. The event starts at 5 p.m. For more information, visit riverstreetjazzcafe.com, mikemizwinski.com or gdacoalition.org. Listen to two free tracks from MiZ's "East Hope Avenue:' and read his full, uncut interview at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com CONTACT JANEL NARO AT: janel.naro@wilkes.edu Courtesy of Jason Riedmiller Michael "MiZ" Mizwinski is one of several local musicians trying to raise awareness about the Marcellus Shale. �A&E 15 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 New spy flick 'houses' hardcore action, but script plays it 'safe' Terrifying trip down 'Oblivion Road' lets readers ride shotgun BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer Attempting to craft a powerful parable of disillusionment, deception and damnation, "Safe House" openly cribs from better movies like John Carpenter's "Assault on Precinct 13," Sydney Pollack's "Three Days of the Condor" and Martin Campbell's "Casino Royale." The cookie-cutter plot and Identi-Kit characters are given a jolt of life, however, thanks to exceptional performances from the entire cast, as well as an overarching approach to action-movie violence that is ugly, jarring and frenetic. As it should be. Trying to convey the harsh reality of a lifestyle most people probably think is "cool," "Safe House" argues that being an action hero is neither fun nor pretty, and involves forcing oneself to take fewer actions that could reasonably be called heroic than one would think. .. As America strives to "go green," a lesson can be learned from, of all places, Hollywood. The major studios have, after all, turned recycling into a reliable cash cow, and have been doing it longer and more efficiently than just about anyone. Sometimes, the byproducts of all that recycling can even be entertaining! Shocking, I know. Take "Safe House." Riddled with cliches and ham-fisted in its death-of-innocence moralizing, the film nevertheless reveals itself an effective espionage-thriller with a strangely subversive sense of anti-action flick humanism. Our protagonist this outing is Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds). He's a hungry young CIA agent stuck with a dead-end assignment overseeing a rarely used, covert interrogation faSmarter and better exe••' cility in South Africa. Initially desperate for black-ops actioner, e.,.(,~ some excitement, Weston quickly learns that "Safe House" A -V the tired old platitude "be careful what you doesn't reinvent ,~~ wish for" is as true as it is trite when he gets the wheel, but ~ a "house guest" in the form of Tobin Frost it does roll, ~ (Denzel Washington), who "was one of the ~ best CIA operatives we ever had, until he somewhat went rogue." Natch. bump- ily, into the When the security of Weston's safe house is compromised and his back-up slaughtered realm of reby a team of mercenaries out to get their grub- spectability. by mitts on the juicy confidential documents Frost has in his possession, Weston becomes responsible for Frost as the two go on the run. Trying to lay low on foreign soil while sur\~ rounded by hostiles proves no easy task, ~, \ 7 and, as it becomes increasingly ap'2.. •7 parent that no one else can be ~ trusted, Weston and Frost come to rely on each other for surviva!. of Courtney, the narrator and main character, isn't difficult. She's a relatable character with normal everyday problems who Taking a ski trip with your friends just wants to get home alive . should be fun, if it doesn't tum into terror. The questions that Courtney asks herIn Alex McAulay's "Oblivion Road," self are interesting for the reader to confive teenagers end up stranded on a rarely traveled Colorado road. While debat- template: "Can I do this?" "Should I run ing whether their survival skills are sharp and leave someone behind?" "What do I enough to save them, they see another do?" These are all questions that Courtney asks, seemingly imploring the reader to abandoned vehicle. Thinking they are saved, they open the door to find a dead make the decisions with her. For a shorter length novel aimed at prison guard, with dangling handcuffs in young adults, McAulay 's writing is surplace of prisoners. The ante is upped when the teens meet prisingly sophisticated. Everything in the one of the convicts, who supposedly "used plot is well-connected, and the fear in the to be in the army," thus giving him a range characters is portrayed vividly enougf to of survival skills that the five protag- give any reader the chills. The book reminded me of a horror onists do not possess. movie where the audience wants to yell Can these kids trust "Don't open that door! He's right there! " him? Left with no The only difference is that the reader only #It, other choice, our has a hunch. You don 't truly know whether ~ heroes end up danger is around that comer or behind that ~ trekking across tree. ~ the frozen With no loose ends, a wealth of bone~~ tundra in the chilling scenarios and a relatable narrator, company of this novel has all the markings of a good a potential horror story. It may not be on the level of , 0 psychoStephen King, but for what it is, it gets - . . path. Putting rather close. Those who don't like frightening movyourself in the shoes ies or a lot of suspense might not enjoy this book - even I didn't read it at night - but ~ those who love a good thriller will be right •'1/◄ home with McAulay's haunting ~ skills as a writer and will probably fly through "Oblivion ----+--- * *J-~~ D ~, C * .,1 Chow down for c ar1 y at Maer's BB BY DOMINICK COSTANTINO Staff Writer A new restaurant has come to downtown Wilkes-Barre. Recently moving into the former location of Tony Thomas' Deli, Maer's BBQ off the Square can be found at 50 S. Main St. For a BBQ restaurant, Maer's has a lot of menu options. I was debating between a pork BBQ and a sandwich called "The Monster." The Monster is a half-pound bacon cheeseburger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches and topped with lettuce and tomato. I love hamburgers and I especially love grilled cheese so I was leaning toward this. However, I figured since I was at a barbecue restaurant, I should try one of their barbecue sandwiches. My pork barbecue was delicious. It came on a toasted bun with a high pile of pork. I've eaten at many different places that serve barbecue and Maer's definitely wins the award for putting the most amount of meat on a bun. The pork itself was nice and tender. I topped it with Maer's own barbecue sauce, which was sweet with a subtle smoky taste. Sandwiches and wraps at Maer's come with fresh-cut ..chips and a small side of coleslaw. The barbecue rub seasoning on the chips gave them a little something extra. Fresh-cut chips that I've had in the past had no taste and some were even soggy, but that was not the case here. I enjoyed the chips' thin, crispy texture. I like creamy coleslaw so I was hesitant to try Maer's, which is dry with some sort of clear dressing instead of a creamy mayonnaisebased sauce as many ofus are used to. I did try it nevertheless and have to admit it was pretty good. Beacon advertising manager Brittany Battista joined me, ordering a buffalo chicken flatbread. Her flatbread was topped with grilled chicken tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce with cheese on top. She thought it was going to be similar to a sandwich, but she described it as being more like chicken-wing pizza. The toppings were a little spicy, but very good. If you like something with a kick to it, then you should definitely try this. 0th er 3.5/5 menu items ribs, brisket, burgers, salads and a variety of appetizers, including barbecue-stuffed quesadillas. Maer's has great hours, open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. most weekdays and to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Until Saturday, Feb. 18, Maer's is running a promotion to raise money for the American Cancer Society. They are challenging Wilkes students to compete with other local colleges to see who can eat the most barbecue, with the winner earning a $40 gift certificate for him or herself and free drinks for their entire school for the month. For more information (including the full menu), visit facebook.com/pages/ Maers-BBQ-off-the-Square CONTACT BILL THOMAS t �FEBRUARY 14, 2012 Wilkes loses close matCh to Ithaca The Broad Street Colonel grapplers rebound with 3-0 record next day Breakdown - BY JUSTIN FRANIAK BY BRYAN WISLOSKY Sports Editor Columnist SERENA MOLYNEUX Assistant Sports Editor Friday was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Wilkes wrestling team, as familiar foe Ithaca College rolled into town. The Colonels, nationally ranked No. 19 put up a hard battle against the No. 5 Ithaca Bombers, but in the end, Wilkes came out on the losing end. The night started out with 125-pound freshman, Michael Fleck. Fleck came out with a 9-1 win and earned his 29th win overall, continuing his successful rookie campaign. The next win of the night came from a forfeit in the 133-pound weight class with Myzar Mendoza. This pushed Wilkes into the lead with a 10-0 score over Ithaca. Ryan Wilson, a 141-pound senior, then pushed the score to 13-0 with a 4-1 win over Ithaca's Alex Gomez. A major decision for Ithaca came in the 149-pound weight class, which ended the Colonels shut out 12-4. Freshman Jon Lynch faced No. 2 ranked Jeremy Stierly in a hard-fought battle. Wilkes 157-pound senior Mathew Ellery had a tough, but close, loss against -· Ithaca's Derek Brenon 5-4, making the score 13-7 Wilkes. Ellery surrendered a • late take-down in the losing effort. With a 2-1 decision, junior Nathan White took a hard loss against the Bomber's Nick Sanko wrestling at 165 pounds. Ithaca was close behind at 13-10 when their nationally ranked No. 1 wrestler, Jules Doliscar, took on Wilkes junior, Dustin Stough. Stough came out on the losing end of the bout, which pushed Ithaca to the lead for the first time of the night 14-13. Sophomore Dave Oberrender had a close win after a late take-down while wrestling at 197. This win gave the Colonels a 1-point lead 17-16 with one bout to go. The last, and deciding, bout of the night was at the 285-weight class. Ithaca's Matt Mahon had a tough 4-3 decision over Wilkes freshman William Fletcher, pushing Ithaca into the lead with a 16-20 final score. The road to Wrestlemania 28 will be making a pitstop this Sunday in the hellacious structure known only as the Elimination Chamber "i>ay-Per-View event. As of right now there are only three matches booked for the night, but they all have high stakes on the line. First we have what I believe will be the epic conclusion of the John Cena/Kane rivalry. The two will meet in an ambulance match, where obviously the key to the match is beating your opponent silly until you can stuff them into an ambulance sitting at the entrance ramp and slam the door on them. It should be clear for any wrestling fan that John Cena will win this match. He is finally going to "rise above the hate" that The Beacon/Justin Franiak Kane so wants him to embrace, building Junior Dustin Stough steps on the mat for his match this past Friday night. Stough all the momentum he needs before his epic dropped the match to Ithaca's No. 1 ranked wrestler, Jules Doliscar. The Colonels showdown with The Rock in Miami on also lost the match. Wilkes will be in action again at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at home in the April 1 at Wrestlemania. Marts Center against King's College. However, I believe Cena will not achieve "The team wrestled well, we should Wilkes on top 10-0. this feat alone. My prediction is that the have beat Ithaca," said Oberrender. "We The Colonels suffered two loses in a row match will conclude with Kane opening the are better than 19th, and we deserve some at the 149-pound and 157-pound weight doors of the ambulance to throw his foe in respect for that. " classes. when a returning Zack Ryder will emerge The Colonels had a quick turn around John Lynch surrendered a pin and Matt and assist the Cenation general in an act of after the emotional loss to Ithaca, as they Ellery suffered a loss by decision. revenge for the torment Kane has put him traveled to McDaniel College for a quadNathan White and Dustin Stough ripped through over the past month. Woo woo meet. off two wins, but the Colonels suffered woo, you know it! The Colonels posted a 33 -6 win over the losses at the 184-pound and 197-pound Next,we have the Smackdown Elimina- . host McDaniel College, as they got back weight classes. tion Chamber match for the World Heavyto their winning ways. The match came down to freshman weight Championship. In the match we The Colonels had a shutout going into heavyweight William Fletcher. Fletcher have current champion Daniel Bryan, Ranthe heavyweight match, as Michael Fleck, used a 10-8 win over Ursinus College's dy Orton, The Great Khali, Wade Barrett, Myzar Mendoza, Ryan Wilson and Phil William Cornely, sealing the match for Cody Rhodes and The Big Show. Racciato swept the lightweights. Daniel Bryan will once again find a way to Wilkes 24-18. Nathan White, Dustin Stough, Marlon weasel himself into a win and will go on to The Wilkes grapplers finished up the day Duque and Seth Gray opened up the sec- with a win over the University of Mary- face 2012 Royal Rumble winner Sheamus ond half of the match with one major deci- land-Baltimore County, 20-15 . for the title at the Grandest Stage of 'Em sion and a pin. Wilkes' lone loss came at All. Bryan will probably win the match by Fleck, Mendoza and Lynch racked up heavyweight as sophomore Michael Shanlast eliminating Big Show, since they've wins at the top of the match, as Stough, non gave up a pin. had a heated rivalry developing. This will Oberrender and Fletcher capped off the The Colonels then went up against naconclude the episode between the two, since victory. tionally ranked, and undefeated, Ursinus it's been ;eported that Show will already be The Colonels return to action at 7 p.m. College. competing at Mania in a gimmick match Feb. 17 against King's College in the Wilkes came out on top with a score of against no other than Shaq. He will probMarts Center. 24-18, as the match came down to heavyably be in attendance this Sunday and say weight. something to the World's Largest Athlete to Fleck, Mendoza and Wilson opened up CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: the match with three straight wins, putting justin.franiak@wilkes.edu SEE WWE, PAGE 19 �17 SPORTS THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 SCOREBOARD Wrestling The Hall of Fame class of 2012 features six inductees that may be worthy. However there are others that deserve this distinction more. While I believe all of these athletes should be in the Hall of Fame, I believe there were better choices that deserved induction first. 2/8 @ FDU-Florham L 66-68 Curtis Martin heads the class and deservedly so, as he is fourth on the all time rush2/11 @ Eastern W 68-64 ing list. Martin is by far the most recognizable and memorable name on this list which 2/8 @ FDU-Florham L 50-55 includes: Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Dermontti Dawson, Willie Roaf and Jack 2/11 @ Eastern L 41-67 Butler. Roaf and Dawson are offensive t linemen and on the all decade team for the 1990s. They also are perennial pro bowlers, which is one of the only ways to really remember offensive lineman. Chris Doleman is defensive end who recorded 150.5 sacks 2/ 17 King's College for his career, fourth al\ time, and more than deserving for the Hall of Fame. Jack Butler is the most questionable on this list, Butler played in the 1950's for the 2/14 DeSales Steelers, Butler has 52 career interceptions 2/18 Kings which is high for only playing nine seasons. He was elected by the Hall of Fame veterans committee. As good as all these players are the Snub 2/14 DeSales list is defiantly more recognizable. Jerome 2/18 Kings Bettis, the fifth leading rusher all time, twotime Super Bowl winning coach Bill Parcells and Chris Carter who is fourth all-time in receptions and eighth all-time in receiving yards. These three are the reason for all the controversy. All three are easily more recognizable and more important to the game of football that most of the inductees. The omission of Parcells especially is a mystery given the fact he single-handedly rebuilt four separate franchises from nothing. Parcells left every team in better shape than he found them in. This presents a problem for the football Hall of Fame, next year several big names Tweet us pictures of are up for their first ballot including Warren Sapp, Michael Strahan and Jonathan the scoreboards Ogden. With the ability to only elect five players per year, and a sixth with the veterans committee, there simply is not enough slots for great players. Football, unlike baseball or basketball, has 24 different positions not including coaches and owners. This is a big problem because there are simply not enough slots to elect all the great players; this creates a logjam and prevents guys like Chris Carter and Bill Parcells from actually getting in as quickly as they should. 2/10 Ithaca L 16-20 2/11 @ McDaniel W 3,3-6 UMBCW20-15 Ursinus W 24-18 Men's B-Ball Women's B-Ball WEEK AHEAD Wrestling Men's B-Ball Women's B-Ball @wilkesbeacon ______________. a The .Debate: Who g.ot S':'Ueb "t ·• . •. · ' · · IFd C'' · The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the biggest distinction a player can receive. A ball player becomes immortalized and they are placed in a hall of gods. I agree with all the inductees this year. Curtis Martin is the biggest name elected to the hall this year. I would not say he was snubbed in his first year of eligibility, just merely overlooked. He was on mediocre New York Jet teams, that usually underachieved. Martin quietly rushed for over a 1,000 yards a handful of times, putting him at fourth on the all-time list. He was never a flashy player or a loud mouth running back. He worked harcl and had continued success in his years it New ' York. As much as I dislike the Jets, i respect Curtis Martin, and he is more than deserving to be enshrined. Willie Roaf headlines the big guys this year. Offensive lineman are sometimes overlooked when the greatest players are ranked. Roaf was a multiple time Pro-Bowler and was recognized as an all decade team member. He is also very deserving of the enshrinement. This year's class featured a bunch of defensive players. Chris Doleman had over 150 sacks and Seattle Seahawk great Cortez Kennedy was also a multiple time ProBowler and named to the all decade team. Jack Butler is also a defensive great that is being enshrined. He recorded over 50 interceptions when he played. Now it's time for the snubs. As much as my hatred runs deep for Bill Parcells, the guy deserves to be in the hall. He won two Super Bowls. Super Bowls define a coach's career, especially if he is a multiple time winner. Chris Carter was also snubbed. The guy is top five interceptions, and top 10 in receiving yards. He is a great commentator, and all-around good person. He should have been elected to the hall. The reason for so much controversy is that next year's class will be one for the ages. Michael Strahan and Warren Sapp are both eligible next year. These two are among the greatest defensive lineman all time. With their sack totals in the hundreds, they are shoe-ins for the hall. Raven great Jonathan Ogden is also eligible. He is a Super Bowl winner, and was an anchor for great Raven teams. Parcells and Carter are going to have a tough time getting elected next year. Eventually both of them will have their spot in Canton, but when is the biggest question. �18 SPORTS THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 Hinze leads Wilkes past Eastern; clinch playoff spot Colonel ballers capture narrow win 68-64 overfamiliar MAC opponent COURTESY OF SPORTS INFORMATION Senior center Kendall Hinze scored a season-high 26 points and added 10 rebounds to lead visiting Wilkes University to a 6864 win at Eastern University Saturday afternoon in Freedom play. With the win Wilkes improves to 15-7 overall and 8-4 in league play claiming sole possession of second place with two games remaining on the conference slate. Eastern drops to 14-9 overall and 7-5 in Freedom contests. Wilkes controlled tempo early leading 27-18 with 3:34 left in the half following a Hinze score in the paint. The Colonels added to the advantage to close out the half as two Jourdon Wilson free tosses and another Hinze bucket inside gave Wilkes a 30-18 lead at the half. Wilkes continued to hit on all cylinders to start the second half as Wilson canned a midrange jumper and Matt Mullins dialed one home from long range extending the lead to 32-19 with 17 :46 left. Eastern answered with a run of their own, 12-4, to close to within four 37-33 just six minutes later. • A quick 10-2 run late in the game put the Colonels in front 62-50 as Hinze scored eight of his season-high 26 points during the spw:,t. Eastern answered the Colonel run with one of their own tying the game at 64 with :48 ticks on the clock. Following a Wilkes miscue, the Colonels defense came up with a big stop leading to a Todd Eagles layup off a Wilson miss to give Wilkes a 66-64 lead with just three second left. An Ea~tem turnover on the in-bounds play followed by a foul sealed the important Freedom win for Wilkes. Hinze enjoyed his best outing of the season shooting 9-for-10 from the field and 8-for-9 from the foul line. Wilson joined Hinze in double figures finishing with 16 points on 6-for-14 shooting. The Colonels shot a blistering 53.5 percent (23-43) from the field while connecting on four three-pointers. The Colonel defense may have been the key in the win holding Eastern to just 32.4 percent (22-68) shooting and a dismal 15.4 percent (2-13) from long range. Alex Nelson led the Eagles offense with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Collin Whipple followed with 20 points and three assists. Wilkes will continue its playoff push Tuesday when the Colonels welcome DeSales University to the Marts Center. Game time is set for 8 p.m. Courtesy of Sports Information Kendall Hinze led the Colonels with 26 points in this past Saturday's win over Eastern. With the win the Colonels clinched a MAC playoff bid. The Colonels return to action Tuesday, Feb. 14, at home. The game will be played at 7 p.m. in the Marts Center. The most unpredictable man in sports: Nick Diaz BY JASON COCHRAN Columnist It is an odd situation that someone admits that they are being paid way too much money to do something, but then most of Nick Diaz's career can be written off as an odd situation. When Diaz made his debut as a professional mixed martial artist in 2001 at the age of 18, he was an anomaly then too. Not many fighters make their professional debut at 18 and even fewer fighters are fighting in the UFC three years later. During his UFC debut, he came in as an accomplished grappler against Robbie Lawler, a powerful striker and big favorite. Many people thought Diaz was going to try to take the fight to the ground and try for the submission, so when Diaz started to get the better of Lawler on the feet it was strange. It was even more unexpected when Diaz started to vocally assault Lawler in the octagon as they fought, and just to add the weirdness Diaz started to drop his hands and tell Lawler to swing at him. sidered a positive test but the NSAC uses 50 Most people would not think this to be as the actual positive. Diaz scored a whopwise for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, ping 145, almost three times the mark. but most people aren't Nick Diaz. Diaz went Dr. Alamo claimed that the result showed on to frustrate Lawler so much with his ar- that Diaz was almost certainly intoxicated rogance and taunting, Lawler got sloppy and during his fight with the Lightweight Chamleft himself open for a right hook that ended pion, and the marijuana helped him endured his night. Diaz the heavy underdog won that the shots he was taking during the fight fight and sent a message to the world. round. Fast-forward a couple years later to 2007 The win was turned over to a no contest and Diaz is fighting in PRIDE FC, the pre- and Diaz said that he did not smoke to be inmiere Japanese MMA organization against toxicated for the fight. He said he did not betheir lightweight champion, Takanori Gomi. lieve that marijuana was not a performanceAfter Gomi got the best of him in the first enhancing drug. round of their non-title fight, Diaz comes History then decided to repeat itself in back in the second and pulls off an extreme- 2011 ; Diaz is now riding a nine-fight win ly rare Gogoplata finish to submit The Fire- streak and defending his title as Strikeforce's ball Kid. Welterweight Champion against a devastatBut the fight isn't the strangest thing about ing British striker, Paul Daley. this event; drug testing is what makes this Diaz is doing his usual routine of dropping event significant. In the drug screenings for his hands and taunting his opponent, only the fight Diaz tested positive for marijuana, this night went a little differently. but he didn't just test positive, he practically Diaz got rocked multiple times in their set the record. fight, which only lasted one almost five minAccording to Dr. Tony Alamo of the Ne- ute round. Apparently Diaz said something vada State Athletic Commission, 15 is con- to get the hot-headed Daley very frustrated and start to swing for the fences early, but Diaz found his composure after being rocked and came back to pour it onto the fearsome striker knocking him down and finishing him at 4:57 in the first round. This ending made the fight easily the round of the year, and Diaz the four-time Strikeforce Welterweight Champion. At the following press conference, Diaz goes on a rant about how he does not make enough money in this sport and declares that he wants to go do boxing to make more money. Scott Coker, the president of Strikeforce, said that he can technically do that because it is in his contract. So the world of Mixed Martial Arts then sat and watched as one of their most promising athletes left the sport to go box, until Dana White decided it wasn't time to sit idly by anymore and he offered Diaz a contract with the UFC, and chance to fight their welterweight champion, Georges St .Pierre at UFC 137. SEE MMA, PAGE 19 �19 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 MMA Continued from Page 19 match of Condit versus Diaz for the interim welterweight title came into the picture. The fight was very close on paper ,but most gave the advantage to Diaz because he has the stronger ground game, making him the better, more well-rounded fighter. Throughout the whole fight Diaz constantly was moving forward , pushing Condit backwards and being the obvious aggressor throughout. It was Condit who was landing more strikes, Diaz was landing with more power and significance but Condit was landing more often and that was enough to give him the decision in the eye of the judges, making one of the most fiercely debated decisions in recent memory. The decision was so controversial that Diaz retired from the sport in the post fight interview because of his frustration with the judging. In the days after the fight, many people were calling for the immediate rematch because of the controversial nature of the decision and the lack of competition for Condit. The actual champion would still be out until at least November. Everything seemed to be going right when Journalists and fans alike were highly anticipating this match-up, calling it fight of the year before tffe date was even set. People believed Diaz was unpredictable and reckless enough to get the champion, St. Pierre, to make a mistake and possibly lose the title he held onto so long. When everything seemed to be going perfectly for the UFC, Diaz showed his unpredictability was not limited to his time in the cage. He missed multiple flights for a press conference to hype the upcoming match-up and he also was unreachable for almost 48 hours afterwards. This series of events then prompted Dana White to take away Diaz's title shot and he even considered terminating his contract with the UFC before he decided that instead of a title shot Diaz would fight BJ Penn. With Diaz not getting the title shot, someone had to. Here is where Carlos Dana White said the rematch was a lock and Condit agreed to the fight, but the unpredictCondit is introduced into this situation. Condit was set to fight BJ Penn at the able nature of Diaz struck again. In the drug testing, Diaz tested positive for same UFC 137 event. But, Dana decided marijuana again and the NSAC said that they instead of making GSP-BJ III, (the first were going to seek disciplinary action against two GSP dominated handily), he would Diaz. let Condit get his chance to fight GSP. The action would most likely be a form of This would have worked out fine too if suspending his license, which basically ended it weren't for those meddling knee injuthe hope for an immediate rematch. ries. In the coming days we will learn more as GSP went on to injure his knee and had to pull out of the fight, leaving Con- this unfolds but as of now, Nick Diaz has not dit without an opponent and again mak- made a statement on the drug test, rematch, or even his retirement status. ing Diaz the headliner for this fight. Diaz beat 'The Prodigy' with ease and even made the former champion retire because he was bloodied up so badly that he, "Didn't want to come home to µis kids looking like that anymore." With Diaz winning that fight, he was the obvious choice to get the title shot against St. Pierre, which left Condit without an opponent. Most of the MMA World was OK with this except for Condit's agent, who went against his client's will to fight as soon as possible and said that he would rather just wait to get his title shot. This put the UFC in an odd position because Diaz-GSP was set to happen on Super Bowl weekend to make UFC 143 one of the biggest cards of the year. But The Beacon/Archives yet again, injury struck the champion. Jason Cochran is a columnist for The Beacon and Rush completely tore his ACL and need- has a mixed martial arts background. ed reconstructive surgery, putting him CONTACT JASON COCHRAN AT: out until easily November. And that is how UFC 143's headliner jason.cochran@wilkes.edu WWE Continued from Page 16 start the storyline. Finally,we have the Raw Chamber Match for the WWE Championship. The participants are current champ CM Punk, Chris Jericho, The Miz, R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler, and Kofi Kingston. I'm up in the air between Punk and Jericho since they are supposed to fight at Wrestlemania for the title, but I'm going to pick Punk. Also, look for in this match a quick exit for Miz. The board is growing tired of his lack of star power, and dropping R-Truth on Raw on the Feb. 6 edition of Raw, giving him a legitimate injury isn't helping his case. The creative team will soon start to bury "the most must see champion in WWE history." Due to a win in a six-pack challenge on Raw, Jericho will enter the Chamber last, so he and Punk will probably be the final two in the match to build upon their rivalry. They can't fill a three-hour show with just three matches, so there will probably be a few impromptu matches to act as fillers. I will say there will be some sort of divas tag match which will last about 75 seconds and be a waste of time. Rumble winner Sheamus is already going to Wrestlemania so he won't play a role in any title match, though he may attack Bryan after his victory, but he'll get a match against some jobber like Heath Slater, where he will win in impressive fashion. The Funkasaurus, Brodus Clay, will also wrestle, probably against Drew Mcintyre, who he has started a feud with. I predict another win by Clay, but don't be surprised ifhe suffers his first loss since returning to WWE tel~ sion in early January. Elimination Chamber should be a great stop on the Road to Wrestlemania, where many matches will begin to take form for WWE's biggest day of the year. CONTACT BRYAN WISLOSKY AT: bryan.wis/osky@wilkes.edu 1------------------------------------- i the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visi t our restauraut & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) zza the legendary taste I $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out I Expires 06/30/12 I --------valid only at Grotto Pizza locations �SPORTS 20 Getting to know ... BY JUSTIN FRANIAK Sports Editor Elena Meet Elena Stambone, a freshman starter from Jessup, Pa., who is off to a stellar freshman campaign. The pharmacy major is scoring over 12 points a game and has a total of 35 assists. She has 14 double-digit games this season, with a season high of 22 points against Albright College. Year: Freshman Major: Pharmacy Hometown: Jessup, Pa., Did you play any other sports in high school? Yes, I played tennis and track and field. • §fr@ mm Ib @IIB ~ school. I don't how I at first got that number, but I've always liked it. #10 freshman, basketball but I can handle it. If you could have lunch with any famous person, who would it be? Skylar Diggins, because she is such a good player and it would be really nice to talk to her. What other schools did you consider before deciding to come to Wilkes? Just Wilkes and the University of the Sciences in Philly. I looked for schools for my major first. Academics definitely came first, then basketball. Who are you more like? Mom or Dad? I'm a little bit of both. They both played sports in college, so I'd definitely say both. Food? Salad. Whose the best dancer on the team? I'm going to have to say Kate Thomas. We dance to Big Sean all the time. When was the first time you picked up a basketball? Who influenced you? When I was 5, real young. Definitely my dad. My Grandpa was also a huge influence. THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 14, 2012 Whose the best singer on the team? Me and Chelsea Brown. Any reason why? We just always sing. We usually sing "Someone Like You" by Adele. With Dressing? Chicken salad with balsamic dressing. Favorite TV Show? "Pretty Little Liars." Favorite Athlete? Kobe Bryant I'm guessing the Lakers are your team then? Yes, they are. What are your goals for your college career? I want to turn the program around. Every year improve our record. I want to develop as a player, and win a MAC championship. Did you ever consider playing those sports in college? No, it was always basketball. How is the transition from high school to college? The main difference is the pace of the game. We push a lot more in college than in high school. What do you remember most from high school basketball? We won the Lukomoney tournament. We hosted the tournament in honor of Valley View's old coach. How is adjusting to a new system and coach? He runs a unique system and its just a matter of adjusting. We're a young team so we will definitely be fine. · How about being an All-American? Yes, that would be cool. Any reason for wearing the No. 10? I've always been No. 10, all throughout high How's being a pharmacy major? It's a lot of work, but it's fun and I like it. It's tough CONTACT JUSTINFRANIAK AT: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu • For more information and pictu res, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.co~ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 February 14th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 February 14 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/3d970073f17803185e51648ab3c70602.pdf 1fbdecf0515618b686b846cc25ae8371 PDF Text Text February 7, 2012 Volume 64 Issue 11 THE NEWS OF TODAY REPORTED BY THE JOURNALISTS OF TOMORROW www.thewilkesbeacon.com Watergate 2012: Water the concerns with Wilkes H 20 ? PHATNGUYEN crease the chances of acidic water that could erode the pipes. Junior business major Jahleel In the years since, there has not Sterling does not trust the tap wa- been testing on campus dorms. ter and noted its unique smell from While formal complaints have not his facet in University Towers. been made by students, most resi"It's cloudy and it smells," Ster- dents often rely on filtering devices ling said. "It's putrid. It smells like and bottled water rather than rerotten eggs. I don't trust tap water porting issues. anywhere. I always use my filter." "To the best Qf my knowledge, Thirty years ago, students in Dr. there's never been any formal Michael Case's water quality class testing in the residence halls," tested the drinking fountains in the Case, environmental engineering Stark Learning Center and a few and earth science professor, said. other administrative buildings for "There also hasn't been a need to metals such as iron, manganese, do that unless the students have copper, cadmium, lead and zinc complained of a problem." after concerns that metals might Case said the problem has been have dissolved from the pipes. The minimized in urban areas, but there water company at the time only should always be concern espechlorinated the drinking water cially in bigger cites about the unwithout any filtration or pH adj ust- derground piping that delivers the ments, so metals went unnoticed. water. In 1986, Case's students found "Still when you have old pipes Giardia lamblia cysts, which cause in the ground, there could be a diarrheal illness, on and off the little break in the pipe," Case said. Wilkes campus. The EPA con- "There it could start bringing in firmed the results and in conjunc- sediment into the supply water." tion with the Pennsylvania DepartIn those 26 years, students have ment of Environmental Protection also never filed any serious comrequired Pennsylvania Gas and plaints, Paul Adams vice president Water to build several new treat- of Student Affairs, said. ment plants at the cost of several "I don't think there's any reason million dollars. for us to think there would be an Since then, the water in the area issue if the pipes were galvanized has improved to meet standards. copper, pipes were being flushed Pennsylvania American, the cur- all the time and if we weren't rerent water company, now does pH ceiving complaints from students adjustments to around a neutral pH SEE WATER, PAGE 4 of 7. Lower levels of pH would inNews Editor The Beacon/ Dan Lykens Wilkes Programming Board hosted Pizza Wars, an event which featured 60 pizzas from six different restaurant s in Wilkes-Barre. Sophomore political science major Ian Foley counted 381 students. Antonio's Pizza was voted best pizza, and Mac Miller was announced to headline Wilkes' spring concert. Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 SOPA: Still alive? PAGE6 Who is bringing . bow ties back? PAGE 10 Wilkes-Barre makes Shakespeare proud PAGE 14 Sports Pages 16-20 Leicht '" tunes team for another MAC title PAGE 16 ~ Established 1936 PA Newspaper Association Member �FEBRUARY 7, 201 2 CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com The beginning of the end for seniors Wilkes to g~t a l~g First Farewell is a chance to reflect on academic success up on heatmg bllls BY DEVON I NOVAK BY PHAT NGUYEN Assistant News Editor News Editor After four years oflate nights, early mornings, study groups and research papers, the class of 2012 is excited to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. The First Farewell will give seniors the opportunity to celebrate their upcoming graduation with fellow classmates and professors before the class says their final goodbye this May. "It gives you a chance to celebrate all the work you've done," said Willie Eggleston, senior Pharmacy major and student government president. "I think it's important that we reward all of our seniors." In Eggleston's opinion, The First Farewell is a chance for seniors to give themselves .a pat on the back after years of academic dedication. He feels the event is a great way to initialize their departure from Wilkes and will make what little time seniors have left more special. The First Farewell will be an opportunity for seniors to spend with friends they will soon be saying good-bye to. Senior class representatives along with student government and The Alumni Association have collaborated for five years to plan the annual First Farewell. Each year has been more successful with increasing attendance. So far 90 students for the 2012 gath~ g have registered. Bridget Giunta, Wilkes alumnus and associate director, has taken part in planning The First Farewell for the past three years. Giunta wishes the event was offered when she was a senior, although she is glad to help put the gathering together for the seniors now. "I just think it's so much fun; every year students tell us how much fun they had at the event," Giunta said. "It's not an event that (seniors) would want to miss." Moving on to the next chapter of life will Photo courtesy of Meri beth Derkach The farewell is the first of many events hosted for seniors set to graduate in May. be a bitter-sweet experience for the class of 2012. At this point in the semester, seniors are feeling the crunch of pressure as final projects are due, graduation draws near and job applications need postage stamps. At the same time, their hard work is about to finally pay off and their hands are extended in full reach toward their diplomas. While some plan to continue their studies at the graduate level, others are beginning to seek professional jobs and are concerned about the economy. Stacy Prelewicz, senior class president and pharmacy major, expressed concerns for her fellow classmates who will be seeking jobs next year. "I think many are worried because the economy is so bad (and) a lot of people that have graduated had trouble finding jobs which makes paying off debt and things very difficult," Prelewicz said. To help graduating seniors deal with their BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com student-loan debt, Prelewicz and other class officials are working with Philip Ruthkosky, associate dean of Student Development, to coordinate a loan debt workshop that will take place in March. As the beginning of saying good-bye, The First Farewell will take place Feb. 9 from 7-9 p.m. in the Ballroom. Dinner, drinks and entertainment will be offered. Registration for attendance must be done by Feb. 7 through the Alumni Office. Attendance is free but limited to seniors age 21 and over; inviting faculty is encouraged. Following the Farewell will be a senior social at Mulligan's Irish Pub on South Main Street from 9-llp.m. "It's a great night to stop and just celebrate your last semester and your time as a class with your friends," Giunta said. The Wilkes Running Club is hosting its annual Relay for Heat fundraiser Saturday, Feb.25. The event benefits the Martin Luther King Fuel Fund Luzerne County through the Commission on Economic Opportunity to help families below a certain poverty line. Last year the club raised-$2,500 which helped 70 families. Running club adviser Dr. William Terzaghi said the club formed the idea back in 2005 when the club was trying to think of an appropriate fundraiser during the winter to help community. "We sort of came up with this crazy idea to have a 100 mile relay in the middle of the winter," the Wilkes biology professor said. The club takes donations from anyone including family and friends and local businesses. Student government is usually one of the bigger sponsors of the event. "We shake down everybody we can. One year SG donated $1,200," Terzaghi said. Junior biology major Thomas Mike, one of the coordinators of the event, encourages everyone to participate. "You don't have to be a great runner to participate," Mike said. "You can run, walk or even just donate money." "Last year we had more alumni than students participating," Terzaghi said. "I hope we can tum that around this year." The Relay needs 25 volunteers to run/walk a 4-mile leg. Volunteers can sign up at the student union building during club hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays or email william. terzaghi@wilkes.edu or thomas.mike@wilkes.edu for donations. CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Michael Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: CarlyYamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Meet the Staff Dan Benson Design Editor �t ~ »-s.e: .. l-:~•- !~ THE BEACON · 1 FEBRUARY 7, 2012 ~ u i h • 3 NEWS Binge Drinking dominates the Wilkes-Barre Area CDC survey places our region 4th in the nation for drinking excessively BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor Although a telephone survey done by The Center for Disease Control in 20 IO showed the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton area to rank among the top five areas in the country for binge drinking, few believe it is a significant problem to Wilkes University students. Public Safety officer Phil Miller suggested that although binge drinking undoubtedly happens here at Wilkes, it's not an extreme problem in comparison to other schools he's worked at. "I see it as a problem on most general college campuses," Miller said. "In my years here I don't feel that it's necessarily out of control compared to other colleges; I'd say it's probably about average." College students in particular are stereotyped to take part in excessive alcohol consumption. Miller proposed that drinking is popular among students because college is a time for experimentation and peer influence plays a huge role as well. He feels it's a cultural norm for students to drink when they get to college and that it's an expected part of the college life style. Miller said that students try to keep up with each other and impress one another with how much they can consume, which in turn leads to binge drinking. To prevent students from binge drinking, Public Safety offers alcohol education pro- at Wilk.es. The CDC study found that the most fregrams throughout the year in conjunction quent binge drinkers were those over 65 with with Residence Life, Student Affairs and high incomes. Adams suggested that the reaHealth Services. Miller believes it is imporson Wilkes-Barre and Scranton ranked so tant thing to broadcast information on drinkhighly in the nation is because of the heriing and get students to think about the contage of the area's coal miners. sequences before they go out. "I'm not an anthropologist but it certainly Miller wishes students took advantage of can make sense to me, if you look at the the escort service offered by Public Safety. national study that talks about the most freHe suggested that it's safer for students to . quent binge drinkers being over 60," Adams call for assistance than try to walk home unsaid. der the influence. Many students don 't know Adams believes binge drinking can have about the service or are afraid to call because a negative effect on the academic perforthey don't want to get themselves or party mance of students, although he feels there hosts in trouble. Miller stressed that the seris a healthy balance. He thinks that many vice is offered for the protection of Wilkes students drink responsibly and still perform students and Public Safety's only concern is well in their classes. getting students home safely. "There's a perception that students drink "I think it's the best service that Public more than they really do," Adams said. Safety offers," Miller said. "It's different "Wilkes actually has more students selfwhen you (see) someone you know who report that they've never drank than the nahas been drinking and you can tell that they tional data." can't operate on their own without a great According to associate pharmacy profesdeal of assistance; that's when we make an sor Dan McCune, moderate drinking (one additional call for medical assistance." or two drinks a day) is good for one 's heart President of Student Affairs Paul Adams said a survey done last year showed only health and cholesterol, which may lead to 19 percent of the freshman class admitted to a decrease in the risk of stroke and heart binge drinking, compared to a national aver- attack. However, drinking in excessive age of33 percent. Adams is proud to say that amounts could have a reverse effect on the Wilkes does not share the negative profile of blood's lipids and make an individual more other schools when it comes to binge drink- prone to these illnesses. McCune stated that prolonged binge ing; however, he admits it does happen here Percentages show binge drinking across the U.S. -·- :········ ........... ' CJ 10.9%., 16~"' 1a.n-1a~ 18.7%- 25.61' DataUnavalable SOURCE:: 2010 Behavtond Risk Factor Surveillance System combrned landline and CeJI Phone DeveJopmentat Oetaset, Adtflts Aged 18 and Older, u.s Photo courtesy of the Center for Disease Control Photo courtesy of Stock Xchange drinking can have many negative effects on the body. Cancer can develop in any of the organs that come into contact with alcohol if consumption is constantly excessive. High rates of alcohol consumption can also break down your muscle mass. Longterm memory loss can result as well. Allegedly, people may suffer from alcohol dementia, which studies show can possibly lead to Alzheimer's disease. Contrary to popular belief, beer and wine have the same strain on the liver as hard liquor. McCune suggested that the effect on the liver all depends on the alcohol content, varies depending on how much one consumes. For example, one beer is equivalent to one shot of hard liquor. Another common myth is that alcohol makes you warmer. In reality, alcohol lowers the body's temperature by dilating the peripheral blood vessels and causing the blood to travel to the service of the skin. People become flushed and feel warmer although their body temperature is actually low. Depending on one's body weight, gender and personal tolerance level, the amount of alcohol each"' individual can handle varies. McCune believes that someone who consumes on a regular basis builds a tolerance that increases their body's ability to metabolize the alcohol. For example, two men of the same weight may consume the same amount but depending on tolerance, effects differ. To see the statistics on binge drinking, visit www.cdc.com. CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 20 12 NEWS 4 WATER Continued from Front Page about illness or bad-tasting water," Adams said. "We have no reason to believe the water isn't quality. We have in place several safety standards, but for the most part we rely on state and federal standards." While no complaints have been officially sent to Student Affairs, many residents on campus especially at University Towers often rely on personal filtering devices rather than just the tap. The cloudiness that Sterling suggested might be a visible sign of contaminates. Turbidity, or cloudiness, is one of the visible signs of contamination, Case said. "Cloudiness would mean a compromise in the connection between the water the plants provide us and the plumbing here at the university," Case said. "Cloudiness suggests filters aren't working and that there might be a break in the supply pipe." When sophomore mechanical engineering major Jonathan Townsend first moved into Towers, he also noticed cloudy white water through his kitchen faucet and even a strange chemical odor while bathing. "I immediately went to Wal-Mart and got a pure water filter," Townsend said. "Even The Beacon/ Bryan Calabro Turbidity, or cloudiness, is a potential sign of contamination. in the showers, I can smell chemicals or cleaners in the water. It has a sharp, chemical smell." Townsend has never filed a complaint because he would not know who to complain to. "I was concerned at first, but after I spent $30 on a water filter, I have some peace of mind now," he said. Carbon filters, such as Brita, are only designed to use with treated water systems to remove bad taste, Case said. Bacteria is not filtered. Joseph Pesta, interim executive director of Facilities , said all the filtering systems on campus are updated twice every year and bathroom renovations have been in Weiss, Catlin, Sterling and Rifkin halls. Pesta also said he's been drinking the Wilkes-Barre tap water since 1981 and he's "still here." "Since we're on the public water system, I don't see any need to test water periodically." Case also is confident in the tap water. "I think filtered water is as good as bottled water," Case said. "I fill my water jug from the tap in Stark." Even the transparency of water is not necessarily an indication of cleanliness, Case said. Only testing would properly indicate whether or not the water meets EPA standards. "If the water is clear, you should then test for residual chlorine, and if you find that they're reasonable, it's safe to assume it's safe from a microbiological standpoint," Case said. "Water treatment facilities take their testing really seriously and keep detailed public records." The presence of free residual chlorine in drinking water is correlated with the absence of disease-causing organisms. "Plants are using minimal chlorine now, simply because filtration is so good now," Case said. "Many places are also using ozo- nation to treat water. Ozone has greater disinfection effectiveness against bacteria and viruses compared to chlorination and can also reduce the concentration of iron, manganese, sulfur and eliminate taste and odor problems." Case and other environmental engineering professors teach the importance of water quality, but they believe a vast majority of people continue to take clean water for granted. "Water quality here does matter. Fifty percent of the water from the Susquehanna River goes into the Chesapeake Bay. We need to educate people to conserve water and protect the watersheds in my opinion." Politicians are among the uninformed, Case said. "I am extremely alarmed at the extent members of congress have taken against the EPA and water and air quality. The People of the U.S. want clean water. 'fhey expect the air to be breathable. They expect their children to be able to play outside and get dirty without getting contaminated. These are reasonable beliefs in a democratic society." If students are concerned with the quality of the water on campus they should contact 2FIX and email their concerns to student affairs at paul.adams@wilkes.edu. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com ,-1/1.!fFlC'.. 1111t111,r . .ELIIW.Eifli,r •• SPECIALS WEEKDAY SPECIAlS M-TH Large Pie $7.95 Chicken Wing Pie $1 0 .95 20 E N orthampton St. Wilkes Barre 825-5166 NEXT TO MOVIES 14 FREE WI-Fl in our Dining Room (carry out/dine in only) PIZZI DOUBl ES 2 Medium Pizzas $13.95 2 Large Pizzas $16.95 MIX&MATCH Any 3 Subs o r Wing s 2 Tickets to Movies 14 WB 1 Medium Pizza - 1 Topping 2 Drinks I We Cater Parties At Movies 14 $1 5 .95 WE CATER lARGE GROUP EVENTS PlEASE CAll BEFORE YOUR NEXT ME;OINGI Hours : Mon.-Thurs. 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-12am Sun. 12pm-11 pm We're more than just great pizza ... see our entire menu at www.januzzispizza.com �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 s NEWS Wilkes Pocono branch offers education at convenient location Accelerated bachelor of business administration attracts new students BY BRITTANY BATTISTA Advertising Manager The Wilkes University Pocono Education Center will offer a master of science degree in engineering management, a master of business administration degree, and an accelerated bachelor of business administration program for those looking to complete their degree. The new storefront SA facility is at the Shoppes at Crossroads at the Bartonsville exit of Interstate 80. The undergraduate program being offered also features hybrid learning. One half is done physically in the classroom and the other is done online. Costs for programs vary but the tuition is "competitive" and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Dr. Vernon B. Harper, associate pn,)Vost, says that the 2,800 square foot space includes two classrooms. Harper, said the facility will open mid-January. "We felt Wilkes could serve students in that area," Harper said. "In any postsecondary institution its primary mission is to serve the needs of students as far as their education goes and to be able for them to take what they learned and create prosperity in their communities." "We feel this is an ideal place to expand our offerings, based on impressive population growth and numbers of people eager to continue their education." Wilkes University President Tim Gilmore commented, "Wilkes is ready to serve Monroe County and surrounding areas." The project began when Wilkes discovered a high demand after leasing space out of Pocono High School to begin to serve the frea. "Wilkes had been offering programs out of Pocono High School for some time which is referred to as "on-site instruction," Harper said. "We provide instruction to a population of students at their work place. So at this location we were offering instruction to teachers in the school district. Because of the success of that venture, we realized that there was a little more demand in their area especially for business programming." He also said additional programming will be offered in future semesters. Out market research demonstrated that students in that region were under served as far as their options. Research showed that students would have a better opportunity to matriculate if they had this loca- ,. COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE Accelerated Bachelor of Business Administration WILKES UNIVERSITY Photo courtesy o Mar eting Communications Wilkes Pocono campus offers new master's programs for engineering and business administration. tion that was closer to their work and home which also had more convenient hours. "We are working with three other departments on campus that are interested in programming there for all of next year," Harper noted. "We expect that the number of programs offered at its peak will be five to six. We should hit our peak in about two to two and a half years." Members of departments who are not currently involved in the Poconos including Dr. Mark Stine, associate professor and chair of Communication Studies; Dr. Linda Winkler, the dean of College Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; and Dr. Laurence erally speaking, my working definition of an adult learner is someone who has had a significant break between high school and resuming higher education." Matus said adult learners have different needs and may not have the same issues challenges than an average undergraduate student. Adult learners tend to come into the class with much more anxiety. It is probable that they work full time as well as juggling family life which causes this heightened feeling of anxiety. It's the job of the instructor to keep in mind these differences in order to create a comfortable learning environment for everyone. "In any postsecondary institution its prima- "Adult learners like very precise ry mission is to serve the needs of students as expectations and far as their education goes and to be able for clearly defined requirements," Matus them to take what they learned and create said. "They are also very task oriented." prosperity in their communities." Matus also noted that adult learners -Dr. Vernon B. Harper, associate provost are very willing and Kuhar, chair of the English Department, all eager to participate. "It can be the total did not wish to comment on the subject. opposite of undergraduate where someThe Pocono site will allow adults to com- times you have to pull them out of their plete undergraduate and graduate degrees seat to have anything other than a 'yes' or at convenient location in the center of 'no' response." "Wilkes is dedicated to the adult marMonroe County. The site and the programs offered were developed to meet the unique ket. We know that working adults demand needs of adult learners. Therefore, the convenient and flexible programs that will classes are scheduled in evenings and on improve their career prospects and quality weekends. of life," said Michael Speziale-, dean of the Dr. Justin Matus, associate professor of College of Graduate and Professional Studthe Sidhu School of Business, is one pro- ies. "We are excited to offer these programs fessor who will be teaching at the new loca- in the Poconos." tion. "In my mind, it's important to make a Options for students in that area are limfew distinctions about adult learners. Gen- ited to East Stroudsburg University and a Northampton Community College. ESU does not have a master's program. Therefore, this new location is eyen more beneficial to prospective students in Monroe County. Sophomore communications and political science major, Ian Foley, says that the new storefront location is in a business area and prospective students can further their education without driving 20 minutes to ESU. A Pocono native, Foley attended East Stroudsburg Senior High School where he says that most of his peers attended ESU. "It doesn't have the same feeling as our Wilkes campus since it's not really a campus environment," Foley said. "As I am told it has an office, some class rooms and a conference room. The feel of the location is more for those transit adult learners and part time college students than for us." "Walking in you're going to hit a blue wall and behind that is going to be a yellow space and then a different shade of blue behind that," Harper said. "It plays nicely and uses the Wilkes color palate." Harper said that there are students who are currently enrolled in classes in the Poco1?o's in an alternate location. "Usually when you open an additional location to make sure you have enrollment for the location you start out at a temporary site," Harper said. "There are two programs currently enrolled in a temporary location at The Chateau Resort and Conference Center Road in Tannersville." The two programs current students are taking are the master of business administration degree and the accelerated bachelor of business administration degree. CONTACT BRITTANY BATTISTA AT: brittany.battista@wilkes.edu �CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com FEBRUARY 7, 2012 Media outlets need to fact-check information News sources publish inaccurate reports of Joe Pa's death BY CATHRYN FREAR Staff Writer Most everyone has heard of the cliche "he jumped the gun." What the receiver is meant to infer in a literal sense is someone pulling the trigger of a gun before they know what's going on. What it implies in a figurative sense is someone did or said something before they had their facts straight. This really needs to stop. Plain and simple. It only serves to create myths, confusion and anger. Occasionally, it creates a pretty funny story. A perfect example of this is the "Joe Pa is dead" fiasco a couple weeks ago. The Onward State site reported this rumor to the public, as well as emailed football players informing them of Paterno's passing. CBS soon reported their own story independent of Onward State stating the same thing. Then, as many of us saw, it made it to Facebook. Since Joe Paterno's death was Facebook official, the rumor was good enough for people, who hadn't even heard it on a news outlet, to believe it. It was everywhere. If you weren't watching the news or on Facebook, you likely got a text or e-mail all about the situation. Reporting a public figure's death is one thing. Incorrectly reporting a public figure's death is a horse of a completely different color. Onward State had absolutely no confirrwition Paterno had passed. They only knew that he had been taken off of the respirator. All anyone knew for sure was he was literally on his death bed. Speculation is his death was reported so quickly because Onward State wanted to be the first to report on it. This isn't the first time a major story was incorrect when it broke. Most of us probably don't remember 1948, but many of us have heard about an event which took place. The economy baby boomers were on the rise. And because it was divisible by four, 1948 was an election year. On the morning of Nov. 3, Chicago Daily Tribune announced Thomas E. Dewey as the new President Elect of the United States of America. If you don't remem- BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific, and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 11 responses. Last week's question: How do you feel about the SOPA/PIPA acts? • They should not be passed 100% • They should be passed 0% • I don't care 0% • Not enough information 0% This week The Beacon asks: What are your thoughts on the tap water quality on campus? t • The water quality is fine • The water needs to be improved • I use a water filter • I drink bottled water • I don't know Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/ Kirstin Cook F iJ s, p 0 gi tr ol ar pe an irr ir Penn State students, alumni, family and fans pay tribute to Joe Paterno's passing by leaving letters, drawings and Penn State paraphernalia at the foot of his statue. ber President Dewey, you are not alone, because he was never president. Harry S. Truman was declared the actual president elect. In fact, the most popular image of this just so happens to be Truman holding up a copy of the incorrect Tribune article and stating "That ain't how I heard it!" That story was a bigger deal than Paterno's death, for pretty obvious reasons. This was a story reporting on the next 'leader of the free world.' Luckily, word had spread pretty quickly that the story was false and only a small minority was under the impression Dewey actually won. The worst part of Paterno's story being incorrectly reported is it gave off an image of the media which told their audience, "We don't care about facts; we just want a good story." It was disrespectful of a man's death to glorify his latest scandal to sell a story. It's irresponsible to run a story without confirming facts. It's unreal how we have advanced in technology so much, yet advanced in basic human decency so little. CONTACT CATHRYN FREAR AT: cathryn.frear@wilkes.edu SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com . The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. foo Fra res1 Ma ety thin Itali glad rav1, te. 1 enm long l then �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 -- OPINION 7 Kodak Moments lesson, technology wins again Photography improvements lead to the loss of authenticity and originality BY LYN DS IEYAMRUS Staff Writer "You press the button - we do the rest" promised George Eastman in 1888 with the introduction of the first roll-film camera. The Kodak camera was priced at $25 and came pre-loaded with enough film exposure to produce 100 pictures. When the film was used up, the camera was sent back to the Easton Kodak Company, where it was developed and printed, re-loaded with film and mailed back to the customer for $10. Kodak became the trusted name for capturing memories, creating different consumer photography products ranging from one-time-use cameras like the Kodak Funsaver to what Kodak claims to be the world's first true color negative film, Kodacolor. My Sony Cyber-shot digital camera requires me to also press the button, then attach the USB cable to the camera and computer and upload the pictures onto a picture-viewing platform. This is undoubtedly more convenient and perhaps easier than the Kodak method used 13 1 years ago, but they are now merely pixels on a computer screen. They can be printed at a nearby drugstore, but can also be Photoshopped, re-touched and enhanced with the click of a button. Photo-sharing websites like Flickr display the amateur photography work of millions of users, and many of the photos are edited in one way or another. The ever-popular iPhone offers the Instagram app, allowing users to apply filters to their photos to create vintage looks with their pictures. Photographs are no longer authentic. Digital cameras as we know them today have only been around since the beginning of the twenty-first century, but they have already lost their appeal to me. Anyone can go to Best Buy or other electronic distributor and purchase a digital camera for under $150 and be a "photographer". Photography is now mainstreamed, and there are even debates as to whether or not it should be referred to as an art. How can photography be an art if it requires little to no artistic skill? A perfect example would be Tumblr, a blogging website, where millions of users upload or "reblog" images they enjoy. From my experiences with Tumblr, many of the photos are creative, but many are imitative of others, thoughtless or inconsiderate to other individuals. Some even ap- The Beacon/Laura Preby pear as if the creator tried way too hard to be artistic. Photographs are no longer original. A sadder thought than the loss of authenticity and originality of photographs is that the Eastman Kodak Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday, Jan. 19 2012 due to its inability to successfully adapt to the increasing demands of our digital world. Kodak has filed for business reorganization and aims to "build a company that will be successful in the marketplace." It is only a matter of time before Kodak and other classic film companies slip under altogether with the introduction of a new technological advancement in picture-taking. We need to move forward, but remind ourselves of what got us here in the first place. CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS AT: lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu New NH education law grants too much authority to parents to teach an alternative to that parent's child. Now I can definitely see where a parent may Opinion Editor consider this bill an option. Subject matter in The New Hampshire legislature recently classes, such as sex education and science, may not fit every person's ethical, moral, and passed a bill to enact a new law allowing parreligious stances, but this bill is equally as ents to decide which lessons their children are broad as it is ridiculous. ~ ght in public school. If the parent objects As a public school attendee, I can rememto any course material or method of teachber a few times in which I thought the subject ing in the classroom, the teacher is required matter or a teachers methodology were not up to par. But worthy of being probed and rejected based off of individual opinions? No, not really. Sure there were things that I did not enjoy or agree with, but what student enjoys or agrees with everything they are taught or the ways it is taught to them? Photo illustration/Laura Preby This New Hamp- BY CARLYYAMRUS shire law not only allows parents to veto lesson plans at their whim, it does not require them to give a reason for why they are objecting to it in the first place. If they wish to, parents can effectively object to lessons if they think the material is too hard, unfair, or incorrect, as long as they provide a reasonable alternative. Meaning students can opt out of public speaking, math topics, history facts, entire books, or anything else they don't want to do, as long as their parents sign off on it and give the district another idea. Somebody tell me how the teacher is supposed to write and deliver several different lesson plans at one time for several different students? It's just not logistical or logical. The loss of efficiency and time would cause the students to suffer. So much for well-rounded individuals. How unfair it is to deprive students of class time because of one or two parents that couldn't "go with the flow," so to speak. The point of learning is to be knowledgeable on an array of subjects. After you learn the facts and theories, you are able to then decide which ideas you agree with or disagree with. Education is for anyone wishing to do just that. The purpose of public school is not for parents to object and intervene on every topic they personally don't agree with. The purpose is for a mass of young individuals to seek knowledge and growth. If a parent really thinks they know what is best for their student education-wise, they should probably sign their child out right now and start homeschooling before public school completely rots their minds with terrible ideas - or worse - facts. Education is not Build-a-Bear or Burger King. You can't pick and choose parts and you certainly cannot have it your way. Yes, there are rights and we all have them, but why disrupt the course of a teacher's lesson plan over personal theories and opinions? These personal theories and opinions are the parents, not the students. Let the children learn. "' A teacher must be qualified to teach. Parents, not so much. Let's leave the educating to the people who earned the degree for it. CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com �8 OPINION SOPA: It's the beginning of the end ... BY ANTHONY GORECZNY Staff Writer • known as the Commercial Felony Streaming Act, which makes web streaming of copyrighted content a felony with a penalty of five years in prison. What constitutes a felony? Apparently if the video in question is watched ten THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 or more times in 180 days then the person who uploaded the video, the website it is hosted on, any websites which linked to the video, possibly the Internet service providers which the uploader used and even those that host the servers of the websites involved are all liable of being charged with the felony. For example, if a mother were to upload a video of her daughter singing "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera to Youtube, as soon as that video reaches ten views within 180 days, she in now a felon capable of being sentenced to prison. Youtube is also liable, as well as any website which may have linked to the video, including Facebook, Google, Wikipedia, Stubleupon, Digg, Yahoo!, Blogspot, Twitter, Bing ... you get the idea. Additional information available on opencongress.org ·shows which organizations supported and opposed the bill. Almost every major media corporation or publisher supported the bill, including the National Music Publishers' Association, Independent Film & Television Alliance, Motion Picture Association of America, Imagine a world without Facebook, Google or Wikipedia. It's not hard to after the Internet blackout that was organized as a protest in response to the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA). These bills were so strongly opposed that over 7000 websites shut themselves down for 24 hours. The bills were intended to do exactly what their names indicate. The problem, however, is what that would have actually done. These bills, to put it simply, would have allowed the American government and powerful corporations to essentially control the flow of information and content available on the Internet. The first of the two bill to emerge was PIPA. It was proposed to the Senate on May 5, 2011 and sponsored by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy from Vermont. The purpose was to allow the Justice Department or a corporation to demand that any websites which supported or linked to copyrighted content could be forced to remove to remove the material in question or block access to that site, even without a trial. While this may seem guiltless after a cursory glance, closer inspection reveals that this bill could have grave implicaSECUIUTY 't'HROUGH CENSORSHIP tions in the realms of free speech and FOR MORE INfOlUis!AUON ~OUT 'n fE.STOP ONt-fu'E due process of the law. The other, more l:l:RACY 1\CT 1\."NO HOW 'frAl-UCIS YOU., VISIT well-known bill was SOPA, which has bt:~;//-"l'.ifflK.til<¢1l50t'SniiM)tj/ a similar goal and methods, and would have had many of the same consequences. SOPA was proposed on October 25, 2011 Cou rtesy of Facebook House of Representatives by Republican This is an image t hat many users posted as t heir profile picture on Facebook proRepresentative Lamar Smith from Texas. test t he Online Piracy Act. The image portrays what a user's computer screen would In addition to the powers outline in PIPA, SOPA adds those of another Senate bill, look like if they visited a website in violation of SOPA. N()'fICE: T HIS lJ\fACiE HAS BEEN FOUND lN \lit) LATI(JN OF H.R. -3261, S+().l'.A. AND HAS BEEN RE~!C)\lEl) Viacom, Comcast and the Association of American Publishers. Also supporting the bill were massive corporations like Eli Lilly and Company, Dow Chemical and Estee Lauder Compaqies. The regulations these corporations favored would not only have repercussions in the US , but would affect countries around the world. This is because the Internet isn't only an American innovation, but a global phenomenon. What right does a single country have to regulate a public domain? These bills would be akin to Congress declaring that it was planning on stopping ships in international waters and confiscating any goods it felt were illegitimate, then impounding the ships. But the bills were defeated, right? That is true, but both branches of congress have already proposed a new bill restricting Internet use. And since they failed to pass a bill which focused primarily on American websites, they have decided instead to expand their attack to those hosted by foreign countries. This new bill, currently on the floor in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is known as OPEN, or the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act. This new act would take those same measures that were so strongly protested in SOPA and PIPA and direct them at the websites of foreign countries, regardless of whether the country is our ally or not. Not only would this prevent people around the globe from accessing those sites, but it also has the potential to initiate an international Internet censorship conflict. The one thing that is most disturbing about OPEN is that even though, as evidenced by the recent Internet blackout and dissension, the American public is opposed to the government censoring the Internet. Congress' reaction to the rejection of these bills is to propose another, with the exact same goal, just using an underhanded method to acquire a cheap victory spurred on by the massive media corporations. The fact that these corporations have more influence upon the United States government than its own citizens is a terrifying realization, and a clear indication that any attempts to censor the Internet, especially those laced with international aggression, must be rejected outright by American citizens. There is something woefully out of order when people must organize a protest to prevent the passing of a bill fully supported by their government. Whatever happened to government of the people, by the people, for the people? CONTACT ANTHONY GORECZNY AT: anthony.goreczny@wilkes.edu �FEBRUARY 7, 2012 , ""t 01.1esfiorJS UrtiW\Y,orf _ CONTACT EDITOR: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com •- • • W V with Important People DR. JEFFREY ALVES, NEW DEAN OF SIDHU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief ferent ways to prepare students for a world that's going to be different than the one we grew up in. What is your favorite aspect of your job? The opportunities. As a society, we're recognizing that we're not going to be top dog infinity as we see the emergence of countries like China and India emerging as economic forces . They're beginning to influence not just world economics, they're influencing the way we think and do things. So doing business in the future is going to be a little different than it has been in the past. We have to take into account that these players in the marketplace have different views of the world. What was your role at the Kirby Center? We were primarily trying to develop entrepreneurship programs and initiatives both on campus and in the region, and so we develop the minor, we developed the major, we reached out to other departments on campus to draw expertise. Is this the job you always saw yourself in? No, I never saw myself as a college or university administrator at all. But, my experience at the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise, interacting with the faculty here in the business program and now the Sidhu school, I almost view my role here as a continuation of what I did at the Kirby Center. It gives me the opportunity to explore dif- When was your first job? _It was in sixth grade, I had a couple of people I mowed lawns for, and that was nice because allowances didn't quite make it. But my first, quote, real job, was when I was in the Air Force; I was an administrative officer for a unit down in Tucson, Ariz., and that was very interesting. What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? That I've jumped out of perfectly good airplanes. I had a good time. But it's addictive, it really is. You could spend 100 percent of your time focusing on those free falls. Courtesy of Marketing Communications What was the last movie you saw? "Beginners," and before that "Midnight in Paris." I enjoyed "Midnight in Paris" very much. "Beginners," the way the movie is put together it moves around a little bit, and it took about half the movie for me to get into that. But I thought the acting was exceptional, the topic, the theme was both emotional intellectually challenging, so I enjoyed it. If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Probably a Morgan Horse. Morgans are very versatile animals that can be showy but also are work horses. What is your favorite pastime? We have a farm, and we don't raise anything on the farm anymore, but I very much enjoy getting out on the farm cutting wood, getting on the tractor and driving iri circles. What is one item on your bucket list? I have not visited South America. I'm really intrigued with Brazil and Argentina. And I'd like to go to Patagonia, but my wife tells me it's too cold. Is there a story behind the bow tie? My wife's father wore bow ties, in fact I don't think I ever saw him in a straight tie, and he's about 5-5, and he decided he was going to teach me how to tie a bow tie, except he had to get on a chair. And I just thought it was cool, so I started wearing bow ties time to time.It's just something a little bit different, it's not intended to show off, I just think they look classy. CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstin.cook@thewilkesbeacon.com Programming Board brings entertainment to Thursda nights BY ABIEY HALDEMAN Staff Writer This spring semester, Thursdays are about to get a little livelier. That's because Programming Board, lead by advisers Jamie Miller and Melissa Howells, are finding ways to help students find something fun to do for their Thursday afternoons and evenings. Programming Board is planning events for every Thursday of this semester. From bingo to laser tag, Karaoke and Zumba classes, students will find something to do that interests them. "We just want students to have something to do with their Thursdays," said junior elementary education major and Programming ........----=----, Board President Jessica Short. This past week, the first of the Thursday events, Pizza Wars took place in the ballroom of the Student Union Building. "Groups of students from Programming Board went and tried some of the pizzas and after, they ask the restaurant if they are willing to sell them for around $5 a piece," Short said. The restaurants that participated made 60 pizzas for this year's Pizza Wars. For those that like to dance, but don't feel like dressing up, Programming Board has scheduled a sweatpants dance. "There will be a DJ and everyone is welcome to come in their sweats or yoga pants," Short said. As you can tell, there are a variety of differ- UCOM March 15: March 18: March 29: M B Ballroom BBallroom UBLounge UB Ballroom April 15: Zumba April 19: Scaven April 26: Ice Cre ent events scheduled for this semester alone. If you are interested in getting involved and helping the programming board set up events, you can attend their weekly meetings on Thursday at 11 :30 a.m. in the Miller Room. CONTACT ABBEY HALDEMAN AT: abbey.haldeman@wilkes.edu �10 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 Wilkes-Barre'smost romantic places tor lalentina's Dav tun BY LAURA PREBY hoto Editor Instead of celebrating Valentine's Day like ost couples, take your sweetheart out for a night he or she will never forget. These ideas will guarantee a fun-filled evening for ou and your loved one. 1. Arts YOUniverse Arts YOUniverse will also hold a classic ballroom dancing class, which may seem intimidating, but the beginner's course, taught by Raphael and Lauren Cooper, just may bring couples closer together. Finally, they offer "The Nearlywed Game," a variation of the "Newlywed Game" led by Angei Berlane, a trained drama instructor skilled in hilarious improv. There will also be complimentary light refreshments available. Reservations for these events are required, so call 570-970-ARTS to save a spot for you and rour loved one. Arts YOUniverse bas beea1 offering Valentine's Day events for the past few years, and has fonnulated the perfect evening for couples to come and get to know each other 2. The Crimson Lion ·ust a little bit better. Starting at 6:30 p..m. If you're a fan of hookah. coffee or live on Saturday, February 11th, couples will be music, you've probably been to The Crimable to choose between four classes to take son Lion Hookah Lounge on South Streel ith their loved one for a cost of $25. The This Valentine's Day, you and your sweetoptions are hard to pick from, as there are so heart can stop by for a cup of coffee, or one any good choices. For example, "Couples of their new birthday cake drinks, a new seCollage," an art class, lets couples work to- cret recipe that tastes just like cake, accordgether and use their imagination to create a ing to owner Mike P~uini. They will also iece of memorable art they can save for- be offering $1 hutferbeers and a new mix ever. "Candlelight Couples Yoga," taught of shisha called "Love Bug'' for $3. While you"re there, check out their display of art by Corrine Farrel, is self-explanatory: "We use only candlelight as illumination work, including a new mural by Omar Guerin one of our studios, and the instructors rero. lead couples in gentle yoga stretches that 3. Restaurants are done together," says organizer Kathleen The cliche Valentine's Day dinner seems Godwin. "Yoga is a healthful and relaxing activity that we hope couples continue to like an overdone concept, especially since it can be expensive for a college student. ractice long after the class." lll't/(})fJPiJEN V/AJLrE Here are three restaurants in the area that will provide you with a unique dining experience and perk up your holiday dinner. Mtrakuya, a Japanese restaurant located by the Wyoming Valley Mall, has ~ sushi lunches and fantastie ht"bacbi · with chefs that entertaia as cook. If you're not a Kevin's Bar and Resta in Kingston serves delic1 atmosphere. They provide and while the restaurant is fancy, are not insanely overpriced. For those over 21, they also have a full bar available. Finally, the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains Township is having a Valentine's Dinner with the Skursky Jazz Trio. Prices on meals vary, but admission is free, however this event is for those 21 an4 over. Promising a romantic, jazz-filled evening, the Jazz Cafe opens their doors at 5 p.m. on Valentine's Day, and will be taking reservations at 570822-2992. • ROSE SPECIAL ·: $ J9QdftMly • tifl/ .,•• • • • 'ff • While Supplies Last ¼ Doz. Roses Vased • Dozen Vased $2999 $4999 www.amfloralexpress.com 5. Movies Nothing says "I love you" like curling up in .a dark theater with your loved one. The $3 tickets available in the SUB o n ~ and Wedaesdays can beanine~Jlddi,. tiontoauy~s Day adventure. So bat4 over to Movies 14, and ~ don't forget the fiee. small popcorn you receive with your Wilkes' ID. But what types of movies are there for the star-crossed lovers that dwell the lobbies and hallways of the Cineplex? Well three of them, which are out now, can definitely help with your plans this holiday. Guys, if she is in the mood for a gushy, romantic, or otherwise boring film, you would TiJlfhljE ,B D:A}Y.,a. 7'am-7pm 1 Dozen Cash & Carry you want to take your man out vie he would eltjoy since he was the night before, he would love t see "Chronicle". This movie will be perfect for you since • is full of action and only has a run time o 84 minutes. The guys enjoy the j humor and epic fight scenes, while the · will the ey cand wm 4. Millennium Salon & Spa Millennium Salon and Spa on South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre is having a special for couples on Valentine's Day'. For $110, you and your significant other can take part in an hour-long full-body massage. Call ahead for reservations for the big day, or buy your sweetheart a gift certificate for use at any time. They also have specials on pedicures, manicures and facials. Men, don't be ashamed to pamper yourself with a massage - your body will thank you. • •.tit. score major points by taking her to see Th Artist This Academy Award nominated fil captured the hearts of many critics with i roiDaldic portrayal of the silent movie in __,,_ Alld for the guys, the movie itsel • • you don't have to hear the char poorly written soliloquies o their significant other means t a win-win for both of you. Now. ~ .•. run time. But, if you are looking for a movie that you both can enjoy, see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. The dimensional remake · will woo men . Whether it be by the timel or and romantic· ~--- It haJ something for eve ad its newly »fflastered 3D presen will wi1h the excitement. There you and buy your movie tickets prepare for a night you will never forg probably. The Beacon/laura Pr Above: Downtown Arts Arts YOUni is offering romance-based art, yoga a dance classes on Feb. 11 for couples t take part in. CONTACT LAURA PREBY laurapreby@thewilkesbeacon.com �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 LIFE lntimacv can boost vour immunesvstem BY CHRISTINE LEE UfeEditor William Shakespeare once said, "So dear love him that with him, all deaths I could ure. Without him, live no life." Love is an enduring characteristic in many pie's lives, but it is a complex process bas many ups and downs. Professor of sychology Dr. Carl Cbametski said there people to become attracted. to e another. e way is by fasymmet:ry. 'The more symmetric e face is, the more attracthat person is," Chametssaid. hametski said a study done in itzerland showed that scent plays in attraction. Women were told to en's T-shirts and rate the ~ n n the partk:ular sc Jlle, ~ dy found that worn to men who had sim rspiration on the · omen were more attra s:imilar bacteria or a sinailal: immuae mas their own," Charnetski said. ""The ria that were left over were not killed y the immune system.'' In a study published in Chametski's 2001 ook, "Feeling Good is Good for You: H ow leasure can Boost Your Immune System d Lengthen Your Life," Charnetski found at love can boost one's immune system. In the study, the most important aspects of love are intimacy, passion and commitment as cited by psychologist Robert Sternberg. Sternberg created the Triangular Love Scale to measure these aspects, which Chametski used in bis study. "I found that people who are very much in love and engaged in a moderate amount of sexual activity had higher levels of the antibody Immunoglobulin A than couples that engaged in less or more sexual activity," Charnetski said. Immunoglobulin A is one of the major antibodies critical to disease prevention and resolution of diseases. He said by measuring the variables of intimacy, passion and commitment, scientists can determine how in love people are. In tertns of how people fall are attracted to each other, there are many factors that are primarily emotional but some physiological. _ ''First impressions that later develop into lasting relationships can often begin with what is considered to be attractive and the physical first impression does matter," says professor of communication studies Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, who teaches a course in interpersonal communication that touches on romantic relationships. Elmes-Crahall says shared activities are what bond people together. "Most ofwhat attracts people has to go beyond the physical exterior, it has to include shared goals, values, similar communication styles and interests," Elmes-Crahall said. One of the key features of a long-lasting romance is commitment, which ElmesCrahall describes as "a leap of faith." In this stage of a romantic relationship, she says couples make the decision that they are going to do both the good and the bad, the easy aml the not so easy aspects to keep the relatioilship 1ogedier as they want to be together 11 When people first get together, there is a certain length of time for people to become comfortable with one another. The words people say also have different meanings, which can become sacred or hurtful. "We take it to the point where words hurt and then there are words that are legally binding in romantic relationships such as marriage vows," Elmes-Crahall said. Overall, romance depends on whether the content of the relationship balances with the relationship. ... Photo: The Beacon/Dan Lykens At left: A couple takes a sunset walk down the River Common. Studies have shown that intimacy can reduce one's risk of heart disease. CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com loog4:eml. "Commitment is the hard part because it is scary," Elmes-Crahall said. "You know that they are gofag to know you and for every~ good and bad, but in spite of all that there is something that will bond (couples) together." She says the idea of shared values usually bonds couples together and that it takes hard work, forgiveness and negotiation to keep a relationship together. 146 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE/ WILKES-BARRE, PA 18701 �THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 LIFE 12 'Vagina Monologues' advocates against violence to women, girls BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor For many, the topic of the female anatomy is disconcerting. But Wilkes' yearly production of "The Vagina Monologues" aims to help increase awareness and to stop violence against women and girls. P3 pharmacy major and student coordinator Angela D 'Alessandro, is in her fourth year directing and fifth year participating in the show. D'Alessandro feels it is extremely important for people to become aware of violence against women and girls. "Coming from a small campus, kids think, 'that doesn't happen here; that happens at big schools, big party schools' and that's not true," D' Alessandro said. "It happens at _Wilkes, it happens everywhere." Eve Ensler, the creator of "The Vagina Monologues" and the V-Day organization, wrote the show from interviews she conducted with women from all over the world who shared their real life experiences with st:x, masturbation, birth, rape and names associated with the vagina. The monologues have been performed all over the world, at college campuses across the country and by celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg and Jane Fonda. "They're basically vagina interviews," D' Alessandro said. The monologues are based women's personal stories and pushes past comfort zones into reality and truth behind different women's experiences. D' Alessandro says the openness and honesty has surprised many people in the past. e eacon an y ens P3 pharmacy majors Angela D'Alessandro, left, and Nicole Willis, right, take turns practicing the monologue"Six-Year-Old Girl"which is a 6-year-old girl talking about her vagina. "We tell people in the very beginning, it's OK if you want to laugh or if you want to cry," D' Alessandro said. "People don't usually talk about vaginas out loud and up front." The show will present some monologues with a comedic angle, but some stories will be serious, with the intent of creating an open and honest way for people to become more aware violence to women around them. "There are some monologues that are so heart breaking, and it's so sad, but they're beautiful," D' Alessandro said. "The Vagina Monologues" was created to not only increase awareness of violence to women and girls in the world, but to assure women that they are not alone. That there are places women can get help if they are being abused, know someone that is being abused or if they just want to talk. The Victims' Resource Center, The Domestic Violence Service Center, and Planned Parenthood of Wilkes-Barre. They will have tables set up providing information about their different resources and their contact information. Each year since 1998, the V-Day organization does a spotlight monologue about an area of the world where women and girls are the most vulnerable. This year's "Va- gina Monologue" has a different spotlight from last year's performance. This year the spotlight will be focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo, New Orleans, La., and Haiti. It will be read by senior English major Sarah Crolick. The money made from Vagina Monologues show goes toward the National V-Day Organization, The Victim's Resource Center, The Domestic Violence Service Center and Planned Parenthood in Wilkes-Barre. "We also ask donations from some of the deans, programming board, and student government to help us and allow Wilkes students to come for free," D' Alessandro said. The Vagina Monologues has also brought together students and teachers for this cause. "It's cool because a lot of us don't get to see kids from different majors and to work with teachers in a different way and it really brings people together/ D' Alessandro said. The Vagina Monologues will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11 and will be held in the Henry Student Ballroom of the SUB. Tickets are free for Wilkes students; tickets for other colleges with their student IDs are $5, and general admission is $10. T-shirts and chocolate vagina lollipops will be sold there as well. For more information about the performance and the V-Day movement, contact the Vagina Monologues student coordinator, Angela D' Alessandro at angela.dalessandro@wilkes.edu. CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebecca.bo/us@thewilkesbeacon.com Students 'like' what they see on social media pages .SY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor This is Part 2 of Wilkes ' Use of Social Media. In this part, Student Development and the Wilkes Alumni Association use Facebookfor their benefits and to get their messages out. Student Development coordinator Melissa Howells says Facebook allows students to engage with Student Development and the Colonel. "We are where the students are and it gives us another outlet to communicate with them," Howells, who administers both the Student Development and Colonel pages, said, "The Facebook page gives the Colonel a voice to be able to talk to students and gets spirit up." Howells said Facebook allows students to participate actively with Student Development. For the Colonel, they want to make him more involved in student life and visible. " It gives us an opportunity to let them know about things," Howells says. "It's also -■■■■■■■■■■■■-■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ Q. Search •-----•---------------------• 'lA_. 1·. · .. W I l KES Jt~;;v f i ¾'I I; WJJ Write p0 ,5 t Wilkes University Class of 2015 Open Group !it 397 Membe rs ~ f@J 20 Photo s 11:li Do.cs Add Photo l Video ~ Ask Question ________________ · - - - · ___, ~ , · - - - - - --1 necting alumni across the country. "Facebook has been an easy way for peopie to stay connected and learn about what's happening on campus," Husted said. "We wanted to utilize these social media tools to make it easier for alumni to stay connected." Husted said the alumni page has given the department the opportunity to connect with alums. "Alumni are more willing to interact with us through that venue and it has given us the chance to learn about them," Husted said. It is clear with Wilkes pages on Facebook and Twitter people can access information about e'\lents on campus with ease. Write SCH'm::th!~9·~~---------·-··--·"--",-·-·~"-"··~--,----,--..,-------1 Courtesy of Facebook Facebook groups have been created for the classes of 2014 and 2015. The class of 2015 page has been used as an interaction tool for first-year students. more prompt with updates." Associate Alumni director and alumni Facebook page administrator Bridget Husted said social media is good tool for con- CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com �CONTACT EDITOR: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com FEBRUARY 7, 2012 Supernatural forces collide in Wilkes alum's dark debut novel BY BI LL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Talking to Sabrina Benulis, you'd never know this was a woman with an apocalypse inside her, just roaring to get out. Friendly, outgoing and seemingly without pretension, Benulis has a charm that is disarming and a laugh that is infectious. But swirling inside her mind is a portal to another dimension. It's a raging universe teetering on the edge of cataclysm, a battleground where angels and demons battle for dominion and, at the heart of it all, a damaged young girl with red hair struggles with issues ofidentity and fate. This is the world of "Archon," the first installment in Benulis' "Books of Raziel" trilogy. The book was released internationally this winter by publishing powerhouse HarperCollins, through its fantasy-themed Voyager imprint. Before becoming an architect of Armageddon, Benulis juggled majors at Wilkes University, graduating in 2005 with degrees in both English and psychology. The 28-year-old author, who lives in Drums, recently took the time to share with The Beacon the inspirations that motivated the evolution of"Archon." Tell me about.the story of"Archon." I could say Archon takes place in the future, but I'd rather say it's more like an alternate reality on Earth about a hundred years from our timeline. In this world, there is a prophecy of a "dark messiah," called the Archon, that will appear on Earth, and according to this prophecy that person will have red hair. In this world, people with red hair are known, derogatorily, as "blood heads." Angela Mathers is one of them, and they're all gathered at a special school situated on an island city owned by the Vatican. Angela suspects it's the Vatican's way of weeding out who this possible dark messiah might be. What she doesn't realize is that she's suspected to be a candidate. Anyway, she gets involved in a rivalry with this other girl who is the head of what seems to be a witches' coven, and who seriously wants to be the Archon, the dark messiah. The Archon is a focal point for angels and demons and other creatures, because she is supposed to be the reincarnation of an an- gel who wrote "The Book of Raziel," which contains a power that can tip the balance of the universe. That's it, in a nutshell. I know that's a lot. (laughs) Where did the inspiration for "Archon" come from? My inspirations are everywhere. Since I was little I loved reading about mythology and world religions. I grew up Catholic, so I would say it's that and then popular culture like movies. I'm also big fan of anime and manga, which was a strong influence on the visuals in the novel. I think maybe subconsciously I took all those things and combined into something that was my own world, my own story. How did your experiences as a Wilkes student influence your writing career? At first I was a psychology major, and I enjoyed it, but, when I really looked at the careers in that field, I thought, "This isn't for me." So then I had enough room for another major, so I decided to go into English. I always loved to write, but it was mostly just for myself, just for fun. I took a creative writing course taught by Bernie Kovacs, and I wrote a short story for one of the assignments . When I got it back there was a note on it that said he wanted to see me after class, but the way it was worded I thought there was something wrong. (laughs) I was kind of preparing myself for problems. But he just said to me "This is really, really good. Have you ever thought of doing this professionally?" That's what got me thinking about what I could do. The idea for this novel had been simmering somewhere in the back of my mind, and that was when I decided to seriously give it a shot. The more I started doing it, the more I loved it. When you find what you love to do you don't really want to do anything else. (laughs) What can readers expect from the trilogy in the future? Well, I should say "expect the unexpected." (laughs) I can't say I wrote a plot that hasn't been done before, because everything's been done before. But it maybe does things that people haven't seen before. This is definitely a book series that takes chances, it takes chances with the characters, it takes chances with the plot. I've had a lot of people have interesting reactions to the fact that it deals with angels and demons. Because of that, I've had people try to figure out - I don't want to say the religious aspects of the book because it's not Christian fiction or a religious book - but I think that they'll be surprised with the mythology that they know. Also, it's unusual in that this first book is very dark. Usually books start light and progress toward a dark point. I took the opposite approach, kind of a "going toward the light" effect. All I can say is you could expect some pretty interesting things. I'm really excited about the second book. Its tone and atmosphere are complementary to the first book, but, at the same time, they're different. Whereas the first book you could say had a sort of Halloween feel , the second book has a sort of Christmas feel. When it begins, there's snow and candlelight and that quiet atmosphere, and it progresses from there. Read the complete, uncut interview with Sabrina Benulis at www.thewilkesbeacon1 . com CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Photo courtesy of Sharon J. Naples The brainchild of 2005 Wilkes graduate Sabrina Benulis {right), the book "Archon" {left) is a dark, epic fantasy-thriller inspired by Christian mythology. �14 ------ THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 A&E Blood spills in avant-garde theater production BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Art should be controversial. That's the mindset of 33-year-old stage director Justin John Costello of Kingston. His latest production, a risque version of the already risque Shakespearean potboiler "Titus Andronicus," will run at WilkesBarre's Little Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 10, 11 and 12. True to form, Costello said his interpretation of the material is all about pushing buttons and breaking boundaries. "No matter what the medium is, art should make you think. It should not be safe," Costello said. "It's visceral. It gets under your skin. All art should do that. I embrace the controversy. It inspires conversation and debate. The experience you have will travel with you when you leave." "Titus Andronicus" is arguably an ideal choice with such a goal in mind. The play is not only one of William Shakespeare's most obscure works, it's also one of his most violent. A bloody tale of deception and insanity, "Titus Andronicus" regales us with the downfall of the title character, a Roman general locked in a vicious conflict with Tamora, the Queen of the Goths. Despite the well-worn vintage of the material, Costello promises his vision of "Titus Andronicus" will be anything but old-fashioned. For starters, the setting of the story has moved from ancient Rome to "outside of time." "Our set is completely symbolic. It's not a traditional set at all," Costello said. "The costuming is also all symbolic, based more on character than on any time period or setting. You will definitely not see anyone in togas." Citing such influences as "Theatre of Cruelty" founder Antonin Artaud and "Hellraiser" scribe Clive Barker in his decision to shape the aesthetics of his production with avant-garde theater techniques, Costello went on to describe "Titus Andronicus" as a bleak horror story that is "all about extremes." He also stressed that the production is intended for mature audiences only. "It's going to be very dark," he warned. "We're going (heavy) with the blood. We're amping up the sexuality and sensuality of the piece with costuming and what's going on. We're trying to make it as bold and provocative as it can be." Commenting on the choice to run "Titus Andronicus" the weekend before Valentine's Day, Costello let out a wry, wicked chuckle and added that "nothing says love like revenge, murder, incest and adultery." Mark Petrole, 33, of Pittston, portrays Aaron, a character responsible for some of the play's most memorable acts of debauchery and dismemberment. Though Petrole admitted that he 's had more experience in the musical and comedy gemes, the actor remarked that Costello's experimental approach to the age-old play made this production an irresistible challenge. "When I heard how he was going to be presenting this, I jumped at the challenge," Petrole said. "I wanted to really grow as an actor, and I have. I've learned a lot. It's really been different for me, really a challenge, but a fun one and one well worth taking." The torrid and tenebrous subject matter of "Titus Andronicus" may be fresh territory for some members of the cast, but Costello is no stranger to dramatic extremes. Among the director's list of credits are productions of Clive Barker's "History of the Devil," Bryan Goluboff's "The Other Five Percent" and Euripedes' "The Bacchae." With all that under his belt, you might think Costello is just about finished plumbing his darkest depths. You would be wrong. This spring, Costello hopes finally to make flesh a pet project he's been nursing for several years. Titled "Amongst the Living," it's an independent film to be lensed throughout NEPA. The thematic meat of the picture, Costello said, will deal with his favorite artistic obsessions: horror, sexuality, identity and religion. Why such a fixation on the more sinister sides of the human condition? "Clive (Barker) said it best when he said 'Sometimes you have to embrace the darkness in order to see the light,"' Costello explained. "Then you can recognize the good things that are happening." "Titus Andronicus" will run at Little Theatre (537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre) at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 570-823-1875 or visit littletheatre.org. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Courtesy of Justin John Costello In rehearsal for one of the most brutal scenes in "Titus Andronicus'~ Wilkes student Kathryn Priestash (left) plays Lavini_a while Sam Troy (right) plays the titular Titus. the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville Gust across the bridge!) . the legendary taste I $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out I Expires 06/30/12 I - - - - valid only at Grotto Pizza locations ,t �15 A&E THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 'Woman in Black' shivers spines 'Gossip girl' von Ziegesar goes but only grazes the stomachs to college with mixed results BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor From the '50s to the late '70s, Hammer Film Productions was one the premier names in horror cinema. Sadly, changing audience tastes eventually resulted in the demise of the studio. As the company's psychological thrillers, pulpy vampire adventures and stylish haunted-house yarns went the way of the dodo, replaced with a gut-pile of hack 'n' slash bloodbaths, the iconic House of Hammer closed its doors. For upwards of three decades, they remained shut. Then, in 2007, Hammer returned out of the blue, under new management. Still in the process of lumbering back to life, the company recently began picking up steam with the artistic success of such projects as Matt Reeves' remake of"Let the Right One In" (retitled "Let Me In") and David Keating's "The Wake Wood." With "The Woman in Black," a new adaptation of Susan Hill's 1983 novel, Hammer officially revisits the distinctly British breed of gothic horror that defined so much of its early classic output. Seemingly try to erase the public perception of him as "that Harry Potter kid," Daniel Radcliffe stars as Arthur, a single father living in Edwardian England. Traveling to the secluded Eel Marsh House to consolidate the private papers of the recently deceased lady of the manor, Arthur soon finds himself engulfed in a swelling sea of superstition and tragedy. Looming over it all is a malevolent wraith, the titular "woman in black," whose appearance serves an omen of the death of a child. With his own son potentially in danger, Arthur becomes determined to unearth the secret of the shadowy specter and rid Eel Marsh of her curse once and for all. Director James Watkins offers a welcome respite from recent horror duds like the triedtoo-hard "Paranormal Activity 3" and the didn't-try-hard-enough "The Devil Inside." The film's brooding visuals permeate it with an ominous, ever-present atmosphere of sorrow and dread, sending shivers up your spine even when screenwriter Jane Goldman's script tests your patience with an obnoxious overabundance of cheap jumpscares. Though the second act stretches itself fatally thin, the pacing is methodical, with more emphasis on emotion and ambiance than unwarranted action. Those hungry for a good get-under-yourskin chiller should ~~\, find "The Woman in Black" a tasty A treat indeed. ,~ · More a ~ stoma_ch• grazing 0 spook-show, though, than a real-deal meal. a,\\\* C:,'1 BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer Cecily von Ziegesar is best known for the smash hit "Gossip Girl" book series. Even though the television show based off of the novel series is wildly popular with its teenage audience, von Ziegesar's newest venture, the fledgling "Cum Laude" series, targets a new crowd: college-age women. The first entry in the series, also titled '.'Cum Laude," introduces us to the girls who go to Dexter College, small liberal arts college tucked away in the quiet town of Home, Maine. The girls are exactly what you would expect. Some are well-off, while others are on scholarships. Parties are thrown, boys are met, and lessons are learned. The classtartsof 2014 #I. their ~ year off quietly, *,.~ ~ ~ • .. ,C 0 ,.. * living up to the school motto of ''Find Yourself," dealing with life's problems as they are handed to them or sometimes as they create them. This really is a story of growing up. The downside is that almost no one lives like this. Not everyone has their Mercedes stolen from campus or fires a bartender from a party. The students hook up, break up, make up and cause a scene. This is a depiction of college life, just not the average one. Even though this novel focuses on four different freshmen, none of them could exactly be called "average" or • "normal." This is especially true considering that these students seem to want for almost nothing, even though they are only college freshman. Every character seems to fall above or below the line of normal, leaving the people in the middle without representation. As with all of von Ziegesar's novels, however, the writing is tremendous and tightly woven. The drama is high and will reach out and pull the reader into the storyline scandals. This may not be an accurate description of college life, but it certainly lives up to the standards that became her precedent when von Ziegesar penned the "Gossip Girl" series. The perfect way to describe this novel is "Gossip Girl: The Next Step." Dealing with new found freedom can be daunting, but this set of freshman takes it to a whole new level using the imaginative, compelling and sometimes unrealistic writing of von Ziegesar. As unrealistic as it is, the novel is still a good read. More than just pizza, rank's is a feas BY DOMINICK COSTANTINO Staff Writer Great prices, excellent service and tasty food all come to mind when thinking about Frank's Pizzeria and Italian Restorante. The restaurant, which recently moved to 198 S. Main St. in Wilkes-Barre, has a wide variety of menu options. Diners can get anything from a classic slice of pizza to a full Italian meal. I chose to get cheese ravioli, and I'm so glad I did because they were wonderful. The ravioli were the perfect size, cooked al dente. Many restaurants don't cook ravioli long enough and some restaurants cook them too long. This was not the case at Frank's. The cheese filling was very tasty, and there was the perfect amount of cheese in each of the ravioli. The tomato sauce that covered the ravioli was delicious. It wasn't too sweet or bitter - it was j ust right ! There was a lot of sauce on the plate which made the six slices of bread perfect. The bread had a crunchy crust, and the middle dough was nice and warm. This meal was just as good as any up-scale Italian restaurant. For my appetizer, I could have either soup or salad. I chose to get meatball ravioli soup because it was something different. The soup was very good. It reminded me of hamburger soup, just with two little ravioli added to it. In addition to the ravioli, there were many little meatballs in the tomatobased soup. Since elementary school I heard fellow classmates talk about how great Frank's pizza is. I never had it before so I knew I had to try a slice. It was great! There was an equal proportion of sauce and cheese. Both ingredients were delicious, and the crust was nice and crispy. I can't stand soggy pizza so I was glad when the pizza came out crunchy. While at Frank's, I was also able to taste some of my friends ' meals as well. The French onion soup was very good. The cheese was nice and gooey and the soup had a lot of flavor without being too salty. The french fries at Frank's are so good! They were crisp and the perfect size - not too thick, not too thin. I was able to try their mild chicken wings as well. The wings were well-cooked and the mild sauce was • sweet but had a little kick to 4 5/5 it. Service was excellent here. The waitress was friendly and came over frequently to make sure that we were satisfied with our meals. The restaurant decor is also very nice. The seats are comfortable and the entire restaurant is very clean. If you want a delicious home-made Italian meal at a reasonable price, go to Frank's. My ravioli meal with soup and bread was under $8. I've paid up to $17 for the same quality meal at other Italian restaurants. This is definitely an affordable spot for college students. On top of that, Frank's offers 10 percent off to Wilkes students who show a valid ID. CONTACT BILL THOM AS billthomas@thewilkes.beacon �FEBRUARY 7, 201 2 Tennis team prepares for new season Coach uses prior experience to turn program around BY MIKE BOYLAN Correspondent Although the Wilkes University men and women tennis teams are not one of the most popular sports to watch, they have been one of the more dominant teams here on campus. The men and women programs are led by the saine coach, Chris Leicht. Upon entering the head-coaching job for the Wilkes University Colonels tennis teams were below. 500 average winning percentages. They were always a team towards the bottom of the Middle Atlantic Conference for its existence. :J_eicht was the man to tum around both the tennis teams around. Starting at the age of 10 he has been playing the sport of tennis. He has always lived around Wilkes-Barre area, growing up in Danville, Pa. When attending Danville High School, he was on the varsity tennis team. After graduating high school he decided not to play tennis collegiately. In 2000, he graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in business administration and also earning masters in business administration. His first job was at his alma madder, Danville high school. As he took the men's varsity team he had early success. And that success continued through<'-..Jt his tenure there. He compiled 57 wins and 4 losses. In his _. final two years at Danville High School his team won the league and district IV championship and advanced to the state semi finals, which they lost back-to-back years, losing to identical scores (3-2). " I left Danville High School for a better job opportunity" Leicht says. He came to Wilkes University as the director of residence life. He grew to miss the game. So began his coaching career with the Colonels as a volunteer assistant. ery soon after, the Wilkes University athletics department offered Leicht the head coaching position of the men's team. After one season with the men's program Leicht was offered the women's head coaching job as well. Taking over both programs he knew he had his work cut out for himself. He prides himself on his team because of the work he puts into it. The main reason The Broad Street Breakdown BY BRYAN WISLOSKY Columnist on why the tum around of these programs happened quickly was because of the great recruiting. "Bringing in better players was the start of becoming a better program", Leicht says. The coach has his methods . with recruiting, he usually recruits within a three-hour radius of Wilkes University. He recruits in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. He also benefits from the United Tennis Student Association, which is a high school tennis program that gives out rankings to players so it is easier to find a player that best fits your team. Division III sports is the lowest level of collegiate sports but a very competitive level. It is a Courtesy of Sports Information difficult task to find tal- Coach Chris Leicht recently lead the Colonels to a conferent that is good enough ence championship. The Colonels tennis team will look to to make you successful continue its success on Feb. 18 at Drew University in any Division III sport. The difficult part is, if that talent is good sistently. "Coach was one of the main reasons I enough why is he/she not going to a Division I or Division II schools. In Division came to Wilkes University," says men's III you have to work very hard and travel tennis player Brandon Helfrich. "He was a lot to find these players that will be suc- always in contact with me and always cessful in Division III. You have to be very checked up on me to see how I was doing persistent and make the player feel most in tennis and in overall life. He made me comfortable with your program and your feel wanted as a player and that makes you feel good as a recruited athlete," Helfrich school as if it was the perfect fit. says.' "Recruiting is difficult for everyone in Coach Leicht is a great recruiter because every sport" Leicht says. Leicht definitely you are not just his player he actually has his work cut out for since he has doucares about you. So that makes you feel ble the work for recruiting because of both more comfortable coming to this school to the men and women programs. The amount of success that he is hav- play for him.' Men's tennis player Clarke Freeman ing is remarkable. The work that goes into making one successful team is a tough task agrees. "You want to come here and play but Leicht has done it with two teams con- SEE TENNIS, PAGE 19 It's the beginning of February and spring training is right around the comer. The feeling in Philadelphia is cautious optimism given that the heavily favored Phillies choked big time in their National League Division Series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, who became the eventual World Series champion. Plus, the Phillies haven't really done much to improve in the offseason. Their biggest acquisition has been former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, but they've refused to address their obvious flaws at the plate. While the Phillies still have the most dangerous pitching staff in the National League, possibly the entire majors, they just aren't good hitters. Perhaps Ruben Amaro is hoping to see more hunger in his every day players. For instance, the impending free agencies of ounielders Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence will motivate them to put together their strongest seasons ever. Chase Utley who has been plagued by injury the past few seasons is finally looking healthy and will be looking to put together another All-Star season as he begins to transition to the twilight of his career. The heart and soul of the Phillies of the past decade Jimmy Rollins didn 't get any respect from the free agent market ended up taking a discount to come back to Philadelphia and will be looking to prove his doubters wrong. So maybe some of the field will have extra incentive to produce this year, but we can't ignore the $125 million gorilla in the room. Let's face it, when Ryan Howard comes back from his ruptured Achilles tendon the most he'll be good for is 230 strikeouts. I don't know if the Phillies will be a serious contender until he's out of the lineup. Howev~r, when we look at this upcoming season, it's hard to not pick the Phillies to at least win the division. Although the Marlins and Nationals have made some signing to improve, neither of them really have that it factor that says divi- SEE PHILLIES, PAGE 19 �17 SPORTS SCOREBOARD THE BEACON I FEB RUARY 7, 2012 Joseph Pugliese COLUflllNJST,. Wrestling . This year the attention in baseball will be on the NL East. The Nationals and Marlins made big splashes, while the Phillies and Braves hope some young talent will step up. The Phillies will be the favorite to win the division not unlike last year. But they 2/1 @ Misericordia L 61 -76 will not be the division winner. 2/3 Manhattanville W 64-58 The NL East champions will be the Washington Nationals. The Nationals have improved more than the Marlins; the Marlins added an injury prone shortstop and an aging pitcher to their injury prone rotation. 2/1 @Misericordia L 45-61 The Nationals added a great young pitcher 2/3 Manhattanville W 89-74 in Gio Gonzalez, who with the A's had a 3.12 ERA, won 16, and pitched more than 200 innings the last two years. They also recently added Edwin Jackson who quietly has pitched 200 innings the last three years, and last- year had a 3. 79 ERA with 12 wins. Jordan Zimmerman F had a 3.12 ERA last year, and at 25 years old, is only getting better. I, 2/10 Ithaca With a healthy Strasburg, this is one of 2/1 l@McDaniel, UMBC,Ursinus the best young rotations in the league. They have four starters that could win 15 games all with a low ERA. 2/8 @ FDU-Florham Ryan Zimmerman is a great player who 2/11 @ Eastern has never had much around him, he will bat close to .300 wdith at least h25 hhomd e ~s _and • 100 RBIs. A am LaRoc e a an mJury . plagued year last season, but when healthy 2/8 @ FDU-Florham is good for a very respectable .275 with 25 2/11 @ Eastern home runs. Mike Morse emerged last year hitting .300 with 31 home runs and is expected to come close to that mark again. Jayson Werth cannot have as bad as a year as he did last year. He should rebound, maybe not to the level he was with the Phillies, but he should be a threat. Another factor is the Phillies are not as good as last year. Rollins has not been the same in recent years, Polanco is quickly becoming a non factor with a WAR last year of only 1.5. Hunter Pence will have a good year, but left field is a big question mark. The starting rotation is still their strong point, but how long will Hamels stay? He Tweet us pictures of could very possibly be traded by the deadline with only one year left on his deal. Their bullpen is also weak in front of Papelbon. the scoreboa rds The Braves young stars did not step up to their potential last year and their veterans seem to be too old. The Marlins are reliant on the health of Josh Johnson and Jose Reyes, as well as the motivation of Hanley Ramirez. And finally the New York "Mess" won't even be a factor this year. All of this leaves the division open for the .._ Nationals to shock baseball . 2/3 @TCNJ W 27-10 Men's B-Ball Women's B-Ball ftick WEEKAHEAD Wrestling Men's B-Ball i I Women's B-Ball I I @wi Ikesbeacon _____________ Another year of baseball is approaching fast and my excitement is rising. But at the same time I am a nervous wreck. My Phillies are once again favored to win the NL East, but the amount of competition has greatly increased. The Marlins made the biggest changes this offseason. With the addition of shortstop Jose Reyes and pitcher's Mark Buehrle and ,C_.L==c~_ Heath Bell, the Marlins all of a sudden look like competitors. Jose Reyes, however, is injury prorie. He was putting up MVP number before his injury last year. The question is, can he up where he left off? Heath Bell is a quality guy to have in your bullpen, and he will definitely continue his success in Miami . Mark Buehrle is a little old, but a solid pick up to back up pitching phenom Jo&' Johnson. With Stanton in right, and a solid , hitting line-up, the Marlins will compete. The Braves haven't really improved from last year and look like they could be in for another downfall. The Braves need to redevelop themselves from that monster collapse last year on national television. The Nationals made some killer off season " signings. Gio Gonzalez is arguably the best young pitching prospect in the league. He will one day be considered an elite pitcher. The Nationals also have a healthy Strasburg coming back, and everyone has seen what he can do. Ryan Zimmerman will continue to impress the fans in Washington as he is the star ,] down there. • The Nationals have somewhat become the ,f: "mini" Phillies. With the signings of Brad Lidge and Chad Durbin, the Nats are starting to build a decent bullpen. This year's winner of the NL East will be the Phillies, but the window for another championship is closing fast, and this may be the year to do it. With the addition of Papelbon, the Phils added a solid experienced closer. The big question marks come in left field, third base, and first base. Ryan Howard will miss a good chunk of the season, and Polanco is not what he used to be. Left field will pretty much be by committee. Jimmy Rollins is also a wait-and-see kind of player now. That's my .complete analysis of the NL East. Oh yeah, the Mets? Who are they? The Debate:· Who will win the competitive National League East? The Buzz: Lots of big names and big talents came to thisdivision, mak"tn~}'it#ar1 ,intriguing race. Re~ults: Saseball sea ·•· ,. is . fl. g •. �d.··. ·. ' ·.:·····,,f.·. ,k : \ . . ., .-. ·' ~ •' . WE TREAT INJUR IES AND fllNESSES FOR ALL AGES. , >- J UST WALK INL -,· ' ·;· ,~ .; • ,s· tG:R. .A l.!ll AYS A. PHYSICIA.l\l ON S ITE. + MOST INSU ftAHC E ACCEPTED BUT HOT RiEOUJP.:ED . + X~RAYS, LABS, EICG5, IVs, MINOR SURGERY. • oesi lef Med . · ery: day. wl ·. y .as quickly.. You don't iieed an ,appointment.., •· · ' u can fe~i b"etter, fastir.' E 27 :"; w 5 - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - �19 THE BEAC:ON 1-FEBRUAR'f ?, 2(}12 , - .J POOL Continued from Page 20 Playing a 16-man double elimination bracket, Burt recently placed first at one of the tournaments and several other members of the club placed as well. Not only does the pool clJJb compete in tournaments at Pepe's Pizza, they are in charge of running the Intramural Billiard Tournament, and will be running a variety of different tournaments next semester such as team tournaments, 8 ball, 9 ball, and mixed. Burt and two other members of the club are looking to join a local American Poolplayer's Association Team. The APA is the largest billiards league in the world and host the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, one of the biggest tournaments in· the world. Members not only want to join on the local level, but the national level as well. With the club getting involved in more tournaments, it is always open to new players, and they welcome everyone from experienced players to people who have never played the game before. The club does not have any set practice times, but uses club hours when they can and many of the players spend much of their free time practicing. The club also offers one on one practice sessions for anyone who is inter- PHILLIES Continued from Page 16 sion champion. The Braves are a very good team but haven't really dQne much to get better. I feel they'll be too shell-shocked over their late season collapse to be any sort of a threat to the Phils. Then there's the Mets, and well if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck, and the Mets are pathetic. Now if we look at the pennant race, again, due to their pitching, it's hard to not put the Phillies near the top of the list. This past year, the biggest obstacles in the Phillies' way were the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals. With both their big boys, Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols, signing with the Anaheim Angels and Detroit Tigers, both of the American League, respectively, can anyone in the NL put up the runs against Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels? So yes, as the 2012 MLB season ap- ested. It currently has 10 to 20 active regular members. "We are open to anyone who wants to play, and we are willing to teach anyone" Cheung said. The pool club has recently been looking into getting a new pool table for the game room so they have more room for practicing, and tournaments. Most pool tables cost thousands of dollars and the Pool club is only given $300 from Student Government. This means the pool club is going to be doing a lot of different fundraisers in the future in order to reach their goal of getting a new pool table. The Wilkes University pool club is aware that not many people know a pool club even exists. This is another reason why the pool club is looking forward to doing fundraising and holding more tournaments and events. The club is also hoping that becoming more well-known will score them a sponsor. If the club could get a sponsor, this would help them with finding and transportation to tournaments while possibly allowing them to get more involved. If interested in joining the Wilkes University pool club, or regarding more information you can contact adam.burt@wilkes.edu or timothy.cheung@wilkes.edu. TENNIS Continued from Page 16 for Coach Leicht because there is a standard that he holds you to and that is winning championships." Since the Men's program has won the last four Middle Atlantic Conference championships and the Women's program won the last five MAC championships, this is an attractive area for tennis players. Championships are the goal of any athlete, no matter what the level the athlete is playing on. Another reason why Leicht says the Colonels have had more success recently is because that his players are playing in two seasons every school year. The reason his players can play in two seasons is with the addition of the UCOM an indoor facility that includes three indoor tennis courts, so even in the winter when you can not play outside the Wilkes University Colonels tennis team is in training and getting better. During the time between the two seasons the tennis players are always at work. Thanks to Wilkes University's Fitness Center down stairs of the Marts Gymnasium both men and women's tennis teams are lifting and trying to improve their game. "We [have lifting three a week and 1speed · and agility training whenever we have free time" says Helfrich. "No one on this team needs to be forced into the weight room. The whole team wants to get in here and make themselves better, There is a standard and we all abide to it." Alex Makos is one of the leaders for the men's tennis team. "No one is going to train as hard as me, I will be the most ready for the season," Makos said, Chris Leicht has done so much in 10 years here at this university. He said he has no interest in leaving Wilkes because he loves being at a small school, has been successful and is close to his family. The Colonels look to continue their success on Feb. 18 as they travel to Madison, ~ J. to play in the Drew University Invitational. CONTACT MIKE BOYLAN AT: michael.boylan@wilkes.edu Colonels Snap Losing Streak CONTACT SERENA MOLYNEUX AT: serena.molyneux@wilkes.edu proaches, it's easy to get excited for another year of domination by the Phillies, but it's just as easy to think that we're setting ourselves up for another big disappointment. Are you a Phillies fan ? Add your comments and thought at http://www.thewilkesbeacon. com. The Beacon/Justin Franiak CONTACT BRYAN WISLOSKY AT: bryan.wis/osky@wilkes.edu The Colonels recently ended their three game losing streak by beating Manhattanville 64-58 this past Saturday. Seniors Matt Mullins (left) and Paul Huch (right) combined for 17 points in the Freedom Conference win. The Colonels return to action Feb. 8 against FDU-Florham. �SPORTS 20 THE BEACON I FEBRUARY 7, 2012 Wilkes University Pool Club calls its shots Club members compete in tournaments, turn their hobby into serious sport BY SERENA MOLYNEUX Correspondent .• The loud talking, scuffling and laughter are drowned out by the sharp crack of a cue ball hitting the eight ball across the green velvet table, driving it into the pocket and ending an exciting game in the game room of the Student Union Building. For some students this is only something that happens when there is time to kill, but for the students who are part of the Wilkes University Pool Players Association, this happens almost every day. Wilkes University gains new clubs every semester, and one of the newest is the Wilkes University Pool club. The club started last fall, and is hoping to gain new members, new trophies and a new pool table in the future. This all began when two Wilkes students decided they wanted to make playing pool more than just a hobby to fill their free time. Adam Burt, a P2 Pharmacy major and President of the club co-founded the pool club along with Tim Cheung, junior and computer information systems major. "We are group of pool enthusiasts who play regularly in the Wilkes SUB game room," Burt said. The duo wants the club to be open to everyone and teach others the love of the game that they both enjoy to play so much. "It's not just a game, it's a sport," Burt said. Burt started playing pool at the early age of 13. "My dad and I used to go to the local bar and get food, and we'd play pool for an hour or two," Burt said. This is where his love for playing pool began. Burt started going almost every Tuesday and Thursday to the bar when they offered free pool playing from 5 to 7 p.m. Burt even went when his father couldn't, and although he was underage the bartenders never gave him a hard time for wanting to play pool. "By the time I was 15 or 16, I was playing in pool halls more frequently and still visiting local bars, playing whenever I could," Bart said. Soon after Burt stopped playing pool to pursue other interests, but picked it up again during his freshman year here at Wilkes. "I actually did the math; I spent more time playing pool my freshman year than I did attending all my classes combined," Burt said. "I was, and still am, usually found at the pool tables." After finding love for the game again, Burt realized that other people at Wilkes loved playing pool too. Burt wanted the solidarity of a team, instead of just playing for pleasure. Since the club got started, the pool club has gotten involved in competing in tournaments. The tournaments are held weekly at Pepe's Pizza located in Plymouth, Pa. Entry to play in the tournament is $5, and is run as a double elimination bracket. There are usually 10 to 20 people present at the tournaments according to Burt. Pepe, the owner of Pepe's Pizza, decided to get involved in pool tournaments to bring The Beacon/Austin Loukas A few students play pool in the SUB lounge. This hobby has recently been adopted by Wilkes as a club. The members compete in tournaments for cash prizes. in more business. Although the tournaments have been going on for about a month, Pepe plans on continuing the tournaments. Pepe thinks it's great the Wilkes University pool club is competing in the tournaments at his business. "There is a cash prize for players who take first and second place," Pepe said. He believes this could be very helpful to the college students, because they may need money. The tournament is a start-up one meaning the tournaments have been ongoing since Thanksgiving, and although it has only been held three times, Burt is certain that it will be continued and members will continue to compete. When competing at Pepe's, Wilkes pool club is the only club, or team present. The other competitors are locals and patrons at the bar. For more information and pictures, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.cotnQ, SEE POOL, PAGE 19 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 February 7th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 February 7 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/c13a4c7b07db1dd95251b055f124c0c1.pdf f1c8b4e635ecedf4b28d5e284767fb81 PDF Text Text January 31 , 2012 Volume 64 Issue 10 THE NEWS OF TODAY REPORTED BY THE JOURNALISTS OF TOMORROW www.thewilkesbeacon.com Wilkes students eye cash prizesthrough cultural lens BY JANEL NARO Assistant A&E Editor The Center for Global Education and The Student International Club at Wilkes is offering students and faculty the opportunity to showcase their talent and experience of studying abroad through their photography. "The program enables students and faculty to study abroad and interact and learn about different cultures," Dr. Godlove Fonjweng, director of Global Education said. "The goal is to enable students to learn more about different parts of the world and be able to know what's happening in different parts of the world." Fonjweng and Dr. Andrew Miller, professor of political science, provided Wilkes University students with a way to share their experience in an artistic and eyeopening way. Twenty-four students and 10 faculty members who studied abroad SEE ABROAD, PAGE 13 40 West fortifies ne-w aparttnents in YMCA BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief & PHAT NGUYEN News Editor Students looking to live off-campus, but not too off-campus, will now have the option of living in new apartments being constructed on thf upper floors of the WilkesBarre YMCA. 40 West is a new 21 apartment unit that is being built and will be completed in time for the fall 2012 leasing season. The unit is a renovation of the fourth, fifth and sixth floors of the YMCA, and will contain a variety of rooming options from single studios to quad rooms. Tim Gigliotti, 40 West property manager, said these apartments will give Wilkes students another option besides the usual housing choices. "There is no new product in the Wilkes housing department," Gigliotti said. For those who have been to the old YMCA apartments, the new unit will have no resemblance. Gigliotti explained that they completely gutted the fourth floor to create a more logical floor plan. "The problem with the units before was it was very long and narrow," Gigliotti said. "You were restricted by that center hall by moving the hallway to the inside hall. We provide with more flowing environment. It's more compact and more logically laid out now." Jacki Lukas, 40 West community SEE WEST, PAGE 4 Photo courtesy of Justin Balint Justin Balint won the Study Abroad photo contest with this photograph, which captured a Haitian woman crossing the border to the Domincan Republic to buy necessities. It can be seen at the Study Abroad Photo Exhibit currently on display at the Barnes & Noble on 7 S. Maln St. until Feb.10. Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 Horse meat: Hay or Nay? PAGE6 The Social Networks PAGE 10 One for the Money, 1\vo or for the no PAGE 15 Sports Pages 16-20 Dattolo hits the century mark PAGE 16 ,M Established 1936 PA Newspaper Association Member �CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Wilkes shows more appeal to prospective students Enrollment grows fronJ 4,000 to more than 6,000 due to hands-on approach BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor After Wilkes University ranked as one of the fastest growing institutions in The Chronicle of Higher Education this past August for the school's growth between 2004 and 2009, Tim Gilmour's departure has some wondering whether the university will continue to thrive. When asked how his leaving may affect the school's growth, President Gilmour is unsure of the consequences himself. "Well, who knows," Gilmour said. "Obviously the new president will have some ideas in this area, I'm sure some things will change." Gilmour hopes the new president will have ideas that will benefit students and employees. He feels that broadening the programs Wilkes offers will ensure the institutions long-term survival and success. Gilmour suggested that the approved strategic plan for 2015 offers a good starting point for the new president as they think about what they want to do for Wilkes. Wilkes has been able to attract incoming students thus far because of the quality of its programs and faculty mentoring, according to university Provost Reynold Verret. Verret said that Wilkes offers an education that mimics hands-on apprenticeship and sets the university apart from others. He believes this style of learning is important because students actually learn how to do what they are studying instead of simply learning the theories behind the practice. "In Ijany ways that apprenticeship is a valuable thing," Verret said. "Practicing [the] discipline is something students are finding at Wilkes and I think that is a very attractive part of what we do." As a member of the Wilkes administration, Verret makes it his personal goal to seek out () 1 44% ~(:s 2004 2009 43% 46% 42% Photo illustration/Michael Klimek Wilkes' total enrollment grew from 4,364 in the fall of 2004 to 6,23.9 in the fall of 2009 for an increase of 43 percent. The graph pictured above is not drawn to scale. the best professionals to create exceptional faculty mentoring. Not only does Verret want to make an impact on the number of students that attend Wilkes, but he also aims to contribute to the success of each student. Verret suggested that faculty has a role in the increase in students by being a key as- BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com pect in making Wilkes attractive to possible students. "Putting in place a great faculty that is engaged and creative and willing to actually offer the best to students (is important)," said Verret. "Students don't come here to meet me or to meet the dean; they come here for the faculty." Other than maintaining a worthy faculty, the administration also targets a number of possible student groups to keep Wilkes thriving as an institution. The four primary target groups are: first-time freshman, transfer students, international students and graduate students. About 550 first-time freshman enrolled this fall, which called for an increase in dorm space that needed to house these students. However, it has been predicted that the number of incoming freshman will decline over the next ten years. To compensate, the university hopes to attract more international students and increase that student population by 50 percent. To date, the total university .population is mainly made up of students who are studying at the graduate level. Gilmour said this is because the administration predicted that the need for this type of degree would be in higher demand and Wilkes has accommodated to meet the need of these projected students. As Wilkes continues to grow, existing students have benefits to look forward to. Facilities will improve as more funding becomes available and in tum the institution will have greater capabilities and higher quality programs. Gilmour suggested that as Wilkes continues to grow in student population, the university will become stronger. "The main thing is that we as an institution are much stronger academically and financially," Gilmour said. "That's what growth really does for us; it gives us the capabilities to do things that we couldn't do otherwise." CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook Managing Editor: Micha el Klimek Ad Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Lau ra Preby Adviser: Loran Lewis News Editor: Phat Nguyen Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Bill Thomas Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Justin Franiak Bill Thomas A&EEditor �THE BEACON I JANUARY 31 , 2012 3 NEWS Political scientists at Wilkes SG hopes to bring'Wild and Crazy' forsee Mitt as GOP notninee Colonels to this Winter Weekend cause of his capability to look attractive to voters outside the Republican Party. Of all the Republican candidates, Kreider suggestAt this point in the Republican candidacy ed people feel Romney is the best candidate race, Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorurn and to go up against Obama because of his abiliTexas Rep. Ron Paul have become back ty to appeal to independent voters. Engaging runners as Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich unpredictable voters is a key aspect because duke it out for the party's nomination. As the members of both Republican and Democrat GOP debates continue, Wilkes University parties know that they will win the votes of political scientists are predicting the elec- hardcore party supporters. tion outcome of the Republican candidate. Political science professor Dr. Thomas Despite the recent rise in popularity of58th Baldino is surprised Gingrich has made it speaker of the house, Newt Gingrich, few this far in the Republican debates. He prebelieve he will actually win the Republican dieted early on that at least three candidates seat and are instead putting their money on would be left by the time the campaign Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. reached Florida. However, Baldino did not "I think it's more likely that Romney will expect the sudden popularity of Gingrich or be the Republican nominee, more likely than that he would be this close to Romney in the Newt Gingrich," ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , polls. said associate "Right now the political science latest polls tell us professor Dr. that Gingrich and Kyle Kreider. "I Romney are running see (Gingrich's essentially in a tie," rise) as a result Baldino said. "Ginof people wantgrich's performance ing someone in the first debate other than Mitt was his weakest Romney." of the bunch and A It h o u g h it helped Romney Kreider notes because Romney that some seek looked better than an alternative he had in previous to Romney, he debates." still believes Since then BaldiGingrich is an no has noticed that unlikely winner. Gingrich has beBecause Rom- Front runner candidates Mitt Romney and Newt come more asserney has been Gingrich dominate the latest GOP polls. tive and seems to kno-yi to take prefer an audience contradicting stand points on political issues that responds to his one-line retorts. Alsuch as gay rights, abortion and health care, though sometimes his short replies seem voters are looking to the other candidates witty, Gingrich often says the wrong thing, hoping a stronger conservative will arise. which has voters second-guessing. Baldino "I think the primary issue is because Mitt believes Gingrich is a candidate who often Romney has a lot of baggage" Kreider said. has to put his foot in his mouth. "People are concerned he won't be a true reAgreeing with Kreider, Baldino believes publican in the White House." Romney is the best opponent to go up In Kreider's opinion, Romney will likely against Obama in the race to the presidency. come out on top regardless because of his He suggests that what America wants will campaigns strong infrastructure. Romney's reflect the state of the economy. If the econcampaign has more money, which buys a lot omy continues to improve, Baldino predicts in politics, such as advertisements that allow it will be a close race. If the economy falters, him to spread his message to voters. Romney has a better chance. All in all, time Kreider also noted that Gingrich was un- will tell. able to appear on the ballot in Virginia simply because of a lack in campaign funds . Besides funding, Kreider believes Rom- CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK AT: ney will win the Republican nomination be- devoni.novak@thewilkesbeacon.com BY DEVON I NOVAK Assistant News Editor BY PHAT NGUYEN News Editor Wilkes Student Government announced '90s Nickelodeon Cartoons as this year's Winter Weekend theme last week. Nickelodeon Cartoons won the popular vote over Pokemon, Youtube Sensations, As Seen on TV Infomercials and Wildlife. Junior P-1 Pharmacy major Kristofer Rivers, who is in charge of coordinating the festivities this year, said voting was not a close race. "Nickelodeon blew all other competitors out of the water," Rivers said. "Within a day of voting, they were by far the majority." Winter Weekend is an event where Wilkes students form teams to compete in various activities such as relay races, best banner, most spirit award, a photo scavenger hunt and ends with trivia. Since '90s Nickelodeon Cartoons was picked by the students, teams will then pick within that theme what kind of team they would want to form. The teams would then submit logos and a slogan to SG who supply each team with T-shirts. Some of the cartoons chosen include "Rugrats," "Angry Beavers," "Ahh! Real Monsters," "Hey Arnold," "Wild Thornberry's," "Blue's Clues," "Rocket Power," "Doug" and "CatDog." The groups competing range from a variety of places like the Frisbee Team, Chemistry Club, History Club, Cheerleading, men's soccer, softball team, Evans Hall 4th Floor and University Towers 2nd Floor. The first night of competition consists of a banner, team slogan and a mascot competition that based on the Nickelodeon cartoon. After scoring from the judges, the traditional photo scavenger hunt ensues across the Wilkes campus. Rivers plans on keeping the first night traditional, but will incorporate athletic events back due to popular demand and even will use some classic Nickelodeon. "We're bringing back more athletic events like volleyball and knockout," Rivers said. "With the Nickelodeon theme, we are trying to incorporate events and things we would've seen in on TV into that event. There's potential that we might be bringing slime into the events." The second night consists of games on the Greenway or UCOM depending on the weather. Games range from sporting events, relay races and different "minute to win it" games. Rivers emphasized that the addition of athletic events would not provide an unfair advantage to more athletic groups. "We have a cheerleader team which consists of all girls and teams like guy's soccer team," Rivers said. "Some of the events might be athletic based, but there will be strategic based ones as well." From there, the teams will be moved to the ballroom for five rounds of Nickelodeon trivia with a "Final Jeopardy-esque" ending where the teams can wager their scores in a double-or-nothing scenario. That scenario is exactly how last year's finish played out says Garrett Schrader, captain of the 2011 Winter Weekend Champion Team Cars. "It came down to that and we bet enough for us to win," Scharader, a history and secondary education major,. said. "I've been on the past two winning teams. We want to keep that tradition alive." Rivers looks to bring back the community service aspect of the event with a canned food drives. The cans will serve a purpose in scoring as well as being used as a token. "A certain number of cans will give your team 'X' number of points," Rivers said. "Cans will also be like life tokens. A can might be able to be substituted for a missed picture in the photo scavenger hunt." Last year, 11 teams and 127 students participated. This year, Rivers hopes to eclipse that number with a goal of 15 teams by extending the deadline to the first week of February. To enter a team, send an email to Kristofer.Rivers@Wilkes.edu with a choice cartoon in mind. CONTACT PHAY NG UYEN AT: phat.nguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Jess Short prepares to lead off the Winter Weekend relay at last year's event. �4 WEST Continued from Front Page coordinator and Wilkes alumnus, said the pricing would be comparable to the costs for on-campus housing. However, she said that's a lot to offer with new products and opportunities that aren't included in dorm living. "Brand new cabinetry, brand new stoves, everything you would need to make it your home," Lukas said. "You could still walk down the hall and knock on your neighbors door and say, 'hey, what are you doing tonight?' then you could come down to me and say 'what's going on?' In addition to that, Lukas plans to hold community events for the 40 West residents such as move in parties and get togethers to NEWS focus on their unique community and explore things beyond Wilkes. A year lease at 40 West will include all utilities, Wi-Fi and access to a community room with television and a billiards table. The rooms will be fully furnished with furniture and appliances, including air conditioners and dishwashers. All bedrooms within the apartments will be single. Plus, the leases are divided by bedroom, which Gigliotti said might help with payment issues. "All leases are by bedroom not by apartment so if your roommate doesn't pay it's his fault and you won't have to cover for him," Gigliotti said. "That can sometimes be a problem for off-campus housing." The reconstructed housing also boasts a separate swipe-in entrance for residents, a resident's only elevator plus a full YMCA THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 membership. Lukas stressed the importance of safety and pointing out required card access for the elevator and entrance and the newly installed sprinkler systems along with being on the higher floors of the YMCA. "The dorms are on the fourth floor and up, so no one will be crawling into your window," Lukas said. "Safety is a big deal, and we have outfitted the building to maximize it." "It's something-for-everybody mentality. We have studios, one bedroom, two bedrooms, three bedrooms and four bedroom units. The unique and historical structure of the YMCA allows us to have a nice variety of product." "We're offering these two story units in the racquetball courts," Lukas said. "You don't really see that ever." The structure is best thought of by an inverted town house, where there are two bedrooms on lower levels and bathrooms up the stairs to kitchen with two additional bedrooms. These rooms have sky lights. 40 West plans on hosting a leasing kickoff on Feb. 22 and 23 at 4:40 p.m. with a 40 themed party with food, drinks and a DJ. To go 40 theme, a special offer is being made to students who sign up for leasing before March 15. By registering your name, email and address at 40westapartments.com, $40 off will be taken off your first month's rent. Interested students should contactjlukas@ radnorproperty.com or check out 40westapartments.com for more information. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/Phat Nguyen Wilkes alumnus Jaqueline Lukas and Tim Gigliotti hold mock renderings of the future dorm room of the YMCA located on the corner of Northampton and Franklin Streets. Their company 40 West is remodeling 21 apartment style units with 59 bedrooms that will provide a unique housing opportunity for university students. �THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 NEWS 5 Act 101 budget cuts decrease aid for first-generation college· students BY QUYEN NGUYEN Correspondent Future first-generation college students may no longer benefit from the Act 101 program due to a 70 percent state budget cut that has occurred within the last three years. Act 101 has been a state-funded program since 1971. It is intended to benefit firstyear and first-generation college students. Thomas J. Thomas, the executive director of student affairs, proudly articulated that the Wilkes University Act 101 program's goal is to increase the number of first- generation college graduates by providing them with the guidance necessary for them to reach their academic goals. Wilkes University first started its Act 101 program in 1976, and Thomas has been involved with this program for the last 12 years in addition to his 18 years of experience in the Upward Bound program. The executive director explained that the Upward Bound program has the similar goal of helping high school students to be prepared for college while Act 101 essentially helps them get through college. "Statistics showed that they (first-generation college students) graduate from college at a far lesser rate than other students," Thomas said. That is one of the reasons Wilkes University started the Act 101 pro 0 gram over 30 years ago. Like any other program, there are requirements for students to be an Act 101 student and benefit from it. But with the state budget cuts, those requirements have become more rigid and there are less students benefiting. Thomas spoke about how hard it was to cut back on the services that have been provided to students for a good amount of time. Karen Riley, the coordinator of the learning center, sat beside Thomas with the same conc_'¥11 when talking about the state budget cut. The number of Act 101 students at Wilkes University has been reduced from 150 students down to 50 due to the budget cut. Act 101 students are given the advantage of a variety of services. These include academically related services, such as the providing of a learning specialist to help students perform better in their classes and financial aid packages. "We offer a full umbrella of services, and depending on what the (student's) concern is, we have a person that can meet with them (to help)," Riley said. Before the state budget cut, Act 101 used to have a book loaning service which was very helpful to students who were financial- •• ,, C; \ {' Photo Illustration/ Laura Preby The Farley Library continues to attract students with its growing repertoire of resources, including the new Web-based ENCORE catalog system. ly lacking. "It is so sad to see students still coming back arn;I asking for those services, but we don't have the budget to provide it anymore," Riley said. According to Riley, due to the bad economy, the second biggest concern that students have is the financial aid problem. She helps them with the whole package, from how to organize them to how to keep the financial aid funding. Besides helping students to achieve their goal, Act 101 advisers are willing to sit down and have one-on-one conversations with students on how to solve personal issues that might be affecting their academic performance. Riley - who was also an Act 101 student in her college years - understands very well the needs of those students. While reminiscing about her college years, ment that the Act 101 program's staff members provided, a student said it feels like she has a second set of parents who she can come to and talk about her problems regarding school or her personal life. Jasmine Edwards, a Wilkes University junior majoring in business administration, was first introduced to Act 101 by Karen Riley. Riley was her first adviser at Wilkes since Edwards was undecided about her major. The Act 101 staff gives Edwards insight about things that her parents cannot because she is a first-generation college student. "She is very hands-on," Edwards said. They even keep in touch during the summer time to discuss the courses that Edwards is going to take as well as her future plans, such as talking about choosing a major. Riley lays out the options and gives Edwards advice on the pros and cons to each one so she can pick and choose. "She gives me options, and that's what I need," Edwards said. In Edwards' mind, other than being an advisor, Riley has also been a cheerleader and a second mother to her who ~ould keep her posted on what she should be doing. The junior lost her financial aid at one time and Riley was the one who help Edwards to stand on her feet again and do well in the courses. And with the help of the Act 101 staff, Edward earned a much higher GPA and got the financial aid back. Edwards recalled that she and her friends go to Riley for more thorough and personal advice. "Even if I don't see her, we still email back and forth," Edwards said, "She wants to make sure that you are fine as a person, not a dollar sign as others might look at students like us." The better students are doing, the less they will have to meet with their Act 101 adviser. And Edwards sees that as a disadvantage. "The more I process, the less I get to see Mrs. Riley," she said, a little upset about doing better because she does not get to see her advisor as often any more. Edwards is not the only success story that Act 101 has created. There are many other students who graduate and still keep in touch with Act 101 advisors like Karen Riley. But due to the budget cut, the supportive program is slowly being eliminated from state funding. Thomas said this may hurt first-year and first-generation college students in the long run because there will no longer be services available. Riley recalled that like any other first year college student, she sometimes struggled to find her way during the transition between high school and college, so she got help from Act 101. "There was time along the way when I needed guidance. I was given that (by Act 101), or the resource of information," Riley said, empathizing with students she is working with in the program. Like Thomas, it has been 15 years since Riley started working on this program - 12 years at Wilkes - and she has always been very passionate about her work. "It is rewarding to see the change in students from when they first come to this school compared to how mature they become," Riley said with a content smile on CONTACT QUYEN NGUYEN AT: her face. quyen.nguyen@wilkes.edu Due to the welcoming and helpful environ- . �CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com JANUARY 31, 2012 Horse consumption: ban lifted by Congress BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Assistant Opinion Editor In 2006, Congress said "neigh" and put a ban on the slaughtering of horses for human consumption by discontinuing the use of federal funds towards meat inspection services. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service requires that all meat be federally inspected before its distribution from the plant, and the absence of this money created an obstruction for the industry. So at that point in time, anyone who claimed they were hungry enough to eat a horse clearly weren't doing so, at least not in the United States. Although the horse meat market is virtually nonexistent in America, ly desired abroad, especially in Europe. The ban has recently been lifted, allowing the funding toward inspections that will resurrect the equine market. Naturally, many animal activists are outraged, making claims that the slaughtering is violent and inhumane. The majority of responses to the elevation of the ban will almost certainly be in opposing. In fact, upon researching this matter online I stumbled across many oppositional opinions that more or less regarded the horse as a "beautiful and majestic domesticated creature." Beautiful, sure. Majestic, why not. But obviously, horses weren't always domesticated as they are today. They were hunted for their meat and served around the campfire by early modem humans. It is highly unlikely diet. Regardless, the nomadic people were only trying to survive, but simultaneously and unknowingly reaping benefits. In 1997, the USDA announced in a consumer publication that horse meat was actually leaner and sweeter than beef, low in fat and high in both iron and protein. I'm not a doctor, but horse looks like it could actually be rendered beneficial for patients who lack the latter two, such as anemics and individuals with low blood sugar, or even pregnant women. The United States National Library of Medicine adds that horse meat is more nutritionally beneficial than beef due to its high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, which improve heart health. As an animal enthusiast, my heart, of course, goes out to all the unwanted horses that were ever taken to a slaughterhouse. Still, there are other aspects to observe, like what do you do with an unwanted horse? Horses are costly animals, and not all owners can afford to care for them. Numerous rescue facilities exist in the United States, but the amount of horses directed into slaughterhouses per year far exceeds the capacities in these facilities. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates from 90,000 •to 100,000 horses every year. Equine protection organization Habitat for Horses says that it costs anywhere from $40 to $200 to euthanize and remove a horse, whereas it pays from $150 to $800 to sell it for slaughter, a quick and profitable gain. It would certainly be nice to allow all horses a tranquil life until natural death, but the reality of it is that it just isn't possible. If anything, the ban would increase neglect and abandonment towards the animals. There are far too many in existence and not nearly enough individuals who are responsibly and financially competent to properly care for each one of these creatures. CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS AT: lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific, and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 32 responses. Last week's question: Which candidate do you think should be the Republican nomination for the 2012 election? • Ron Paul (44%, 14 Votes) • Mitt Romney (19%, 6 Votes) • Rick Santorum (16%, SVotes) • Newt Gingrich (6%, 2 Votes) • Other (6%, 2 Votes) • Michele Bachmann (3%, 1 Vote) • Rick Perry (3%, 1 Vote) • Jon Huntsman (3%, 1 Vote) • Herman Cain (0%, 0 Votes) This week The Beacon asks: How do you feel about the SOPA/PIPA acts? • They should be passed • They should not be passed • I don't care • Not enough information The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com . The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �7 THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 201 2 Love affair with technology interferes with relationships Society obsessed with media outlets, poses threat to human interaction BY CARLY YAMRUS Opinion Editor at times feel guilty that I swipe my screen instead of turning a page. As I sat down for my first class of the But what if we just looked up from our semester, I looked around the room at my screen once in a while? I am wondering if fellow classmates. I glanced from person anyone knows how to have a conversation to person and quickly noticed that I was anymore. Instead of using those 2 minone of the only people that weren't trans- utes waiting in line to play the Scrabblefixed by a screen. esque word game "Words with Friends" Now I am definitely not behind the or tweeting that you are standing in line, times and I what if we actuthoroughly enally talked to the joy the devices person next to us? I own, but I Who knows, a lecan't help but gitimate converfeel that our sation may actulives are being ally take place. consumed by Our generation constant enterhides behind their taiQjllent. I am 1 devices for a vajust as guilty riety of reasons. as the next The screen has beperson, but come an excuse. at least I am See someone you aware that this know but don't is a concern want to be bothin our rapidly ered with talking advancing soto them? Not a ciety. problem. Whip With all the out the phone different deand pretend to be vices on the in the middle of market, it is a very important The Beacon/Laura Preby not hard to find Students Chelsea Fufaro and Mike Jayne pass conversation. My personal faan activity to time with technology. occupy ones vorite is getting time. But when those devices start inter- into an elevator and seeing everyone take fering with human relationships, I think that awkward moment of proximity as the we might have a problem. best time to check Face book and Twitter ... All too often I see people with their both in the same newsfeed, of course. heads down texting, completely unaware It is sad to think that our generation has of the world around them. Before classes, a decreasing amount of social skills - all the cellphones come out in last attempts thanks to our tablets and cellphones that to message friends before the professor we would probably die without. It is sad arnves. how most ofus would probably go through Nowadays, we are able to keep con- withdrawal if one of these devices were nected just about everywhere we go with wait for it - left at home for more than an 3G and 4G networks and wireless technol- hour. ogy. There are "apps" for just about evTechnology has become our generation's erything - most of the most popular ones way of life, but there is so much more to being mindless games and social network- life than pixels on a screen. So pick your ing sites. head up once in a while, I promise you will Even books are on a screen now, and see the world better that way. although I love my Amazon Kindle, I do CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carly.yamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com IPl if Cellphones: a daily disruption BY ANTHONY GORECZNY Staff Writer Smart phones like the iPhone and Android devices are both continuing to increase the power and capabilities of their handsets. The competing platforms are looking for new areas of life to expand and adapt their technology to. In a recent display of bravado and daring, Apple made its first major foray into classical music when the Philharmonic orchestra yielded the stage to an iPhone's "Marimba" ringtone during a performance of Gustav Mahler's Ninth Symphony. According to a CNN report, an audience member's iPhone rang continuously for approximately four minutes while the orchestra was performing. Conductor Alan Gilbert lowered his arms when he came to the last page of the final movement, which informed the musicians to stop playing. He politely turned to the man whose iPhone was ringing and asked, "Are you finished?" The man apparently didn't react, and Gilbert responded by setting down his baton and stating "Fine, we'll wait." The phone was quickly silenced and the conductor apologized to the crowd, to which the audience reply with raucous applause. In a later report by CBS, it is revealed that the patron whose was to blame for the noise had switched from Blackberry to iPhone the day before and was unfamiliar with the functions. Though he silenced his phone before the performance, he was not aware drat an accidentally-set alarm would not be silenced along with the ringtone. When contacted by the Philharmonic, the patron, who wishes to remain anonymous, asked to speak with Gilbert. He apologized for the incident and Gilbert accepted his apology. SEE PHONE, Page 8 The Beacon/Brittany Battista "ARE YOU FINISHED?" Conductor stops his orchestra performance to wait for an audience member to silence a phone. �8 OPINION THE BEACON I JANUARY 31 , 2012 ·Republican candidate Rick Santorum wants you ... to give up y our rights to contraceptives, privacy and independent decisions BY CATHRYN FREAR Staff Writer Rick Santorum wants to control your life. And not just those of you who aren't straight- all of you. Many of you probably remember Santorum as the former senator born in Virginia who came to Pennsylvania to make us all look like hillbillies and bigots. For twelve years. Now that Pennsylvania doesn't want him, logic is telling him the entire nation will. Who knows Santorum's stance on gay anything? He's against it. But guess what else he's against? He's against anyone using contraception. Including married couples. He has openly spoken out against the Griswold v. Connecticut U.S. Supreme Court case which overturned a law banning contraceptives in Connecticut. According to USNews.com, he has stood firmly against contraception on many occasions stating things like, "It's not okay. It's a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be." Basically, he wants to control your sex life. You may wonder why he thinks it's his business at all. The answer is: because he doesn't believe in a right to privacy. This brings us back to Griswold v. Connecticut. At the time of this case, there was no precedeft set guaranteeing privacy. This case PHONE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 This patron is not entirely at fault for the incident, but he could have been more careful. However, even though many of these incidents are preventable accidents, there are people who unceremoniously ignore the cellphone policies of an establishment. One particular inci dent involved an unruly movie-goer and the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas. According CNET, the movie theater is know for its strict policies against talking and texting. When a young female customer refused to cease texting after two polite warnings, she was removed from the show without a refund, in ac cordance with the the theater's policies that were clearly visible and had been mentioned onscreen before the show. The inconsiderate patron then proceeded to leave an enlightening voice mail at the movie theater that demonstrated her set the precedent as use of contraceptives was ruled an issue of marital privacy. The United States Constitution doesn't specifically address it. But, much like the Bible Santorum often cites, some parts of the Constitution are up for interpretation. In a 7-2 vote, the Supreme Court declared, in accordance with the interpretation of the Ninth Amendment, the people of the United States have an inalienable right to privacy. He is so steadfastly stuck to this opinion of privacy he literally thinks the American people cannot lead their own lives. He has made this quite clear through his such declarations as, "They [republicans] have this idea that people should be left alone, be able to do whatever they want to do ... Well, that is not how traditional conservatives view the world and I think most conservatives understand that individuals can't go it alone." I'm sorry, what was that last part? " ... conservatives understand that individuals can't go it alone." Yes, that's what I thought you said. Does that even need to be elaborated on, or do we all see the problem here? His views on gays is they shouldn't have the same rights as everyone else, because the rights they aren't guaranteed by federal law-marriage, adoption, etc.-he doesn't consider "rights" at all. He considers them privileges. Mind you, none of the candidates are pro-gay, except for Fred Karger, who is not only openly Jewish, but also Rick Santorum is not only against the rights of homosexual couples, he is also against the rights of straight couples, such as access to the rights of contraceptives and other decisions regarding their sex lives. openly gay. But everyone has forgotten about him altogether. He is the Snuffaluffagus of the GOP. Regardless of Santorum's anti-homosexual stance, what's more important is understanding he is also against anyone making their own decisions without government involvement. If you are pro-autonomy and pro-liberty, you will not vote for Rick Santorum. expansive vocabulary, grasp of the English language, and legal expertise. In fact, the Alamo Drafthouse liked the message so much that it became the basis for their next PSA regarding texting during the shows. Obvious signs of disrespect like this do not belong in the realm of the The Beacon/Laura Preby arts. Just because a Technology lovers should show more respect to others. person is paying for something does mean he has the ability person in that theatre. While I understand that there may be to act however he likes. Other people in emergency situations, there is little exthe audience payed for the event as well, and each person has the same right as cuse for a cellphone interrupting a beauany other to enjoy it. When the Alamo tiful symphony or blatantly disregarding a clearly defined rule. Drafthouse ejected the stubborn texter, Personally, when I enter a movie thethey were doing a service to every other ater or show I turn my cell phone completely off unless I need it for a singular reason. I do this specifically to both escape the constant stream of modern life that comes rushing through my phone, and also to avoid the embarrassment of finding myself in a situation like that of the man at the symphony. In the end, all the texter accomplished was paying for a movie she didn't watch and embarrassing herself with an uncouth voicemail turned against her. This person and many others need to evaluate the level of respect they have for others. Many people are far too inconsiderate and find fault with everyone but themselves. I do not despise them , but I do pity them. They complain about all the problems in their lives, yet most of their problems are created by themselves out of ignorance, incompetence, or impudence. CONTACT CATHRYN FREAR AT: cathryn.frear@wilkes.edu . CONTACT ANTHONY GORECZNY AT: anthony.goreczny@thewilkesbeacon.com �COll!'fACI". EDITOR: chri~tinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com HAWC members are crazy for new Insanity Asylum Challenge BY REBECCA BOLUS Assistant Life Editor By the end of January, many people have already discarded their New Year's resolutions to get fit and eat healthy. For the Health and Wellness Club, their fitness goals just got jump-started as they began an intense new challenge to start off the semester. The group members started the Asylum Challenge on Monday, Jan. 23, and while some people might consider them crazy for getting up at 6 a.m. every day to do an intense cardio workout, they are already reaping the benefits. "Insanity: The Asylum" is a 30-day program that involves extreme sports cross training. HAWC coordinator Trey Tietz said that this workout program is an ideal way to get active. "The Asylum challenge is one of the most popular work-out programs in the country, and one of the most difficult," Tietz said. "It's one of the new breakthroughs in health and fitness and a lot of pro athletes and college athletes are doing it." The members of HAWC will be doing this vigorous workout for 45 minutes every Monday through Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. Not only is the Asylum Challenge a hardcore workout, but it also involves a meal plan, one that some may not be used to. The meal plan requires six to seven small meals a day, eating about every three hours, and tapering calories throughout the day. The meal plan is easy to follow and able to be completed in the Wilkes cafeteria. Tietz, The Beacon/Kirstin Cook HAWC members get a "jump" start on t he "Insanity: Asylum Challenge" in t he SUB Ballroom. Members meet at 6 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays for workout s. a senior P2 pharmacy major, said the balance of eating right and working out is very important. "You can't workout and not eat right, you need a little bit of both." After workouts, group members get breakfast together to encourage each other to follow the meal plan. Tietz says that there is a lot of support and motivation with this challenge. "It's a lot easier when you have 30 other friends who are doing it with you, instead of trying it by yourself," Tietz said. Members ofHAWC exchanged contact information and they text each other for motivation to continue the program. HAWC treasurer Samantha Bickert said there is a lot of enthusiasm and drive to keep going with the Asylum. "Everytime I get up I think, 'All these people are expecting to see me there, I can't not show up today,"' Bickert, pharmacy Pl, says. HAWC members are seeing benefits from doing this program, although the beginning is challenging. "After the first couple of days you're definitely sore, but once you get through that it's definitely worth it," Bickert said. "It's a good start to the day." Tietz has been doing this program for a year now, making this a habitual routine. "I enjoy it, and it makes me feel better throughout the day. Like, if I don't do it I feel completely off," he said. HAWC has been holding these workouts every morning since Tietz created the group in September. In the past, the group took part in a hybrid schedule combining the P90X, Insanity and Asylum workouts and will go back to this mix after the Asylum Challenge. Last semester an average of eight or nine people came to exercise every day, but with the Asylum Challenge the group has grown to over 30 participants. Besides personal goals of improving ones workout routines and diet, the HAWC club wants to promote itself and continue to gain more members. To reach this goal, HAWC will be selling t-shirts and water bottles during club hours. If anyone is interested in getting involved with HAWC and the Asylum Challenge, contact Trey Tietz at trey.tietz@wilkes.edu. CONTACT REBECCA BOLUS AT: rebeccabo/us@thewilkesbeacon.com E-Mentors: the heroes of every Wilkes freshman · BY IAN FOLEY Correspondent After her first day of class, Bethany Gilson received an email about her first day-not from a parent, sibling or high school friend, but from her E-mentor. E-mentors are upperclassmen that help first-year students ease the transition to college and build relationships between firstyear students and mentors. Gilson, a freshman pre-pharmacy major, said she learned common knowledge about Wilkes and tips for classes from her mentor, P3 pharmacy major Christina D'lppolito. "I thought it was neat that they put some- one at our level that went through what we were going through," Gilson said. According to Internship and E-mentoring coordinator Sharon Castano, the E-mentoring program began in fall 2006. Prior to that, Wilkes had orientation leaders, but there were no relationships between incoming students. "Studies have shown that students stay at colleges where they build relationships," Castano said. "We feel building relationships is a good foundation for students' suecess." E-mentors act as orientation leaders during each session as well as at Welcome Weekend and connect with first-year students during their first semester electronically. "(Christina) kept in touch with us, added me on Facebook and after the first day of classes emailed everyone asking them how their day was," Gilson said. D'Ippolito hosted a caramel apple night, giving the mentees an opportunity to socialize and check in with their mentor at one of several events the first semester. E-mentors act as extra eyes and ears, looking for questions and concerns first-year students have. For P3 pharmacy major and Ementor, Ruslan Barabolkin, it was important to give them the best opportunities possible. "I had a horrible first year experience when I first attended college," Barabolkin says. "I told myself that if I could have an opportunity to help someone that was in my same shoes I would." · Barabolkin believes events help the social and academic well-beings of first-year students by improving their communication and reinforcing the mentor's presence as a resource for any needs or questions they may have. "Many times I hear people say 'I wish I would have known,"' Barabolkin said. "I see the E-mentoring program as the vehicle designed to eliminate this in students and SEE E-MENTORS, Page 12 �10 THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 Students 'like' what they see on Wilkes' social media sites BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor -------- ...,ntt! · - With the rise in social media use, people are finding ways to get to know one another online before meeting in person. This makes the transition to college easier You(D for first year students. A Facebook group for Wom•n••-•~-mcw ,,..~ o ~ a -~ · the class of2015 gives current freshmen the chance to bond before arriving on campus. "They are able to meet friends and meet up when they get here," says sophomore middle school math and science education and sophomore class president Amber Konopka, who is an administrator for the class of2015 Facebook group. Konopka says there is more bonding done amongst freshmen through the Facebook group. Freshman members could make friends before they arrived on campus, were more acquainted with one another and have developed stronger friendships. "They still speak to one another through the Facebook page if they don't see each ,-~ot<!\JM<blJ"""'M'f' other around campus," Konopka says. ...-...~ . 1 vers1 Electronic Communication coordinator ~t~'* '~ Wllkei:U Chris Barrows and Web Services director Craig Thomas have taken an interest in so1 . wilkesbeacon : • . <w!lk:esnaaccn "·,..,:iwn,,.~, cial media. Both are administrators for the - - - - --- . . · ····· · · am tH Wilkes official Facebook and Twitter pages Wilkes Athletics and are in the process of developing a social w ilkesathl<1tlcs media strategy for Wilkes. ~\•ilke• !/nh,,~;o;/r:_,j Jic,,g lh..i\it'AA ])tt1tJt1:m Jii J..\.'lNitq, uth!s<tr, pr1ll}Mm, <1n:J I• km1u:n Q.'i the (.ufa.n~t:i. Thomas says they are beginning to identiW!it•.,M,~!i,tre. PA r;ttp:1/\'i.'WW,gow,Oo•.i\w.oorn tt .-'l b$ ~ fy different audiences using the homepages. 'k,1.!¼~'W'lill$! "Because there's so many different roles Photo illustration: The Beacon/Nona Poehler involved with one Facebook or Twitter The Wilkes homepage gives links to several Wilkes social media pages including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and biogs. Elecpage, to have just one set goal would be tronic Communication coordinators Chris Barrows and Craig Thomas are hoping to utilize social media to make university hard to do," Thomas says. information more readily available. The flood last September saw social media usage on Wilkes sites increase drastically. Thomas hopes to filter messages on the Part of benefit social media has provided to "Students are more aware of what is going official university Facebook and Twitter sions purposes and there is no admissions pages by creating an admissions page on social media page. He also hopes the transi- the university is real-time communication. It on campus and they can check it regularly," Facebook and Twitter. These pages would tion to different social media pages will con- allows one to send out messages regarding says Switay, who is an administrator for the events and urgent issues. Student Development Facebook and Twitter ha~ different goals that would be for re- tinue once students graduate. "What we would want to do for the Wil"You're allowed to send out messages re- pages. cruitment and other admissions purposes. Switay says the Student Development "The admissions page would be to give kes University official pages is to have (stu- garding events and urgent issues such as the them much needed information that they dents) be a fan for life or four years and then flood and eventually snow cancellations," Twitter page was started this year and is designed to target alumni and people in the need in their role as perspective students," transition them from to our alumni Face- Thomas says. book page," Thomas says. "We would want The university first explored social media outside community to let them know what is Thomas says. Some of the information that would be to transition people through their different with a unique page for accepted students to going on campus. interact called Hello Wilkes. This social"It's another way for us to get what we posted on the proposed admissions page roles they become at Wilkes." Thomas and Barrows are also keeping a networking website was pre-Facebook and want to do out there," Switay says. would include financial aid deadlines, open Switay says Twitter has helped out more houses and direct communication with Ad- close eye on the impressions and shares of received national attention. It was disconmissions. He says adapting messages to dif- a message that is delivered through the uni- tinued in 2010 when Facebook and Twitter with alumni who want to see what Student ferent audiences is the key and this would . versity Facebook and Twitter pages. He says became more popular ways for people to Development is doing for students. The Twitter page follows the other clubs and the · transition perspective students to other uni- this is important because the more impres- interact. sions and shares delivered the more people In addition to Marketing Communications university on Twitter. versity pages. "We hope once we have (perspective stu- are looking at the pages. The impressions tapping into social media, Student Develop- J dents) at the admissions page we would get then give the pages more likes and follow- ment, the Alumni Association and the Colo- fditor's Note: Wqtch for next week's issue nel have made Facebook and Twitter pages. fo see part two of this story. them to migrate from that page to go to our ers. "People will start seeing the information Student Development graduate assistant Briofficial pages." Thomas says. Thomas says the official university Face- that we're sending and want to join or follow an Switay says social media allows students CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE to be more aware of things on campus. book and Twitter pages function for admis- to get the same information," Thomas says. christine/ee@thewilkesbeacon.com Atf'!M,,.~:W\!l,ff; ~ "P>H~11 • ~ . , •1;w~.:1--•~hM flMw, ¥W8 �LIFE THE BEACON I JANUARY 31 , 2012 11 PIDL RUTHKOSKY, ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT I BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer I was 14. I worked on a horse farm, loading hay, feeding cows, cutting grass and whatever the owner of the ranch wanted me to do. What does your job entail? It is multifaceted. I oversee student development and all the planning and activities that go along with that. I work with the Office of Student Affairs and a variety of issues dealing with student life. I am also adviser to Student Development, and de facto adviser to all campus clubs and organizations, primarily for extra support. What is your main goal being in this position? To work with staff and colleagues and find the right balance of programs to enhance student life and give students the chance to maximize and enhance their growth and learning while at Wilkes. ....... hler lecsity oing rly," r the ritter nent td is 1 the 1at is t we more 1dent The d the ·ssue What is No. 1 on your bucket list? I have a weird fascination with sharks. So I would have to say to cage dive with a great white shark, but it would have to be a really strong cage . What is your favorite hobby? I like to exercise -- as in walking -- riding my bike and jogging. I also enjoy trout fishing. What is your favorite part about Wilkes? Building relationships with students and colleagues who are selfless in their approach, who want to help the students and watch them grow as well. I like the people. What is your favorite book or movie? A movie that I've seen numerous times would be "Braveheart." I enjoy classic books, such as Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." As dean of Student Development, can you give any information about any upcoming events or activities? We publish the entire schedule at the Info Desk and online. This Sunday, Jan. 29, there was a trip to Great Wolfe Lodge. On Feb. 4 there will be a snow tubing trip at Sno Mountain Ski Resort. Winter Weekend will be taking place Feb. 24-25, and on March 31, there will be a trip to see Michael Jackson Cirque de Soleil. What do you find is the best way for you to relax after a long day at work? It would be just enjoying a nice, quiet dinner with my wife. Is this the career you always saw yourself in? As an undergraduate with a business degree, I probably saw myself as a manager at a public corporation. I sort of stumbled upon this position in higher education. The Beacon/Dan Lykens Associate Dean of Student Development Phil Ruthkosky is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, as evidenced by Mr. Potato Head in foreground and is fascinated by sharks. ASB Spaghetti Dinner Where is your favorite vacationing spot? Aruba. I love Aruba. It is a very beautiful island. What has been your greatest or worst experience at Wilkes so far? Having the opportunity to travel with students all over. More specifically, skydiving was a great experience that really took me out of my comfort zone. What is your favorite television show? I am intrigued by the National Geographic Channel, so anything on that channel. I enjoy nature and wildlife. What is your favorite and least favorite part about your job? One ofmy most favorable aspects ofmy job is my involvement in student life. I really get to know the students as individuals and watch them grow over the years. There really is not a specific aspect that I do not like. What advice can you give to the students here at Wilkes? As you get ready to get on that path toward your ultimate career, try to find a balance between school and work, and family and friends, and don't neglect one or the other. How old were you when you got your first job and what was it? CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Dan Lykens Alex Madaya, junior history major, is shown left volunteering at the Alternative Spring Break fund raiser to raise money for her service trip to Costa Rica. The dinner took place Thurs. Jan. 26 in the Ballroom and brought students, faculty and community members to feast on pasta, salad, desserts and more. The event raised money through ticket sales and raffled items. All proceeds will go toward student volunteer trips to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Kentucky and Louisiana. �LIFE 12 THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 Big things happening to small campus business club, its members BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor Like her fellow business majors, Olivia Waszkiewicz is learning leadership skills that prepare her for life outside of college. But through her work as vice president of the Wilkes chapter of Students in Free Enterprise and their connection with the Wal-Mart Corp., she was able to literally take these skills outside of Wilkes. Waszkiewicz interned at Sam's Club headquarters in Arkansas last summer. Waszkiewicz, a junior business administration major, says her work with SIFE helped prepare her for the internship as it taught her hands-on experience in running her own projects. "You have the opportunity in SIFE to create projects," she says. "With it being a community service-based club through the power of business, we have the opportunity to start our own projects and really take ownership of something." Waszkiewicz says SIFE helped her to learn E-MENTORS Continued from page 9 give them the ability to say 'I know."' According to junior elementary education major and orientation coordinator Cora Gibson, E-mentoring is a unique personal interaction tool at the university level. They are the first line of defense in assisting first-year students with beginning their college experience. "Many first-year students are nervous and unprepared to face college life by themselves," Gibson says. "E-mentors are the guide that first-year students need to help • them adjust to their new lives. First-year students and parents have told Gibson how grateful they are for the program because it made them more comfortable in their transition to college. To become an E-mentor, one must be an undergraduate with sophomore or higher standing by fall 2012. They must have a 1 how to run her own business project and lead a group. Her responsibilities were working with buyers for the food categories. Her work involved working with Home Meal Solutions and the Sam Club's Cafe buyers and meeting with the buyers on a daily basis. A big part of the internship was working hands-on with suppliers. "We got to look at the sales for (the food) at all the Sam's Clubs across the nation and monitor the products," Waszkiewicz says. "By the end of the summer they allowed the inte:ns to have a supplier meeting and I worked with the supplier for Eddy's Ice Cream." Waszkiewicz is one of several members of Wilkes SIFE that have been given a career boost because of their work with the team. Corporations such as Wal-Mart and Campbell Soup Co. are partnered with the national SIFE organization. Corporate sponsors meet with students who compete in SIFE competitions and host job and internship fairs, allowing students to connect. This year the Wilkes SIFE team was inminimum 2.50 GPA, a written reference from a faculty member, strong written and verbal communications skills and a complete application. The E-mentor process consists of three parts. The first part is the application process, where interested students sign up and send in their applications to the Student Development office. Students are then selected and interviewed by Student Development staff members who are involved in orientation. The most worthy applicants are hired and begin training alongside experienced mentors, where they go over all aspects of the position. Gilson is pleased with the help she has gotten from her E-mentor and the program. "The program is a very good idea," Gilson says. "They helped me with the things that I needed to know." vited to attend a partner summit in December - The Step Up for Small Business grant is dewhere past member Alison Drake and Wasz- signed to help a local business become more kiewicz were able to attend in Arkansas. SIFE environmentally sustainable. SIFE is workpresident and senior business administration ing with Euro Bistro to come up with ecomajor Raina Connor says this summit was friendly ways to grow and produce herbs and helpful for members searching for jobs. vegatables. The HSBC grant is used to help a small "They were able to network with some corporate sponsors and this led to a job offer business become more financially literate. for Alison with Wal-Mart that she accepted," With this one, they are working with Euro Bistro to help them implement either an Excel Connor says. Recently, SIFE was awarded several grants or QuickBooks accounting system. Connor says the grants are important to for projects. They are a $250 Campbell's Let's Can Hunger grant, a $1,500 Step up SIFE as they have received limited funding for Small Business grant from Sam's Club from Student Government, donations and and a $1,500 grant from the Hong Kong and fundraising. "The grants really enable us to execute projShanghai Banking Corp. The goal of the Let's Can Hunger grant ects that will have a larger impact in the comis to raise 5,000 pounds of food, to educate munity," Connor says. "They really help us the community on hunger and provide last- make a difference in our community and for ing hunger relief to certain groups in the area. some local businesses and individuals." This year SIFE is focusing the education on children in the Wyoming area school district and lasting hunger relief on working with homeless women at Ruth's Place. If they suc- CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: christine/ee@thewilkesbeacon.com ceed they get additional funding. •m ilil WU. CONTACT IAN FOLEY AT: ian.foley@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Christine Lee Mentors Sam Bickert, top, Christina D'lppolitto, left and Paul Boylan, right with mentees. 146 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE/ WILKES-BARRE, PA 18701 �- - ~- --------==------------------/7 Student photography exhibition offers snapshot of life in foreign cultures ABROAD . Continued from Front Page in the past year were invited to participate in a photo contest featuring photographs that best captured their studyabroad environment. "The goal of the contest was to enable other people to learn what studying abroad teaches and maybe one day go abroad as well," Fonjweng said. Of the thirty-four participants, five winners were selected, all receiving certificates. The top three earned cash prizes of $150, $100 and $50 respectively. Those who were involved agree they did it for the experience rather than the money. Photo contest winner Justin Balint, p4 pharmacy student with a double major in Spanish, has had his fair share of abroad experiences, including two study abroad summers in Spain, two Alternative Spring Break service trips to the Dominican Republic and Belize, and two medical missions to Guatemala with Dean Bernard Graham of the Wilkes pharmacy school. "I became interested in study abroad and service trips because I had a hunCourtesy of Pamela Pogash ger to see the world around me and saw Featured in the exhibit, Wilkes graduate Pam Pogash's photo showcases a children in the village of Kaya in Burkina Faso. Livstudying abroad and volunteering abroad ing in one of the poorest countries in the world, Pogash said the children greeted her study group with open arms. as a great way to see the world, make a difference, and open my mind to other Balint wasn't the only one who jumped Pogash traveled to Burkina Faso, one of gash said the children were ecstatic. They cultures and ways of life," Balint said. at the opportunity to be involved with the the poorest countries in the world, for a handed out flip flops and clothes to the The picture Balint chose for the photo program. 2011 · Doctor of Pharmacy gradmedical mission trip. There, in a village children as well. The photo Pogash selected for the concontest was from his Alternative Spring uate Pam Pogash chose studying abroad named Kaya, they set up a pharmacy in Break trip to the Dominia bible school building. Since the test is of a group of kids waving at them can Republic with Oronly two languages spoken there when their group first arrived in Kaya. Pophanage Outreach, now had a hunger to see the world around me are Moore and French, translators gash, like many of the other participants, called Outreach 360, in and saw studying abroad and communicated with the patients described her abroad experiences as lifethe town of Monti Cristi and explained how the medication changing. "More days than not, I think about this where he taught English volunteering abroad as a great way to see worked and should be taken. trip and what I saw," she said. "I am less in public schools and vol- the world, make a difference, and open my "It was a complete culture unteered in an orphanage. shock," Pogash recalled. "When materialistic now. I can't really sum up There, Balint visited mind to other cultures and ways of life." we were there, it was the cold- how much this trip has truly changed me." Photographs taken by Balint and Pothe Haiti-Dominican Reest week of the year for them (80 public border where, for - JuS t in Balint - 90 degrees). People who could gash, along with the other thirty-two stua few hours a week, the afford it were wearing thick coats dent and faculty members involved, can and wore earmuffs. They thought it was be seen at the Study Abroad Photo Exhibit to fulfill one of her six pharmacy rotation border was unrestricted so visitors from currently on display at the Barnes & Nofreezing at that temperature." Haiti could cross to buy necessities for requirements prior to graduating. Pogash said that the children were the ble on 7 S. Main St. until February 10. "I am not sure why, but as soon as I • their families. highlight of her trip. "They were so full "The picture I took reflects the strife heard about this opportunity, I felt it was of life and happy," she said. Each day CONTACT JANEL NARO AT: something I had to do," Pogash said. "It and hard life that many Haitians encounthe students handed out candy, and Po- janel.naro@wilkes.edu was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." ter." Balint said. "I --------------------- �THEBEACON I JANUARY31,2012 A&E 14 Grip of the Gods returns to NEPA as 'future of rock' BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor For many bands, finding a sound they can uniquely call their own is the ultimate artistic goal. But for the _members of Grip of the Gods, it has been both a blessing and a curse. "We all grew up with very, very diverse musical backgrounds, which is great for our writing," singer-guitarist Rich Barni said. "I think it gives us a unique sound. I always used to look at that as a positive thing, but now, when we're trying to reach our target audience, we're trying to carve out our niche here and it's hard to say 'Hey, if you like these guys, listen to us."' Marketing problems aside, Barni remains proud of the idiosyncratic style he's crafted alongside bassist Alex Deck and drummer Corey Deck. Listing influences ranging from Radiohead and Muse to Marilyn Manson and David Bowie, Barni said he's excited to bring Grip of the Gods' eclectic flavor of indie rock to the River Street Jazz Cafe on Friday, Feb. 3, for a concert with local acts Astorian Stigmata and A Social State. Though the band members were originally based out of the Scranton/Dunmore area, in 2010 they opted to move to Philadelphia, wher,e they recorded the 3-song EP "Walking in Monologues." The band followed that up with a 5-song EP called "Destination of Man" in 2011. The difference between the two albums, Barni fee ls, is significant. '"Walking in Monologues ' was just an attempt to find out what in the hell we were trying to do," he said with a laugh. "Like I said, we all came from pretty unique backgrounds, musically, and I' ve always had the view of not trying to think of a certain style when I'm coming up with riffs. .. . I think 'Destination of Man' is a little bit more affirmatively saying ' This is the kind of sound we're going for." In addition to helping cement Grip of the Gods' auditory identity, "Destination of Man" further developed the thematic crux of the band's lyrical content. "Every single one of our songs is very philosophically driven," Barni said. "Philosophy is the essence of human nature. Where are we? What are we doing? Where are we going? And I think there is a bit of concern over the direction of mankind." What awaits humanity on the other side of tomorrow isn't all that Grip of the Gods is concerned with. The direction their own music is taking them in is as much a subject of contemplation as anything. Currently working on new material, with plans to have a new record out sometime this year, the band members aren't yet certain whether their next release will be a full-length album or another EP. What they are certain of, and upfront in sharing, is the heights of their ambition. "We really strive to be a driving force in rock 'n' roll," Barni said. "Trying to be that next thing, that future sound, I really believe in my heart that that's what it's all about. That's what we've always tried to do, seeing how far we can go with it and pushing the limits. We hope to be the future of rock 'n' roll. In my opinion, there 's nothing more important than that." Tickets for the River Street Jazz Cafe show in Friday, Feb. 3 are $5 pre-sale, $8 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, call 570-822-2992, or visit riverstreetjazzcafe. com or gripofthegods. com. Listen to three tracks off Grip of the Gods' "Destination of Man'' at www.thewilkesbeacon.com Court esy ofBen Davids CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com Clockwise from top: drummer Corey Dec, bassist Alex Deck and singer-guitarist Rich Barni • Radio station hopes big changes will bring in new blood BY MATT GAINES Correspondent The student disc-jockeys of the radio station, 90. 7 WCLH, do their best to keep the old workplace up and running as a fulltime medium for their own music and talk shows. Located on the third floor of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center on South River St., the fully functioning station is easily passed by. On top of that, it's old and makes use of technology that the big-time corporate stations would have hauled to the dumpster decades ago. Though not obsolete, station E-Staff member Corey Martin describes the technologies as "outdated in the sense that used as a learning tool, we aren't getting the right knowledge using old equipment." "I think that something needs to be done about the look of the station," host Andrew Grandinetti explains. "I feel like we need to repaint the studio and just make some changes to make the entire place a bit more appealing and friendly." ' ' I '\ . Austin Loukas /The Beacon Trevor Kurtz's radio show"Vital Vinyl" uses station turntables to play classic records. More than anything, though, the Wilkes radio station is meant to be a learning station, so it would only make sense that the communications department has gotten updated control boards for the students to use, to be made available this semester. Currently in the process of being installed in both the on-air control room and audio production room, these new, state-of-theart control boards are among the most substantial new equipment components recently acquired by the station. Station manager Renee Loftus estimates the cost of acquiring and installing the new equipment to be $30,000. The DJs are excited about the new control boards coming in. Trevor Kurtz hosts a show every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. called "Vital Vinyl." The show features the use of the studio's turntables to play classic rock on vinyl records, expresses his hopes for the new technology, hoping to use it to make his own show run more efficiently. "With the new board, hopefully we will be able to hook the turntables up so when the turntable is turned on the board, it will start the physical turntable," Kurtz said. With.. the new systems being set up, the students behind the station expect the overall efficiency of the WCLH station to improve with the start of the new semester. The radio staff is always looking for new members to join. Any students who are interested can stop by to the 3rd floor of the Dorothy Dickson Darte center and talk to station manager Renee Loftus, or call 570408-5909. CONTACT MATT GAINES AT: matthew.gaines@wilkes.edu �A&E 15 THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 New rom-com not bad, but this Evanovich impresses with first 'one' isn't worth your 'money' in best selling 'Plum' series. BY BILL THOMAS Arts & Entertainment Editor Katharine Heigl gained a lot of cinematic street-cred for 2007's "Knocked Up." Unfortunately, the all-too-easy-tolove actress has since squandered much of that goodwill in middling popcorn fare like "Killers" and "New Year's Eve." Her career now largely survives on the back of her non-threatening relatability (for the la·dies) and her girl-next-door sex appeal (for the dudes). With "One for the Money," the "Grey's Anatomy" alum once again exploits both of those qualities, somehow managing to deliver her most entertaining outing in years. Considering what those years have held however, that isn't saying much. Starting out a bit flat (well, not "flat" ... uh, you know what I mean), Reigel eventually wins audiences over as Stephanie Plum, a cute-as-a-button junk-food junkie and down-on-her-luck everygal desperately searching for a new job and a new man. Serendipitously, bail bondsman cousin Vinnie is looking for a bounty hunter, and former flame Joe Morelli has skipped his million-dollar bail while trying to beat a murder rap. Armed with a pistol and pepper spray, Plum fumbles through the high-risk world of bounty hunting, eventually shifting her priorities toward helping Morelli unravel the mystery of the criminal conspiracy surrounding him. Of course, the mystery here is secondary. Audience members who can't predict the identity of the unseen villain before the end of the first act should probably have their heads examined. And de- attempts to ratchet up the tension and drama near the end of the second act, "One for the Money" never earns its attempted gravitas. More a romantic-comedy than a crimethriller, the focus here is on the characters. In that sense, the film impresses, providing superior characterization than many movies of its ilk. Somewhere along the lines, though, something got lost in the translation. The result is a wildly uneven film that is in turns quirky, plodding, grating, sterile and charming. With the camp factor turned way up, "One for the Money" could've been a blast. As it is, though, the film is a superfluous slice of pop entertainmen. Harmless but valueless. Serviceable but inconsequential. Part "Midnight Run," part "The Bounty Hunter," this flick is a lot like one of Plum's treasured Tastykakes: sweet, fluffy and easy to digest, but complete! lacking i nutritional value. Mayb the boo was better. BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer Stephanie Plum is your typical Jersey girl. In need of a job after being fired as a lingerie buyer, she takes the opportunity to work for her cousin Vinny, a bonding agent. With her new career as a bounty hunter Stephanie needs to work with mysterious ex-military man Ranger and former prostitute Lula to track down the attractive bail-jumper Joe Morelli, whom Stephanie has had an on-again off-again relationship with for years. Janet Evanovich's book "One for the Money" is riddled with laughs and situations that people could put themselves in. The book does have · s serious moments, "ke cars blowing p and criminals eatening to ermanently n-employ tephanie . he hilarimoous ments are the relatable ones, however. arol's Deli offers goo BY DOMINICK CONSTANTINO Staff Writer Most of us look for a bargain when we go out to eat. We like to still have money left after leaving a restaurant. If money is tight and you want to eat somewhere, this is the place for you. Located at 40 South Main St. in WilkesBarre, Carol's Deli & Bakery has a wide variety of options on the menu. There are many different types of sandwiches and hoagies. Side orders include french fries and mini potato pancakes, and they have a daily soup and also hot dogs as well. They also have the normal breakfast items served until 10:30 a.m., and desserts range from cupcakes to zucchini muffins. I didn't see anything on the menu over $10. The average sandwich or hoagie ranges between $4 and $5 and comes with a bag of chips. I'm a huge grilled cheese lover so I decided to order that. The bag ofMiddleswarth chips came out first, and I ate them as my appetizer. I was loving this place already because of the chips. My grilled cheese sandwich came out relatively fast. The sandwich was nice and buttery with hot, gooey cheese in the middle. The bread - I believe it was sour dough - had a nice texture. Overall, the sandwich was just as good as that served in our Wilkes University cafeteria. It's kind of hard to mess up a grilled cheese sandwich, though. A customer sitting behind me tried the When Evanovich introduces the spunky Grandma Mazur in a dinner scene by having her shoot the roast chicken in front of the entire family, no reader can hold back laughter. Every family has that crazy relative that makes dinner so much more entertaining. Everyone has moments of anxiety about their home being broken into, but what makes Stephanie unique is that she isn't worried about her valuables, just her hamster Rex. The writing style is very tight in this book, leaving no stone unturned. Even if the reader does not realize it, everything that happens, every small detail aiat may seem insignificant, has a purpose and will help solve the case. For a mystery novel, the ending is still somewhat a surprise. The element of surprise is a pivotal tool in Evanonich's writing, keeping the suspense level high until the final pages of the novel. The story fi nishes and wraps up, but the writing style lends itself to sequels. Currently, Janet Evanovich is working on her nineteenth Stephanie Plum novel. "One for the Money" and the rest of the Stephanie Plum books have all been top New York Times Best Sellers. There is honestly not a lot to criticize in this novel. The writing is clear, tight, funny and detailed, all the while keeping the reader 's attention and making it painful to put the book down. The intriguing story line leaves the reader wanting to pick up the next novel, "Two for the Dough." ood, bad servic mini potato pancakes. I asked her what she thought of them and she said she really enjoyed them "They reminded me of the potato pancakes I get at a summer bazaar," she said. As for the food and price, I would rate this place very high. However, if I were to rate it on service and atmosphere, it would be a whole different story. My waitress didn't even come to my table to take my order. She stood behind the counter and asked me what I wanted. She did at least bring the food over to the table and asked how my meal was. The decor on the walls is nice, but all the employees seemed grumpy. Not one of them had a smile on their face. I unde r st a nd we all have 1 •5 /5 bad days, but their attitude totally ruined the atmosphere in this restaurant. The end of my meal was frustrating because I didn't have any cash on me. The only thing I had was my check card. Not anywhere in the restaurant was there a sign that said they only accept cash. When I got to the register, an employee told me their machine was down. I had to walk to the back of Provincial Towers and go all the way over to the Martz bus station to use their ATM. Because it was a private ATM, I had to pay a fee to get money out. I haven't been at this restaurant in over a month, so hopefully they got their card machine fixed. But bring cash just in case. CONTACT BILL THOMAS billthomas@thewilkes.beacon �JANUARY 31, 2012 CONTACT EDITOR: j ustinfraniak@thewilkesbeacon.com ·Anthony Dattolo honored for 100th win Senior captain recognized as Colonels cruise at meet The Broad Street Breakdown BY JUSTI N FRANIAK BY BRYAN WISLOSKY Sports Editor Correspondant Christmas break usually consists of students relaxing and enjoying their time off. For the Wilkes wrestling team, break was just another month to improve. The 19th ranked Colonels used their off time wisely, but none more than senior captain Anthony Dattolo. The business administration major hit a milestone that few will ever see. In fact, only five wrestlers from Wilkes have ever reach it. This milestone is reaching 100 collegiate wrestling wins. "It felt great," Dattolo said "I had no idea that only · five people have had 100 wins at Wilkes." Datto lo reached his 100th win by defeating Messiah grappler Ty Kanouff. The win took place over the holiday break at Ursinus College. Dattolo still remains humble about reaching this plateau. In high school, Dattolo accomplished a lot. He had 88 total wins and placed in the New Jersey state championships. He is very quick to give credit where it is due. "I have to attribute my wins to my past teammates," Dattolo said. "When I was - young they always pushed me to do my • best." Dattolo was well aware that his 100th win was close, but still went into his matches the same way he usually does. "I treated it like any other match," Dattolo said. "I just want to go in there and win either way. I don't want to lose." Being part of this elite club has not phased the senior. He still feels as though the pressure on him has remained the same. "I feel likes I've always had a target on - my back," Dattolo said. "This many wins has just added to my past accomplishments." Dattolo is undefeated on the season and is looking to break to the school wins record which is 111 wins. Dattolo carried his teammates to a 3-0 record this past weekend in a quad-meet in the Marts Gymnasium. The Colonels beat Gettysburg by 11 points, Trinity by 37 points and RIT by 25 The future looks bright in South Philly, not only as we look ahead to the Stanley Cup Finals coming up in June, but for many, many seasons. Even with the Philadelphia Flyers playing musical goaltenders and having obvious holes in their defensive core thanks to Chris Pronger's season ending injury and Braydon Coburn being awful, the Broad Street Bullies remain strong contenders to raise Lord Stanley's Cup this summer. The Flyers are currently in a heated battle with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins for the best record not only in the Eastern Conference, but the entire National Hockey League. We have reached the NHL's AllStar weekend with Philadelphia having 63 points through 48 games, close behind the division and conference leading Rangers who have 66 points through 47 games. The Fly Guys are also looking up at the defending champion Bruins, who have 64 points through 47 games. The key to the Flyers success this season has been the amazing contribution given by their youth. With youngsters such as Sean Couturier (19), Matt Read (25), Claude Giroux (24), James van Riemsdyk (22), Wayne Simmonds (23) and Sergei Bobrovsky (23) combining with the wily veterans Scott Hartnell and Danny Briere, the Philadelphia Flyers will be a forced to be reckoned with in the NHL for the next decade and beyond. Just short of 50 games played for the season, the Flyers lead the NHL in points scored by rookies. Philly rookies have already piled Senior captain Anthony Dattolo poses with his award for recording 100 career up more than 70 points on the year. The two most abundant first year scorers wins. He is only the fifth wrestler in Wilkes history to reach this milestone. are Matt Read, who after spending last seaagainst RIT. points, all in convincing fashions. son with the Phantoms after being drafted Sophmore David Oberrender finished by the Flyers leads the NHL in goals by a Dattolo and senior Ryan Wilson both lead the way for the Colonels. Both re- Saturday's competition with a record of rookie with 15 and is third in points by a ceived one forfeit while Wilson tacked 2-0. Both of his wins were major deci- rookie with 31, and Sean Couturier, taken on two more career pins, and Dattolo re- sions, as he outscored his opponents 26-8. eighth overall in last June's entry draft, who The Colonels will be in action again this is making an immediate impact with his 10 corded a pin and technical fall. Matt Ellery, Dustin Stough and Buddy Gouger Friday in Ewing, N.J., where they will goals and 9 helpers at just 19 years of age. all recorded pinfalls, while junior Nathan take on the Lions of The Co llege of New Of the non-rookies who are making great White finished up the day with a record of Jersey. impacts, we have who I believe is the future 2-1 of the NHL, Claude Giroux. The future capFreshman Michael Fleck kept his steltain is second in the NHL with 55 points, and CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: lar rookie season going as he al so finis hed 2- 1 on the day, including a technical fall justin.franiak@wilkes.edu SEE FLYERS, PAGE 19 �SPORTS 17 THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 SCOREBOARD Wrestling 1/28 Gettysburg W 26-15 RITW32-9 "' Trinity W 46-9 Men's B-Ball 1/25 Eastern L 68-55 1/28 Del Val L OT 85-95 Women'sB-Ball 1/~5 Eastern L 52-72 1/28 Del Val L 66-77 EEKAHEAI Wrestling 2/3 @TCNJ Men's B-Ball 2/1 @ Misericordia 2/3 Manhattanville Women'sB-Ball 2/1 @Misericordia 2/3 Manhattanville Tweet us pictures of the scoreboards @wi Ikesbeacon ______________... At this time during the NFL off-season we are usually talking about the future of Brett Favre and the possible spots he could end up in the new season. This year, it is all about Peyton. Manning missed the entire year due to a neck injury, which sent the Colts into a tailspin that led them to a 2-14 record and the ., No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Normally this would not be a problem but this year the No. 1 quarterback prospect since Manning himself, Andrew Luck, is coming out of the draft. Reports say the Colts will be taking Luck with the top pick in the draft, which means a hefty pay day for the young QB. Manning is due a $28 million roster bonus March 8th; this would mean if the colts were to keep Manning, over $50 million will be spent on two players at the same position. Not a good team building strategy. It is most likely that Manning's fate will be decided before March 8, simply because once he earns that $28 million it will be very hard to trade him to a contender with enough cap space to accommodate Manning. Most likely that he will be cut or traded before the March 8 deadline, that way someone can restructure that deal. So where does he go? The options are " very few: Denver, Washington, Miami, New York Jets and maybe a sleeper team we don't know about. Manning will presum- , ., ably have a great deal of control where he goes whether it is a trade or free agency. Denver is unlikely because the situation is Manning is coming off an injury so why would he go to a place like Mile High where he has to play in the cold and high altitude I don't see that working. A big option has been the Jets and we know their owner Woody Johnson loves stars and a high powered offense. However the cap space · will be tough and would Manning really go to the Jets and take the spotlight away from his little brother? No, I think the options are Washington and Miami, to me Miami makes the most sense. He plays in a history rich team, in a warm environment where his injury will not bother him. Miami will have the cap space, no QB, a great weapon in Brandon Marshall and a defense that is better than any Colts one in the past 10 years. Why not Washington? Simply put, Manning and Shanahan cannot coexist. Manning runs his own system and Shanahan likes control, they would do nothing but butt heads. Manning will join Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Jose Reyes this year in Miami. I never thought I would see the day where everyone would be questioning if Peyton Manning should stay in Indy. I am still in disbelief that is happening, alas here we are. The Colts are definately picking Andrew Luck with the first overall selection in this year's draft and its almost inevitable that Peyton Manning will not be under center for the Colts. The question is where will he go? Will he get cut or traded? The obvious options are teams with money and draft picks. He will not be going to the Jets. That place is a circus and Peyton will not want to touch that. Plus, the Jets shouldn't break apat a defense that performed well this year. The Colts are going to want a young defensive player and draft picks, and I don't know if the Jets are willing to give that up. Cleveland is a good option for Manning. The Browns have a ton of draft picks and a good amount of cap space, considering there is not huge contracts there. I would not +.' be surprised if the Browns come away with f Peyton. Another option would be Miami. The Doiphins have not had a good quarterback since The 'Debate:. Will Peyton lea,r~ lncly?Y'fihere"'td? ,. : 1I Th..e •·s. uzz· With tne Colts sat.Z.: + "'i Marino and they are thirsty for some wins. I believe that Peyton Manning will wind in g ~be¥ \t\'t It.JaiC ,l/121ii ,: upT~e~:::::~~~ve huge contracts, and a And re,~ t:.ub~k~.,Pe~h,tons. 11 :!~;:a~~~:t!eaf~;o:t::~::~~!:. bring insee m,sto :, e an iS I would love to watch Peyton twice a year, " .·Y'OUt;,, ,):· ,w ~ · ~:u~~:a::~o ~~:;u:i:i~y beloved Eagles The Redskins have a decent defense, with a good young player in Brian Orapko. The Skins would need to get some offensive line help in order to protect Manning. The Colts were exposed this year. Finishing with the worst record in the league clearly shows that Peyton Manning is extremely valuable. I would even consider giving the MVP award to him, and he didn't even play a down this year. I hope Peyton winds up in a good spot because I love watching him play. Peyton has started to become exiled from Indy. I am upset with how the organization is handling the situation. Peyton deserves the respect of the players and coaches. He may eventually go down as the greatest quarterback ever. Whoever lands him will do well. Hopefully Indy will gain a little "Luck" in the end. �THE BEACON I JANUARY 31 , 2012 SPORTS 18 Ask the fans ... Who is your Superbowl pick? What is your favorite gametime food? Matt Gaines Alex Farah Ryan McKeown Nathan White Junior, Communication Studies Superbowl Pick: Monkey Riding a Dog Gametime Snack: Cheesey Bread Freshman, Entrepeneurship Superbowl Pick: Giants Gametime Snack: Wings Sophomore, Criminology Superbowl Pick: Giants Gametime Snack: Wings Junior, Psychology" Superbowl Pick: Patriots Gametime Snack: Crab Dip •I the legendary taste Go Colonels! • We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, w ings, burgers & m ore!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com or visi t our restauraut & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt . 11 in Edwardsville {just ac ross the bridge!) Matt Ellery Garret Schrader Senior, Business Administration Superbowl Pick: Patriots Gametime Snack: Wings and Beer Senior, History Superbowl Pick: Giants Gametime Snack: Buffalo Chicken Dip Tweet us your Superbowl picks and favorite foods! @wi Ikesbeacon o zza $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out Expires 06/30/12 I the legendary taste --------valid only at Grotto Pizza locations �19 THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 ilk es suffers first con£ere nee loss FLYERS Continued from Page 16 r y, er ~ S- f- :d n s. 1- :r ill n .s makes everyone around him better. His line mate, Scott Hartnell, currently has 25 goals with 34 games remaining, where his career high for goals in a season is 30. Now Giroux is in a bit of a goal drought, but lately teams have been double teaming him, which has let his teammates pile up the goals. Another great contributor is third year player Wayne Simmonds with his 13 goals and 14 assists. Simmonds was a great pick-up in the off season when former captain Mike Richards and current coach Peter Laviolette couldn't see eye t~ eye and Richards was shipped to the LA Kings for Wayne and draft picks. The Flyers have nine players with at least 10 goals on the season, which no other team in the league can say. They can score any time on any line, which is a great luxury. Of these nine players, seven of them are under the age of 30, the exceptions being Briere and Jaromir Jagr. -.-...' Philly is the only team in the entire NHL that can match Boston's explosiveness. When it appeared free agent goalie Ilya Bryzgolav may be a bust, Bob stepped up with his admirable 2.42 goals against average, now Bryz seems to be coming into his own as well. The Bullies just need to keep this core group of youngsters together -- and healthy -- and within five years, we' ll be talking dynasty. Are you a Fly ers fan ? Add your comments about the team at http://wwwthewilkesbneacon.com. ' 'I' The Beacon/ Justin Fran iak CONTACT BRYAN WISLOSKY AT: bryan.wis/osky@wilkes.edu Sophomore Brendan Sheldon concentrates before taking a foul shot. Sheldon had 4 points in the loss to Eastern University. As of Jan. 29 the Colonels sat at 6-2 in the conference. The Colonels are set to face conference foe Misericordia on Feb. 1 . .s Lt Looking for an apartment should be fun, right? n ,_ d T hat's exactly what we thi nk, too. And at 40 West, it's fun and hassle-free! Our hassle-free att itude is just one of the many perks of living at the s New 40 West Apartments! e Perks • Newly renovated apartments • New appliances • Fully furnished • Safe & secure • Prime location to campus and downtown • Free YMCA gym membership • And many, many more! A Ra d n o r Pro perty Group Development Contact Us! Your community coordinator is here to answer any questions you may have! Call/text: Jacki Lukas 570-855-4648 E-mail: j lukas@radnorproperty.com Visit our coming soon website, sign up & save $40 off your first month's rent: www.40westapartments.com On Facebook: 40 West Apartments On Twitter: @40WestApts 40 West Northampton Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 Private entrance on Northampton Street side of W-B YMCA �" 20 Getting to know ... M at t SPORTS u BY JUSTIN FRANIAK Sports Editor · to Coach Rickrode again and came on a visit, and here I am. Meet Matt Mullins, a senior starter from Binghampton, N. Y., who is off to the hot start this year with multiple So was Duke the biggest school you played double-digit point games. He recently against at Binghampton? Yes definitely. It was awesome. scored 30 points against cross town rivals King's College. Year: Senior Major: Business Administration Hometown: Binghampton, N.Y. You started your career at Binghampton University, How were your experiences there? It was a great experience. It was a Division I school, but I didn't play a lot. We did go to the NCAA tournament and playing against , ..,. Duke was great. Was playing time a big factor in deciding to transfer to Wilkes? Yes it was. I figured you only get four years to play, so why not take full advantage of it and actually play instead of sitting on the bench. How has Wilkes treated you so far? Wilkes is awesome, I love it here. Coach Rickrode originally recruited me out of high school. I was going to come here right out of high school, but Binghampton came along and offered me a spot on the team, so I decided to try that route out first. After that I went to a junior college and starting talking When was the first time you realized you wanted to play basketball at the next level? I would say in middle school. I was really into baseball all the way up until middle school. Then I got to eighth grade and really started focusing on basketball and realized that I wanted to pursue that, and eventually play basketball in college. Whom do you attribute all your success too? I've had a lot of great coaches, but I'd have to say my dad. He's been my teacher as far as basketball ever since I was younger. In the game against King's you dropped 30 points. How did that feel? THE BEACON I JANUARY 31, 2012 • Senior, Basketball guys. Besides the loss last night too Eastern, we just need to keep playing like we have, and we can definitely make our goals happen. Why do you wear the number four? To be honest, I really don't know. My freshman year of high school, the freshman got to pick their jersey numbers last, and no one wanted number four. I was basically given number four, and I was like why not stick with it ? Kobe Bryant. Favorite team? The Lakers. Favorite food? Chicken wings. Gatorade or water during a game? Water. What was your best high school basketball memory? We went to the New York State final four one year. We started the season off 2-5. We wound up winning 12 games in a row, and made a run for the New York state final four. How do you feel about the Wilkes cheering section, the "Blue Army?" It felt great. I really caught fire against King's. It felt awesome to do that against our rival, it felt even better to beat them though. The "Blue Army" is definitely a home court advantage. With the screaming and yelling and everything. We are the only team in the conference that has something like that. Its really been good. The team is currently 6-1 , as of Jan. 26, in the conference and sitting in first place. What are the teams goals to finish out the season? How do you feel about the giant Coach Rickrode head the "Blue Army" holds up? Our teams goals are to definitely win a MAC championship. We feel as though we have the team to do it. We have all the right Favorite athlete? If you could defend any player ever, who would it be?Why? Probably Michael Jordan just to say that he crossed me up. CONTACT JUSTINFRANIAK AT: (Laughs) The head is great. I won't say justin.franiak@ who made it, but I really think that's awe- wilkes.edu some. SEE WHAT WRESTLER REACHED 100 CAREER WINS OVER THE BREAK, PAGE 16 For more information and pictures, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.co~ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 January 31st Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012 January 31 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/51a10237d762f8ba8b1dea81c661b273.pdf 247e746d241bacf5ac12d34a25e235e2 PDF Text Text -- --- November 22, 2011 Volume 64 Issue 9 ------ THE NEv'{S OF TODAY REPORTED BY THE JOURNALISTS OF TOMORROW www.thewilkesbeacon.com Arts VOUniverse hosts Embrace a Child in Tanzania BY MIKE FILIPSKI Correspondent Wilkes is giving the community a chance to support an orphaned African child, enjoy music and refreshments and learn about a fascinating culture, all in one night. On Dec. 1, 2011 , Zebra Communications, Wilkes University's student-run public relations agency and Downtown Arts will be hosting Embrace a Child in Tanzania, an event to benefit children orphaned due to AIDS in Tanzania. Located at Arts YOUniverse in Wilkes-Barre, the event will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, refreshments and immersion into a new culture. Admission to the event will be $15, but those who bring a dish to share will be admitted for only $10. Performing at the event will be the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble. Based in Camden, N.J. and founded in 1984, it has grown to become one of the largest African dance and drum ensembles in the U.S. They were chosen to represent the U.S. at the World Festival of Black Arts and Culture in Dakal, Senegal. The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble has been sanctioned the best of its kind by scholars, historians and African experts. The group is made up of stilt walkers, dancers and ground masquerades, performing dance, song and drum pieces from many sections and cultures of Africa. Each performance by the group can be made up of anywhere between two to 69 performers. This is not their first appearance in the area, as they SEE TANZANIA, PAGE 15 Recent robbery poses little threat to Wilkes the Dollar General store on the comer of South Main Street and Assistant News Editor West Ross Street in Wilkes-Barre. Despite reports of another rob- Rebo said eyewitnesses described bery within walking distance of the man as "an African-American Wilkes University, it is doubtful male wearing a dark hoodie over that the campus community is in his head with a baseball cap, baggy any danger, Public Safety manager jeans and tan boots." Jerry Rebo said Wednesday afterAccording to Rebo, who has noon. been in contact with the WilkesAround 10:30 a.m. on Wednes- Barre Police Department, the man day, Nov. 16, a man walked into SEE ROBBERY, PAGE 4 BY BILL THOMAS The Beacon/Austin Loukas Senior international studies major June Lor puts the finishing touches on the winning Eiffel Tower cake, built by Towers first floor. The cake was one of the winners of this year's Inter-Residence Hall cake challenge. Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 Republican candidates a joke? PAGE6 Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Winter fashion trends PAGE9 Movie Review: 'J. Edgar' PAGE 13 Sports Pages 16-20 Student grapples fgr charity PAGE 16 ~ Established 1936 PA Newspaper Assodation Member �NOVEMBER 22, 2011 CONTACT EDITOR: amandaleonard@thewilkesbeacon.com Beacon Briefs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>] BY AMANDA LEONARD News Editor FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE - Wilkes University Health & Wellness Department is offering flu shots for $20 payable by check made out to Wilkes University or cash. Vaccines will be given during regular office hours. A limited number of shots are available and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays at Passan Hall. ELIE WIESEL PRIZE IN ETHICS ESSAY CONTEST 2012 - The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay contest is now in its 23rd year. Students are encouraged to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out issues and are rational arguments for ethical action.The contest is open to undergraduate, full time, juniors and seniors. Students must apply and submit essays online, and receive online verification from their faculty sponsor. Any professor may act as a faculty sponsor and endorse the quality an"d authenticity of the student's work. Students must also upload a letter from the registrar or National Student Clearinghouse verifying enrollment. The deadline for submission is at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. For more information, see the flier outsfee of the Interfaith Office at 204 Henry Student Center, or contact Caitlin Czeh at caitlin.czeh@wilkes.edu WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK - The Health Services Office has had employee and student interest in continuing the Weight Watchers at Work Program for the spring semester. It will be held at the workplace at a convenient time. It would be a Weight Watchers meeting, with a weekly weigh in and a half hour meeting. The cost is $10 for each meeting. Weight Watchers has programs students can participate in for an eight week series and pay $80 for a 10-week program paid in advance. If anyone would be interested in the program, call Health Services at Ext. 4730. to register for the Weight Watchers at Work program. A minimum of 15 participants is needed for the program. • GLOBALIZE YOUR THANKSGIVING - There are opportunities to invite one or two international students to your Thanksgiving dinner and to share an American holiday with someone from a foreign culture and learn about traditions and holidays from other countries. If interested, contact Georgia Costalas at the Center for Global Education and Diversity, at extension 7854 or email Georgia.costalas@wilkes.edu. STUDENTS GRADUATING IN MAY 2012 - Complete your diploma order and your cap and gown order forms for processing for May commencement. Forms are available at the student services center in UCOM, or online under the registrar forms area. Completed forms, signed by your advisor, are due back in the Student Services Center by Dec. 16. This paperwork is to be returned to the students services center along with an updated copy of your degree audit VOLUNTEER TO BE CONVERSATION PARTNER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT - The Intensive English Prograll1c at Wilkes has created a conversation partner program. It's an opportunity for Wilkes University students to volunteer and be paired with an international student for the semester and to chat once a week. If interested in volunteering to be a conversation partner, email kimberly.niezgoda@wilkes. edu BEACON 130 S. River St . First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SIFE LET'S CAN HUNGER - Wilkes University Students in Free Enterprise are collecting donations to buy canned goods for needy families during the holidays. They have put together a Thanksgiving basket that has everything a family would need and costs only ten dollars. Students and faculty are invited to purchase a basket for a family or donate any amount. Donations in the form of cash or canned food will be accepted Wednesday through Friday on the first floor of the Henry Student Center. Hall, Room 018. The remaining workshops will be held on Tuesday evenings: Nov. 22 and 29 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. After successful completion of the workshop and a feedback summary survey, all participants will receive a certificate of completion for professional development / teaching portfolio or resume. Workshops have a maximum capacity of 12 and are offered to the entire Wilkes Campus on a first-come basis. Preregister up until 3 p.m. the day of the workshop online. 'HOW TO CREATE A VISUAL WEB PORTFOLIO' WORKSHOP - The Integrative Media and Art Department is offering free web portfolio workshops in Breiseth CONTACT AM ANDA LEONARD AT: amandaleonard@thewilkesbeacon.com WING WARS WAGED INSUB Photo courtesy of Bill Amos Students, such as senior business administration major Mark Siebel, enjoyed a free buffet of buffalo wings in the Henry Student Center on Friday, Nov. 18. The Off-Campus Council held its yearly Wing Wars event. Competing this year were Rodano's, Januzzi's, The Frog Pond, Tipsy Turtle and Anthracite Cafe. Each eatery provided both mild wings and a specialty flavor wing. Editorial Staff 2011-12 Meet the Staff Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook News Editor: Amanda Leonard Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Devoni Novak Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Phat Nguyen Production Manager: Michael Kl imek Advertising Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Online Editor: Brandon Scott Adviser: Loran Lewis Devoni Novak A&E Editor �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 3 NEWS Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner warns of America's waning future BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-In-Chief Thomas Friedman believes the world is flat. At least, this is the metaphor "The New York Times" foreign affairs columnists applies to the state of instantaneous business connections made possible by advanced technology. Friedman said this impactful connectivity specifically impacts young generations emerging in the work force. Friedman spoke on connectivity and other issues facing America at Wilkes' eigth annual Outstanding Leaders Forum on Nov. 16. The three-time Pulitzer prize winner presented at the F.M. Kirby Center on what he considered America's biggest challenges, and how to overcome them. Friedman laid out many of the problems discussed in his latest book, "That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World We Invented and How We Can Come Back." He decided to co-write the book with Michael Mandelbaum after they noticed how their discussions on the world always shifted to America. "We really concluded that it is really America's state, future, vigor and vitality: that really is the biggest foreign policy issue in the world," Friedman said. Friedman described America as a tent pole that holds up and stabilizes the rest of the world. This impact that America has on the world led to Friedman's concern of what would happen if the tent pole were to budge or break. Friedman also addressed the idea that America's future is used up, which evolved from observations of a sense of resignation in Americans toward America's best days. "Do we believe that about America? Not on your life," Friedman said. "But we do have to buckle up and get our act together to make sure that we do have that future, with the ability to pass on the American dream." Despite the grim scenarios that Friedman and Mandelbaum analyze, Freidman considers them to be not pessimists, but more of "frustrated optimists." He expressed his view that there is still hope for America. "Whenever we tell people the title of our book, "That used to be us," their first question is, "does it have a happy ending?" Friedman said. "We tell everybody it does, but we just don't know yet whether it's fiction or nonfiction. That's going to depend on us." One problematic area that Friedman feels America must overcome is the issue of connectivity that gives employers global access to employees. Friedman said this revolution has developed in the last seven or eight years. "The world really went from connected, to . hyperconnected," Friedman said. "No one announced it, but it's actually the biggest thing happening in the world today, and it's affecting every school, every student, every teacher, and every employer and every workplace." In this "flat" playing field, American youth The Beacon/Austin Loukas Before Thomas Friedman's lecture on Nov. 16., Friedman spoke to local high school students at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre. A question-and-answer session for students also took place. are placed as direct competitors with international talent. In order to keep up with a rising global curve, Friedman emphasizes the quality of creativity in young graduates seeking employment. "In this world, everyone is going to have to find their extra, their unique value composition that justifies why they should be hired," Friedman said. After speaking to numerous employers, Friedman identified what they are looking for in new employees. "What they all actually looking for are people that not only do their job, but invent, reinvent and re-engineer their job as they work," Friedman said. He urged aspiring workers to think like an immigrant, an artisan and a waitress at Perkins Family Restaurant and Bakery. He said it is important to install an immigrant's hunger of new opportunities, the entrepreneurship of a waitress striving to be profitable despite limited resources and control and the pride that artisans have in carving their initials into their dedicated work. "Whatever work you do, do it in a way that at the end of the day you always want to carve your initials," Friedman said. "Do it in a way that you're always bringing something extra." Jay Sidhu, member of the Wilkes board of trustees and founder of the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, praised Friedman's ability to comment on issues in a way that allows his audience to be aware of the problems as well as possible solutions. "He is sought for his knowledge and understanding, especially of common sense leadership issues, of foreign affairs, the role and effect of globalizations, about terrorism, about climate change, and about all the issues we are facing in this world today," Sidhu said. Friedman warned that if the issues facing America, such as with hyperconnectivity, are not resolved, America faces a decline that would be a "greater threat to our national security than anything Al-Qaeda does." "We see a country with enormous potential, falling into the worst sort of decline," Friedman said, " slow decline." CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com �4 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 NEWS ROBBERY Continued from Front Page reportedly claimed to have had a gun, although the store clerk did not see one. The man then allegedly stole a pair of Tonka toy trucks and, after demanding the store's money from the clerk, ran north on Barnum Place, behind Wilkes' Arnaud C. Marts Center and got into a green Chevy Impala that was parked alongside Cumberland Apartments on West Ross before taking off. A similar robbery took place the day before, at the Family Dollar also on South Main Street. Following reports of the Dollar General robbery on Wednesday, Public Safety sent a mass email to Wilkes students and staff, just after 11 a.m. The message informed recipients of the situation and warned them to call 911 if they were to see the man. A similar emergency notification text message was also issued. Anyone concerned about the incident was encouraged to contact the Public Safety office for more information. Despite the precautions, Rebo said that, although Public Safety takes every possible threat seriously, he did not believe the robbery was likely to directly affect students or staff at Wilkes ' campus. "When someone's committed a robbery," Mark Defrain, a Wilkes student currently Rebo said, "they usually already have a studying middle school education with a plan to get out and they're not going to be concentration in math, agreed that the situhanging around the area. There's always ation was unlikely to pose an immediate the threat of maybe somebody running into danger to the campus community. Defrain them, but this also said he apguy ran about preciated Public 20 or 30 yards Safety taking and then he got the precautions into the car and it did, however was gone." he admitted In addition the notification to the campus email never notifications , reached him. Rebo said Pub"I only go lic Safety offionto my Wilkes cers were sent email once or twice a week," to search the Marts Center Defrain said. Beacon/Tom Reilly " for the man, Above is the Dollar General on The South Main street 1 probably as it was only that was robbed on Wednesday. wouldn't have later that Pubeven known lie Safety learned from Wilkes-Barre police about (the robbery) if somebody else here that the maned had already made his get- hadn't told me about it." away. Likewise, Rebo said that, when he Nevertheless, Defrain said he was confiinitially talked to Wilkes-Barre police, they dent that Public Safety would be more than were unsure if a weapon was involved or adequate in dealing with a more serious not. Thus, he said, Public Safety opted to to threat. err on the side of caution and act as ifthere "Further emergency steps would have indeed was definitive proof of a weapon and probably locked down the campus," Rebo that the man was still in the area. said, explaining what Public Safety would do in the event of a more imminent danger to students and staff. Rebo said that students and staff would be locked inside the campus buildings, with no one permitted in or out. However, he also pointed out that he could think of no instance where such precautions had been necessary. Assuring that Wednesday situation was far from the most serious threat he's seen Public Safety deal with in the 11 years he's been a Wilkes employee, Rebo added that, in any situation deemed especially dangerous, Wilkes-Barre police would be contacted straightaway. For anyone concerned about the fact that the man sought in the robberies remains on the loose, Rebo noted that he has been informed that police do indeed have a suspect they are currently investigating, and that it is believed the man responsible for the Dollar General is the same as that whop robbed the Family Dollar a day earlier. Regardless of a danger's immediacy, though, Rebo recommended students make an effort to maintrtin contact with Wilkes through the school's email and text message systems, stressing that the best precaution students can take at any time is to stay up-todate and informed. CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: bi/lthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com MedExpress is making it easy to protect yOLirself and your family against the flu . With no appbintments, short wait times, and flu shots just $20*, it's fast, easy and affordable. Which should keep everyone feel ing good. Open Every Day I9 a.m . .to 9 p.m. WILKES-BARRE EDWARDSVILLE 677 Kidder Street Next to Ollie's Bargain Outlet 570~825-2046 ' 2:Z6 West Side Mall Wyoming Avenue, Near Price C hopper 570-283-0791 E URGENT CARE medexpress.com fa cebook.com/medexpress . * Ages 4 and up. Offer good while suppli"';; last. Valid for one flu shot dose adm inistered at any of our MedExpress locations , Payment due at the time of service. We will bill insurance when applicable. ,m --~,: -~,-.-,;-,-,.;.;.; ~.. I!;;;<,"» 'i,;'. ~' ; �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 NEWS 5 New Farley catalog is 'hell on wheels; helps library hit record gate count BY BILL THOMAS Assistant News Editor In the month of October, more than 31,000 people passed through the doors of Wilkes University's Farley Library. Sure, a lot of those bodies were "repeat customers," but John Stachacz, the library dean, held that number is still an accurate indicator of how often members of the Wilkes campus community use the Farley's various services. In fact, Stachacz said, that number is not only the highest it's ever been for Wilkes, but it's also one of the highest gate counts for any campus library in the area. It seems that, even in this age of online encyclopedias, e-books and file sharing, students still have a reason to "check out" the library for their academic needs. "This is an old building, but we're a very modem library," Stachacz said, chalking up the high gate count to the Farley's efforts to offer students the most up-to-date amenities possible. One of the most substantial updates the Farley has made to its services is the new ENCORE catalog system, unveiled just last month. It's a change that Stachacz said was long overdue. In fact, one of the first things Stachacz wanted to do when first he became the Farley's dean was to finally get rid of the old system. "We were the only library that had that system," Stachacz said. "I don't mean the only public university library; I mean the only library in Pennsylvania." In the 2011 spring semester, Stachacz went before Student Government seeking supplementary funds to help make the system switch as productive as possible. The request wa~ pproved. "What the gift from Student Government allowed us to do was purchase additional software packets to the system that otherwise we wouldn't have been able to get," Stachacz said. Gisele Romanace, the Farley's computer systems librarian who oversaw the switch, explained that one of those additions will soon allow students to access ENCORE via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Another benefit of ENCORE, Stachacz said, is that it is a cloud system. This means that, where the old system was powered by on-campus servers, this new one is primarily Web-based, with information stored on the off-site servers of Innovative Interfaces Inc. in California. Stachacz said that this change was not only cheaper for Wilkes, but also safer, an idea hitting home that much harder in light of the flooding in September and IT problems it caused throughout campus. Safer, sleeker, more powerful and more convenient, the ENCORE system has only been up and running for a short time, but Stachacz said he's already heard plenty of positive feedback. ENCORE seems to be The Beacon/Tom Reilly quickly proving itself a massive improve- The Farley Library continues to attract students with its growing repetoire of rement over the VTLS system which the li- sources, including the new web-based ENCORE catalog system. brary was using for the previous 25 years. That system, Stachacz said, was so out-of- search, ENCORE will have no problem in "The people from Innovative Interfaces date that it was actually cheaper for Wilkes bringing up all entries with those words in told me this was one of the fastest migrato move on to a whole different system than them. tions they've ever done," Stachacz added. This change, coincidentally, puts Wilkes in "They usually take about a year." to update the old one. Illustrating just how obsolete the old cata- much a similar position as the 25-year reign In addition to the new catalog, the Farlog system was, Stachacz explained that, for of VTLS did. Once again, Wilkes' catalog ley Library also offers the Worldcat search example, if a student typed "The Taming of exists alone at the extreme end of the quality system, which provides students access to the Shrew" as a search, it would come back spectrum. items, through interlibrary loans, that they with no results, despite the fact that an entry "We are the only university in the area, may not be able to find through the Farley for the Shakespearean classic is indeed in outside the University of Scranton that has alone. Stachacz remarked that the library is the system. this system," Stachacz said. "We went, liter- also working to put more databases and eThe reason for such misleading results? ally, from one of the most archaic systems to books at student fingertips. The old system wouldn't be able to find any- the gold standard." "As we move more into a digital world, we thing with the article "the" in front of it. A Although Stachacz described the process have to keep thinking digitally," Stachacz student in search of any book would not only of downloading more than 200,000 library said, stating again that the switch to ENhave to know the title, but also the way it records from the VTLS system and re-enter- CORE serves as one of the most exciting was filed in library records. ing them into ENCORE as "a tremendous new additions to the library's resources. In comparison, the ENCORE system is amount of work," Romanace said it all went "People don't think catalogs are sexy, but based on more advanced, now commonplace surprisingly smoothly. She estimated that as an exploratory tool for information, this search software. Now, students can enter the migration period, in which Wilkes ac- thing is hell on wheels," he said with a grin. "taming" and "shrew" into the search box tively started transferring data from system CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: as independent phrases, and, like a Google to system, took about three months. billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com IT COMMITTEE SEEKS INPUT FROM FACULTY, STUDENTS FOR POSSIBLE EMAIL SWITCH With the success of the Farley Library's switch from its outdated, on-site serverstored VTLS catalog system to the new, cloud-based ENCORE system, Library Dean John Stachacz has been tapped to help Wilkes' IT Committee determine whether moving the school's email services to a cloud-based system like Google Gmail or Microsoft 365 (formerly "Microsoft Live"). Once again, Stachacz pointed to recent :flooding as a motivating factor in Wilkes' consideration of moving more toward the use of off-campus servers. "There's a lot of benefits lo that type of hosting," Matthew Koch, Wilkes' tech development director and Cloud Email Evaluation sub-committee co-chair said. "This' is becoming increasingly popular with a lot of higher education institutions." Other advantages Koch cited include ease of access and cost effectiveness. To fully explore the possibilities of such a switch, the subcommittee will seek input from students and faculty members, both on a broad scale through campus surveying and on a more focused, narrower scale through evaluation volunteers. Koch admits that the sub-committee is emphasizing faculty input more so than that of students simply because, he said, students are more used to cloud-based email systems, whereas faculty members may not be. The subcommittee plans to have a full analysis completed by the end of February, with a final recommendation, whether or not to move to full or partial cloud email, in March. Stachacz and Koch said the sub-committee is still looking for students and faculty to help with the evaluation process, and said that interested parties should contact either Stachacz at 570-408-4254 or Koch at 570408-4450. �NOVEMBER 22, 2011 CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com Republican presidential candidates are joke Editor-in-Chief If you've missed the latest episodes, here's a recap of the ludicrous cast: er him as a competent leader of a country is embarrassing. Audiences across America are enjoying a hilarious comedy television series. This program has it all: outrageous comments, humorous conflict and eccentric characters. This is no traditional sitcom, but viewers have relished the laughs. President Barack Obama is probably laughing harder than anyone else. This comedy act is the broadcast debates between the 2012 republican candidates running for president. These debates, and the various media appearances that these candidates have made, are filled with mistakes, offensive comments and inconsistencies. Many of these characters are far too ridiculous to be seriously considered for the chief executive of our country. These candidates have become more like stars of the comedy shows that point out their embarrassments than legitimate political figures , as former head. writer of "The Tonight Show" pointed out in The Kansas City Star. "It's a theme park for variety show writers, this group is," said Andrew Nicholls. "You're looking for human foibles - and here you have ignorance, arrogance, stupidity and foolishness crammed into the smallest number of people. Herman Cain - The pizza guy Cain, the former head of Godfather's Pizza, may have gotten the job description of president of the United States mixed up with the one for manager of Pizza Hut. Cain has repeatedly broadcast his opinion that the president is not required to be knowledgeable about foreign events, but rather interact with people who are and take their counsel. In reality, competency in world affairs is a major element of the president's job responsibilities. Cain has used this viewpoint to compensate for moments when his embarrassing lack of awareness on foreign affairs shine, such as during his interview with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. When asked about President Obama's decisions on Libya, he blanked, and responded with, "I got all this stuff twirling around in my head." He also stated that he was against attacking Iran because it is too mountainous. Cain uses his "9-9-9 Tourette's" to answer any other issues he is ignorant of. Unfortunately, this grand plan he has of 9 percent sales tax would be a death certificate for the American economy. Not to mention the alleged sexual harassment charges pressed by three different women. The fact that anyone would consid- Michele Bachmann - The ignorant historian In Bachmann's history books, events are a little skewed from reality. The Minnesota congresswoman claimed that the first shots of the Revolutionary War were shot in New Hampshire when they were actually in Massachusetts, stated that the 1976 Swine Flu occurred under Democratic President Carter when it actually happened during Republican Gerald Ford's term and that John Quincy Adams was one of the Founding Fathers when he was not. Bachmann's scientific knowledge is off just a little, too. She commented on the toxic gas carbon dioxide, saying there was not a single study to show it is harmful. She spews out misstatements with a disregard to research or fact-checking, repeating the stories of supporters as solid fact. Even more disturbing are her offensive comments on sexual orientation and race. She labels homosexuality as a "disease" and a "sexual dysfunction" that must be cured, and has outright stated that cultures are not considered equal, showing clear bigotry and ignorance. BY KIRSTIN COOK Cartoon by Kirstin Cook Rick Perry - the forgetful executioner In 55 seconds, Perry killed his chances of getting on the ballot for the presidency. During the Nov. 9 Republican debate, he began to list the three governmenJ agencies he would get rid of, but forgot the third one. If forgetting a major portion of his campaign platform wasn't enough, he preceded to joke about his absentmindedness. These types of"oops" moments are not acceptable for the leader of our country. The governor of Texas seemed to have eagerly embraced Texas' acceptance of the death penalty. Ever since Perry's term began in 2000, more than 200 prisoners have been executed, according to International Business Times. He said he does not struggle with these executions, showing his lack of empathy for humanity regardless of opinions on the death penalty. SEE CANDIDATE, Page 8 BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific, and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 12 responses. Last week's question: How do you follow celebrity news and gossip? • Internet 33% • TV 17% • Magazine/ tabloid 0% • I don't follow celebrities 67% This week The Beaco(I asks: Which candidate do you think should be the Republican nomination for the 2012 election? • Herman Cain • Michele Bachmann • Rick Perry • Mitt Romney • Jon Huntsman • Ron Paul • Rick Santorum • Newt Gingrich • Other Cast your vote on line at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous le'tters will not be published. �7 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 GPS tracking violates the fourth amendment BY CARLYYAMRUS Opinion Editor George Orwell's fictional novel "1984" follows a character living in a society in which their government continuously monitors their every move. Screens are used to watch people as they carry on with their daily activities at all times of the day. The constant surveillance strips the society of its civil liberties and ultimately strengthens the government. But Orwell's novel was strictly fiction, right? Surely our government would never violate our natural rights and freedoms like that. Well, they are now. While our surveillance may not be as drastic as the two-way television screens in Orwell's novel, it's getting pretty close. And all because of those everso-poplar electronic devices that 85 percent of Americans now own: the cell phone. Whether you own a Smartphone, flip phone, keyboard or touch screen, the government is able to track your exact location through your service provider's satellite signals. The information from your phone is stored for quite some time- up to a year~ by the cell phone company. As long as your phone is turned on, your daily activities can be pieced together to reveal personal facts including habits, rela- tionships and specific movements. The government can draw several conclusions by simply knowing where you are, who you're with and how much time you spend at a particular location. Without probable cause or warrant, cell phone tracking violates the Fourth Amendment which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. The amendment states, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause." The use of GPS cell phone tracking clearly goes against this statement in that government can now watch you 24 hours a day in both public and private places. While GPS tracking may be useful in certain situations, no technology should impede upon our constitutional rights as human beings. Technology has allowed every person's privacy to be invaded without their knowledge, let alone their consent. Many people are unaware that such advanced technology like this exists in the real world. Devices like these were once fictional products in actionpacked spy movies. In today's world, some people may not see privacy as a real issue as they voluntarily "check-in" their location to Facebook SEE GPS, Page 8 The Beacon/Tom Reilly SPlif Eyes that lie: shallow surgery to change eye mlor BY ANTHONY GORECZNY Assistant Opinion Editor How do you define beautiful? Many definitions come to my mind, but I do not consider flawless, perfect, or other similar words to be synonyms for beautiful. Everyone sees beauty in their own way. Adopting the artificial and shallow projections proliferated by the media destroys the natural beauty a person is born with. That being said, I recently read an article from CNET in which Gregg Homer claims he can change a person's eye color. This surgery, which turns eye color from brown to blue, supposedly takes 20 seconds. I understand the advantages of cosmetic surgery, especially when recovering from disfiguring injuries. However, most applications of this sp.ecific surgery would be utterly vain. The likelihood for abuse of this surgery is incredible. People will be lining up to change their eye color for no legitimate reason. Perhaps they are trying to get someone to notice them at the bar. Or maybe they just had a rough breakup and instead of a shopping spree or a bar crawl they decide to "go blue." On the surface, it's about how you define yourself. The true substance of a person dwells within, but you recognize a person based on their physical appearance. Though this appearance may change over time, there is something special about that appearance, especially a person's eyes. Many believe that the eyes are the windows into a person's soul. If you change your eyes you are hiding behind a curtain of insecurity. When I made the switch to contacts I considered getting colored ones to make my eyes blue. I decided against it, and I am very happy with the decision I made. My eyes are naturally hazel and I consider them an important part of my identity. I was once told by a friend that she loved my eyes. If I were wearing contacts or had surgery to change my eye color, I wQuld have felt like I was deceiving her and that I was unworthy of her compliment. Though this was just an interaction between friends, I imagine what would happen in a similar situation between lovers. How would you feel if you had done the surgery and then later received the same compliment from your significant other? Would you be able to deal with knowing your loved one is in love with a lie? The greatest downside of this surgery is that it is utterly irreversible. The rationale behind this originates from the very method and theory behind the surgery. Brown eyes apparently have a layer of blue underneath them. Homer claims that the surgery will cause the layer of brown to dissipate over the course of two to three weeks and the patients will eventually become blue. The layer of brown cannot be replaced once it has been removed. I am not suggesting that the government restrict who can receive this surgery; that would be an unprecedented restriction on personal freedom. I simply ask that you have the common sense and self-respect to avoid this procedure. There is no one else exactly like you on this planet. Why would you want to try and make yourself like somebody else? . CONTACT ANTHONY GORECZNY AT: anthony.goreczny@thewilkesbeacon.com �OPINION 8 serve as a puppet to whatever political motivations would propel his own status. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 That is a mere overview of the players involved in the circus show known as the reMitt Romney - The flip-flopping puppet publican presidential campaign. Supporting Romney has multiple masks to switch actors have also contributed to the running his political viewpoints when it is conve- joke. Newt Gingrich plays the hypocritical nient for him. His view on gun control has cheater, who had an affair on his cancerswitched from supporting control measures stricken wife while leading Clinton's imin 1994 and 2002 to promoting the Second peachment; Rick Santorum plays the ironic Amendment right to bear arms in 2008. homophobe who has likened homosexualiOf course, there's the classic example of ty to incest and adultery; Ron Paul plays the "RomneyCare," which Obama used as an insane uncle who is more against governinspiration in his health care plan. Rom- ment than for leading it: and Jon Huntsman ney has incessantly attacked Obama's plan, plays the exaggerated foreigner who can't while having a strikingly similar one in his really speak Mandarin as well as he claims. record. We should be careful that this comedy Romney tries to get away with this flip- routine does not turn into a horror movie flopping by being overly broad about his come November. standings on issues. Having him as president would have the same effect as electing CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: a rock to sit in the Oval Office. He would kirstin.cook@thewilkesbeacon.com CANDIDATE THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 GPS It's not just a book anymore ... it's real life. And Big Brother is watching you. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 and other social networking sites. Someday their lack of privacy may get them into trouble. All is well until someone uses your information against you. Technology has made it very easy for information to be collected and distributed with a simple click of a mouse. Privacy should never be· taken for granted. The Obama Administration supports GPS tracking, saying they have a right to track as many people as they want, for as long as they want, and without any judicial supervision. I understand that this is the digital age and that progress is critical to society, but when a dystopian novel starts to become a reality we should probably reanalyze the situation. CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carly.yamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/Tom Reilly Native American children in foster care for profit Incentives offered to social service workers to take children from their homes BY CATHRYN FREAR Staff Writer Although we are considered globally to be a relatively progressive and accepting country, there are still issues in the United States that tarnish this reputation. How we handled Katrina, gay civil rights issues, giving bailouts to multibillion dollar companies while children starve in the street ... you get the picture. One other issue is our decreasing native population. There are many historic events which have played a large role. One example is what can only be described as a genocide brought on by white Europeans when settling the Americas and the subsequent takeover of land and resources. In case the murder of the vast majority of an entire race isn't enough, white Americans then decided the children should go to boarding school. A new generation of Americans, Less than 0.3 0.3 - 0.7 "' 0.8 - 1.1 9 1.2-1.7 • 1.8 - 5.3 • 5.4 and greater Photo by npr.org This chart shows the disproportionate number of Native American children in foster care within the United States. known as social service workers, are now making it their civic duty to influence the current native population in a different way: foster care. Yes, fostering children is an admirable act and it is important that children who need such a system have it at their disposal. Surely the foster parents have the best intentions in mind. However, some social service agents are looking at it a little differently. What they see is yet another opportunity to profit. Incentives are being given out per child. The federal government is giving out money based on each state's need. When this incentive was put into place, the number of children being taken away from their families skyrocketed. This fact is absolutely daunting. Sure, there should be some kind of reward for doing your job right. That reward is called a salary. There should not be a bonus incentive program in place to get social service officers to do what they are supposed to do. Another problem the officers seem to have is finding just cause for children being taken away. According to a recent report by the National Public Radio, there are parents who are told their children are being taken for some reason or another and that reasoning never comes to fruition. It's completely unfair for these officials to be using their power in such ways. Historically, American Indians have been relatively defenseless in comparison to non-natives. This is no different. Officers have options other than placing children with foster families. It is possible to instead place these children with other family members. But with that option, there is no monetary incentive. Doing the right thing for the sole purpose of making things right is not the motivation of all social service officers these days. The Native American cultural norm is being misinterpreted as neglect. Because of this type of misunderstanding, all children in the native population have been labeled "special needs" by the United States federal government. This means states receives an increased amount of money per child placed in foster care, meaning the incentive has also increased. In one example, NPR reported on a woman in South Dakota whose children were taken from her because she was accused of using drugs. They told her she was going to be arrested. She was never arrested, charges were never filed - those children were taken for no apparent reason whatsoever, then eventually returned with no explanation or apology. Reform within the United States social service laws is necessary. The federal and state governments that are letting this happen should be asl'ramed. They have the ability and responsibility to do better. CONTACT CATHRYN FREAR AT: cathryn.frear@wilkes.edu �ERICA ACOSTA, NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY INITIATIVES BY HOLLY BOYER Assistant Life Editor What is the importance of your position? I advise and guide the minority groups on campus. My job involves creating awareness and inclusion of diversity through programming, like workshops and trips. I am also the advisor of the Multicultural Student Coalition. What is an interesting fact that people may not know about you? I can't swim but I would love to learn how to swim. Also, I didn't learn English till third grade, even though I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. What is the best and worst part about your job? The best is interacting with students. The worst is you never know what kind of turnout you are going to have for your programs or trips. What do you like to do in your free time? Dancing. I'm from the Dominican Republic, so especially (dancing) to Spanish music like merengue, cha-cha and salsa. When I'm not doing that I'm reading. What was your dream job when you were younger? It was to be a registered nurse. I wanted to be a nurse so bad and have my own practice. But I am excited how it turned out, so no regrets here. What are you most excited about with the holidays coming up? Family time, food, friends, music, I love it all. What made you get into this position? It kind of picked me. My aunt knew about the position here so that's how I was introduced to it. But as an undergraduate I was so involved in clubs, it sort of creeped up onme. If you could go anywhere on vacation where would you go and why? Bora Bora. It's so beautiful and it seems so unreal to me. I would like to experience that. Where is the most interesting place you've traveled to? I've been to Peru, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Spain. Spain was a lot of fun because I did study abroad there. It was a learning experience. The Beacon/Austin Loukas Erica Acosta is originally from the Dominican Republic but has traveled to several countries including Peru, El Salvador and Spain. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Graduating with a Ph.D. with a concentration in educational leadership, or something along those lines, but done before 10 years. What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Skydiving. I want to feel the adrenaline of jumping out of the plane. We get so caught up in work that we don't get a chance to look at the big picture, and I feel like you can do that with skydiving. What drew you into · Wilkes University other than the available position? It's diversity, the diversity is definitely No. 1. The job is in the city and i'm a city girl. Also, the opportunity of growth in the position. What is your favorite home cooked meal? Stew goat meat and yuca, which is a form of a veggie, almost like a potato. CONTACT HOLLY BOYER AT: hollyboyer@thewilkesbeacon.com l$lamic and Saudi Interest clubs celebrate festival of sacrifice BY HOLLY BOYER Assistant Life Editor At a time when most students are preparing to make turkey and stuffing, students of the Muslim faith are sacrificing an animal to eat for the greater God. Sunday, Nov. 6, was the celebration of the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. The holiday is also known as a "festival of sacrifice" because it is when families gather together and sacrifice an animal for the sake of God. It is something that is good to do but people don't necessarily have to do it. On Monday, Nov. 21, the Islamic Interest Society and the Saudi Interest Club hosted the Eid al-Adha Celebration at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Center Ballroom. The event featured a presentation about Eid and its value in Islamic countries. Arabic coffee and food was also served. "All Muslims celebrate (Eid al-Adha)," says sophomore engineering management major Abdulaziz Alakeel who is also the treasurer of the Saudi Interest Club. "It's a family event, like Thanksgiving, everyone gathers all together." Eid al-Adha starts in the early morning with a large breakfast of the meat of the animal that was sacrificed. During the evening family, friends and community members gather for a large dinner of that animal. When it comes to the animal that is to be sacrificed, it can't be any animal. Typically an animal that is not too small. "The most common animals that are sacrificed are sheep, camels and cows," Alakeel says. The animal is divided into three parts. One part is given to those less fortunate, another part is given to neighbors and friends and the last part is for the family of those who sacrificed the animal. The celebration falls on the 10th day DuhlHijja, which is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. "Islamic holidays are not announced until the beginning of the year because they are based on the lunar cycle," Campus Interfaith Coordinator Caitlin Czeh says. Alakeel said this event provided a chance to learn about Saudi culture to attending. "Because (the event) is from the SIC we're going to show some other stuff about Saudi Arabia, like posters and about the economy and technology," Alakeel says. Alakeel said students were invited to attend the event and participate in the traditional greeting exchange of "Eid Mubarark" which me~ "Happy Eid." CONTACT HOLLY BOYER AT: hollyboyer@thewilkesbeacon.com �10 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 Winter fashions to warm up and stay stylish in BY MORGAN EVANS Correspondent As colder temperatures roll in with the change of season, summer fashion staples are moving to the back of your closet for more weather appropriate clothing. But who ever said one needs to sacrifice style to be warm? This winter's fashion trends allow for one to be cozy and snug while being chic. This seasons must have item is faux fur. From runways to store shelves, faux fur can be worn on almost anything from coats to vests to boot covers. "Anything fur is in this fall, it's in high demand. I am even ordering fur cell phone covers that will make the perfect accessory for any outfit," said Tanya Gilbert, owner of Park Avenue boutique in Kingston, Pa. Other looks Gilbert says one will see in her store this winter are bigger accessories such as rings, purses, snakeskin accessories, flared jeans, any length leather or suede boots and high heels. "The higher the heel, the better," Gilbert said, laughing. Thick knits are a must have to battle the bitter elements of winter. They can be seen this season in alpine prints, cardigans and Al l phot os on page by Laura Preby Sophomore electrical engineering major Alexandra Dini models the fur and print ensemble and Outrageous owner Maria Yurchison wears a print scarf in front of large accessories in the store. oversized cuts. But Gilbert cautions not to limit this trend to sweaters, but to also make sure you have thick knit scarves, hats and socks to keep you warm. Bold colors are in style this season and bring life to any ensemble. One way to trans- form any drab winter outfit is with a pop of color from cold weather essentials such as hats and scarves. If you want to be more daring try this trend in a monochromatic look, as seen on the runways. Derive your outfit based on a single color hue base and extend it using its shades, tones and hints for a one color look. Rice University student Kaitlin, a style blogger for "College Fashion", has posted the latest tips on dressing for cold weather. She says her No. 1 rule is that layers are your new best friend. "Most buildings on campus will try to overcompensate for the chilly weather outside by cranking up the heat inside. It's a nice gesture, but if you're not wearing layers, you can end up sweating through your classes," she said. She said layering in a casual way is easy: start with a tank or tee, add a cardigan or sweater and top it off with another jacket, scarf and/or a hat. "You'll still look cute and will be comfortable no matter where you go," she said. CONTACT MORGAN EVANS AT: morgan.evans@wilkes.edu Scatves a fashionable way for all people to staywann BY DEVONI NOVAK A&EEditor It's the season for bundling and cold weather presents the perfect opportunity to add a trendy accessory to your wardrobe. With a variety of textures, colors and patterns, scarves are appropriate for any gender and age group. Scarves are a popular accent garment particularly among the Wilkes-Barre population. Nour Elbattah, sophomore political science major, prefers colorful styles to create a dynamic look. "I think scarves are a simple accessory that can reall~ are up any outfit," Elbattah says. She enjoys searching for scarves at American Eagle, Urban Outfitters and Top Shop. Not only can scarves add pizazz to one's apparel, they also create a unique element that can be worn in multiple ways to suit your taste. For a layering effect, pick two scarves of contrasting solid colors and wear them loosely around the neck. To create a look that's hippie chic, select a paisley print and tie the draping pieces in a knot for a comfortable length. If you're looking for warmth, choose a fluffy cotton scarf, place it around the back of your neck after folding it in half, and then place the loose ends through the fold created loop. Wearing the scarf this way allows it to surround your entire neck for a wind proof fit. Going formal? Wear a satin or sheer style that is big enough to reach around your shoulders as a wrap. Molly McDonough, senior political science major, says warm and sensible scarves are her favorite. "I like winter scarves that match my hat and gloves," McDonough says. Although some may feel scarves are exclusively for women, they are also fashionably appropriate for men. When students were asked their opinion on men sporting the look, many had mixed feelings. For Cae- Senior biology major Michelle Wakeley and sophomore computer science major Angelo Blades model different ways to wear scarves. vaun DuBarry, junior English pre-law major, a scarf is necessary for the winter months. "They keep you warm so they are fine," DuBarry said. DuBarry shops for his scarves at Express, H&M and different places in NYC. Other men are unwilling to take the fashion risk even if it means staying warm. When senior political science major Miles Humenansky was asked if he owned a scarf he bluntly replied, "No, I'm a guy. I don't need a scarf." Men can make the style statement without being self-conscious. Scarves are multipurpose items that look great and serve practical means . Men's styles include plaid patterns, stripes and solid neutral colors. For a clean cut, professional appearance, guys should select a wider scarf that reaches the waist, no folds or wrapping necessary. To create an indie rocker fa<;ade, go with a thin material version and wear it around the neck bandanna style and don't fear the fringes. Junior entrepreneurship major Nick Wesley prides himself on his high fashion wardrobe. With many statement pieces in his closest, he has a positive opinion on scarves as an accessory. "I think scarves are a classic that have proved the test of time and will always be an accessory for both males and females," Wesley said. r s r a j1 k ll ir ir 11 R fr Ill H hi fo CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: tic devoninovak@thewtrkesbeacon.com di �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 LIFE 11 Army of Colonels shows holiday spirit at city Christmas parade BY ABBEY HADLEMAN Staff Writer The streets were filled with Santa hats and lots of Christmas cheer as the "Army of Colonels" found its way to the entrance of the Wilkes-Barre Christmas Parade. Christmas memorabilia flowing everywhere and the sounds of joyful holiday music playing for everyone to hear, it is safe to say anyone watching would be full of Christmas excitement. On Nov. 19, the Wilkes-Barre Christmas Parade celebrations began in the Student Union Building at:30 p.m. with preparations, free T-shirts, hot chocolate and cookies. At around 2 p.m. the participants from Wilkes lined up at the comer of South St. and South Main St. by University Towers. The parade started 3: 15 p.m. with many city residents lining the streets to watch the parade. "It took around fourteen hours to complete the fun, colorful mural float," said sophomore pre-pharmacy major, Julie Miller. After the finishing touches were put on, the gingerbread house and candy mountain mural, accompanied by makeshift candy and lollipops, were picturesque. Alongside the Courtesy of Marketing Communications The Wilkes Colonel gets his groove on with Associate Director of Marketing Gabrielle D'Amico. D'Amico, Kim Bower-Spence and the sophomore class with the help of Student Government organized the Army of Colonels walking in the parade. float constructed by Wilkes University Student Government and the sophomore class stood the Army of Colonel volunteers proud to be supporting their school and the city. Wearing vast amounts of blue and gold they found themselves marching through the city with balloons and signs. For several years the University has hosted a Homecoming parade. However, after flood recovery efforts caused the cancelation of this year's parade, Wilkes was looking for a way to get itself back out into the com- munity. Director of Marketing Kimberly BowerSpence said that, "in being involved in the parade we are showing we are part of the · community." For the university, the parade was a way of showing pride in being part of the community itself and also to be a good neighbor. "The parade is a fun tradition for students to participate in," Bower-Spence said. Being able to go out into the community and show support for the city of WilkesBarre and the university at the same time is something Bower-Spence said Wilkes looks for students to do often. She said, with the Colonel leading the army, there was no way for people to misinterpret the message they were trying to send. "There is a great spirit about Wilkes," Bower-Spence said. It is safe to say that after the Christmas Parade people see the spirit that not o!J.y the community holds, but that the many different groups inside of the community hold as well. CONTACT ABBEY HADLEMAN AT: abbey.hadleman@wilkes.f!,_du Friend's death inspires student to raise money for cystic fibrosis BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor Kevin Hopper was a freshman in high school when he met his good friend Amanda Hine. Hopper got to know Amanda through his involvement in his high school's music department. Since they were both in the high school band, they were set up to have homeroom together and go to band afterward. He also had another class with her. "We instantly became friends because she just had such a great personality. She was a kind person," Hopper says. Hopper, a senior business administration major and Student Government corresponding secretary, said he first learned about the inherited chronic disease cystic fibrosis in junior high school when a contestant on "The Real World" had it. He later learned that his friend Amanda had the condition when he noticed she was missing school a lot. Despite the setbacks the disease caused, Hopper said Amanda was able to graduate high school and attend college for a time before her health began to decline. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of 70,000 people worldwide. It is caused by a defective gene whose protein product causes the body to produce unusually thick mucus that clogs the lungs and can lead to lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas, stopping natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. The average lifespan of a person with the disease is 37.4 years and Hopper said Amanda was one of the fortunate people because of how relatively long she lived. She passed away in June at the age of 25. The pumpkin fundraiser for the Cystic Fi- approved again. Hopper said since Castelli .was no longer on Student Government, he asked that a committee be formed to oversee the pumpkin selling. Hopper volunteered to step into oversee the pumpkin selling last year with Castelli. "This year, since Greg is no longer on campus consistently, I stepped in to spearhead the committee as a whole," Hopper said. Hopper became involved with the fundraising because of Amanda but her death this summer has made the cause more important to him. "My connection with her was the reason , I got involved my sophomore year with the cystic fibrosis fundraiser, but because of The Beacon/Austin Loukas her passing away this summer it was very brosis Foundation has been going on since important that the cause be supported this Greg Castelli, a current P4 pharmacy major, year," Hopper said. came to Wilkes as a freshman. Hopper beBecause cystic fibrosis is a disorder that came involved in the fundraiser his first year isn't seen from the outside, Hopper said it is of Student Government as a sophomore. "Since (Greg) was still on Student Gov- important to be empathetic to everyone you ernment then, he had asked for support meet. He hopes the fundraising efforts confrom Student Government to do a donation tinue after he leaves Wilkes. "I'm hoping in the future it's something request. However that year the donation request was not approved," Hopper said. "So that the person that is in my position on we all went to the dorms and sold pumpkins Student Government's executive board will continue." door-to-door." Last year Castelli left Student Government CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE AT: but came for a donation request that was not christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com �12 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 LIFE W I LKES uN1vERs1_Tv IRHC Cake Challenge HEALTH & WELLNESS Don't be sad, be glCldf BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer ., \ . The winter season is a chance to start fresh and play in the snow. But the change ·ffu weather and shorter days can make some feel a little depressed. This puts a damper on attitudes and makes everything seem dead and dull. Even so, there have got to be ways to overcome the feeling of laziness and not wanting to do any ways, to lift our spirits, bring joy to our lives and smiles to our faces. Campus Counselor Susan Biskup offers some helpful tips for doing exactly that. "I always tell people, make your environment sunny and bright. Open the blinds, sit close to the windows in the library and Cafe," Biskup said. "Make an effort to get out as much as possible during the day and be in the natural light. Take a long walk, eat lunch at a park, exercise regularly." Biskup says exercising to the point of breaking a sweat is important if one is feeling anxious or depressed. She says one way to 'avoid feelings that bring people down is light therapy, also called phototherapy. \ This is done by sitting a few feet away from a specialized light therapy box where one can be exposed to bright light. The light is supposed to mimic real light and create a change in brain chemicals that affect mood. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves talking about the effects of seasonal depression to a counsel in order to boost moods and learning to change thoughts. This new behavior will in turn reflect better thoughts. Regular therapy is also a good method. Furthermore, if symptoms are severe antidepressants or supplements recommended by a doctor are beneficial. Finally, Biskup recommends music therapy. "Listen to music and instruments that are uplifting and soothing," Biskup says. "Listening to hard, loud music will only bring you down." CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu ,-,...,,-., SPECIALS WEEKDAY SPECIAlS M-TH Large Pie $7.95 Chicken Wing Pie $10. 95 ...... The Beacon/Austin Loukas On Monday, Nov. 14, the Inter-Residence Hall Council hosted its annual Cake Challenge. The cakes were made by various residence halls, individuals and clubs. Above, pieces of one of the winning cakes, the Hollywood sign made by Towers second floor, are served off for tasting. This year's theme was landmarks and several other winning cakes included one of the above Hollywood sign and"Big Ben after a light snowfall;' made by off-campus students. 111111=■ ■--EIHl11" 20 E Northampton St. Wilkes Barre 825-5166 NEKT TO MOVIES 14 FREE WI-Fl In our Dining Room (carry out/dine in only ) PIZZA DOUBlES 2 Medium Pizzas $13.95 2 Large Pizzas $16.95 . Mll&MATCH Any 3 Subs or Wings 2 Tickets to Movies 14 WB 1 Medium Pizza - 1 Topping 2 Drinks We Cater Parties At Movies 14 $15.95 WE CATER lARGE GROUP EVENTS PLEASE CAil BEFORE Y00B NOT MEOINGI I Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-12am Sun. 12pm-11 pm ... We're more than just great pizza ... see our entire menu at www.januzzispizza .com �CONTACT EDITOR: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com NOVEMBER 22, 2011 Teri Granahan: From Wilkes University to career in comedy Comedian., is due to perform along with Dave Russo this December BY DOMINICK COSTANTINO Staff Writer Teri Granahan graduated from Wilkes University with a degree in communication studies in 1994. She first tried to pursue a · career in acting after graduating, but got involved with stand-up comedy because she didn't fit the Hollywood look. She has been doing stand-up comedy since 2000 and has been having a lot of success with it. Granahan will be opening for fellow Wilkes grad Dave Russo at the Laugh till You Cry act on Dec. 8. Why did you pick Communication Studies as your major? I originally wanted to go to school for theatre, but my father would not allow me to do so. I decided to go into communications because it was the closest thing to theater. What was your involvement while at Wilkes? I had Dr. Bradford Kinney for a public speaking class, and he kept trying to get me to join the speech and debate team. I joined temporarily, but then quit. I think I only went on one meet. The speech and debate team was a lot of work, and it felt like it was a whole other class. I did get involved in advertising for the newspaper thanks to my adviser, Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall. that I was too short and not blonde enough to be an actress. When the dream of acting when down the drain, how did you get into stand-up comedy? One of my friends told me that I should go do stand-up comedy and bring people with.me to the comedy club. I started doing stand-up in 2000 and continued with and other days someone else is the best. You just have to stick to your chosen goals and your designated path. I learned that I'm not always going to be on top. How did you and Dave Russo meet? We were in some classes together while at Wilkes, but only knew each other to say 'hello'. I was at a comedy event years ago and we "My life filter is generally a humorous one. There is not much that happens in life that I don't ultimately "crack wise" on. The more traumatic a personal event is for me the more material can be sifted out of it." What was your favorite venue fhat you performed at? In 2010, I was the featuri> comic gal in the middle for a Dave Russo performance at Gotham Comedy Club. This comedy club is the one seen on Comedy Central. Before this point, I was only at the emcee point. This was finally a paid gig in New York City. TERI GRANAHAN, Comedian it because I won competitions and I was actually good at it. What advice would you give to current students? Students should go to class and do their homework. They should take advantage of every practical experience that you can get while at Wilkes. These experiences give you the advantage over people who did not have those opportunities. The extra work now pays off later. What was one of the first awards you won? In 2003, I won the Best New Talent award at New York Comedy Club. I think I won this competition because I didn't know I entered a competition. This was the first thing I ever won. I realized that maybe I am good at something and maybe this was a unique quality I had. What did you do after graduating from Wilkes? I moved to New York City. All through my schooling, I was the staunch C student. I was convinced that I was going to be an actress. Being an actress was my destiny. My thought was, "I'm going to be an entertainer, why should I pay attention." When I got to New York City, I realized What was the prize for winning the award in 2003? I was invited to perform in a show because I won the award. When I went to perform for the show, I blanked throughout the entire performance and my jokes didn't work. I learned an important lesson from this experience: You have to run with cycles. Someday you are the best, Dickson Darte Center. It was a communi tions function and I opened for Dave Russo. Every so often I pull out the old VHS from this event. Watching this now gives me a lot of inspiration because it makes me realize that I have what it takes and I even had it way back then. Since Wilkes is my alma mater where I learned all about communications, it makes performing here even more special. reconnected. From that point on, he has given me so many opportunities. I owe a lot of my success to Dave. Whenever he is close to this area, he brings me along to open for him. God bless him for that! How do men and women respond differently to humor? I work hard to write material that has universal appeal. I tend to go with jokes that appeal to you whether you are a man or woman. Guys tend to perk up with jokes that are sexual in nature. Women like when I point that fact out. You are performing with Dave Russo at the Comedy Event at Wilkes on Dec. 8. Did you ever perform at Wilkes before? I actually have performed at my alma mater before. The performance was in the Dorothy Where do you get your material? I get my material mainly from conversations that I have had where something organically funny came out of my mouth on a particular subject. The art form comes in recreating that funny personal conversation into a joke format that wouldn't end with the line ... "I guess you had to be there." My life filter is generally a humorous one. There is not much that happens in life that I don't ultimately "crack wise" on. The more traumatic a personal event is for me the more material can be sifted out of it. It is cathartic, to say the least. I have long been someone who could crack a joke in the middle of a good cry at a funeral just to lighten the situation up. OK, not really at a funeral. Where can we find more about your comedy or see you perform? You can check out my website www.terigcomedy.com. I will also be opening for Dave Russo at the comedy event being held at Wilkes at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, in the ballroom. Dave and I will also be appearing on WBRE's PA Live! that day at 4 p.m. CONTACT DOMINICK COSTANTINO AT: dominick.costantino@wilkes.edu �14 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 A&E Russo's cotnedy act -will tnake you 'Laugh till You Cry' BY COREY MARTIN Correspondent Dave Russo, 1993 graduate of Wilkes University, will perform a comedy entitled "Laugh till You Cry," at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the ballroom of Henry Student Center to benefit departmental communications studies alumni and friends scholarship. Russo graduated m 1993 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies. He was a dedicated wrestler in both his high school and college career and received a scholarship for wrestling to attend Wilkes. Dave attributes Wilkes with helping him with many aspects in his life and comedy. "I had a public speaking class and I had to an eight-to-ten minute speech aoout my upbringing and how I went to Wilkes," Russo said. "I took the humorous approach and got the third highest grade in the class, writing tarted to become easier for me, there's even a piece that I wrote at Wilkes from 1989 that I still use it in my acts.'.' He is a regular in the Boston comedy scene and has performed in Las Vegas and in some of the best clubs in New York and Los Angeles. He has also made appearances on Comedy Central, NBC's Today Show and NBC's "Last Comic Standing." In 2010, Dave began producing and hosting the Wicked Funny Comedy Tour, a comedy series on NESN's Dirty Water television station. Russo will ring his witty style to Wilkes with jokes tailored to popular and localized topics. Audience members will hear jokes about Mohegan Sun Casino, the phrase "heyna," and of course a few shots at Wilkes' local cross-town rival, King's College. Russo joked about King's, saying, "it's a tough school to get into, ya know ... when it's locked." Opening for the show is Terri Granahan, a 1994 graduate of Wilkes. Granahan, who won New York Comedy Club's "Best Talent" award in 2003, has opened for Russo before at Gotham's Comedy Club, which later aired on Comedy Central. All the proceeds from tickets sales will benefit Department of Communication Studies Alumni and Friends scholarship and two of these scholarships will be given next year. The scholarship is given annually to a sophomore or junior who excels both inside and outside the classroom. "The need for financial aid is greater than it's ever been," said Zebra Communications adviser Jane ElmesCrahall. This is the third time Russo will be performing at his Alma Mater. "I hadn't been back to Wilkes in a while and I wanted to go back to where it all began," he said. "With show business it's all about business, so I wanted to come back to Wilkes to do the show part." Tickets for college students with a valid ID will be $10 and $20 for the public. They will be on sale on the first floor of the Henry Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The door for the show open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m on Dec. 8 in the second floor ballroom in the RSC. 11 LAUGH TILL YOU CRY" What: Dave Russo comedy show Where: SUB ballroom When: Dec. 8@ 7:30 CONTACT COREY MARTIN AT: corey.martin@wilkes.edu Matty Gaines shows off a Dave Russo Tshirt that is free with ticket purchase for the Dave Russo comedy show Dec. 8 in the Henry Student Center. Program.m.ing Board creates new winter sem.iform.al dance BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief • For students worried about having to wait until Spring Fling for another campus dance, Programming Board is significantly reducing the wait by creating a new event this year. The Snow Ball is PB 's new winter semiformal dance to be held at Bentley's of NEPA from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Jessica Short, president of PB, said the event offers students a chance to dress up and get into the holiday spirit a little early. Short, elementary education junior who is overseeing the organization of the event, said PB hoped to make the event similar to the popular student government dances, the homecoming dance and spring fling, but added in a few elements to make the event stand out. "Everybody's excited for it," Short said. "They like that it's going to be a little bit different, like the new location." Another aspect that is different is the benefit of the event, since all ticket proceeds are going toward Toys for Tots. Also, PB is offering a green screen that students have the option to be photographed in front of with various backgrounds and props. Short said this is a variation on the usual photobooth at many dances. "We want to have something a little different," Short said. "Same concept, because everyone loves having their picture taken." John Sweeney, the small events chair on PB, said he's received positive feedback on the idea of a winter dance. "It's definitely something there's an interest in and that we've never had before, so people are excited to see a student-run organization putting on something like this," Sweeney said. Sweeney, accounting and business administration junior, said PB decided to hold the event in response to student feedback on the empty period between the homecoming dance and spring fling. "After homecoming this year there was a lot of student feedback I heard that, 'it's a shame that there's nothing again until spring fling, that's such a long time away,"' Sweeney said. Sweeney looked at other schools that held some type of winter dance and wondered if Wilkes could hold a similar event. He said it brings students something new to do. PB has already exceeded the goal of 200 attendees, which was made possible through the use of social media and signage in the Henry Student Center to promote the dance. Sweeney said they chose Bentley's of NEPA as a venue over Ramada, Genetti's and Woodlands because it offered the best pricing for the date of the event for its size. "It was tough to choose a venue because there are a lot of options," Sweeney said. "But we wanted someplace that was big enough to accommodate as many students that wanted to attend, but that was also affordable." He said the elegant location has other perks, as it is owned by a Wilkes alum, Jim Limongelli. This Wilkes connection led to some reduced rates for PB. Another Wilkes connection is the DJ choice. Anthony Griseto, an entrepreneurship senior at Wilkes who played at fall fest will be DJing the event. Students will dine on chicken marsala, roast round top beef, red pepper risotto or tilapia. Sweeney said these meals cost between $22 and $25, despite the relatively inexpensive ticket cost of $5. Sweeney said the attendance rate and positive feedback indicates this year's Snow Ball dance will not be the last. "I think •at this point we can safely call this event a success, so I don't see why it wouldn't continue into the future," Sweeney said. "Feeling is enjoyment of a good story." CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 15 A&E Dustin Black's sub-par script sinks Oscar bid for 'J. Edgar' BY BILL THOMAS Assistant News Editor '" For "J. Edgar," longtime Hollywood darling Leonardo DiCaprio smolders from under several layers of rubber and latex, resurrecting one of the most nebulous, morally ambiguous figures in American history: J. Edgar Hoover, the man who made the FBI what it is today. In the director's chair is Clint Eastwood, while "Milk" screenwriter Dustin Lance Black tackles script duties. Can you say "Oscar-bait?" At first glance, "J. Edgar" seems to have all the makings of an award-worthy motion picture. But just because it follows the formula, that doesn't mean it's going to be a surefire stunner. While DiCaprio and Eastwood are as stellar as ever, neither one is contributing his best work here. Black, meanwhile, fares less well. In fact, if any one element is to blame for "J. Edgar's" shortcomings, his script is undoubtedly it. That's not to say that Black's writing doesn't have its strengths. Foremost is his depiction of Hoover as a socially inept, insecure mama's boy who refashions himself as a manly man of the sternest sort from within the shadow of a doting but repressive, monstrous matriarch. Obsessed with the secrets of others while hiding more than a few closeted skeletons of his own, the Hoover we are shown here sacrifices his very heart and soul for the sake of the nation and his own legend. Now, I won't argue that "J. Edgar" is otherwise without flaw, either. Most notably, the prosthetic "old man" make-up effects look like the ones from those Jackass skits where they dress Johnny Knoxville up like a senior citizen and have him yell vulgarities at passersby. They're distracting to the point where even DiCaprio struggles to shine from beneath his mask of artificial wrinkles and airbrushed-on liver spots. The biggest issue, however, remains Black's script. Most specifically problematic is his decision to adopt a non-linear structure despite the fact that he doesn't know how to use it. 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttinte' BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer "Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow." With a character description like that, the reader has to want to know more about this kid. Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime," is one of the oddest, yet best, books I have ever read. The main character, Christopher has a form of autism extremely similar to Asperger syndrome, which makes social interactions very difficult but usually the person is also highly intelligent. Even though he is highly intelligent, he is still young. Taking on the mystery of a murdered neighborhood pet, Christopher navigates adult topics and an adult city with high function, but the eyes of a child. This writing perspective had to be difficult for an adult to write from. Surprisingly the point of view didn't feel forced. I really felt like I was inside the mind of a high-functioning, socially awkward kid who was barely in elementary school but crossing a big city by himself. One of the funniest things about the book is Christopher's responses to adults. Someone would react to Christopher's journey with shock and ask how he got to their house, which was miles from his. Instead of saying something mundane, Christopher responds with something like "I took 72 steps down the street and made a left tum and then one 182 more steps ... " then throws in something random like "I stopped to pet a gray cat and it was really fluffy." Another main point of the book that I loved was how delicately the author handled Christopher's problem. Haddon alludes that Christopher knows he is different, but does not find it to be a bad thing -- and it isn't. Something like Asperger's syndrome has to be dealt with delicately and this book does that. It manages to be funny without making fun of the syndrome or anyone who has it. The true humor lies in the situations that Christopher gets himself into, which can happen to anyone. CONTACT ANNIE YOSKOSKI AT: annie.yoskoski@wilkes.edu While there's nothing wrong with a nonlinear structure in and of itself, Black's script misappropriates the format in such a way TANZANIA Continued from FRONT PAGE have performed locally at the Wilkes-Barre Fine Arts Fiesta in May 2010. At the event, Zebra will also be giving away an autographed copy of the 1974 album "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll" by The Rolling Stones. The 14th U.S. studio album by the band features such songs as "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Till the Next Goodbye," and the title-track, "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll." The album, which is framed and sealed behind glass, features the signatures of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. On the back of the album is the album's certificate of authenticity, and can be shipped if necessary. The album, which went platinum in the U.S., was received generally positive by both critics and fans, being seen as a definite turning point for the band. Jon Landau of Rolling Stone stated, "'It's Only Rock 'n' Roll' [is] one of the most intriguing and mysterious, as well as the darkest, of all Rolling Stones records." Senior English major Liza Prokop, member of the "Embrace a Child" team, plans to go to Tanzania through Wilkes University to attempt to help the Tanzanian community firsthand. "When I first heard about the Tanzania project, it really hit home after personally that it robs the film of any sense of emotional continuity or progression. Character arcs are chopped up, mixed around and smooshed together. Most opportunities for mystery or tension likewise go right down the crapper. When a promise is made in one scene, the next scene anticlimactically flashes ahead a year or two so we can see the promise broken. The reaction isn't so much "How shocking. How sad." Rather, it's "We!.'..[so much for that." "J. Edgar" could have been a truly moving, masterful film. Instead, it comes across as a disappointing, muddled misstep. So flose, but not close enough. As it is, "J. Edgar" isn't as important, insightful or powerful as it wants you to think it is, but that doesn't mean it isn't still worth a look. While glaringly imperfect, "J. Edgar" remains a genuine work of moving, multidimensional art. As such, it definitely deserves both your time and respect. It just doesn't deserve an Oscar. - iot' CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: william.thomas4@wilkes.edu tANZANIA DINNER & SHOW What: 'Embrace aChild in Tanzania'fundraiser Where: ArtsYOUniverse When: Dec. 1@6 p.m. rn knowing many people over the years impacted by HIV/AIDS," Prokop said. "It really is a local epidemic as well as a global epidemic. I felt that the trip would provide a life changing experience to contribut-:: to a global health issue and see our campaign efforts in Tanzania take shape." Evene Estwick, associate professor of communication studies at Wilkes, is cocoordinating the "Embrace a Child" project. She explained that the funds raised at this event will go directly to help pay for the living expenses and educational funds for particularly exceptional students who lost their parents to AIDS. "The great thing about this is you actually know where your money is going, you know who you're sponsoring, it's not anonymous," Estwick said. Admission to the event will be $15, but those who bring a dish to share will be admitted for only $10. Arts YOUniverse is located at 47 N. Franklin St. For ticket information, contact Zebra Communications at 570-408-4158. CONTACT MICHAEL FILIPSKI AT: michael.filipski@wilkes.edu �NOVEMBER 22, 2011 CONTACT EDITOR:phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Comm. student grapples for good cause The Penalty Box Cochran raises money for 'Points for Salvation' charity Assistant Sports Editor BY JUSTIN FRANIAK BY PHAT NGUYEN Se.<.?rts Editor The world of Mixed Martial Arts is never far from Jake Cochran's mind. Even when watching "Animal Planet," he learned to tweak his guillotine choke to something similar to an "alligator's death roll." An alligator will grab its prey using is jaw then roll several times still grabbing hold of its victim. The prey has no chance of survival. Cochran hops over his opponents' backs and spins them while they're falling. "It's a hell of a lot better, and you get pe • ~ to tap a lot quicker," Cochran said. "I've heard people say, 'What is this guy doing? He just got airborne on a guillotine. That doesn't happen."' Cochran, a junior communication studies and sociology major, is now looking to use his MMA background to raise money for the Salvation Army. Cochran is competing in the 2011 Grappiers Quest Worlds, Pro-Am World Championship Dec. 10 in Asbury Park, N.J, for the "Points for Salvation" campaign. For every point Cochran gets in the match, money will be donated to the campaign. "I knew I did well in my last competition, so raising the money for the Salvation ·Army by using my talent was a nobrainer," Cochran said. Similar to wrestling, a grappler gets points each time he puts his opponent in a hold or gets a takedown during the fight. Don1 tions are made either per point or as a flat rate. Grappler's Quest has the same rules as MMA with the exceptions of striking and slamming. Cochran found out the hard way during the national championships for the Cruzer weight division. During that championship match in the summer, he s1ammed his opponent and lost the match. While he was disqualified, the runner-up finish gave Cochran a second place national ranking in that weight division. Cochran admits he likes the fact that he doesn't have a wrestling background, especially when he's facing wrestlers. "Wrestlers do more clenching than I do," Cochran said. "A lot of these guys are hot-headed and come into the fight thinking, 'oh, I want to beat the hell out of tion to Jiu-Jitsu." The University of Oregon is on the fore"He's so much better at front of uniform innovation. They have rethrowing his weight, but leased tons of uniform combinations within I like not having a wres- the last few years making them one of the tling background, be- flashiest teams in America. But does looking cause people don't know good really make a team or individual play how to prepare against better? me. It's harder to mimic With the recent fining of the Chicago me, but it's a lot harder Bear's Earl Bennett for wearing bright orto wrestle Omar who's ange shoes, and the NFL cracking down on throwing me around," uniform violations, I asked around to get Cochran said. opinions on looking fancy while playing a Cochran and Urena sport. now train at the School Sophomore Education major and wrestler of Combat Arts in Wil- Phil Racciato gave his thoughts on looking kes-Barre under Michael good while on the mat. Gioe, an MMA expert "Look good, feel good, you are good," who has been fighting Racciato said. for 26 years. Gioe, who Racciato usually sports his zip-up white is a very straight forward and red wrestling shoes while on the mat. hands-on coach, noted He said he liked them because they did not how much they've both have any laces on them. He did, however, improved since coming purchase them to make a fashion statement. to his dojo, training place. "Our singlets were green in high school," "Their stand-up has Racciato said. "My coach told me to buy red improved significantly," and white shoes so I'd look like the Italian Gioe said. "I could tell flag. He wanted me to look like him back they've been training on when he wrestled at Pen Argyl." The Beacon/Phat Nguyen their own for a while, but Being flashy has always been a trend in Jake Cochran perfects his choke hold on Omar Urena. Bot h now with real coaching, I sports. We all remember track and field star students are training for the Dec. 10 Grappler's Quest. feel like I can make these Michael Johnson wearing his infamous solid guys into champions." this guy.' They just shoot in and I sprawl gold shoes, or Alexander Ovechkin's neon In addition to coach Gioe, both fighters laces. The fancy shoes trend transcends all them into the ground, then I just grab their are quick to point out each other's mis- levels of sports, whether you are a collegiate neck and choke them out." Cochran, who is president of the MMA takes. athlete, a professional, or an amateur. "I'll stop and tell him to try to do this and Club at Wilkes, is also bringing along These custom shoes always bring an infreshman mechanical engineering major that. Sometimes we even do situational timidation factor to one's oppenent. Junior things where he goes on guard, and I try to Engineering Major Griffin Panicucci cusOmar Urena to Grappler's Quest. Urena, who is relatively new to the sport, score points off of him," Urena said. tomized his shoes to his liking. Cochran agrees that this system balances was a wrestler in high school and joined "I purposely cut the Asics symbol off the MMA after deciding against wrestling at things out perfectly. side of my shoes because it looked cooler," "It works really well because we're both Panicucci said. "And I always wore colorful Wilkes. "I've always liked combat sports, and our biggest critics, but then we have each · socks to stand out." I was really interested in the MMA pro- other to help out by saying, 'oh, you're doThere is a unwritten rule in wrestling that gram at Club Day," Urena said. "Since I ing your armbar wrong, you need to twist if someone looks good that means they are wasn't going to wrestle, I was like, 'hey your legs.' He had to tell me to keep go- good. Panicucci gave his thoughts on that. ing for the angle since my legs are so long, why not."' 'It's intimidating to wrestle someone who Having a wrestling background-or a lack and I was forcing it." looks good," l?anicucci said. "And all the Cochran also works on his techniques good kids wear sweet kicks and socks." thereof- is beneficial for both grapplers outside of the School of Combat Arts by who are using it to their advantage. Shoes aren't the only way to be flashy on "In wrestling we learned how to go for taking notes during Pay-Per-View match- the field or court. Uniforms have always certain points to get our opponents down es. easily," Urena said. "That helps my transi- SEE COCHRAN, PAGE 18 SEE SHOES, PAGE 19 �SPORTS 17 SCOREBOARD ~e1ph·i ugl w1ASS1ST l.\lJ!lll'!JST jf', Wrestling ...%~--~ has walked away and begun the decertification process in which the union will disband 11/ 15 PSU-Hazleton W 89-51 in order for the players to bring a class action lawsuit against the league in court. The law11/18 Dickinson L 68-65' suit will be filed under anti-trust legislation, 11/19 PSU-Harrisburg W 79-68 similar to what happened with the NFL, but the NFL and its union were not this far apart. Right now games are cancelled through Dec. 11/15 PSU-Hazleton W 83-30 15 and as the two sides are no longer negotiating the likelihood of a season is slim to 11/17 Keystone W 59-56 none. Personally, I never thought there was 11/19 PSU-WB W 96-50 going to be a season this year there is simply too much separating the two sides. Many people have come to blame the owners for locking out the players, let me inform you this is NOT the owners fault! If one wants to see a season and the NBA prosper, then you are on the owners' side. Yes it is bil12/2 Messiah Invitational lionaires vs. millionaires but in this instance 12/3 Messiah Invitational the millionaires are bankrupting the billionaires. The revenue pie is split too much in favor of the players with them receiving 57 percent of the total revenue of the NBA. 11/22 Baptist Bible Meanwhile half the teams in the league are 11/30 Misericordia losing money, seven have been sold since 2006 and two of those have or will be relocating. According to Forbes, 5 NBA teams would lose less money than continue with no 11/22 Marywood season (Nets, Bobcats, Nuggets, Magic and Pacers). Even teams like the Heat are only i 11/30 Misericordia borderline profitable and they have three of the top players in the NBA. In the ' 09-10 season, 17 teams lost money. The only teams i that seem to be profitable are the big market ;· franchises like the Lakers, Bulls, Celtics and Knicks only due to the fact that they are each ft' of the five largest cities in the country. ' The players have a right to fight for what they think is fair but it's not fair they have to give back to their employers or risk the league failing and not be employed. Most have no college degrees and no other leagues to play in. Most European leagues are no better off and make significantly less. The players have no leverage. They are in a comer without a leg to stand on against a league that has teams better off not playing a season. The union should have accepted a deal at 51 percent that had a stricter cap and got rid of the mid-level exception, but they didn't. From here it only gets worse, the NHL will tell you that back in 04-05, and they were in the exact same boat, but they have not learned they just made the same mistakes over. Meanwhile the MLB just got a new deal done in less than a week and improved things for both sides. Men's B-Ball Women'sB-Ball EEKAHEAI Wrestling Men's B-Ball Women'sB-Ball I I I the scoreboards @wi Ikesbeacon . eom:»i" Think of the fans Stop playing around The NBA lockout has taken a turn for the 11/18 Elizabethtown W 39-3 worse as the players union left the last offer 11/19 Red Dragon Invitational made by the owners on the table. The union 4th out of 11 Tweet us pictures of THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 Sports is about money. Everyone can see it during every broadcast. Super Bowl commercials run around a million dollars for one time slot. Sponsorships and product placement run rampant through any game. Money is a huge factor in sports, and the NB/~ i ; a prime example. The owners are to blame for the current NBA lockout. With the proposal of the hard cap and revenue sharing the owners are showing their greed over the whole situation. The owners are willing to sacrifice the entire season, but the players want to play. With almost half of the NBA franchises ' in financial trouble, it's interesting to note that by not opening the doors to arenas, some NBA owners may actually lose less money. The owners language during negotiations ,, is not in good faith. Based on what Wt , _. i~ have heard, the ultimatums and extremes being thrown at the players is not helping !je cause. The owners are fully prepared to not have a season and consistently threatening to cancel games gives them extreme leverage over the players. The owners are in full command of the entire situation. The owners need to realize that the players are the ones doing the actual work. The players deserve more of the revenue the teams are taking in. On the contrary the demands of the players also shows they are mostly in the game for the money. The owners have proposed a 50/50 split of revenue, but I am not sure if that ultimatum is fair. I also believe that at some point the players will budge because of the realization that they are losing salary by the day. The owners will also realize that they are losing money, and ultimately fans. With the NBA season not occurring hockey and college basketball are receiving more and more coverage. This coverage on major news outlets will eventually take NBA fans and convert them to college basketball fans. The fans should come first, but both sides are blind to the people who pay their tickets. I also believe that players should be allowed to pursue other options. As much as some people may think they are greedy, they also play because they love the game. The owners are depriving the players of doing what they love, and now the players are pursuing other options. I'd love to see Shaq wrestle at WrestleMania or see Lebron James play football. If the NBA has no season, things may get interesting. �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 SPORTS 1& Do you know who's teaching that? Dr. FLECK Wignot. Continued from Page 20 Do you have any guilty pleasures? I like to eat ice cream. I know it's bad for my weight, but I eat it anyways because I love it so much. Pre ably more like my mom. She's the kind of person I am. Determined, quiet but once you get to know them, talkative. What's one thing about you that not a . lot of people know about? I am a sports What are you doing over break, other than Thanksgiving dinner? Probably fanatic. I like to follow every sport, football, basketball, baseball, college and professional level. go, to the Easton-Pburg (Phillipsburg) football game. A lot of people go to that game. It's a huge rivalry. I want to hang out. With the Christmas season coming up, what's on your wish list? Hopefully someone gets me a nice winter jacket. It's starting to get cold up here, so that would be nice. Who's teaching that? (laughs) Couldn't What's your favorite song? "Jingle bell rock." Christmas \\ uat's been _your favorite class at Wilkes so far? My math 101 class. I'm doing the best in it. even tell you my teacher's name. at home? Definitely with baseball. That's definitely our favorite sport. It gets interesting when the Mets and Phillies are playing each other, and we want our teams to win. It's fun. \ Did you play any sports other than wrestling? I played second base until 8th grade, but then I stopped to wrestle. Could you still turn a double play? Maybe. I don't know. I'm a little rusty. Who do you like to cheer for? My MLB Do you have any superstitions before matches? I like to keep all the same team is the New York Mets, NFL is the Carolina Panthers and NBA is the Philadelphia 76ers. stretches. Every time I go to the bathroom I like to use the same place and wash my hands in the same sink. Is there any reason for liking those teams? I like to pick a team who's a rival There's not a certain number of times that have you wash your hands, is there? (laughs) No, just location. It's just What's the hardest class that you've taken so far? Chemistry. I have taken to my dad 's team. He likes the Phillies, so I like the Mets. Panthers, I don't know why I like them. 76ers are the hometown team for basketball chemistry since my freshman year in high school. It's pretty tough, but I'm getting through it. Is there any tension between you and your dad when you guys watch sports something I always have done. CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phat.nguyen@wilkes.edu the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com The Beacon/Phat Nguyen Cochran looks to improve his guard against Urena, who was a high school wrestler. COCHRAN Continued from Page 16 "I like to sit down and take notes on what I see during matches then I'll read my books on how to transition based on what' ve I've seen," Cochran said. "I'm always working on techniques. I've literally sat and worked on the same things over and over to the point where people start asking me what I'm doing when I'm training. I just want it to be muscle memory." Using his communication background Cochran began hosting a weekly MMA talk show which he says is starting to pick up a strong following. He's been contacted by people via Facebook to call in, and even promoters are looking to come talk on his show. With so much dedication into the sport, Cochran said he would one day love to pursue a future in MMA both as a fighter and eventually as a broadcaster. He feels he could outshine current host Joe Rogan. "I would definitely take Joe Rogan's job and do it 10 times better," Cochran said. "I'd love to do play-by-play for the UFC. I want to stay in this business because I love it so much." The Points for Salvation campaign is still accepting donations for the Dec. 10 fight. To sponsor Cochran, fill out a form at the information desk in the Henry Student Center, or contact Cochran at jason. cochran@wilkes.edu CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phat.nguyen@wilkes.edu or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) zz the legendary taste I $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I - For deli very or take out Expires 12/31/11 - - - valid only at Gr6tto Pizza locations in Pennyslvania I �THE BEACON 19 NOVEMBER 22, 2011 Colonel wrestling avenges last year's loss in big fashion e eacon Coach Jon Laudenslager (left) looks on his team battles Elizabethtown. The final score of the match was 39-3 as the Colonels racked up four pins en route to the Metro Conference win. Freshman Michael Fleck (middle) works for nearfall points in his 125-pound bout. He won 11-9 beating Elizabethtown senior Will Bentley. Wilkes posts near shutout, takes fourth at Oneonta BY JUSTIN FRANIAK Asst. Sports Editor Revenge was on the minds of the Wilkes wrestling team this past Friday night as they set out to avenge last years heartbreaking loss to the Elizabethtown College Blue Jays. The Colonels succeeded in a big way, winning 39-3. Sophomore Dave Oberrender started the night off the right way with his :59 pin at the 197-pound weight class, giving the Colonels a shot of momentum heading into the rest of the night. The Colonels lone loss of night came next in the 285-pound class. Sophomore Michael Shannon dropped a close and exciting match to Elizabethtown freshman Jeremy. Rieth 5-4, but it was no looking back for the grapplers as they would pull off eight consecutive wins to cap off the night. Freshman Michael Fleck continued his impressive season with an 11-9 decision of E-Town Senior Will Bentley. Fleck used his patented "fireman's carry" to cruise to a victory in the 125-pound weight class. Sophomore Myzar Mendoza and Senior Ryan Wilson kept the night rolling with a third period pin and a 2-1 decision respectively. Returning All-American Anthony Dattolo kept his season perfect with a decicion over the Blue Jay's Kody Rittenbaugh 5-1. The senior captain was happy with everyone's performance on Friday night. "Its nice to beat Elizabethtown that bad after last year," Dattolo.said. "Because it shows how much we have improved." Senior Matt Ellery stole the show with his last second takedown of Max Barsky in the 157-pound weight class. Not even a nice looking mustache could stop the Wilkes Senior from beating his opponents "It was pretty exciting being that there wasn't much time left," Ellery said. "There wasn't much going through my mind, just that I needed to score. I heard the coaches yell 30 seconds left and that's when I got the under hook and took my shot." The packed crowd at the Marts Gymnasium went crazy after the exciting match, and the Colonels kept the ship straight by rattling off wins. Senior Captain Ben Marich picked up his first win of the season in dominating fashion with a pin the first period at the 165-pound weight class. Dustin Stough gained a tough decision over the Blue Jay's Dylan Carmichael 5-4 at the 174-pound weight class. Buddy Gouger wrapped the night off in a big way with a pinfall in just under seven minutes in the night's finale. Gouger got the slap of the mat when he overpowered Elizabethtown's Kyle Deeds. The Colonels finished the night with four pins as they cruised to a dominating win of 39-9 in their home opener. The Colonels were also in action all day Saturday at SUNY- ex ero Sophomore Myzar Mendoza works for a takedown in his convinving win over Elizabethtown's Jordan Stepanchick. Medoza wound up pinning in under seven minutes. Oneonta. The twelfth ranked Colonels finished fourth overall at the SUNY-Oneonta Red Dragon inivtational. Junior Nathan White finished second overall in the 165-pound weight class. White outscored his opponent 26-4 en route to his finals appearance. Senior Buddy Gouger also maded it to the finals, using a pin and two decisions in the 184-pound weight class. Raymond Dungee also placed in the weight class claiming third place. Heavyweight William Fletcher also finished as a runner-up at the tournament. he racked up two decisions along with a pinfall. Freshman Lucas dise finished in sixth place. He rattled off three straight decisions and a pin in the loser's bracket on his way to his final consolation bout. Senior Shane Everett placed third at 157 pounds. Everett knocked off the second seed to claim the bronze. Also in the 157-pound bracket, sopohomore Tyler Lauchaire and George Simms ill finished in fifth and sixth place respectively. Freshman 149 pounder Sean Lombardi also claimed a fifth place finish at the Red Dragon Invitational. The Colon~s next home match will be Dec. 10 as they welcome Muhlenberg, York and Delaware Valley to the Marts Gymnasium for a qtiad-meet. , SHOES Continued from Page 16 •• held a place in my heart, and I like to see dif- , ferent variations throughout seasons, but unfortunately my teams usually come out looking hideous. Uniforms have come and gone. A stone's throw away in Philadelphia there have been many uniform mishaps. The Eagles throwbacks oflight blue and yellow may have been one of the most horrendous get-ups this sport has seen. The Sixer's recently retired black, gold, blue, red, magenta, etc. uniforms and tired rabbit mascot made them the laughing stock of the league. The Flyer's uniforms are such an ugly color combination that people love them. With Reebok losing their merchandising contract with the NFL soon, and Nike taking over, we are bound to see new technologies arise on the gridiron. Nike has proven that some sweet uniforms can really help a team win, until this past Saturday where No. 4 Oregon couldn't wear~ enough fancy uniforms to save them from a huge loss to USC. Hopefully, Nike can create some new nostalgia with redesigned uniforms and give teams an extra boost of confidence. Because if the Eagles keep losing, they might as well looks good. CONTACT AT JUSTIN FRANIAK: CONTACT AT JUSTIN FRANIAK: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu justin.franiak@wilkes.edu �20 SPORTS THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 22, 2011 r-....... 1'·---...1', fw-)~---~;.) \{ \~·J (;~?' Meet Michael Fleck, a freshman starter from Easton Pa., who is offto the hot start this year with two technical falls going 17-0 and 16-1 at the John Reese (>uals. The former second baseman loves ice cream as much as he loves when the Met's are beating the Phillies. Year: Freshman Major: Environmental Engineering Hometown: Easton, Pa. It's about an hour What weight did you wrestle at Easton? 119. I wrestle at 125 now. Is there a big difference in the weight change now in college? I wouldn't say a weight difference, but a strength difference, and how kids ar-e older than me. You have to adjust to it. and 15 minutes from here. Have you ever felt intimidated wrestling someone with more experience than you? No, I just try to go out and wres- What made you want to come to Wilkes? The coaches really made it welcom- tle my own match. I just try to score as many points as possible. I try to do everything in my control. ing. Everyone on the team was really cool too. They made me feel really wanted. Also the academics were pretty good. · What do you miss about Easton? Probably the fanbase of wrestling team. Sometimes there would be 1,500 people at matches. That's the biggest thing that I miss though. 1,500? Wow, wrestling must've really been a big deal. Yeah, pretty much wrestling was the biggest sport. You were kind of like God around there if you wrestled. How did you do at states last year? Last year I took third at states. I was pretty t, . .:iud of myself. At the John Reese Duals, you bad two technical falls winning 17-0 and 16-1 against some pretty good teams. How were you able to have so much success? Well, just starting my team off right. It was great feeling to get that five point right off the bat. Getting that momentum swinging was huge. I think they fed off of that. That just made me feel accomplished. I like to think it spread throughout the team. Can you talk a little bit more about that first match? I was up 14-0 after the first period. I just took him down and was dominating on top which is probably my best position. I just kept the ball rolling with the momentum going, and I kept scoring points. It was pretty. ' .~-~~- u--.._,R. . . . . _,, : ....,... ---\J .----,..,,-~ C i.r\ r ____r,.._..,, \,_,-------ir In your only loss on the day, the guy from Cortland gave you some trouble. What do you take away from that experience? I was just taking shots from too far out. I wasn't wrestling my match. I was wrestling to his style. That's something I learned from the weekend. I need to wrestle every match my style every time I get out there. He was a little stronger and harder to move. It was just a learning experience. Does that give you a lot of motivation to bring everything you have the rest of the season? Definitely, I was a little dis- appointed with myself. I know I'm just as good as that kid if not better. I just didn't perform at my best. Would you want a rematch? I hope I get to face him again. It would be nice to beat him. I like beating kids who have beaten me in previous matches, but I'm not sure about the scheduling. Hopefully, I get to wrestle him. Are you more.like your mom or dad? SEE FLECK, PAGE 18 SEE WHICH WILKES STUDENT IS CHOKING OUT PEOPLE FOR CHARITY, PAGE 16 For more information and pictures, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon .corr~ "'.-,- >."--.!\ L---.. .:. - ' ,'l I ---. j if ii I' ___./ j --/ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2012 November 22nd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011 November 22 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/c540a1978a3f7d7ea0a286d0719d1603.pdf 453b2d88c399ff1217aedd179a4d148c PDF Text Text November 15, 2011 Volume 64 Issue 8 THE NEWS OF TODAY REPORTED BY THE JOURNALISTS OF TOMORROW www.thewilkesbeacon.com Wilkes responds toPSU scandal BY KIRSTIN COOK & Editor-in-Chief PHATNGUYEN Sports Editor Penn State administrators are reflecting on policies and ethical standards, and Wilkes University has followed suit given the revelation of the child sex scandals that have brought athletic and administration procedures under scrntiny. Coincidental with thi!> incident, Wilkes Human Resources is in the process of approving updated policies that deal with reporting harassment, an approach to avoid issues such as those at PSU. The board of trustees at PSU fired Joe Paterno on Nov. 10 after news broke about the sex scandals against Jen-y Sandusky, a fonner defensive coach under Paterno. The decision came a night after Paterno had chosen to retire at the The Beacon/Michael Klimek end of the PSU football season. Wilkes' Multicultural Student Coalition hosted a talent show on Thursday, Nov. 10 in the Henry Student Center. Cash prizes and trophies were given to the top three finalists. Pictured above is Meri beth Derkach, Pl pharmacy student. For more photos, see Life, page 10. SEE PSU, PAGE 16 Friends and family remember deceased public safety officer BY KAT DODSON Staff Writer On Monday, Oct. 24, Wilkes Public Safety Officer Marybeth Patterson died of cancer at the age of 51. Although her passing has Marybeth as an active woman who caused them grief, those who knew liked to keep busy. She enjoyed Marybeth take joy in remembering sports, dancing and music and was her as she was- a beloved family a creative woman who loved craftmember, friend and employee. making, such as woodcraft, stenFriends and family described ciling and painting. She enjoyed Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 Professor responds to Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Unimportant questions with Barbara King ows PAGF6 PAGE9 -------= bowling, belonged to leagues and, for several years, ran a youth bowling group caJled Colonial Lanes. She was a charitable woman who consistently participated in Relay for Life. Those who knew her best Author lectures on Marcellus Shale PAGE 13 aao-w=::= said she was kind, easygoing and smcere. "Marybeth was a family woman," Jen-y Rebo, manager of Public Safety, said of his close friend SEE PATTERSON, PAGE 4 Sports Pages 16-20 Getting to. know Ryan Wdson PAGE 16 --=--- ~ Established 1936 PA Newspaper Association Member �NOVEMBER 15, 2011 CONTACT EDITOR: amandaleonard@thewilkesbeacon.com Beacon Briefs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>» BY AMANDA LEONARD News Editor FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE - Wilkes University Health & Wellness Department is offering flu shots for $20 payable by check made out to Wilkes University or cash. Vaccines will be given during regular office hours. A limited number of shots are available and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays at Passan Hall. ELIE WIESEL PRIZE IN ETHICS ESSAY CONTEST 2012 - The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay contest is now in its 23rd year. Students are encouraged to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out issues and are rational arguments for ethical action. The contest is open to undergraduate, full time, juniors and seniors. Students must apply and submit essays online, and receive online verification from their faculty sponsor. Any professor may act as a faculty sponsor and endorse the quality and authenticity of the student's work. Students must also upload a letter from the registrar or National Student Clearinghouse verifying enrollment. The deadline for submission is at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. For more information, see flyer outside of the Interfaith Office at 204 Henry Student Center, or Contact Caitlin Czeh at caitlin.czeh@ ~ es.edu WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK - The Health Services Office has had employee and student interest in continuing the Weight Watchers at Work Program for the spring semester. It will be held at the workplace at a convenient time. It would be a Weight Watchers meeting, with a weekly weigh in and a half hour meeting. The cost is $10 for each meeting. Weight Watchers has programs students can participate in for an eight week series and pay $80 for a 10 week program paid in advance. If anyone would be interested in the program, call Health Services at Ext. 4730. to register for the Weight Watchers at Work program. A minimum of 15 participants is needed for the program. GLOBALIZE YOUR THANKSGIVING - There are opportunities to invite one or two international students to your Thanksgiving dinner and to share an American holiday with someone from a foreign culture and learn about traditions and holidays from other countries. If interested, contact Georgia Costalas at the Center for Global Education and Diversity, at extension 7854 or e-mail Georgia.costalas@wilkes.edu. returned to the students services center along with an updated copy of your degree audit VOLUNTEER TO BE CONVERSATION PARTNER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT - The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Wilkes has created a conversation partner program. It's an opportunity for Wilkes University students to volunteer and be paired with an international student for the semester and to chat once a week. If interested in volunteering to be a conversation partner, email kimberly.niezgoda@wilkes.edu Wilkes University Cafe Naming Contest - Wilkes is in search of a new name BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com CONTACT AMANDA LEONARD AT: amandaleonard@thewilkesbeacon.com LUMNI CONNECT THE DOTS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS OF POLISH DESCENT - The Polish Room Committee Scholarship and The Judianne Stanitski Scholarship welcome applications from Luzerne County residents. To be considered, applicants must write a brief description of their Polish heritage and what that heritage means to him or her. This must be submitted, along with the applicant's name, WIN and contact information, to Melanie Mickelson, vice president for Enrollment Services. Applications can be e-mailed to melanie.mickelson@wilkes. edu. Include "Polish Heritage Scholarships" in the subject line of your e-mail. STUDENTS GRADUATING IN MAY 2012 - Complete your diploma order and your cap and gown order forms for processing for May commencement. Forms are available at the student services center in UCOM, or online under the registrar forms area. Completed forms, signed by your advisor, are due back in the Student Services Center by Dec. 16. This paperwork is to be for the cafe located on the first floor of the University Center on Main. The individual who submits the winning entry will receive an iPad 2. Entries can be submitted beginning Monday, Nov. 7. The contest closes on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The University community will have an opportunity to vote on finalists from among the names submitted. Dates for the voting will be announced. Contest is open to current Wilkes University students only. To submit an entry, go to www.wilkes. edu/NamingContest. The Beacon/Laura Preby On Wednesday, Nov. 9, the office of alumni relations presented its annual "Connect the Dots" event. Current Wilkes students had the opportunity to network with Wilkes alumni and talk about their career paths. Pictured above is Ian Foley, Shadae Gates and Brian Switay, graduate assistant who graduated from Wilkes in 2010. Editorial Staff 2011-12 Meet the Staff Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook News Editor: Amanda Leonard Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Devoni Novak Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports Editor: Phat Nguyen Production Manager: Michael Klimek Advertising Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Online Editor: Brandon Scott Adviser: Loran Lewis Bryan Calabro Design Editor �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 NEWS 3 Twelve Wilkes faculty and staff awarded at conference BY KAT DODSON Staff Writer This September, twelve Wilkes University faculty and staff members were recognized for their achievements as advisers and educators by the Teaching Recognition & Effectiveness Committee. Four award-winners were available to explain the reasons for their success. Dr. Rodney Ridley, associate professor and chair of the division of engineering and physics, teaches the engineering capstone course, in which students work on realworld projects with the division's industrial partners. Ridley said one of the goals of the problem is to make students "job-ready," or able to enter the work force with the necessary skills without much job training. However, he acknowledged that the meaning of "job-ready" has changed over the years. "Engineers used to be the kind of people wh~ would go off into labs by themselves and come up with some really neat idea and then toss it over the fence to some marketing person, and then that person would sell it," Ridley said. "Well, those days are over. Now 'job-ready' means engineers need to have some kind of business awareness." Ridley said he and his colleague, Dr. Jeff Alves, interim dean of the Sidhu School of Business, used to have frequent discussions about skills their students were lacking. "I would say that my engineering students needed more business skills," Ridley said. "He would always comment that he needed better ideas for his business students to utilize when they were off doing their market research." , To remedy this problem, the two combined their courses, assigning a business major to each engineering team. Business students are responsible for the marketing and sale of the product, giving them real-world experience with the kinds of diverse ideas they will be working with later on in life. Engineering majors learn about project management and teaming and are given practice expressing their ideas to businessmen, who have not been trained like engineers. Last year - the first year they successfully an the project - project output dramatically improved. "The faculty who knew it as it was before were astonished by how much better it was, just based on teaming up and adding that business sense to the project," Ridley said. "We also had a lot of positive input from the outside, from our industrial advisory board and our industrial partners. For them it went from being some esoteric project to a busi- ness plan they could actually use." Ridley said he was most pleased with the change in his engineering students' ability to express themselves without speaking over the heads of others. "Our students are now able to articulate [their ideas] much better than they previously could," he reported. This success - for which they were honored with the Interdisciplinary Teaching Award - has led Ridley and Alves to further develop their project in the hopes that even better results will follow. Jennifer Edmonds, associate professor of the Sidhu School of Business and one of the recipients of the Outstanding Advisor Award, described her relationship with her advisees as "friendly, sometimes invasive." She said she makes an effort to be highly involved in their decision making process when it comes to choosing courses and advises them to make the responsible decisions, not the easy ones. Her attitude toward advising is not to tell students how they should think but to talk in depth with them about what interests them and would benefit them the most. "I don't think that when you're a junior or so ... that you know why you're taking the classes or what you're going to do when you get out. You just take whatever. And that doesn't normally lead to good decisions," Edmonds said. "So you have to get a little invasive to see if that's what they're doing. . .. They've all realized that they can't come in and get their PIN and walk out. They have to talk. It's not 'Here's what you should think.' It's 'Let's talk about what you're taking."' Edmonds said she typically handles a larger-than-normal load of advisees but enjoys it. "I have a lower load right now. Right now I have 20. But a year ago, and the year before that, and the year before that, I think I had 40," she said, adding that the average for most advisers is 20. "Right now I feel like I don't have any. When I had 40 or 50, that was fun, because then I had about 10 in ev- . ery year that you could really get to know." Another faculty member who received the "Outstanding Adviser Award" is Deborah Tindell, associate professor of psychology. Tindell found the award to be a "particularly meaningful one because it requires a student to take the extra time to make the nomination, and that is quite touching." Tindell, like Edmonds, also has a larger load of advisees with an average of25 to 35 per academic year. She described herself as a very careful academic adviser, who is not only willing to help with curricular issues, but willing to offer advice and guidance related to career goals or personal growth and development. "As instructors in the classroom, we work with stuJI dents to understand course content. As an adviser, we are given greater opportunity to work with the whole person, and I find this aspect of my job very rewarding," she said. "I truly enjoy meeting with students one-onone and I think my advisees know that I am an advocate for them, and that I am there as a resource should they need it." "Mentoring of a student eventually turns into mentoring of alumni," Dr. Steven Thomas, associate professor The Beacon/Laura Preby of performing arts Psychology professor Deborah Tindel is one of twelve Wilkes and coordinator of University faculty and staff members honored by the Teaching music and direcRecognition & Effectiveness Committee. tor of choral activities, said. "It's rewarding for me to get ment out of singing as adults and do it all to continue to work with _my students that their lives." "' Thomas said he knows that many others way." He believes that in his case, the Alumni faculty members care deeply about mentorMentor Award recognizes the number of ing and do it successfully, and he feels honstudents who have sung for him at Wilkes ored to have received the award, since he is that continue to sing, both outside of the just one of many who do what he does. In addition to Ridley, Alves, Edmonds, area and in the area under his direction. Thomas said that one alumna, Mary Sim- Thomas and Minsavage, seven others were mons, who nominated both Thomas and his recognized. Debra Chapman, biology eduwife Susan Minsavage for the award; sang cation specialist, Coordinator of Student for Thomas at Wilkes during her years as a Affairs Mary Beth Mullen received the Outstudent and continues to sing for him now in standing Adviser Award. Mischelle Anthothe Robert Dale Chorale, a community orga- ny, associate professor of English, received the Innovative Teaching Award. Leaming nization that Thomas directs. In other instances, Thomas said, he guides Center coordinator Karen Riley and Student students who leave the area toward more op- Development coordinator Megan A. Boone received the Academic Support Award. Meportunities to sing. "I try to be very aware of my students and ridith P. Selden, assistant professor of psystay connected with them after they gradu- chology, received the Outstanding New Facate, even if they don't stick around and sing ulty Award. for me, and I try to be a resource for them," Thomas explained. "What I do here is trto train singers who will then graduate and have a life ... most of the time not as profes- CONTACT KAT DODSON AT: sional singers but as people who get enjoy- katherine.dodson@wilkes.edu �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 NEWS 4 PATTERSON Continued from Front Page and co-worker. Cindy Hennan, one of Marybeth's three sisters, added that she was always there for her children. "At the viewing, even the boys' friends were approaching me, telling me how much they loved her," Cindy said. Marybeth was especially devoted to her ailing father, who, Rebo said, she affectionately nicknamed 'Daddy-O.' "In spite of how sick she was, she continued to take care of him," Hennan said. 'Daddy-O,' 85, passed away in the evening the same day as his little girl did. "Everyone liked her," said Rebo, adding that "all of the girls in the office got along very well with her" and that Marybeth had friends in all departments. Rebo and Zakk Patterson, Marybeth's son, noted that the friendships Marybeth made over the years were close and long-lasting. Rebo added, "Once you're a friend of Marybeth, you're a friend for life." Marybeth was a dedicated worker as well. As an employee, Rebo said, she was "very valuable, very responsible. She was in charge of my parking. She developed new that Marybeth fought valiantly, and they plans for payment and took care of all the highly respect her for it. Hennan said, "She was very kind, very parking tickets. She was very good at what welcoming, always had she did. It runs smoothly a smile on her face. now because of MaryEven through all the bad beth." news that she had to·deal Hennan said that, with, she accepted it and throughout her struggle, Marybeth's friends and always saw hope, never gave up." co-workers at Wilkes "She always wanted to meant a lot to her. feel like she was help"My sister loved Wilful. Even in the last few kes University, and evw months, all she wanted eryone she worked with to do was keep busy, there was so terrific tohelp people, do what she ward her in her time of could," Zakk added. need. They were very unGayle Patterson, Maderstanding. Wilkes was 11 rybeth's sister-in-law her second family." who works in the HuRebo said Marybeth's man Resources Departlong battle began five ment, said she admires years prior with breast -"'-" - - - ' " ' - ' L l . - - - - - - - " " " her relative for the way cancer, which went into PATTERSON remission and returned about a year she pushed herself to come in to and a half ago, when it began to metasta- work. "She fought hard," Gayle said. "She was size and affect her liver, bones and stomach. Chemotherapy was rough and insurance very courageous. She would be so sick, but could not always cover her treatment, Hen- she would come in to work. I mean, that's nan remarked. But friends and family agree what kept her going." "She was sick, but she was still active," Rebo said, adding that even when she was no longer working, she still drove to WilkesBarre to visit friends and co-workers. "As a matter of fact, she was here about a week and a half, maybe two weeks before she died. She went out with the girls. They had a good time." Rebo said that was the last time he saw her, hospital visits excluded. On Tuesday, Nov. 19, she was admitted to the hospital after a blood test. She died the following Monday. "She would have had her birthday next month," Rebo said. Marybeth's friends and family cherish the happy memories they shared with her, such as the benefit they held for her at her home in Hunlock Creek. Cindy, Zakk and Gayle say that, in spite of her illness, Marybeth was the life of the party as usual. "Marybeth really enjoyed laughing and having a good time, and she wanted people around her to have a good time," Hennan remarked. She wanted this because she cared. "That's the kind of woman she was," said Rebo. "She cared. She cared about a lot of people." CONTACT KAT DODSON AT: katherine.dodson@wilkes.edu Med Express is making it against the flu. With no a shots just ~20*, Jt/ everyone f · WILKES-B 677 Kidder Next to Olli 570"825-20 . URGENT CARE medexpress.c:om due ~t th~ time of se,rvk::e,,We will bill insurance when app!fca~le. �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 NEWS s Wilkes and community embraces the homeless and hungry on the streets will Czeh was in graduate school. This experience gave Czeh emotional incentive to make a difference. "Hunger and homelessness is an issue The sky blue walls and floors, crisp white tablecloths and vases filled with autumn that's close to my heart," Czeh said. Czeh tried to help her sister by providing leaves may evoke memories of better times for visitors to the St. Vincent De Paul Kitch- money, but she struggled with not always en. Whether they are homeless or just low knowing where her sister was or if she was on grocery funds, the public can come in OK. "It's definitely an experience I don't wish and enjoy this warm atmosphere along with a warm meal. For a few hours every day, the on anyone," Czeh said. "It was very hard." Czeh has taken this first-hand experience kitchen gives those in need a shelter from the cold and something to fill their stomachs. and applied to her work with relief efforts. The St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen, located She said one of the most touching experiencon East Jackson Street, is one of the orga- es she has had was when she worked with nizations in Wilkes-Barre that aims at tack- the Commission on Economic Opportunity ling the issues of hunger and homelessness to pass out boxes of food for Thanksgiving. in this community. In the past few years, She witnessed immense gratitude for her efthe kitchen has seen its daily guest count in- forts as she delivered these packages to local residents. crease to an average of 300 people. "A good number of them cried actually, beCaitlin Czeh, Campus Interfaith coordinator at Wilkes, noticed this increase in need cause I think they were not aware of everywithin the community. She said organiza- thing they received in the bags, and I think tions like St. Vincent are overwhelmed by it's always a surprise to them to realize how much they're given and that people would the growing numbers of hungry families. "The organizations are doing as much as take time to come out and serve them," Czeh they can, and they are saturated," Czeh said. said. It was clear to Czeh that these people Czeh aims at tackling awareness and relief for these issues during this year's hunger needed the nonjudgmental aid the volunteers and homelessness week at Wilkes. A variety were providing "They feel so low because of the situation of events will be taking place to help shed light on the struggles going on in the Wilkes- they're in and they don't think that anyone would want to help them, so they're always Barre community. Awareness of these issues among the stu- very touched."The culture at St. Vincent De dent body is important because of the local- Paul Kitchen is a good example of struggling community members and the effort to ity, Czeh said. "Hunger and homelessness isn't limited to provide aid. Mary Burns has volunteered at the kitchen third world countries. It's visible just down the si eet, on the square," Czeh said. "It's for 19 years, and has seen a lot of struggles right here, it's very present, we can't just in that time. She considers it to be her most rewarding volunteer experience because of turn a blind eye." Czeh said homelessness in Wilkes-Barre is the stories she has heard from people. "I feel this is a worthy thing to do," Burns prominent and difficult to ignore. The main said. "I volunteer in a lot of other things too, reasons it is especially prominent in this area but this is my favorite." is the size of Wilkes-Barre and the draw of Some of the more moving cases include the many agencies that provide aid locally. families with children, which Burns has seen "It's very visible in the way it's very visa great increase of. She said many people ible in large cities," Czeh said. apologize for being there. Often times they Czeh has a personal connection to homehave never been in that type of situation, lessness, since her sister experience living BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief The Beacon/Austin Loukas A mother feeds her child some food prepared by the St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre. Every day the kitchen provides hot meals to those in need. but issues of losing jobs and savings forced them there. Burns sees some veterans at the kitchen who are homeless, which is especially upsetting for her. "That's a shame to think that they went and fought for us, and now they don't even have a home," Burns said. She said the only true way to see the positive impact these organizations are having is to experience it first-hand "I don't think people would really realize that unless they came here and volunteered," Burns said. "I think people do need to come here and take a good look and see what's going on." Despite the bright composition of the sky blue walls at the kitchen, the issues of hunger and homelessness seem to be a darker issue in the community. Volunteers at Wilkes and these local organizations will continue to work on bringing light to the gloomy state of the hungry and homeless in Wilkes-Barre. CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com HOW YOU CAN HELP Coats for Kids of Head Start of Luzerne County - Now accepting all coats through Nov. 25. They can be dropped o at the interfaith office. Let's Can Hunger- Food drive table in concourse of Henry Student Center through Nov. 14 to 18. Their goal is to collect 5000 pounds or $5000 of food and all will be donated to local food banks Faces of Homelessness & Hunger Banquet- Monday, Nov. 14th, lla.m. to 1 p.m. in the first floor of the Henry Student Center. Panel of homeless persons from area will come to campus to talk about their experiences of homelessness. Lunch will _be provided. CEO Day of Service- Saturday, Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will distriubute Thanksgiving boxes to area residents. Distribution times are available on Nov 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 8 a.m. to 4p.m. ,STUDENT-RUN GROUP RAISES AWARENESS FOR HOMELESSNESS Another volunteer in the fight against other students will collect cans in the Henry hunger and homeless is Olivia Waszkie- · Student Center every day from 11 a.m. to 1 wicz, vice president of Students In Free p.m. The goal is to raise 5000 cans for the Enterprise. The business administration needy, as well as monetary donations to junior is working with project leader Tory fund Thanksgiving food baskets for area Price to bring the Let's Can Hunger project residents. to Wilkes. "You can donate a quarter, you can donate Through the Let's Can Hunger, a promo- a dollar, anything you can - you're purchastion by Campbell's Soup, Waszkiewicz and ing part of someone's meal," Waszkiewicz said. SIFE will also volunteer at Ruth's Place, a homeless shelter for women in WilkesBarre. They intend to prepare the shelter with success skills, such as teaching recipes for budget meals. Waszkiewicz said this work has great potential to have a lasting effect. "That'll be a lasting relief effort that we can work on," Waszkiewicz said. She said that it sometimes can be difficul for college students to notice these social is sues in the area, but it student involvemen is important. "I think it is definitely a huge part of o area, in the immediate community. We hav a lot of people who are in need," Waszkie wicz said. �CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com NOVEMBER 15, 2011 Tattoos: Breaking the stereotype Younger generations have changed the typical tattoo culture of them are, actually. A Pew Research Center study said "60 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds think the inLast month, U.S. toy maker Mattel, Inc. crease in people being tattooed has caused released a new Barbie doll to the collectors no discernible impact on their behavior." market. This "edgy" Barbie sports a pink Fifteen percent of tattoo wearers said getbob haircut, leopard-print leggings and tat- ting a tattoo had a positive impact on them. toos that cover her neck and shoulders. How does getting ink'ed suddenly give Parents were outraged with this new look, you the stereotype of a druggie, criminal, claiming that Barbie should be a good role or a prostitute? Tattoos these days are more model for their children and that tattoos about creativity and art than their previous send the wrong message. Because Barbie's association to teenage rebellion. Nowadays, current blonde, skinny, perfectly-propor- tattoos are becoming less unique. A survey tioned self is a good role model for kids from the American Academy of Dermatolwho have become increasingly obsessed ogy said that 36 percent of people ages 18 with body-image. to 29 have at least one tattoo. IfBarbie's flawless image influences chilPeople can have different reasons for getdren that much, then what makes parents ting a tattoo. Whether it is in memory of a think they won't go out and get liposuction, loved one, a dedication to their heritage, an breast implants, and other cosmetic surger- original artwork, a way of expressing faith, ies that the doll clearly promotes? or just something they enjoy looking at, I recently stumbled across a questionable each tattoo has a story to tell. statement released by CNN about tattoos. . It really all depends on what you get, They said a study showed that people with where you get it, and where you plan on four or more tattoos are "more likely to use working. marijuana and other drugs, are 10 times I personally am not a fan oflarge, obvious more likely to be arrested, and are likely to tattoos but if I am in need of surgery and be sexually promiscuous." the doctor has a sleeve tattoo and a Ph.D, Many people go out and get meaningless, then by all means operate. Body art should mindless, insignificant tattoos that give tat- never overshadow a person's abilities. too wearers bad reputations. However, not What message are we really giving our all of these people are trashy and unedu- children when we take away the quality cated like the stereotype portrays. Very few of uniqueness and self-expression? People BY CARLYYAMRUS Opinion Editor BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific, and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on 12 responses. Last week's question: Did you vote in the local municipal election? • Yes 67% • No 33% This week The Beacon asks: The Beacon/Tom Reilly Tattoos may have purposes of remembering a loved one, showcasing art, displaying faith and many other reasons. judge you by the way you look. Doesn't matter if you are smart and qualified, you will not get a job because your skin isn't pure. What's on the outside matters more than what's on the inside. The tattooed generation might be on to something here. _ CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carly.yamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com How do you follow celebrity news and gossip? • Internet •TV • Magazine/ tabloid • I don't follow celebrities Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com 'T~e Lost Kardashian' speaks out on Kim BY BRITTANY BATTISTA Advertising Manager So this week instead of taking my frustrations out on others I know and care about, I decided to take it out on people that I don't know. I will vent about one person in particular. Regardless of anything anyone says, Kim Kardashian is fooling everyone and laughing all the way to the bank. It just so happened that The Kardashian Klan decided to venture out to the media this week to "promote" their fashion line, perfume, etc, etc. I don't recall any media pro- motions before the divorce. Coincidence? I think not. Did she really think people were not going to ask about it? She spent a reported $10 million on her wedding to Kris Humphries. Half the reason I think she married him was because his first name began with a 'K' but that is neither here nor there. The marriage lasted 72 days. A fish from a county fair has a longer life span. Don't feel bad for Kris. He got $6 million. Together they pocketed $18 million from the wedding. Rumors have been flying saying the wedding was a sham. "To sit there and say that they' re not profiting is insulting to anyone that's watching," said a reporter from TMZ.com. Do the math: it ends up being $28 million wasted on garbage. Of course the whole wedding was for money. That is a huge chunk of our nation's debt. $28 million can pay for enough malaria nets to save 240,000 people from dying from the disease. It can send 70 kids to dorm at Wilkes with no financial aid. Reports also say that Kardashian gave a SEE KIM, Page 8 SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �THE BEACON I, NOVEMBER 15, 201 1 OPINION 7 Littering a campus issue Letter to the editor: The truth Wilkes is not your dumping ground about Occupy Wall Street BY TIMOTHY FISHER Staff Writer The state of Pennsylvania has clear laws regarding the issue of littering. You see the signs on highways and in public places: No littering, or else be fined X amount of dollars. It would seem that the law would be adapted to every area of public space. Wilkes University has not been granted such laws. Why? Wilkes is not a "public place." Many students and faculty call Wilkes "home" more than anything. So why is it then that food is continually seen strewn across the campus grounds? I thought Wilkes was our home. You see the foodstuffs everyday: an iced muffin thrown down the stairs of the student union building, an old banana, or piece of pizza, thrown on the floor in an elevator, an ice cream cone dropped onto a sidewalk by the Greenway. Why does this happen? If you drop something by mistake, pick it up and find a garbage can. If you are full or do not want the food you procured from the Henry Student Center, do the same thing. Wilkes University is not a giant garbage can for your food. We have a multitude of individual garbage cans that dot the common areas around the school, just for you. Food waste negatively impacts our university. The Sodexo staff in the HSC cafeteria is forced to police students who try to take food for the road. We students cannot be trusted with extra food because of the risk that we will dump it somewhere on campus. Perhaps students don't allow themselves time to think before they improperly dispose of their excess food . Allow me to put it into perspective: I don't want to have to see an old apple or some other piece of food thrown in an elevator. But I adopt the mentality of the rest of my peers: "Why should I pick up someone else's food? Not my problem," I say. Recently, as I exited the elevator, I felt guilty that I had not cleaned up the food. I felt like whomever left the food was an animal, a "pig." Clearly, this cannot be the case. What if they dropped it by mistake? So I decided to clean up the food . As I used paper towels to clean up the mess of pizza and dessert left in the HSC elevator, I received dirty looks from other students heading up to the cafe. Do these students care what visiting students think of our school? I can just hear the concerned moms following their sons and daughters around on visitation: "It's a pigsty!" In addition, I do not want to make our maintenance department work any harder. But I also don't want to clean up other people's messes. I want our school to have a clean environment. It is not too much to ask for. When you see a mess of food on the ground, clean it up. I know it's not your job, but help make the school a cleaner place. Either that, or don't put it there in the first place. CONTACT TIMOTHY FISHER AT: timothy.fisher@wilkes.edu Photo illustration by Anthony Goreczny Littering on campus evokes efforts for a cleaner environment. Food items can be seen strewn across the walkways, stairwells and even the elevators. In response to "Wilkes students and faculty weigh in on Wall Street protests," (Issue 6, Nov 1) BY MARK REID Assistant Philosophy Professor To best understand the Occupy Wall Street movement, one must spend time there in NYC or in an Occupation somewhere else and talk to people at length, feel the atmosphere, see the human struggle, the calm, the confidence, and the pragmatic facilitation speckled throughout the day and concentrated in the General Assembly from 7 p.m. until conclusion. To say that OWS merely rails against some form of injustice, that the OWS protesters just want a handout and are just jealous, and that they offer no solutions and just remark that this is a problem; all of these claims are literally factually wrong. I mean these claims are simply not true at all. Yes, we protest against injustice, no doubt about that, and we do so creatively, humorously, sometimes alone sometimes together, and in subtle ways and in overt ways. But that is not all we do. We march, have education, have art shows, have events calling on the entire world for global demonstrations of solidarity. On Oct. 15, people rose up in solidarity for one cause in one voice all across the world on all seven continents for the first time in the history of world. Something like this may happen on Nov. 17. The website for OWS nycga.net shows about 10 daily events. As economist Paul Krugman has pointed out, OWS shifted discussions in ways that no amount of research papers or news articles could have done. To understand OWS, the first thing one must do is read the Declaration of the Occupation of New York City. That document contains 23 crimes that large corporations have committed against humanity, which have a broad reach in time and population, including men, women, children, and animals. The Declaration was published when OWS was 12 days old, and Keith Olbermann read it on national television on Oct. 5. It has been 36 days since the public broadcast, and the 1 percent and its corporations have not challenged even one of these crimes. If one reads the Declaration and is not moved, then one is either unaware of the role that corporations play in people's lives or one is not moved by mass injustice. I am so aware, and I am so moved. The major- ity of people in the U.S. are so moved as well. The Declaration's opening lines are: "As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us REID together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies." If one reads the Declaration and remains in doubt that corporations could really commit all of those crimes against humanity, then the fact of IBM and its Hollerith machines that were the intelligence behind Nazi Germany's extermination of 12 million innocent human beings should leave no room for doubt. Heads of IBM in the U.S. profited greatly from the Nazis, and they knew details of Nazi Germany long before U.S. intelligence, which could have even helped us in the war, that is, had they told anyone. IBM remained silent about what they knew because they surely did not want to interfere with their profit stream. If one supposes that corporations and people could not have committed these 23 crimes because they would have gone to prison, one should have no problem dropping that supposition when one knows that IBM was never even reprimanded, let alone punished, for greatly aiding the Nazi efforts to exterminate the Jews and for not providing known intelligence about the Nazis. IBM has never been antisemitic as far as anyone knows, and IBM is the same company. IBM is not in a "special category" from other corporations. Nazi Germany was one of Coca-Cola's best customers, at least as "Fanta Orange." Although IBM's darker days are hopefully behind it, companies today that confine and torture animals purely for profit share in a darkness of their own. Although the Jewish German philosopher Theodor Adorno spent his life studying human suffering, he recognized that "Auschwitz begins whenever someone looks at a slaughterhouse and thinks they're just animals." The other complaints may involve less massive amounts of suffering, but there is no reason to suppose that corporations care about anything but profit. Equally, there SEE LETTER, Page 8 �8 KIM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 substantial amount of money to the Dream Foundation after the wedding. People were going to bash her about the failed short marriage so she had to make some effort to seem caring. But it was only to seem caring. Every move they make is staged for a reason. The whole show is so staged that I think the whole family probably lost all of their own identities because everything is scripted. News flash: No one cares. Especially me after this scam. I used to get compliments from people saying I looked like her. Now, it's an insult. I used to joke saying I was "the lost Kardashian" and my name would be changed to Krittany. Now, she made a joke of America by making us believe she actually married for the right reasons. Here's some tough love for you Kim: Take off some of your make-up show the world how much of an ugly person you are on the outside as well as the inside. Stop complaining that you're "working" so much because you don't have a real job! You're famous for being famous, and that's it. You clung to Paris Hilton back in your wannabe days. Granted, your fashion line is awesome and hugs my curves and your perfume is OK but ... you need to get over yourself. I'm tired of seeing the Kardashian name everywhere. All of these "socialites" like the Kardashians, Hiltons and Lohans are setting a bad example for all of us. They put their lives in the spotlight only to hate on it. How do you expect society to stay out of your private life when you let them into every other aspect? They are rich because they are famous for being famous. Where is the sense in that? I know personally after this fake wedding I will not be watching the show or buying their merchandise. Hopefully, after these reports, no one else will either. CONTACT BRITTANY BATTISTA AT: brittony.bottisto@wilkes.edu remove that doubt: http://www.sourcewatch. org/index. php?title= Wall_ Street_ crimes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Crime 5: What should we do about the fact that corporations have monopolized farmis no reason to suppose that society as it is ing, eliminated family farms, and treated now is going to do anything whatsoever to animals as money machines, wherein they stop these corporations with punishments or . are confined, mutilated without anesthetic, by destroying them. IBM, Coke and hun- and a nasty etc.? Vegans and vegetarians dreds of other corporations have committed have been fighting this war for almost 30 treason, murder and numerous other crimes without even being reprimanded, let alone sent to prison. There are three possible results upon truly receiving the Declaration so its content settles in ones bones. One may feel relief that finally people have said what has been oppressing one for years. One may feel disturbed that all of this has really been done. Or, one may feel indifferent, thinking that this is all bad if it happens to you, but I am doing fi~ . One may also feel a combination of the first two, but this seems implausible. The claim that OWS needs specific policy suggestions must be considered in light of years with only some limited effect. Crime the Declaration. After reading it, one may 5 and 1940s IBM are a nice illustration of say "Gee I don't know! What do you think what the corporations are prepared to do if ought to be done?" Let's take two of the 23 they could get away with it. Corporations crimes, at random. Crime 1: What should are not inherently evil. They are inherently we do about the fact that banks have taken concerned with nothing but making money and continue to take millions of people's with no regard at all to good or evil. A disturbing twist is, unfortunately, that houses through an illegal foreclosure process, despite not having the original mort- the people comprising our governments at gage? Lawyers and homeowners are fight- all levels, local, state, and national, are largeing the system with all their might mostly to ly accomplices in the crimes of corporations no avail. Millions of people have lost their both personally and professionally. The Nohomes this way! What are we supposed to bel Prize winning economist Joseph E. Stido? Especially when lawmakers just side glitz is the fifth most widely cited economist with the banks and law enforcement against worldwide, has served as chief economist for the U.S. citizens. If you doubt that banks the World Bank for several years, and has a commit crimes, this list of crimes should CV a mile long. According to Stiglitz, most LETTER Photo Illustration by Jonathan Bowman Brittany Battista, deemed as the "lost Kardashian:' mocks newly married Kim Kardashian. Battista views Kim's wedding as a fake display to make money. politicians are from the 1 percent before they go into office, are elected through the money and influence of the 1 percent, and legislate on behalf of the 1 percent. If Stiglitz's credentials correspond to the truth-value of his claims, then the conclusion is that the 1 percent has not only about half of the wealth but also most of the political power. That means that we are not a democracy or even a republic; we are an oligarchy where money equals political control. And moreover, it is an oligar_chy where the 1 percent has the majority of the power, people in poverty have virtually no power, and people in the middle like to think they have power. That, however, is a myth. The Occupy Wall Street Movement is thus initially a process of realizing the system's true structure is not what we have been led to believe it is. Sebia is inspired by the 1 percent because he wrongly believes that they are successful capitalists, at least assuming that one must be successful through just and not corrupt means. Most of them are not successful capitalists at all, and virtually none of them would have as much money as they do if the system was actually a free and fair market. And all of them have benefited immensely from legislation that allows corporations to donate anonymously or nonanonymously to political candidates without any caps. Would you be proud if you had enough money to feed everyone in Somalia but kept it all to yourself, got your money by committing crimes against humanity, used your and our money to speculate in the stock market and when you won you get to keep it all and when you lost, you got bailed out by the taxpayers money? After all, the pride, for Sebia, comes from not wanting handouts. But that is exactly what the 1 percent gets is handouts. Who would be proud of being someone like that? Someone like that is worthy of criminal-hood, but since the system is so warped in their favor, they even escape that as well. Sebia wants to make it to the top and have all the money he will have from working hard. Well, if he made it to the top from doing that, of course, he would also have to abstain from all the benefits that the system sets up for people with that much money. He would be very rare. If anyone wants to understand the severity of the income disparity in society, this graphic and explanation helps immensely. It is deemed "the L-curve." In my view, the Occupy Wall Street movement has begun to globally shift our sociopolitical focus. I believe that this Movement is only getting started. The farthest reaches of what are possible with this movement, in my vision, include equity and intelligence brought to the governance of the United States, perhaps in a way that would make Buddha, Socrates, Martin Luther King Jr., and Howard Zinn proud. I am a contributcjt- to a Wiki Occupy Wall Street. I will be working specifically on a section and page-set devoted wholly to criticisms of the movement and replies. It is up now, but it is a work-in-progress: http://www. wikioccupy.org/index.php?title=Occupy_ Wall Street. l t s t; �NOVEMBER 15,2011 ..·. .... ....... . .·. ~ - - . ..Ur1iMY,~rf~~f Ql1esfioris with Important People BARBARA KING ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS CONTACT EDITOR: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com ,,... day are special to me and the students are fun. What was your very first job you had? I was 17 when I got my first job at a Kmartlike department store that is no longer in business. I lived in the country so it was hard to get to one until then. What has been your best experience at Wilkes so far? I met my late husband here. Since the beginning of your time at Wilkes, have you seen the majority of students return year after year? Yes, there has been a return. The retention rate has also improved. If you had to do one thing differently since your time here, what would it be and why? I am not sure what I would do different. I can't really give an answer. The Beacon/Austin Loukas A Wilkes graduate, Dean Barabara King has been at Wilkes for 32 years and likes to read and walk with her husband and dog during her down time. BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer What does your job entail? I am the chief disciplinary officer for the university. I deal mostly with student problems, some that they come with, some that they create for themselves and some that are completely out of their control. I am also adviser to Off Campus Council and Commuter Council. • What are your likes and dislikes about your position? There really isn't anything I dislike about my job. I wish life was easy for everyone and students didn't have problems that would bring them to my office, but I don't really have any dislikes. What is the best way to relax after work? Walking with my husband and dog. Do you have a favorite hobby? My dog is my hobby. I also do a lot of needlework and listen to old rock music. What is your main goal in being in this position? Working with students and helping them find the right direction. It is like an out of the classroom education in order to navigate life. What is your favorite television show? Now the only channels I watch are "Bones," "Criminal Minds," "Hawaii 5-0" and the Yankees Channel. What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Traveling to Tasmania. ;«.;.,. ,, ~ . I read a lot as well, so I can't really say. I read a lot of mystery; my favorite author is Henning Mankell, and I like many other Scandinavian mystery writers. There is a whole genre. I also like nonfiction and right now I'm in the middle of"Vietnam." As far as movies I don't like chick flicks. "Independence Day" is a good one, and I also like the movie "MASH," which I would say is the best comedy movie ever made. A reitllY good one I saw recently is "Midnight in Paris," directed by Woody Allen, and I will even admit, like most of my generation, that I love the "Sound of Music." We are the prime age for that. What advice can you give to the students at Wilkes? Take advantage of every opportunity, try not to do anything that will reflect upon you in the future, enjoy every minute of college life (within reason), at'l.d when in the position to do so, give back to Wilkes. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE a/yssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu What is your favorite book or movie? Slumgullion Cook-off It used to be "Saving Grace." Is this the career you always saw yourself in? It is far different than my degree in business, but since being at Wilkes, yes. What is the best part of your job? Working with students and, at graduation, seeing students walk across the stage and accomplishing. Helping them make changes and contributing to those changes in some· way. Where is your favorite vacation spot? I travel a lot, so it always changes. I like Kyoto, Japan and Key West, Fl. is also one ofmy favorites. I also love New York City. What is our favorite aspect of Wilkes? I have been here for a long time- 32 yearsso it is like home for me. The working relationships with the people I work with every The Beacon/Austin Louka On Thursday, Nov. 1O, the History Club hosted its first Slumgullion Cook-off on th first floor lounge o fhte Student Union Building. Soups were judged by assistan professor of history and club adviser Dr. Michael Davidson and Vice President o Advancement Mike Wood. The corporate winner was Lonestar for their chilli, th noncorporate winner was Maria Hunter for her autumn stew; the crowd favorite wa Tommy's Pizza for its chicken enchillada soup. Soups were submitted by Michell Earley, Dave Gill, Shirley Green, Kim Wood, Marge Pollick, Rob Kabjeski and Theres Gentile. Music was provided by Adam Bailey and Todd Oravic. - --- - ---- �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 1s; 2011 · 10 rison, Alyssa orcent, Devin ra Gibson and ea Shoh, right om, Meribeth ·~· m B1dJey, center, and rigbt. fj.rst place went e Harrison, Al)l$sa Daniel and e Dorcent for their Beyq11c 'it ~ine. Seco lbfec ·- 0 ce a i: - h a F �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 LIFE 11 Dancers, artisa•ns, lecturer liven Native American Heritage Month BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor . Loud chanting was heard as several dancers dressed in brightly-colored traditional attire shuffled and swerved on the small stage in the Student Union Building first floor lounge. Nearby in the main lobby, venders were selling a variety of brightly colored necklaces, berets, ornaments, earrings, and dream catchers. The dancers and craft vendors were part of this year's celebration of Native American Heritage Month. On Nov. 10 the Center for Global Education and Diversity with the help of assistant professor of business Dr. Gary Gordon sponsored the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers of the Onondaga Nation of Nedrow, N.Y, and Native American artists and crafts people. On Nov. 21, Barbara Landis, a Carlisle Indian School biographer for the Cumberland County Historical Society, will give a lecture, Shaping Identity: The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, 1879-1918," on the Carlisle Indian School, a foderal boarding school built in 1879 for Native American children. Gordon says the lecture will focus on the development oflndian boarding schools, how Indian children were brought to the schools to help them assimilate into the dominant white culture. There will also be a trip to visit the Cumber- The Beacon/Austin Loukas The Haudenosaunee singers and dancers are composed of the Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Mohawk, Onondaga and Tuscarora nations. See more pictures at thewilkesbeacon.com land County Historical Society on Nov. 18. whole lot other than what they see in mov"A lot of the kids that came were Western ies and on TV which are not typically accuIndians from what are now Western states as rate portrayals of Indians," Gordon says. "I opposed to the Northeast, so you would get thought it would be a good opportunity for exposure to multiple different perspectives," them to have that kind of exposure." Gordon, who is of Mohawk descent, says. Gordon says the exposure is particularly He hopes people get a little more under- important as the events are focused on Native standing and knowledge of Native Ameri- Americans of the Northeast. The dancers are cans through the programs. various members of the Six Nations Iroquois "If you were to talk to a lot of students, confederacy. faculty and staff about what they know about "I think a lot of times when people watch American Indians, they wouldn't know a movies or TV and Indians are shown on TV if they aren't contemporary Indians they tend to depict western Indians and I think they leam that not everyone wears the big headdresses," Gordon says. "They get a bit more appreciation for the differences between tribes." There are 562 federally recognized Indian reservations, meaning diversity among Native Ame1icans. For instance, the dances presented by the dancers were social dances rather than ceremonial and invite people to join in. "The dances are fun and very simple and through the explanations I give that I think they'll gain knowledge and getting .!Jople involved," says Sherri Watennan-Hopper, one of the Haudenosaunee singers who is from the Onondaga Nation near Syracuse, N.Y. The dances that Waterman-Hopper and the others perfonned were designed to give thanks and a way for people to get together. The dances included the stomp, fish and women's dances. "I hope (people) learn the culture, to have joy about our history and to bring awareness to these individuals," says associate director of diversity initiatives Erica Acosta. ''They are here but sometimes they get so far back . in people's minds that they are overseen and they are very much a part of our culture and traditions." CONTACT CHRISTINE LEE christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com Flying shark takes over SUB, UCOM building BY BRITTANY BATTISTA Advertising Manager The odds of seeing a flying shark are one in one in the Student Union Building when sophomore history major Jeff Homschek is around. Homschek's new toy takes flying fish to a new level. He is the proud owner of Captain Crunch, a remote controlled helium balloon shaped a'> a shark. Unlike blimps and other flying mechanical toys, these balloons add realism and movement with moving fins that propel the fish through the air in any direction. The fins swish back and fotih operated by a remote control. The only assembly is adding AAA batteries and helium. "Hey, look at that. A remote controlled flying shark. I want that," Homschek said when he found out about the shark. A friend posted a random link, airswimmers.com, onto his Facebook wall. The balloon can only be flown indoors be- The Beacon/laura Preby Sophomore computer science major and high school friend ofHomschek, Cody Bauman, accompanies Captain Crunch on some of his public appearances. "We were at 'Everyone ls Gay' and the shark photo-bombed their pictures." Bauman said. "The pictures are on their website and be was in their profile picture on Facebook for a while, too." Captain Crunch has made many places his personal habitat. He is said to like swimming in the pool room in the SUB, University Center on Main building, Marts gym and also CVS where Homschek works. Airswimmers.com is the online store to purchase the shark which also comes in a clown fish shape. The new gadgets are so popular that they are sold out of both models. Sophomore history major Jeff Homschek plays with his remote-controlled flying shark Captain Crunch outside his apartment in Kingston. cause of wind but still be cautious of which buildings you fly in. "I tried to fly it in the middle of the SUB but the updraft took all the way up to the third floor. I had to yell at a girl to give it back,'" Homschek said. CONTACT BRITTANY BATTISTA brittany.battista@wilkes.edu c �12 LIFE Off-Campus Coundl hopes students get saucy at upcoming Wing.Wars BY HOLLY BOYER Assistant Life Editor The Off Campus Council club has a popular event they successfully host every year coming up. They yearly Wing Wars will take place at 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 18. Wing Wars has been popular in the past described junior earth and environmental science major Nick Wierman, who is also president of OCC. This event is highly popular because of one thing, free wings. "A lot of people love wings, and a lot of great restaurants around here have great wings," Wierman says. Students show up ready to eat a bunch of wings and attempt to try all of the specialty flavors form each vendor. Students then vote for the best, and at the end of the event they tally the winner of who has the best wings. "Usually, we get a lot in attendance, anywhere from about 300 to 500 people," Wierman says. Several familiar places in the area are bringing their wings Rodano's, Januzzi's and Bart & Urby's. Other restaurants will include Chicken Coop, Whiskey Business and Anthracite Cafe, which has more than 40 sauces of flavors of wings. This year the OCC will be purchasing 400 wings from each vendor, 100 mild from each, and 300 of that restaurants specialty flavor. The specialty flavor is what each restaurant feels is their best and unique to their place. "We'll have more variety (this year), but probably the same amount of wings," Wierman says. Sophomore biology major Casey Aniulavich, who attended the event last year noted how she is excited for it to be coming around next year. "I love wings, so it was really cool to sample some of the different wings that are available around the area with being new last year," Anzulavich says. "I am looking forward to going, cause they're not only tasty, but they're free!" Wing wars will be held in the ballroom of the Student Union Center. Students are encouraged to get there early, because once the wings go, they're gone. CONTACT HOLLY BOYER ho/lyboyer@thewilkesbeacon.com · ····· ·:::,·:::::THE.BEACON ·I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 eterans ay service 2011 The Beacon/Christine Lee On Nov. 11 Wilkes University honored veterans from all kinds of American wars during a Veterans Day service held on the Greenway. This year, small American flags were placed around a small portion of the Greenway for the service. Speakers included University President Tim Gilmour, Campus Interfaith Coordinator Caitlin Czeh and a past member of the Army. This year's service remembered Sgt. Alessandro Plutino 'OS who was killed over the summer while serving the country in Afghanistan with members of Plutino's family were present. Student members of the Air Force and Army Reserve Officers'Training Corp were also on hand. The ceremony served to recognize those who served, which includes Wilkes faculty, staff and students. SES uses new and innovative way to reuse trash BY LYNDSIE YAMRUS Staff Writer In another effort to go green at Wilkes, the Students for Environmental Sustainability • Iub has recently initiated a sustainability collection project called TerraCycle. Junior Environmental Engineering majors and SES club presidents Katie Cirone and Lizzie Helsel say that TerraCycle is a company that creates and manages collection systems for a variety of hard-to-recycle waste products, such as chip bags, gum wrappers, drink pouches, writing utensils, Ziploc baggies, and other items. Tom Szaky, creator and CEO of TerraCycle, had the idea that instead of recycling waste, it could be "upcycled" and used for another purpose. "With upcycling, instead of breaking down an object, you keep its natural shape," Cirone says. The waste is collected in separate boxes and shipped to the TerraCycle company, where they are transformed into fabrics or plastic pellets and used to make different types of bags, toys and offlee supplies, among other items. Helsel says plastic waste, such as butter containers, are shredded and melted down to make playground equipment or garbage cans and wine corks are cut . d and des1gne . .The Beacon/Austin Loukas ·nto k TerraCycle recycling boxes, hke the one above are l cor - 11.,ound ·m Evans Ha II, U mvers1ty · · 1iowers, Star k Learning · boards. primary goal of the project. The SES club has distributed boxes to several areas around campus in hopes that students and faculty will join in on the effort. TerraCycle boxes can be found in the Student Union Building, Stark Learning Center, Brieseth Hall, University Towers and Evans H a II . The t 1 1b 0 c ut p ans b "v , Center, the Student Union Building, and Breiseth Hall. put ~orteh oxes I ou re upou m e near cycling things that would generally go to a future to allow more people to get involved. landfill," said Helsel. Junior Environmental Engineering major Directing waste away from landfills is the and SES club treasurer Brian Palmiter says that a variety of different products are made from the waste and sold at major retail stores like Walmart or Target. TerraCycle products can also be purchased online. "This is the first year for TerraCycle at Wilkes," Palmiter says. "We've had the idea in the works, and in the last couple of weeks we were able to get the boxes out. Next semester we're looking to put out more boxes and give people more opportunities to upcycle their waste." How can the campus community help? "Just look for boxes and do your best to do your part," Palmiter says. As an added incentive to participate in the brigade, TerraCycle as a company donates at least 2cents for most items mailed in that goes toward a school or a charity of one's choice. "It's eit1l,er a TerraCycle box or a landfill, so make that extra effort to put your chip bag into the box rather than the trashcan next to it," Helsel says. CONTACT LYNDSIE YAMRUS lyndsie.yamrus@wilkes.edu �CONTACT EDITOR: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com NOVEMBER 15, 2011 'End of Country' author brings Marcellus Shale to Wilkes Resourcing na'"tural gas causes conflict and concern in Pen .n sylvania BY BILL THOMAS Assistant News Editor Beneath our feet lies the Marcellus Shale, a formation of sedimentary rock rich with untapped reserves of methane. For those viewing natural gas as an answer to America's energy needs, it represents an enormous resource. For those who live, work and go to school in Pennsylvania, though, the Marcellus Shale represents something more: a cause for concern, contemplation and conflict. "This really is something that offers a great deal of promise and carries with it a phenomenal amount of peril," Seamus McGraw said. "It is, in my estimation, a test of the character of the people in the country as a whole as to whether or not we have the wisdom, the strength and the foresight to balance those challenges." An award-winning journalist and onetime Wilkes University student, McGraw was first inspired to investigate and chronicle the effects of Pennsylvania's gas drilling boom when his mother was approached to lease the land of McGraw's family farm in 2007. • · The resulting book, titled "The End of Country," was released by Random House Inc. earlier this year. It has received much critical praise, including endorsements by Tom Brokaw and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, Seamus McGraw will participate in a twohour discussion of his book and the issue of gas drilling. The event, to be held in Room 101 of Stark Learning Center, is another effort by Wilkes' Institute for Energy & Environment Research to help educate the public of the potential benefits and dangers of gas drilling. "I think (McGraw's book) has had a big impact on this discussion, especially his experiences with the landmen. That's something I really don't think has been talked about enough in public," Erich Sch- THE END OF COUNTRY Photo courtesy ofThe Rouge Author Seamus McGraw wrote "the End of Country" {at right), which deals with Marcellus Shale extraction. The award-winning journalist will speak at Wilkes University on Saturday, Nov. 19. ramm, the IEER outreach director, said. "It is, in my estimation, a test of the Schramm explained character of the people in the country that, for Pennsylvanians who live in nat- as a whole as to whether or not we have ural gas hotbeds, the . the wisdom, the strength and the foreissue is as much an sight to balance those challenges." economic one as it is - Seamus McGraw environmental. "A lot of these people are third and fourth generation farmers. said, "but it's still a fossil fuel. It doesn't They're blue collar people working long, get us where we need to be by itself, and it carries great risks with it. hard days for not a lot of money," he said. "The question is if we can use the time "I think it's an interesting moral question it buys us to do what we should've done for them. Do they take this money they need or do they try to preserve their way for the last 40 years . That's the challenge we face." of life?" For more information on "The End of At the same time, McGraw himself Country," visit www.seamusmcgraw.com. maintains that his book and the issues at its For more information about the Marcelheart remain relevant on a broader, more national scale. The future of the energy lus Shale, gas drilling or IEER, visit www. industry, he said, is the future of America energy.wilkes.edu. itself. "It burns 50 percent cleaner than coal CONTACT BILL THOMAS and 30 percent cleaner than oil," McGraw billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com / ---------------- UPCOMING EVENT Wilkes University Seminar: Methods on Treating Frackwater - In addition to Seamus McGraw's campus visit, IEER plans to continue efforts to educate the public about gas drilling's effect on the environment. Offering unbiased, objective analysis of both the advantages and disadvantages of gas drilling is one of the most important services IEER tries to provide, said IEER associate director and Wilkes biology professor Dr. Ken Klemow. One ofIEER's upcoming efforts include an event that will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 15. A seminar, entitled "Methods on Treating Frackwater," the event is scheduled to take place at 5:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. It will be held in Room 107 ofBreiseth Hall. Under discussion at the seminar will be surface and ground water issues associated with reclaiming frackwater as well as the operation of the Marcellus Shale frackwater recycling plant. �A&E 14 - THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 ''lntntortals'' offers suntptuous style over stale substance BY BILL THOMAS Assistant News Editor It's easy to forget that cinema is first and foremost a visual art form. The temptation to disregard a film entirely because of narrative shortcomings is both powerful and prevalent. That's not to say that story, or acting for that matter, doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Such things are certainly crucial. At the end of the day, however, it's a motion picture's imagery which should maintain paramount importance. Take "Immortals," for instance. The plot is flimsy and generic: Mickey Rourke plays Hyperion, a sadistic warlord on a hate-fueled quest to find a long-lost mystical artifact. With it, he plans on unleashing the Titans. They're an ancient race of immortals who pose a threat to not only the entire human race; but the gods of Olympus as well. Despite the danger, the Olympians are sworn to never interfere in the affairs of mortal men. Thu·s, the only hope for god and humankind alike rests in the hands of courageous peasant Theseus, played by Henry Cavill. Too often, "Immortals" feels derivative and directionless, as if lost between its MacGuffin plot device and stale moralizing about the importance of faith. An adherence to modern audiencedictated fantasy-action film tropes further demands the picture peak with an unnecessary, out-of-place, post-"Lord of the Rings" battle sequence. The acting is all over the place: Rourke is as effortlessly engaging as ever, but soon-to-be-Superman Cavill is a poor sparring partner, a wooden hero if ever there was one. The gods in particular are utterly without gravitas, Luke Evans' portrayal of Zeus proving just as leaden as his turn as Aramis in "The Three Musketeers." In the supporting cast, Stephen Dorff is good but miscast in a superfluous sidekick role. His presence, as well as that of the admittedly talented Joseph Morgan as a traitorous soldier, is ultimately pointless. Meanwhile, all-too-brief appearances by John Hurt and Stephen McHattie give the film a much-needed boost whenever they pop up, which isn't enough. All that said, though, "Immortals" still has one very big thing going for it: director Tarsem Singh. Yes, the script is clunky and unrefined. Sure, the acting is uneven. But "Immortals" flourishes as a piece of visually sumptuous eye-candy thanks to Singh, the same visionary auteur behind similarly flawed but dazzlingly beautiful films like "The Cell" and "The Fall." When "Immortals" fully focuses on Singh 's imagery, such as in the climactic showdown between the Titans and the Olympians, the screen crackles witt visceral intensity and mind-blowing avant-garde artistry. Alas, no man is an island. Singh'~ imitation of Renaissance painting style~ is inspired and affecting, but he alsc seems to integrate influence from ancien1 Greek theater, a choice which, while intriguing, has the unfortunate side-effec1 of giving the movie a stagey feel, making "Immortals" look cheaper and less epic than any project with $80 million to thro\\ around should. Quibbles aside, Singh may have failec to create another "300" or "Clash ! f the Titans"-esque cash cow, but "Immortals'· succeeds as something else entirely: maybe less accomplished but marked!) more mesmerizing. Rating: CONTACT BILL THOMAS: wi1liam.thomas4@wilkes.edu Real Murders: A page turner of suspenseful tnystery · BY ANNIE YOSKOSKI Staff Writer "Real Murders" features a young, bookish librarian named Aurora Teagarden. As the town librarian, Aurora loves mysteries and true crime novels. She and several other true crime lovers form a small club called Real Murders. It is all fun and games until someone actually gets murdered in a copycat killing, starting a chain reaction that has members of the club dropping like flies. Aurora, along with detective pal, Arthur and mystery writer Robin, take it upon themselves to find the killer. Some people can't stomach murder novels. If you feel as though you are one of them, I can still guarantee you can read "Real Murders." There is no gore, but the story is intriguing. Suspense baits the reader into a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well developed from the start. Intricate characterization allows the reader to place themselves in shoes and solve the mystery. The language is indicative of the novel's setting, a small town in Georgia, giving a down home feel to the entire novel. The details are meticulous in this novel, which I loved. There is no secret plot hidden to the reader that helps to solve the puzzle. Each and every clue is set out for the reader. Surprisingly, the ending is still not what one would suspect. In fact, it was the only part of the book I didn't like. Not to give anything way, but it felt rushed. An entire saga of mystery goes on only to be resolved in five pages. I wish there had been more build up to the ending, not just a sudden stop in investigating. The only other thing I did not enjoy was the actual personality traits of some of the characters. Aurora sometimes comes off as whiny and very dependent on other people, even though she is 24 years old. Also, things pop up in descriptions / of various characters that are hard to believe, giving the novel a quality of disbelief instead of making it more similar to true crime. This seemed to be the author's goal. All-and-all, I did enjoy this book. It was not too long, a perfect read for a weekend or a day-off. I was pulled into the story.quickly, and spit out even faster after the ending, yet I still wanted to buy the next book in the series. Harris' writing stands up to her unbelievable plot twists and characters that come straight out of an imaginary town. While the air of disbelief and unreasonable happenings hangs around, the ultimate Rating: CONTACT ANNIE YOSKOSKI: anne.yoskoski@wilkes.edu �A&E THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 15 Rifkin hopes to bring more slurps to Wilkes with new milkshakes BY DOMINICK COSTANTINO Staff Writer Food Services at Wilkes University unveiled a new machine at the Rifkin Cafe a few weeks ago in order to provide more options for those dining at Wilkes. The new machine is called F'real and it makes milkshakes. Those purchasing a milkshake make it by themselves. To begin milkshake perfection, customers chose a cup from the freezer and then place it in the blender. Customers have three thickness options to chose from : less thick, regular, or more thick. Milkshakes are very popular among the student body according to Ron Williams, general manager of dining services at Wilkes. Many students used to travel to Sheetz or Wawa to use a milkshake machine, now there is one right on campus. " We want students to stay on campus and not have to leave for specialty items like this," Williams said. "Sheetz and other stores have the same machine to make milkshakes like we now have." The machine has been working at Rifkin for three weeks, and the response has been great. Williams said they are selling more than they ever expected. Bea Kopec, who works at Rifkin, sees the popularity of the milkshakes first hand. "We're selling a lot of milkshakes. It's hard at times to keep up with them," she said. "Some students have them for breakfast and some have them throughout the day as a dessert." Nimi Patel, sophomore pre-law major, loves the new milkshakes. She said they are the same type of treat you would get in a convenient store, but the $3 .29 cost is relatively steep. " I got vanilla . when I purchased a milkshake and it was delicious, " she said. "The price is kind of expensive compared to everything else at Rifkin ." Amanda Bast, sophomore secondary education major, also loved the new Upcoming area events Check this out! ♦ Chacko's Bowling Night. Nov. 17, 9 p.m. Free passes available at SUB information desk. Pass is good for two games and shoe rental. One pass per student per week. ♦ Footloose. Nov. 18 & 19, 8 p.m. Nov. 20, 3· p.m. Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre. Free with Wilkes ID at the door. Make reservations (570) 823-1875. il The Who 's Tommy. Nov. 18 & 19, 8 p.m. Nov. 20, 2 p.m. Dorothy Dickson Darte Center. Free admission with Wilkes ID. $15 General Admiss10n. ♦ Seamus McGraw book presentation: "The End of Country." Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wiiliam B. Schaeffer Hall (room 101), Stark Learning Center. No Charge. Contact Erich Schramm (570) 408-5543 to register. ♦ PA International Wine and Food Festival. Nov. 20, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $20 advance tickets, $30 at the door. Genetti's Hotel, 77 E. Market edition at Rifkin. She purchased a mint chip milkshake and thought it was great. Rifkin offers a variety of milkshake flavors including: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Coffee Frozen Cappuccino, Mango, Mint Chip, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry Banana and Blueberry Raspberry Pomegranate. The treats come in one size. Although all of the flavors seem to be popular, Williams pointed out that the cookies n cream and Reese's peanut butter cup are the most popular so far. According to their mission statement, F'real hopes to help make the world a better place one giant slurp at a time. St. Buy advance tickets at Genetti 's front desk or PAlnternationalWineFoodFest.com or TicketSalesNow. com. Must be 21 or older. Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at www.grottopizzapa.com ♦ Irving Berlin's "White Christmas." Nov. 26-27, Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 8 p.m. Sundays at 3 p.m. Dinner available. See musicbox.org for ticket prices. il CONTACT DOMINICK COSTANTINO dominick.costantino@wilkes.edu i the legendary taste ♦ Storytellers benefit concert. Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Downtown Arts Cathedral. $5 tickets available at the door only. Proceeds benefit River Common Park Programming. Rivercommon.org. ♦ The Beacon/Laura Preby or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Center, on Rt. 11 in Edwardsville Gust across the bridge!) Concert: Five Finger Death Punch, All That Remains, Hatebreed, Rains. Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. Mohegan Sun Arena. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Call (570) 970-7600. Great Wolfe Lodge indoor water park. Dec. 3. $15 tickets available at SUB information desk. ♦ Christmas Trip to New York City. Dec. 10. Day trip includes Broadway show and dinner. $25 tickets available at SUB information desk. CONTACT DEVONI NOVAK AT: devoni.novak@wilkes.edu the legendary t!!8 I $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out Expires 12/31/11 L ~-----valid only at Grotto Pizza locations in Pennyslvania I I �lfilJi11llliTIDlill.IlN1 [ufiBJEffi] ~ NEXTWEEK CONTACT EDITOR: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com NOVEMBER 15, 2011 Wilkes wrestling impressive at PSU the annual John Reese Duals Continued from FRONT PAGE Sandusky, who is charged with sexually abusing eight children over a 15-year period, through his lawyer has maintained his innocence. PSU's Athletic Director Timothy Curley asked to be placed on administrative leave, and Gary Schultz, vice president for finance and business, retired. Paterno has not been charged with any illegal activity, but the board of trustees fired him mid season due to lack of follow-up efforts. If a similar event were to occur at Wilkes, football Head Coach Frank Sheptock believes the course of action would have been different due to the strong sense of integrity in which the Wilkes athletics program is grounded. "Integrity is the most important thing in our opinion," Sheptock said. "I believe very strongly in the fact that I, or we as a staff, would handle the situation in a way that is the right way to handle it." Sheptock believes integrity is the most The Beacon/Alex Zero prominent character issue especially for his Michael Shannon prepares for an escape in his heavyweight bout with Plymouth players. "I definitely believe that you have to lead State. Shannon went on to lose the match, Wilkes prevailed 33-1 Sas a team. by example, and we say this to the players, the team as a whole. He praised freshman integrity trumps loyalty," Sheptock said. BY JUSTIN FRANIAK 125-pounder Michael Fleck. Sheptock also believes that PSU took the Assistant Sports Editor "Fleck wrestled well," Oberrender said. right preliminary steps of reporting quesWilkes took to the mats again this past "Everyone held their own and exceeded tionable actions, but went on to say how Paweekend at the annual John Reese Duals. their expectations." terno got in trouble for not following up on The Colonels posted an overall record 3-1 Wilkes defeated thirteenth-ranked Cen- the issue. with the lone loss to No. 9 SUNY-Cort- tenary 27-16 in the days opening match. Reporting it to adn_iinistration, then trying land. However the Colonels did defeat The Colonels saw momentum changing to prevent anything from occurring again. No. 13 ranked Centenary College en route pins from Dustin Stough and Dave Ober"I'm sure everyone would have that feelto an impressive day. render. Ryan Wilson posted a 7-5 decision ing, until you're put in that situation - boy, Pinning is what every wrestler strives over Centenary's Craig Montgomery in that's tough," Sheptock said. it>r and the Colonels did not disappoint. the matches third bout. Wilson likes tough "There's probably no set policy in place Wilkes recorded 11 pins with Dave Ober- matches like his bout because it shows to be honest with you," Sheptock said. "I'm render leading the way. where he needs improve and what the sure that's the situation at Penn State too, The sophomore business major took team needs to work on. which maybe led to the situation a little bit." Saturday as a building block for the rest "It's tough matches like these that test Sheptock feels that a procedural outline of the season. our ability to compete as a team," Wil- would not be effective for every situation, . "Today was indicator" Oberrender said. son said. "It is things like this that show and added Wilkes has never had an incident "I wrestled the kid ranked fourth in nation us where we are at and what we need to reported without follow-up. and lost one nothing, I'm right there'.' work on." "I can't say that I have a manual that says Oberrender said that the loss to No. 9 The senior captain also loves the compe- 'well if this occurs, and I tell the adminisSUNY-Cortland was a motivator for the tition every year at the duals, and he says it tration and X number of time passes and I team. benefits the team in multiple ways. haven't heard back' - not to my knowledge," "Cortland was a bump in the road," "The competitive matches are also im- Sheptock said. Oberrender said. "I believe we are top five portant for younger guys who are not used Adelene Malatesta, athletics director, feels material." to challenging themselves at higher lev- that the Code of Conduct expectations for Overall the sophomore upperweight els." coaches at Wilkes are fully outlined in many was impressed with the young guys and SEE DUALS, Page 18 forms. "It's clear about our ethics and our responsibility in dealing with students, one another and the surrounding community," Malatesta said. She said these standards are included in the Wilkes code of conduct, the staff policy manual and an ethical statement that all employees have to sign annually. Coaches are made aware of expectations at the beginning of their careers at Wilkes, when they read the position description and accept the position. "Every coach's position description clearly states there's a code of behavior, ethics and morality, and that they are expected - whether you're part-time or full-time - to follow the staff policy manual," Malatesta said. Reflecting on Paterno's involvement in the PSU incident, Malatesta said the issue is less about whether an action is right, but more about whether it is the best action. "I think perhaps some ofus get caught into not being wrong, in terms of reporting to a supervisor, but perhaps ·doing more to ensure that it's completely right," Malatesta said. "I think that's where (Paterno) is caught." Malatesta emphasized the importance of taking the appropriate action toward resolution and closure. She said that in her role, that closure may crest when she refers reports to the appropriate authorities, but that she must act to this extent of her jurisdiction. · In the process of reporting incidents at Wilkes, Malatesta immediately shares information from coaches and athletes with Vice President Paul Adams of Student Affairs, along with local authorities. The PSU scandal has led Malatesta to consider this reporting process and other areas involving reaction to incidents, and not only in athletics. "It is probably somewhat of a wake-upcall, or a gut check, for those of us in athletics to be certain -- but not just athletics, I think generally speaking," Malatesta said. "At many, many different levels, people are being impacted by this, and I think will continued to be impacted by this." Timely to this examination, an update of the employee policies is in the process of being reviewed and approved. Joseph Housenick, director of Human Resources, said the updates will highlight the importance of reporting any illegal activity at the university. "Anything that is against the law should be reported immediately," Housenick said. "I know thjt our folks believe that very, very strongly." SEE PSU, Page 18 �17 SPORTS SCOREBOARD "Joseph !ugliese Football But think of the children. 11/12 Stevenson W 43-34 Wrestling 11/12 John Reese Duals Wilkes 27, Centenary 16 Wilkes 9, Cortland 28 Wilkes 38, NYU 9 Wilkes 33, Plymouth 15 EEKAHEII Wrestling 11/18 Elizabethtown Men's B-Ball 11/15 PSU-Hazleton 11/18 Dickinson Women'sB-Ball 11/15 @PSU-Hazleton 11/17 @ Keys.tone Tweet us pictures of the scoreboards. @wi Ikesbeacon THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 franiak N This week might have been the toughest and most painful week for all of Penn State in its history. A sex scandal that had been covered up for more than eight years rose to the surface involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky now faces charges after allegedly sodomizing a 10-yearold boy in the bathroom in 2002. But this is more than just about Sandusky; this is about how he got away with it for over eight years. This has turned into a massive scandal that has led to school president Graham Spanier, head football coach of 61 years Joe Paterno to both be fired while Gary Schultz, treasurer and vice president of business, and Tim Curley, athletic director, have both resigned, although they are still on the schools pension. Mike McQuery is the only one left with a major role in this incident. They all needed to be fired and they all deserved to be fired because for more than eight years they all knew about this and they all did nothing to stop it. Back in 2002, assistant coach Mike McQuery saw the incident between Sandusky and a I 0-year-old boy in the bathroom. McQuery did not stop Sandusky, he did not call the police, he went home and he called his father asking for advice, his father's advice was to go to Joe Paterno his boss. McQuery told Paterno and what did Paterno do? Pass the bill to his boss, Curley, the athletic director and head of the campus police. Did Curley stop Sandusky? Did he launch an investigation? No, he told his boss, Graham Spanier, who let the issue blow past and took no action. There was a half-hearted attempt to stop Sandusky that resulted in a grand jury hearing, and the District Attorney Ray Gricai' dropped the case; Gricar has not been seen or heard from since 2005. So what happened here? We have four fullgrown men who did not take the responsibility and the courage to do what was right and that was protect children. McQuery should have stopped Sandusky immediately when he saw that happen. A normal person would not go home when an innocent kid is in serious danger. Instead, he tells Paterno the next day, and Paterno in 2002 is the king, there isn't something that goes on in the athletic complex or maybe even on the campus that Joe doesn't know about in some way shape or form. *SEE THE REST OF JOE'S ARGUMENT ONLINE We are ... better than this. -F""'•'I Willr$:and( S,eKa6US:' \ dal taint "legf:!:~y:r e m ¥/ , fMi 1 t 0. ~andusky is undef!nfire. •bl n @ k I am deeply saddened by the recent occurrences at Penn State. I have been a lifelong fan of the Nittany Lions and it is has been tough for me to stomach. That being said the recent firing of Joe Paterno hit a spot in my heart. I agree with the University's claim with trying to save face and move on from the situation, but I am still confused on 4ftie reasoning behind the firing. I have read the 23-page indictment of Jerry Sandusky, and I couldn't be more applauded. The man is a criminal and will and should be locked up. Unfortunately because of his position, Joe Paterno also has to suffer the consequences. I do not agree with the firing of Joe Paterno because of how emotionally charged it was. While watching the board of trustee's press conference about relieving JoePa of his duties, I could not get over the feeling of something fishy going on. There were no straight forward answers given by the trustees, and they continually danced around the subjects and questions presented to them. It was also wrong to fire a man over the phone, give him the respect of a JOe r'a p0551 J COVetea It' up. Fans ate split,P,.·n Wb. ·ich !;; faceI believe to face firing. that there is more to be seen in this side to tak9. PSO h,s J)een Ie~tire saga. Some information or a per~on ,. I will come forward and present somethmg on of tHe?mdre honorable that will shake this entire investigation up. I .I •' w ,.• :{: am also excited for JoePa to finally speak. I believe he needs to be heard. By hiring a dej ~ense lawyer I believe that he will be speak1 mg soon. i I also am upset with so called experts on sports networks and such. Instead of analyzing football they are now analyzing life problems. We can all claim that we would do the right thing in the situation of seeing a crime being committed. We can all say we would call the authorities or take actions ourselves. But until we are put in that exact situation, we can never confidently claim that we would take the proper actions. One cannot judge a man without walking in his shoes. All this being said we cannot lose sight of the real victims in this situation. We must pray for the children who have been affected and pray for the families this terrible man has tom apart. A lot of people have criticized the rioting in Penn State and claimed it tarnished the school's reputation, but within the last week candlelight vigils and rallies have been held for the victims. I believe that these activities are helping the university move on and restore its caliber. In the end justice will be served and "We are, still, Penn State." programs that n9v~,~ had '~, , . . • •. . . · .• COOt[OVefSla 1ISSUeS••• URtl 1 now~ ~h::i 10, . d'e ... thewilkeslieaco .•~· .. . . ,,: �PSU Continued from Page 16 Housenick said the employee policy manual had not been fully updated since 2004. The revisions started in May of this year, and specifically involved the anti-harassment policy and an outline of reporting procedures. Housenick sent an email Nov. 10 to all staff members announcing the requirement of all employees to complete mandatory online training on harassment prevention. He said the goal is to make staff members familiar with procedures, such as reporting harassment incidents. "The most important thing is that employees feel comfortable and they understand the mechanisms in place," Housenick said. Housenick said there is a confidential reporting mechanism accessible by phone or online. He urged that all reported situations are different and require investigation and follow-up. ... These mechanisms align with what Malatesta considers to be standards for employee conduct. These policies deal with issues that are shared at PSU and Wilkes, despite the major program differences between Division I and Division III schools. DUALS Continued from Page 16 Wilkes cruised to a victory over New York University in the third match of the day. Wilkes scored 38 team points while only letting up nine from NYU. The Colonels received wins from Michael Fleck, Mark Uliano, Jeff Peterson, a major decision by Raymond Dungee, and pins from John Lynch, Tyler Lauchaire, Dave Oberrender heavyweight Jon Slack. • In the last match of the day, Wilkes beat Plymouth State in an impressive match. Freshman Michael Fleck was victorious in his 16-1 technical fall of Alex Gerhold in the first period. Fleck ended his day with a successful overall record of 3- 1. Myzar Mendoza, Jeff Peterson, Brandon Dixon, and Dave Oberrender also scored victories for the Colonels as they defeated the Panthers in impressive fashion. Returning All-American Anthony Dattolo remained unbeaten on the day. He posted two major decisions, including an impressive victory over ranked opponent Cody Oliverio. Dattolo commented on his convincing win over the Plymouth State 149-pounder. "It's nice to wrestle opponents that are ranked early in the season to see where you are at," Dattolo said. ' THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 SPORTS 18 The Beacon/Dan Benson Signs of protest and praise ran rampant at this past weekends PSU football game. "We're not multimillion dollar programs," Malatesta said. "We don't have contracts at stake, and corporate sponsors . . . and once you get through all of that I think the problems are all the same in athletics." The size of Wilkes directly contributes to the differences of interaction between staff and students compared to PSU. Malatesta He also said that these big matches come and go, and he takes them one step at a time without adding any pressure to himself. "I prepare for a big match like its any other match," Dattolo said. ''Names don't mean anything, I just go out there and wrestle my match." The annual duals are held in honor of long time coach John Reese. Reese coached Wilkes from 1953-1994 compiling a record of 514 wins, 165 losses, and 10 ties. He coached Wilkes to a 1974 NCAA Division III National Championship. Coach Reese can still be seen stopping by current matches and cheering on Wilkes. Current Coach, Jon Laudenslager, also wrestled at Wilkes under Coach Reese. The Annual John Reese Duals field of competition featured SUNY-Oneonta, SUNY-Cortland, Centenary College, King's College, Wilkes University, Plymouth State, and New York University. The Colonels take the mats again Friday, Nov. 18 at7p.m. intheMartsGymasthey open up the road to a Metro Conference title against conference foe Elizabethtown. Come out and support the Wrestling team as they avenge last year's loss to the Blue Jays. CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu said Wilkes' athletic program is intimate enough for daily interaction between coaches and students. She also said she communicates with coaches every day in person, by phone and by email. "I think we're a small enough institution where there's issues with the team, or issues that coaches are having, my office is open to them all the time to discuss whatever issues," Malatesta said. As a close-knit community, communication between coaches and administration is much more immediate than that of a larger school. "Our leadership at the university has set up a way to communicate that and then an environment that allows for there to be interaction so you know what's going on," Sheptock said. "If I didn't have satisfaction about what was being done, I would know that, and morally I believe in my heart that I would do the right thing in saying 'this is not going to happen in our program, and we are not going to be defined by these things."' Picking coaches with outstanding character is what Sheptock prides his football program on. "Who we put around our student athletes, for me, that's the most important thing when I'm trying to bring people into the program," Sheptock said. "That's the quality of your life, of how many people's lives can you effect from a positive standpoint, because that's how you're defined as a person - at least in my opinion." One of the people Sheptock brought was in running backs coach Paul Jefferson, who played under Paterno from 2000-04 and has brought maturity to the skills' position. "If you talk about up until maybe a week or so ago, the culture of the Penn State program was about professionalism and doing things the right way, and he's brought those things here." Jefferson declined to comment, but Sheptock understands his apprehension. "He's very Penn State proud, and this is very difficult for him," Sheptock said. Malatesta feels the rest of the country shares this difficulty of witnessing these events unfold. "Like everyone else watching it, your heart goes out to the people that are going through this." CONTACT PHAT NGUYEN AT: phat.nguyen@wilkes.edu CONTACT KIRSTIN COOKAT: kirstin.cook@wilkes.edu PENN AVE LAUNDROMAT "best prices for wash/longest dryer times!" Clean. Safe. Secure. �19 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 15, 2011 Wilkes paintball blasts their lVay to national ranking BY PHAT NGUYEN tually became more serious Gambo's junior year where he began to look into how to request funds from student government to pay for travel and tournament expenses. In requesting funding, they are required to do community service and fun- Sports Editor In which collegiate category does Wilkes University currently rank in the Top IO of the country with Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, University of Texas, the Ohio State and East Carolina among others? A few good guesses might include men's and women's tennis - two teams that have competed at nationals - or wrestling, which finished 13th in the country both academically and athletically last year. Wilkes' Doctor of Pharmacy program also might be a good guess. It attracts many students from the Northeast. But, if you answered paintball, you ~=='"""""""""'"--=~""""'=""-"==..;.....J probably were cheating, or you were one Photo courtesy of Nick Gambo draise. of the seven members of the squad that The Wilkes Paintball team has continually put on strong performances in . "W~ were d~traveled to Syracuse, N.Y to compete tournaments earning them a ranking of 10th in the country. mg it up until college why stop against mostly Division I school~. The Colonels placed first at the NEIC enough to compete with anybody," Gambo there. If there wasn't a team we would be South at Top Gun paintball in Cream said. "I mean, we played Univeristy of Buf- doing it any ways. It's funny the common Ridge, NJ earning I 00 points for the na- falo last year and split then tied to them, but ground of us going here. We've all played tional scoreboard, and added 77.5 points they got the win since they had a faster time together since 2005. Everybody that you know at orientation. We filled ouj a constitufor their third place finish for the NEIC than we had." Being a success story wasn't always the case tion, and that's how it all started." North second event held at Head Rush Sophomore class president Cody Bauman for the paintballers who needed time to evenPaintball, Syracuse, N.Y. said he was delighted by their proposals and With their 177 .5 points, the Colonels tually find their niche. Gambo, a senior business administration ma- organization. are ranked as the 10th best team in the "These guys really did their homework, country, just behind the Georgia State jor, noted the long way they came to become the team they are today. During his freshman and I think we were all impressed by their Panthers' 178.82 points. Club president Charles "Nick" Gambo year in 200~ he and his current vice president, desire to work for something they really wasn't surprised by their Top 10 rank- Adam Keeth, petitioned to get a team together love." The Colonel paintball club is the only Dito start playing in tournaments as a club withing. vision III school in the Top 10 according "We have been playing well all year, out any organization and practices. Despite a limited $300 allocation each se- to the National Collegiate Paintball Assoand ever since we won our first event this year, we knew we were good mester, the team grew in numbers and even- ciation. Its roster of eight and undergraduate enrollment pool of 2,200 might make you wonder how it's even possible for the squad to compete against Division I powerhouses like Ohio State. Keeth, a senior co-captain, isn't intimidated, however. "Some schools such as Rutgers have enough people to put together two full squads with substitutes." The senior integrative media major, said. "We don't let that bother us though. We all can step up and do a little bit of everything I feel. " The tournaments can last all day and in Wilkes' case, its seven-man squad was playing every game with few substitutes from 8 a.m. to as late as 5 p.m. as they won one tournament and placed third in another. Conditioning has not been an issue, Keeth said. "I don't really get tired in the later rounds of the tournament," Keeth said. "You get that adrenaline rush and just think, man, I'm in the championships, I just wouldn't want it any other way." While the team admits to having soreness from playing all day, Keeth and Gambo say the team never complains about fatigue. The Colonels look to carry their momentum into the spring semester where they hope to place among the top five nationally. "It's somewhat of a lofty goal, but we know what we're capable of and it's time to take our practices and mentality to the next level," Gambo said. CONTACT AT PHAT NGUYEN: phat.nguyen@wilkes.edu WILSON Continued from Page 19 What sport does wrestling most relate to? Any kind of martial arts. It requires What would you do if you won $1,000? First thing that I would buy a great deal of energy and discipline especially with dieting. It takes a lot of your energy than you think just focusing on what to eat and how to train. I hate when people .. . add their Facebook status and think that they're changing the world. I hate when ... I'm at a bar/restaurant when I'm sitting down, done eating, but forced out of the door. I hate that. would be a GoPro. It's a type of camera you would mount. A GoPro and a new surfboard. What is your favorite class at Wilkes so far? Dr. Emmory's BA 153. It's an alternative for IME. He did a really good job of relating real life situations in class. That was the class that got me into wanting to \)ecome a business major. It was the most interesting and most fun. I started as a history major. Were you always at the same weight class? I started at 133, but last year I moved at 141. It's only one weight class jump. It's hard for me to maintain my weight at 133, so 141 has been a good weight class for me. People always come to Ryan Wilson for ... a good time. What's your favorite dish at Thanksgiving? Deep fried turkey. Really? Yeah, we do two turkeys. We have a really big family. One is oven baked, and the other is deep fried. Actually we started doing two deep fried, because it's a little juicier. Who would be the toughest guy to wrestle who's not in your weight class? Certainly, Anthony Dattolo. He's the best wrestler on the team. What's something that not a lot of people know about you? I'm deathly What is one thing that not a lot of people know about you? I am deathly afraid of furry animals. afraid of furry animals like dogs and cats. Furry animals, how so? I got attacked by a dog when I was young and never got over it. I've hated them ever since. What is one thing that you're thankful for? Family and friends. I'm very fam- CONTACT AT PHAT NGUYEN: ily orientated and glad to have my family. phat.nguyen@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Laura Preby Ryan"Wild Thing"Wilson puts sports editor Phat Nguyen in a sleeper hold. �• SPORTS 20 Getting to know ... BY PHAT NGUYEN . Sports Editor • - -- - - - - - - - - - - - Meet Ryan Wilson, one of the senior captains of the Wilkes wrestling team. Leading by example, Wilson has had a strong start to the season. The wild thing's only weakness is furry animals. Major: Business Administration concentration in marketing Hometown: Wall Township, N.J. Why did you choose to come to Wilkes? It was a good balance between academics and athletics. THE BEACON Ryan NOVEMBER 15, 2011 141 lbs, Wrestling How much does wrestling help a MMA fighter? It sets a good foundation. It gives a kill or be killed mentality. That or Judo is probably the most similar. Two years ago at the Monarch invitational you placed 3rd. This past weekend you walked away the champion. What does that feel like? It feels like everything went right. I stayed focused and. It was my first tournament victory. What were the first thoughts in your head when you realized you won your first individual college title? Right away it wasn't a big of a joy. I wrestled one of my teammates in the finals. What was the outlook of the team when you were looking to come to Wilkes? They were trying to establish an . identity when I got here. I think we have more a of a reputation as a contender now. We're more successful now. I've heard that Coach slager doesn't like to name captains. What's it feel like to one of the three captains named this year? It feels very good. I take it as an honor, but with that come a lot of responsibility. I have to make sure I'm leading the guys in the right direction. It makes me a better person as I'm a role model. Do you follow WWE? Not really. ,. . Who do you like in the MMA? I am a .• big fan of Randy Couture. I follow a lot of ex-NCAA wrestlers. I follow them through college wrestling. Who did you wrestle? Jeff Peterson. I How close of a match was it? It was a one point match. You know what the other guys going to do. He made one little mistake and I capitalized on it. Wrestling your teammates is always a close match. You have to be perfect because they know your strengths and weaknesses. How does it feel to see all 11 guys finish in the top five or better? As a starter it shows that everyone's doing the things they need to do to be successful. It shows that everyone's competing and winning. It shows that we're doing everything to start the season off right. Is there a signature move that you like to use to win with? It's not a match ender, but I certainly - . .,;..V~' look for a front headlock on a guy. It's not the type of thing where I'm going to pin the kid and end the match, but it's something that I've always been successful with. The guys who I am usually able to do this on for the most part I can beat them with ease. The guys that stop that give me a little more trouble. What would your nickname be? The Wild Thing. ,........___ ---\ .,..-~-.. -- ...'i /"".__,,, SEE WILSON, PAGE 19 ·---~ Li r· SEE WHICH WILKES PROGRAM HAS SNUCK INTO TO P 10 NATIONAL RANK, PAGE19 For more information and pictures, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.co~ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2011 November 15th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011 November 15 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/b53a28108e2a81fa50807eff9e154ab2.pdf ecd13935a43e8bbb4ab1ce0b83711b51 PDF Text Text The Beacon/Lau ra Preby Gloria Barlow, Wilkes University's chief information officer, presided over an Information Services Technology meeting that was held on Thursday, Nov. 3. The meeting, which was open to the public, sought to address the concerns and complaints of students and faculty regarding the the school's recent tech support and communication problems. BY BIL* THOMAS Assistant News Editor This semester, Wilkes University's Information Technology Services staff has been plagued by unexpected power outages, network failure and defective equipment. However, the biggest obstacle ITS faces may be its need to improve its communication with students and faculty. Evidence of that could be seen at a recent open meeting held by Wilkes ITS in the Miller Room in the Henry Student Center on Thursday, Nov. 3. Despite attempts to make the larger campus community aware of the event, few faculty members actually attended, and al- most no students. Still, Gloria Bar- . low, the head of ITS, did her best to address the concerns of those present. "We have had some unprecedented challenges this year," Barlow said, pointing to the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee in September as major factor. The flood, Barlow said, sent ITS scram- Life Pages 9-12 Opinion Pages 6-8 bling in a mad dash to prepare the school's systems before the city of Wilkes-Barre evacuated its residents and shut off its electricity and gas lines, the latter unexpectedly affecting the school's emergency backup generator. "There were many lessons learned from that experience," Barlow said." I will say quite frankly Arts & Entertainment Pages 13-15 Second annual cake challenge The Who's Tommy that we were not well prepared for this type of a complete emergency. ... I've been through a lot of emergencies and a lot of critical IT scenarios in my career, but never anything like this." Recovering from that experience was complicated even further, Barlow said, by a rash of "really SEE IT MEETING9, Page 3 Sports Pages 16-20 Wresting captures title in .. tournament PAGE7 PAGE 10 PAGE 15 PAGE 16 Established 1936 PA Newspaper Association Member �n ( CONTACT EDITOR: amandaleonard@thewilkesbeacon.com Beacon Briefs BY AMANDA LEONARD News Editor FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE - Wilkes University Health & Wellness Department is offering flu shots for $20 payable by check made out to Wilkes University or cash. Vaccines will be given during regular office hours. A limited number of shots are available and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays at Passan Hall. ELIE WIESEL PRIZE IN ETHICS ESSAY CONTEST 2012 - The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay contest is now in its 23rd year. Students are encouraged to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out issues and are rational arguments for ethical action.The contest is open to unclfrgraduate, full time, juniors and seniors. Students must apply and submit essays online, and receive online verification from their faculty sponsor. Any professor may act as a faculty sponsor and endorse the quality and authenticity of the student's work. Students must also upload a letter from the registrar or National Student Clearinghouse verifying enrollment. The deadline for submission is at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. For more information, see flyer outside of the Interfaith Office at 204 Henry Student Center, or Contact Caitlin Czeh at caitlin.czeh@ wilkes.edu WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK - The Health Services Office has had employee and student interest in continuing the Weight Watchers at Work Program for the spring semester. It will be held at the workplace at a convenient time. It would be a Weight Watchers meeting, with a weekly weigh in and a half hour meeting. The cost is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>»>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>~»>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>;>>~~>>>~ $10 for each meeting. Weight Watchers has programs students can participate in for an eight week series and pay $80 for a 10 week program paid in advance. If anyone would be interested in the program, call Health Services at Ext. 4730. to register for the Weight Watchers at Work program. A minimum of 15 participants is needed for the program. GLOBALIZE YOUR THANKSGIVING - There are opportunities to invite one or two international students to your Thanksgiving dinner and to share an American holiday with someone from a foreign culture and learn about traditions and holidays from other countries. If interested, contact Georgia Costalas at the Center for Global Education and Diversity, at extension 7854 or e-mail Georgia.costalas@wilkes.edu. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS OF POLISH DESCENT - The Polish Room Committee Scholarship and The Judianne Stanitski Scholarship welcome applications from Luzerne County residents. To be considered, applicants must write a brief description of their Polish heritage and what that heritage means to him or her. This must be submitted, along with the applicant's name, WIN and contact information, to Melanie Mickelson, vice president for Enrollment Services. Applications can be e-mailed to melanie.mickelson@wilkes. edu. Include "Polish Heritage Scholarships" in the subject line of your e-mail. STUDENTS GRADUATING IN MAY 2012 - Complete your diploma order and your cap and gown order forms for processing for May commencement. Forms are available at the student services center in UCOM, or online under the registrar forms area. Completed forms, signed by your advisor, are due back in the Student Services Center by Dec. 16. This paperwork is to be returned to the students services center along with an updated copy of your degree audit VOLUNTEER TO BE CONVERSATION PARTNER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT - The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Wilkes has created a conversation partner program. It's an opportunity for Wilkes University students to volunteer and be paired with an international student for the semester and to chat once a week. If interested in volunteering to be a conversation partner, email kimberly.niezgoda@wilkes.edu TASTE OF WILKES -Wilkes will host its Annual Taste of Wilkes luncheon on Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to p.m. to ben€fit the United Way of the Wyoming Valley. This year's event theme is "Flavors of Home." Many volunteer cooks are needed to make this event a success. The cooks can be students, staff or faculty who are willing to cook and donate a homemade dish. Cooks will compete for honors when attendees vote for their favorite dishes at the event. Proceeds benefit the United Way. The registration form can be found on the Wilkes portal. Admission is $6 for faculty and staff and $3 for students. Cooks will be admitted free. For more information, contact Megan Boone at extension 5905 to volunteer and for more information about participating. CHILI COOK OFF - Chili will be available to sample from Wilkes students and faculty on Nov. 8th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Henry Student Center Lounge. After sampling the chili, participants can vote for their favorite. Chili lunches from Wendy's or Patty's Sports Bar are available for a $1 donation to the Back Pack Project. This event is sponsored by APhA-ASP. COMEDY NIGHT - Wilkes University's Programming Board will present Comedy Night which will feature presents Dan Ahdoot, as well as Dave and Ethan's College Dating Advise! The event is 7:30 p.n. on Wednesday, Nov. 9 in the first floor lounge in the Henry Student Center. Pizza and drinks will be provided. For more information, check out WUPB 's face book page. SEARCH Retreat - Wilkes is partnering with Lycoming College for their annual SEARCH Retreat in January. SEARCH is about your life as you look at some of the conflicts and struggles that you've endured and some of the "baggage" that each of us carries with us. It is about community as you share in the experience and join the community of thousands who have gone before you. The Search Retreat will be held Jan. 13-15, 2012 at St. Gabriel's Retreat Center in Clarks Summit. There is a $10 fee. If interested, email caitlin.czeh@wilkes.edu. SHARE A WAY WITH THE UNITED WAY - Students and faculty members can share their favorite recipe for the Taste of Wilkes Cookbook that will be sold as part of the annual luncheon benefiting United Way of the Wyoming Valley. This cookbook will include the recipes from this year's Taste of Wilkes recipes and any others contributed by students and faculty members. The deadline for submitting your favorite recipe is Monday, Nov. 7. Submit your recipe by email to Debra Archavage at debra.archavage@ wilkes.edu. Each book will cost $5 and all of the proceeds benefit the United Way. The Taste of Wilkes luncheon in the Ballroom of the Henry Student Center from 11 :00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 10. Tickets will be $6 for faculty and staff and $3 for students. CONTACT AMANDA LEONARD AT: amanda/eonard@thewilkesbeacon.com B 51 1 all we Co ye, Ch is COl 1 poi he! n01 Ric opt but ner not ma: Cm Tyl "] tior Ric thir one you soli S1 the onl: "1 that thin P-2 A ther C Cont " witl cor guy Yea] The: gam Al BEACON 130 S. River St. First Floor, Conyngham Hall Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 PHONE: (570) 408-5903 WEBSITE: www.thewilkesbeacon.com Editorial Staff 2011-12 Meet the Staff hav( only both anyl Editor-in-Chief: Kirstin Cook News Editor: Amanda Leonard Opinion Editor: Carly Yamrus A&E Editor: Devoni Novak Life Editor: Christine Lee Sports EdiJqr; P~at Nguye_n Production Manager: Michael Klimek Advertising Manager: Brittany Battista Photo Editor: Laura Preby Online Editor: Brandon Scott Adviser: Loran Lewis dad w PhatNguyen Sports Editor mos even �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 3 NEWS Student Government sees increase in club requests, constitutional errors BY KIRSTIN COOK Editor-in-Chief It appears that more students are looking to turn their favorite hobby into a Student Government official club on campus, judging by the prevalence of club recognition presentations at the weekly SG meetings. President Willie Eggleston noted that this was a trend this semester. "I think we've had more clubs requested this semester than in the last two years ~ombined," Eggleston said. At the Nov. 2 SG meeting, the Society of Women Engineers, Hockey Club, Studio 20 and Long Boarding Club all proposed to become official clubs. However, the decisions for two of these four were tabled because of insufficient club constitutions. Society of Women Engineers club decision tabled The proposal to make the Society of Women Engineers an official SG club was tabled because of extensive constitutional changes that needed to be typed into a constitutional document for SG members to approve. Laura Easton presented the proposal and the intent of the club, which is to get women more involved and interested in engineering. Eggleston explained that the constitutional issues originated from an old constitution which dates back to 1987, when the program was affiliated with a national organization. He said many of the contents did not correspond with modern SG club rules. IT MEETING Continued from Front Page unusual network problems," including oneA>teworthy instance of major hardware failure. The source of these problems was ultimately traced back to defective network switches manufactured by Cisco Systems. "Our network is composed of about 150 switches throughout all our buildings," Barlow said, explaining that, initially, only 20 of those switches were believed to be faulty. After replacing those 20 switches, however, ITS decided to send the serial numbers for all of the school's switches to Cisco, to make sure there weren't more problematic switches. What they found came as a shock. "I found out that, after Cisco's review, they'd sent the order up to send us 100 new switches," Barlow said. "That's how many switches in our network infrastructure were known to be defective. In total, 120 of them ." The challenge now, Barlow said, is in de- "There were a lot ofissues where they tried to bring the national organization's constitution into their ·constitution," Eggleston said. SG verbally went over the changes to the constitution, but decided to wait until next week to provide all SG members with a typed version and make a decision then. Studio 20 club recognition stalled to next week due to missing constitution article Production club Studio 20 is another club recognition that was delayed to next week because of missing constitutional elements. the club did not submit an article in their constitution outlining their amendment policy. Eggleston said that even though this article is not a requirement, it is a good policy to clarify on. "Technically they don't need the article, but it's a good article to have," Eggleston said. Melanie Thomas, graduate assistant and one of the advisers of Studio 20, said the club offers students the option to develop technical skills in areas of graphic design, website design, digital and print media and video shooting and editing. "A lot of fun, creative stuff can be accomplished by joining studio 20," Thomas said. "If you really want to hone in on your artistic abilities and you need a way to express it, you could also learn these valuable tools." Thomas also urged that the club attracts a broader membership than just Integrative Media students. Hockey Club receives official club status despite concerns SG was approved recognition of the Hockey Club with a pass of 32-2-9. Even though the club was approved, some SG members expressed concern over its sustainability and expense. "I don't think it's a bad idea ... but I still just question the sustainability of this club," John Sweeney, president of the junior class, said. Hayden Lerner, who presented for Hockey Club, said they hoped to join a non-contact, multi-gender league at Coal St. Recreation Center at a cost of about $2000. He presented ideas of covering expenses by selling koozies and t-shirts and holding fundraising events partnered with restaurants. Stacy Prelewicz, president of the senior class, felt the expenses would not affect the success of the club. "People that are in the sport, they're all going to have their own equipment most likely, they' re going to know how expensive it is," Prelewicz said. "So I don't think cost should be the biggest concern." Long boarding club aims at becoming official The long boarding club started their twoweek process of requesting to become a club, continuing a movement of athletic activities to club status. Michael Tedeschi, computer information systems junior, presented to SG and emphasized the increasing popularity of long boarding at Wilkes. vising a workable schedule for when to replace the switches, an undertaking that will require shutting down the power of whole buildings throughout campus. Currently, ITS is holding off on doing the bulk of these replacements until the upcoming break between the fall and spring semesters. It's a move that aims to reduce the amount of interference imposed upon students and faculty, at the admitted cost of forcing them to tolerate more network problems of a less extreme but equally inconvenient nature in the interim. For some, though, the network problems that crop up on occasion may actually be less of a headache than the process of trying to get them fixed. For Wilkes faculty, one of the biggest issues of contention proved to be the outsourcing of technical support calls to an off-campus help desk in Florida, something that happens whenever the oncampus help desk is closed or overwhelmed with calls. "If I get to Florida, I'm screwed," Wilkes computer science professor John A. Koch said, voicing his dissatisfaction with the abilities of the off-campus help desk. "If I get to [the on-campus] help desk I maybe have a chance." Koch also complained that, when placing a call to tech support in an instance where assistance is urgent, the process of navigating the ITS line 's automated answering system often results in a needlessly laborious wait, one that may be just as detrimental to limited time teachers have with their students as the tech issue itself. Though Barlow and Dominick DiBetta, who oversees the on-campus help desk, said there's little that can be done to expedite the process when faculty members call in during peak hours, Koch argued that more could be done to let the campus community know what those hours are, and what the probability that a call will even get through is. "I' II bet if you asked faculty right now, half of them wouldn't know there even is an on-campus help desk," Koch said, highlighting an issue that all present agreed was one area where ITS was in definite need of improvement. "We've noticed that there's a really increasing number of people who long board on campus," Tedeschi said. "We've actually been approached by a bunch of them ... we noticed there's a really big interest in it." He said the SG club funds would mostly be used to purchase safety equipment for members. A decision on club status will be made next week. CONTACT KIRSTIN COOK AT: kirstincook@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon/Kirstin Cook Tauri Phillip and Michael Tedeschi stand before Student Government to request funds for the long boarding club. "Number one, we have to improve communication with the faculty and with the college as a whole," executive director of IT Cindy Greene said, stating that a key component in improving Wilkes' tech support issues is input from students and faculty. "We need to initiate more change. I've seen it just in the month since I've been here; it's been a little too much status quo. I don't want us getting left behind." One way ITS plans to get that input is by reaching out more to the campus community with more open meetings in the future . Though this one was sparsely attended, Barlow said the feedback those present provided was invaluable and that she hopes to schedule similar events on a regular basis every semester, with "hopefully greater participation from..,students." "I want people to know that this is what ITS is here for," Barlow said. "We want to be as responsive as we can to anyone's concerns." CONTACT BILL THOMAS AT: billthomas@thewilkesbeacon.com �4 NEWS PAHealth Care Access Network supports two new campaigns BY AMANDA LEONARD News Editor Not too long ago, college-aged students went without health insurance and didn't think twice. It may have been that they could not afford it, they was no longer part of their parent's plan or merely felt that they simply did not need it. The latter of the three sparked an idea in summer of 2009, an idea that young people's voices were not being heard during the health care reform debate. Cofounders Ari Matusiak and Aaron Smith wanted to change how people in power viewed college-aged students. They began a group called "Young Invincibles." What began as a group-run idea in a law school cafeteria later turned into a onepage website where young people can share their stories, living the truth that they can make their voices · heard. This then transformed into a national organization representing 18 to 34-year-olds that made sure the perspectives and voices of younger people are heard when decisions plan until they turn 26, which is likely about their future are being made. enough time to graduate college and seek "The term ' invincible' is an insurance a job which will reap its own insurance industry term and they wanted an expla- benefits. nation as to why so " Since this act became a many young people law, uninsured rate went were uninsured," down from 28% last fall Smith said. "They to 24.4% this fall, which were invincible translates to a reduction and thought 'We're of about a million and the not sick, not going only real explanation for to get sick, so we this is because of the new don't need coverplan that Jets kids stay on age."' their parents plan until Young Invinthey're 26," Smith said. cibles focuses on There will also be other the 21 million unbenefits that stem from the insured adults that Affordable Health Care fall into the 18 to Act, such as preventative 34-year-old range. care without co-pay. This Now that the AfThe Health and Wellness Cenwill give women free acfordable Health ter, pictured here, will soon cess to birth control. These Care Act has been have new benefits for students. benefits are still being fiimplemented, young nalized. people are able to stay on their parent's Smith said that the college health plan, Connect the Dots brings alumni to reconnect students BY ABBY HALDEMAN Staff Writer For the past five years the office of alumni relations, student alumni association and the career service office have worked together to put together the "Connect the Dots" event. The event allows for student alumni networking. Coordinators invite somewhere between 25-30 alumni with diverse degrees from ~ ious graduate years and ask them to casually talk to students at Wilkes about their careers and the opportunities they suggest the students take advantage of during their career at Wilkes. It gives students the opportunity to ask questions to those who have graduated in their field of interest, or even ones they have not given much thought too. "Most alumni will say that one thing they wished they would have done more of was network while they were in school," Associate Director of alumni relations Bridget Giunta said. The alumni relations office invites the alumni from their own information and also influences from professors of different fields. Students are encouraged to come out to the event by the advertisements -dots placed around the Student Union Build- ing- as well as through faculty and staff. In the past the alumni present have had degrees ranging from education to communications, accounting and business administration management. The possibilities to learn about different fields are endless. Students need to take this opportunity to allow themselves to open up to suggestion made by the alumni. Mary Simmons, coordinator of alumni relations said, "it is important for students to know it is not an internship fair." "Connect the Dots" is being held in the ballroom of the Student Union Building at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. The first 100 students to enter the event will be given a free t-shirt. Every student who enters gets a sheet of paper in which they are asked to have three alumni's sign. The students will then hand in their sheet of paper for a drawing with a Barnes and Noble gift card as the prize. So come in your casual dress attire and get to know those who used to walk in your shoes. Get to know your field of study better, by talking to someone with personal field experience. It is available to all students, so go out and "connect the dots." CONTACT ABBY HALDEMAN AT: abby.haldeman@wilkes.edu which just under three million students currently enroll in, will also see significant improvements in coverage. Another campaign that coincides with the recent health care act is "Friends with Benefits." It is a campaign that will travel to Pennsylvania college campuses with presentations and lectures. Organizer for Pennsylvania's Health Access Network Athena Ford said, "This type of campaign is designed to tell college students how to tell their friends of the benefits they can receive from the new health care act." The campaign is also encouraging students to apply for volunteer leadership through the program and help introduce it to other campuses . Students interested in applying for a seat on the council or to get involved with FWB can contact Athena Ford at afford@pa.access.org. CONTACT AMANDA LEONARD AT: amanda/eonard@thewilkesbeacon.com �NEWS International Night gives 5 WilkesFamily Day festivities students a taste of culture crafted by participants plays authentic music from each country represented. Students occasionally become so enthused that they "I came to this school very excited but burst into spontaneous dancing. not sure that I was going to find that GhaCofounders and participants alike feel naian culture or find any Ghanaians here," that the multicultural awareness represented freshman biology major Adoma Yeboah by International Night is important and desaid. "So when I found out about the West serves recognition by the campus commuAfrican Cultural Alliance, I decided to join nity. early on. They told me that there was going "I think it's great to take a moment to reto be an International Night, which I was ally celebrate all the diversity we have at very excited about." Wilkes," Wingen said. "A Jot of times peoYeboah represented Ghana at this year's ple think that Wilkes is not very diverse. An International Night, an event that allowed event like this kind of highlights what's out students of all nationalities to celebrate and there." share their heritage with others with homeMbye added, "We have a Jot of people made food, artifacts or performances, and from different countries on campus. You which recently celebrated its second birth- don't really see it in the classroom. So the day on Saturday, Oct. 29. best way to bring everybody together is do"The original idea came from Amy Mbye ing something like this that gives people a and Evene Estwick," Assistant Director of chance to mingle and talk to each other." International Students Felixa Wingen said. Culture is of high importance to Yeboah, "They started talking about it about a year who said she was delighted by the chance to and a half ago. We sat down and planned share her heritage with others and cook one it for last year and thought, 'We should do · of Ghana's staple foods, jollof rice. this every year."' Although the event has already met with Mbye, an administrative assistant in the success two years in a row - both Wingengineering department, explained that en and Mbye were pleased with this year's the idea came from her daughter's school, turnout, considering the unexpected snowwhich holds an annual International Din- fall - the co-founders express plans to exner. "I went there a couple of times," she pand and improve the event even more. said, "and I thought, 'We can do the same "It would be nice to eventually have perthing on campus. If a smaller school like formances from a bunch of different people Wyoming Seminary can do it, Wilkes can and give it more structure," Wingen said. "I do it."' hope that we continue to do this every year Mbye said she spoke with Estwick, an at Wilkes, more people participate and it associate professor of communication stud- grows, and eventually we have every single ies, ~ members of other departments, all country represented that is at Wilkes." of whom were supportive. They held the Mbye said she would like to see the event first International Night last year and were extend beyond the Wilkes campus and have pleasantly surprised by a turnout of over the whole Wilkes-Barre community get in120 students attending and 28 countries volved. She also mentioned she'd like more represented. Wingen and Mbye said this faculty members to participate. initial success motivated them to continue. "There are a lot of faculty who are interAt the event, students cover tables with national. So it would be nice to see them items such as traditional homemade food, get involved," she says. "That would be an pictures of or artwork and crafts from the encouragement for the students. I think the country they represent, national flags, cur- administration should get involved, too." rency, posters and pamphlets containing Countries represented at this year's Interfacts about the country, maps, and tradi- national Night included the United States, tional jewelry. Many wear traditional garb Mexico, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, to the event. Germany, India, Bangladesh, China, Barba"Everybody signs up for a table, and with dos, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, St. Lucia, that table you can do whatever you want," Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Gambia. Wingen said. "Some people go all out. Additionally, this year's Saudi Arabian and Chinese tables offered to write students' names in the national languages of CONTACT KAT DODSON AT: their countries. All the while, a playlist katherine.dodson@wilkes.edu BY KAT DODSON Staff Writer On Saturday, Nov. 5, Wilkes' Student Affa irs gave students a chance to reunite with family members and give them a taste of campus life as part of Family Day. As part of the events, students were able to attend a Lebanon Valley home football game with thei r loved ones, in addition to brunch, a community service project, a family; friendly film screening and an autumn deserts reception which offerecl up hot cocoa, cider and pumpkin pie amongst other treats. Resident life searches for students to be RAs BY TODD ORAVIC Staff Writer Residence life fliers, posted all around the Wilkes campus, indicate that students will have the opportunity to "take a step in the right direction" and become a resident assistant for students living on campus. An information session will be held on Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. in the Miller Conference Room of the Henry Student Center. The interest meeting will involve a discussion of the life of an RA, as well as the application process. Both resident students and commuters interested in filling out an application should attend, according to residence life Director Elizabeth Swantek. "There is a misconception that only oncampus students can apply to be RAs, but some of our best RAs have been commuters," Swantek said. "What we look for are very involved commuters, meaning they practically live on campus already." Applications become available online Jan. 3 and can be submitted electronically. The application deadline is Jan. 25. "Students can take some time over their winter break and complete the application, but they are also required to have two recommendations or references from professors, previous RAs, anyone who re- ally knows them the best," Swantek said. The recommendation forms will also be available online. Once students hand in applications, they are expected to attend a group interview session on Feb. 4 in the Marts Gym. Accommodations will be made for those who cannot attend the entire session, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , due to scheduling conflicts involving weekend athletic events. On average there are around 60 applicants for 20 RA spots, according to Swantek. Though not everyone is selected to be an RA, residence life also selects alternate RAs. These students have met the requirements for an RA position. "If an RA has to leave the staff for one reason or another, the alternate would then assume the role as an RA," Assistant Director Danielle Kem said. "As an alternate, you are involved in all of our training and our meetings so you are always up to date." RAs are detennined at noon on March 2 on the third floor of Passan Hall. CONTACT TODD ORAVIC AT: todd.oravic@wilkes.edu �CONTACT EDITOR: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com November 8, 2011 High school students not ready for college BY CARLY YAMRUS Opinion Editor After receiving my letter of acceptance from Wilkes University, the very next step was to take a math placement test. Those dreaded placement tests. The single test that would determine whether you were competent enough to start your college math at a "calculus" level or an "algebra" level. I was placed in the latter , not because I couldn't "do math", but because I had never learned the material that was on the placement test. ,The fact that we need to take these tests in the first place points to the flaws in education. Students right out of high school are simply not prepared for college in not only math, but in several academic subjects. Ac- cording to a recent CollegeBoard study, only 43 percent of high school seniors passed the college readiness benchmark. To make up for the lack of knowledge on an array of subjects, colleges must backtrack and offer remedial courses for students who failed to meet basic educational requirements. What are the underlying problems and why aren't students ready for college when they graduate high school? Since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, standardized testing has become a primary focus for public schools across the nation. Curriculum is narrowed down to material that may or may not be seen on the test. However, the SAT and ACT tests only reflect a small portion of what students should be learning in school. Many neces- Photo illustration by/Tom Reilly A CollegeBoard study said only 43 percent of high school seniors passed the college readines benchmark. High schools are ineffective in their efforts to prepare students for higher educations. sary "real-world" skills cannot be measured on a multiple choice test. Besides the narrowing focus on tests that don't matter, ineffective teachers may also be to blame for unpreparedness in college. After sitting through 9 classes a day for 4 years, I can honestly say that there were quite a few teachers in a variety of subjects and grade levels who failed to demonstrate any expertise in the classroom. I can recall a few that were j ust as unmotivated to teach as their students were unmotivated to learn. I had a history teacher in high school that had the audacity to sit in the back of the room and spit chewing tobacco into the garbage can while he mindlessly clicked to advance the next PowerPoint slide. When I asked my pre-calculus teacher a question, she told me to "figure it out" and refused to help me. My computer teacher had the class write out the history of computers using an irrelevant JAVA textbook as an "April Fools" joke. These are the people who responsible for preparing us for college? While teachers may be at fault for lack of basic knowledge, they are not entirely to blame. Motivation and discipline may also be key factors in determining a student's success. Many students are content with doing the bare minimum, whether it is homework, class participation 0r attendance. Extensions on homework and papers are given out like free pens at a teacher 's convention. Many students fail to learn how to meet a deadline- a skill that is crucial not only in college, but in the workplace as well. Students of all different learning levels are mish mashed into a single class, where it is obvious which students want to be there and which do not. It's no wonder why students have such a difficult time transitioning into college. A combination of the wrong subject matter, ineffective teachers and lack of motivation in the classroom results in students playing a game of catch-up once they hit college. College readiness does not always accompany a high school diploma. While report cards may say otherwise, high schools are failing our students for future education. CONTACT CARLY YAMRUS AT: carly.yamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com BEACON POLL The Beacon poll is unscientific, and does not claim to reflect the overall attitudes of students on the Wilkes campus. These poll results are based on ten responses. Last week's question: How oftern do you check yoursocial media site? • Every few hours 83% • Once every few weeks 8% • I don't.have one.8% • Once a day 0% • Once a week 0% This week The Beacon asks: Did you vote in the local municipal election? • Yes •No Cast your vote online at: www.thewilkesbeacon.com SPEAK UP! The Beacon wants to hear your voice. Send your name, major, year and opinion to: carlyyamrus@thewilkesbeacon.com The Beacon reserves the right to edit submitted 'Pieces for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published. �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 OPINION SPlf Anonymous takes on Mexican drug cartel BY ANTHONY GORECZNY Assistant Opinion Editor Recently my column has been focusing extensively on the Internet and how almost all aspects of life interact with it constantly. I have been very explicit on how almost anything is possible though the Internet. Consequently, I have recently learned of something that I personally had never considered. The Internet group of so called "hacktivists" known as Anonymous, which in the past has crashed the servers of Mastercard as a form of protest, is now targeting underground criminal organizations. It is not just going after the drug dealers on the comer either. Last week Anonymous faced off against the Zetas Mexican drug cartel. The Zetas is reputedly the second largest Mexican cartel and has been unceremoniously labeled as the most violent and deadly. The Zetas is an organization of international drug traffickers and habitually kidnap and assassinate anyone who rubs them the wrong way. The remarkable fact is that, not only did Anonymous challenge one of the most deadly organizations in the world, but it won. According to MSNBC, this entire affair began when an Anonymous member was kidnapped by The Zetas while he was participating in "Operation Paperstorm." The purpose of this operation was to inform the general public of Anonymous ' primary platform of the free sharing of information to all by posting paper flyers around cities with logos or manifests that represent the movement. • P oto i ustration y Ant ony Goreczny The Guy Fawkes mask made famous by the movie "V for Vendetta" has become a symbol of the "hacktivist" group Anonymous. Upon receiving word of the Anonymous member's capture, the group responded by threatening to reveal the identities of many people who have operated in collusion with The Zetas. As a means to acquire this information Anonymous set up a web app which allowed for people with knowledge of The Zetas to submit it without revealing their identities. Among the names acquired were those of taxi drivers, journalists, and even law enforcement officials. The Zetas responded by releasing the captured Anonymous member with the message that if any of names were to be revealed, his family, along with 10 innocent people, would be slaughtered in retribution. Anonymous has agreed not to release the information stating that "The Anonymous collective has decided by consensus not to disclose the information that we have for now, as we understand that we cannot ignore threats involving innocent civilians that have nothing to do with our actions." This is an unprecedented event, and I believe it marks the beginning of a new age of activism. In the past many activist movements were founded around a common unifying demographic, such as the Black Panthers. The only demographic that is nee- 7 essary to be an activist now is access to a computer. Anonymous is a highly decentralized anarchical organization that cannot be targeted because it has no definitive command structure. Members can be anyone from a 13-year-old girl with thick rimmed glasses and pig tails, to a 24-year-old professional sports star to an 87-year-old accomplished author and scholar. Not only is it a powerful one, but it is also a world-wide phenomena. Though this particular incident involved primarily only the Mexican branch of Anonymous, its effect will be felt globally. People look for results, and with today's impersonalized modem society many people feel that they have become numbers without a voice. Anonymous presents these people with a means through which they may affect change. The group's recent success in Mexico has not only made it a serious and effective organization, but will also draw many new recruits who are ready and willing to contribute. Anonymous will continue to grow, and proliferate its ideals of free access to information for all. Put simply, resistance is futile. CONTACT ANTHONY GORECZNY AT: anthony.goreczny@thewilkesbeacon.com �OPINION 8 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 Wilkes cuts bus times; Should county inmates be students have no ride paid for their volunteer work? BY TIMOTHY FISHER Staff Writer The Beacon/Laura Preby Studentsforced to wcdkjivm parking lot BY CATHRYN FREAR Staff Writer The Wilkes shuttle is a free source of convejient transport for Wilkes students and employees. Its main uses are football players getting to and from practice and students getting to and from the Ralston parking lot. It also takes students to the bookstore as well as a few other places around campus. If you want to be let off somewhere that isn't a regular stop but is still along the way, the drivers will usually let you off wherever. As long as you ask nicely. So while the shuttle is a fantastic resource for the campus community, this year it gained one major flaw: time. The schedule was changed so the shuttle comes one less time per hour than in previous years, coming every half hour instead of 20 minutes. In addition, a more pertinent issue is the time it stops running. Before, the shuttle ran until 10 p.m.; this year it runs until 6 p.m. The only possible logical reasoning behind this is to cut costs. Which is understandable. Gas is expensive and running it less reduces maintenance fees, employee wages, etc. So yes, Wilkes is saving money by running the shuttle less. But at what cost to the people who rely on it? Football players used to use the shuttle to get to and from football practice, but now they can only use it to get there. This means some of the football players who have cars are now driving to and from practice. Those who don't have cars need to either find rides after practice or they must walk the mile from the field to campus after dark. And we all know Wilkes-Barre is super safe. Let's address those driving over there. Those who are driving are using gas. Significantly more gas than they would if they piled onto the shuttle. Not only is this more expensive to the students, but it goes directly against Wilkes' initiative to become as "green" of a school as possible. It's loselose. To those who are using the shuttle mainly to get to the parking lot, it's become less convenient to get their cars, especially if they have night classes. Since Public Safety stops ticketing at 4:30 p.m., it gives everyone an hour and a half to get their cars. Students with evening classes who park at Ralston used to be able to get their cars after most night classes. God forbid someone forgets to get their car by 6 p.m. Then they get to make the walk over the bridge and pass Kirby Park at night. Again, definitely safe. Nothing could possibly go wrong. Especially if, say, you're a girl who may only be 5'2" with no martial arts training who has a tendency to be oblivious to the world around her. Overall, this change is a really selfish one. The pros do not outweigh the cons. No matter how much money is being saved, the fact remains the shuttle is there for the people. Apparently the care about our convenience and well-being ends at 6 p.m. Hope you brought your walking shoes, Wilkes University. Inmates from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility helped clean up flood damage from the September flooding. The inmates got paid for their efforts by the Correctional Facility. I agree one hundred percent with the payment merited to the inmates. Why? There was a mess that clearly needed to be cleaned up, and the inmates stepped up to the plate to help out. Cleaning up trash, mud and debris is not easy. The September flooding left behind such a lingering stench that resulted from the mud and debris. I personally have a great deal of respect for anyone who had to work in those conditions for long periods of time. The inmates from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility are no exception to that rule. Honest pay should be given to those who conduct honest work. Controller Walter L. Griffith Jr. was the only one of six board members from the Luzerne Facility to disagree with the payment. He said thatfifty dollars a day to the inmates was too much. You must understand that the inmates toiled in mud, muck, and poor respiratory conditions to help the flood-impacted areas recover. I understand that these inmates are not nice people. They committed crimes, and are doing time for those crimes. However, these inmates have done a service to the community in which they helped clean up, which cannot be said by all the members of the affected communities. The topic of prisoner labor projects yields mixed results from the community. Some people see the work as beneficial, and that further projects would continue to make the communities around correctional facilities better. Why not utilize that lahor force instead of letting them just sit around? Yet, there are those who have seen the movie The Shawshank Redemption, in which prison labor can compete with local businesses and possibly put them out of business. I feel that the current program that allows inmates from places like the Luzerne County Correctional Facility is doing a good job. While helping within the local community does not guarantee "brownie points" for the inmates, it does allow them to get out of the monotony of the prison lifestyle and make a difference. We should learn from this case, where Luzerne county inmates want to help clean up the community. I don't know what will inspire others in the future to help out in their communities. Perhaps there might be a stronger need to aid disaster victims, to help those less fortunate. Maybe later on down the road, it will be a better time to make a difference. I hope that prison work plans are continually allowed during those times. I hope that residents in the future take pride in where they l~ve, so that they volunteer more often. If a prisoner can get off of his or her criminal butt and pick up some trash, why can't • you? Are you really that busy? CONTACT TIMOTHY FISHER AT: timothy.fisher@wilkes.edu The Beacon/Christine Lee CONTACT CATHRYN FREAR AT: cathryn.frear@wilkes.edu Inmates recieved compensation for their efforts in cleaning up mud, debris and trash from the recent flood. �CONTACT EDITOR: christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com NOVEMBER 8, 2011 Campus community opens up safe spaces for LGBTQ community BY HOLLY BOYER Assistant Life Editor Everyone needs a place that they can feel secure, safe and respected no matter who they are. Now staff and students are talcing the initiative get training and incorporate safe spaces on campus for the LGBTQ community. "The goal of Wilkes Safe Space training is to educate interested members of the Wilkes community about LGBTQ issues and needs and to provide information about how to support our LGBTQ students," says assistant professor of English and adviser of the Gay -Straight Alliance Dr. Helen Davis. The three hour long training sessions are voluntarily open to all faculty, staff and students interested. During the sessions participants are informed about terminology, such as slang words that are okay to use and which ones are not ok to use. They also include exercises to build empathy and identification, and role-playing scenarios. Upon completing the training members re- The Beacon/Austin Loukas Campus Interfaith coordinator Caitlin Czeh is one of several staff certified as Safe Space resources, meaning students can come to them to talk and not feel judged. ceive a sticker with the Safe Space logo on it that they can post up anywhere, such as their office or room, as an indicator that he or she has been trained and is approachable without any judgments or fear of no confidentiality. The sticker that they receive is the logo of the Safe Spaces that is currently being final- ized and will be revealed this coming spring. "Students can speak to a faculty member without being judged or butted," sophomore English major and president of GSA John Carrol says. Leading the trainings are Director of Residence Life Liz Swantek, Associate Director of Diversity Affairs Erica Acost, and Davis. They were trained by Allison Subasic, Director of the LGBTA Student Resource Center at Pennsylvania State University. She has traveled to Wilkes campus twice to have training sessions to train faculty. "Having Safe Spaces builds that resource, and it helps to cultivate understanding. It's building that second support network, or any support network for those who may not have one," Carrol says. Davis says incorporating Safe Spaces around campus shows the importance of the matter as well as promoting confidentiality and trust with issues or difficulties about anything students may come across. "Enhancing the knowledge of LGBTQ issues on campus and visibly increasing the support base on campus is good for all of our students regardless of whether they are a member of the GSA because it is in the best interest of the entire campus to create a positive, supportive environment for all of our community members," Davis says. CONTACT HOLLY BOYER AT: hol/yboyer@thewilkesbeacon.com ROTC units to march in Veterans Day parades BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor For sophomore biochemistry major Leonard F~bie, being a cadet in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps means remembering those who have served before him. And this Veterans Day is no exception. The Army ROTC at King's College, which several Wilkes students including Frisbie are part of, took part in the Scranton Veterans Day parade and rededication ceremony at the Main Square Veterans memorial. "We see firsthand people who have served and most ofus will be people who will serve so in 10 years this may be us," Frisbie said. "So (it's about) remembering our friends, our fellow soldiers who served." Frisbie says Veterans Day for him will be a day ofreflection on previous members of his family and friends that have served. "It serves a very important purpose and it should be day of reflection and thanks Courtesy of Lt. Marc Honrath Members of the Air Force ROTC march in last year's Wilkes-Barre Veterans Day parade. They also take time to visit and assist veterans at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. for those who have served our nation in the armed services," Frisbie said. The Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps here at Wilkes will also be participating in Veterans Day activities. The cadets marched in the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Day parade that started in Kingston and went across the Market Street bridge into Public Square. The cadet corps were lead by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard. Recruiting Flight Commander Lt. Marc Honrath said cadets will also be assisting veterans at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. "Veterans Day is a day to recognize all our veterans not only those from the past but also current vets, ones that come back from Iraq and Afghanistan," Honrath said. "(It's about) anything you do to remember them and just say thanks for their service." Honrath says in order to honor veterans, even when it is not Veterans Day the ROTC tries to keep the cadets busy by going to the VA medical center. "They enjoy meeting all the former veterans and hearing.them talk about their time in the service in a positive light so it gives them motivation to do well in school and participate in the ROTC program," Honrath said. SEE ROTC, Page 12 �10 ·IRHC annual Cake Challenge to be a sweet success Second year competition has community creating cakes resembling land1:1arks BY ERIN HOHOL "We were looking for alternative ways for residence halls to compete and interact, other than the banner contests and decoration contests we had held in the past," junior P l pharmacy major and IRHC president Bethany Sharpless says. Sharpless says the cake challenge is an interesting and fun way to bring interaction among the Wilkes community. It should be a great opportunity to check out some great cakes and get a sweet fix in. Staff Writer "Let them eat cake," said the Inter-Residence Hall Council in planning their upcoming cake challenge to be held on Nov. 14 in the first floor lounge of the student union building from 7 to 9 p.m. This year's cake challenge will be open to the entire Wilkes community as a way of bringing both resident and off-campus students together for the creative and tasty event. This year's theme is 'landmarks,' as voted by IRHC members. There will be cakes submitted in residents and off-campus student categories. The entire Wilkes community is welcome to check out o.ftaste the cakes on Nov. 14. All students can contribute to the 'people's choice' winners by voting for one of each category. 'Celebrities' judging the cakes will include staff from Residence Life and Student Affairs. These prestigious judges will assess cakes on three measures: appearance, taste and relation to theme. Residence halls that win the cake challenge with their entries will have funds allo- Court esy of Bet hany Sharp less cated to their residence hall's program fund, so as a result of their hard work and creation, RAs from the winning hall can plan future hall activities. As for the off-campus winner, and ' people's choice' winners, only bragging rights are at stake. This is IRHC's second year putting on Cake Challenge. Around 50 people were in attendance at the first cake challenge last fall in 2010. The IRHC's annual cake challenge will take place Nov. 14 in the Student Union Building first floor lounge. Residence halls and other community groups compete based on appearance, taste and relation to theme. Th is year's theme landmarks. Pictured are cakes from last year's cake challenge. CONTACT ERIN HOHOL erin.hohol@wilkes.edu Students bet all or nothing playing games at CasinoWeek 2011 The Beacon/ Austin Loukas During the week of Nov. 1, Student Government hosted a week of casino games. The week started out on Tuesday Nov. 1, with Texas Hold 'Em poker. Wednesday Nov. 2, was Bingo night; Thursday Nov. 3, was a Night at the Races and Friday Nov. 4, was Casino Night. Students could win prizes such as jewelry, a flat-screen TV and Vera Bradely bags and apparel playing games. For a full article on Casino Week, visit thewilkesbeacon.com. �LIFE THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 11 Wilkes professors inspired to never stop learning with careers BY HOLLY BOYER Assistant Life Editor Students may think they' re the only ones learning in courses and earning degrees, but some professors are also working toward learning in courses and earning degrees. By being a faculty member at Wilkes, professors are able to take courses and earn degrees with no tuition fee. Professor of environmental engineering and earth and environmental sciences, Dr. Brian Redmond, is one of the professors that has taken advantage of this free learning. Originally Redmond earned three degrees in geology; a Bachelor of Science, a Masters of Science and a Ph.D. But he did not stop there. While being a professQr here at Wilkes he has earned several more degrees. He has earned a B.S in chemistry, a Bachelor of Arts in physics, a B.A in English and he is currently working on a B.A in history. "It makes sense to follow in chemistry and physics because it supports geology," Redmond says, "although I've always considered myself more of a science generalist than a science specialist." Redmond says he always enjoyed taking classes. Even in high school he would rather take classes to learn instead of going to study halls. Redmond has been a professor at Wil- kes for 36 years, and he has been taking just one course a semester to earn all that he has accomplished. "A little of something for a long time can add up big," Redmond says. He said he would have liked to take biology but it didn't fit in with his teaching schedule. Having an interest in reading and being interested in English urged him to pursue a degree in English. That same idea applied to him pursing a degree in history as well. "I'm interested in a lot of things, so once I've finished a degree, I look to see what else I can do," Redmond says. Redmond plans to continue to take more courses to gain more knowledge about other things. He hopes to take other courses that interest him such as foreign languages, philosophy and math. Another professor that has sought lifelong learning is professor of anthropology and sociology, Dr. Jim Merryman. Originally Merryman earned a Bachelor of Arts in history, with a minor in philosophy. He then earned an Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in anthropology. This being his 23rd year as a professor at Wilkes, Merryman has earned an M.A in creative writing and has taken a computer and art course along the way. "There is no price of tuition, it's a great benefit to have access of these sources and teachers," Merryman says. The Beacon/ Aust in Lou kas Professor of anthropology and sociology Dr. Jim Merryman, left, and professor of environmental engineering and earth and environmental sciences Dr. Brian Redmond, right, have taken advantage of taking classes without paying tuition. Merryman hopes to talk a jazz dance class and some environmental, geology, astronomy, music theory and integrative media courses. "I think I would learn things (in integrative media) which would make for more interesting online courses that I teach," Merryman says. Redmond says it is a great benefit to earn so many degrees in many different areas of study, but the biggest benefit of taking advantage of lifelong learning is gain a lot of knowledge in many different topics because it is always a good thing to be educated in lots of curriculum. "It's not as much about the degrees as it is the courses. It keeps the mind alive, it makes everything more interesting, and it gives you bigger, brighter pictures," Redmond says. "You see surprising associations to things that seem so different." CONTACT HOLLY BOYER AT: ho/Jyboyer@thewilkesbeacon.com Library scavenger hunt going mobile with smart phones BY ALYSSA STENCAVAGE Staff Writer At first glance, the Farley Library is the last place one would find students using smart phones to accomplish something to win a prize. Now students are being given the opportunity to do exactly that through a mobile scavenger hunt initiated at the Farley Library in October. This scavenger hunt has been going on since Oct. 15, 2011 and will end just before winter break. Depending on how many entries the library gets, a similar contest may take place again next year. The only criteria for the hunt is that students need to own a smart phone. Students that enter are automatically eligible to win a Nook color by entering the hunt. All it takes is a tour of Farley Library's resources using a quick response code reader on a smart phone. Once students have completed the tour, they will be entered to win a Nook color from the Barnes and Noble bookstore. Students begin the scavenger hunt by scanning library and interactthe QR code with ing with library retheir phones. sources." Electronic ResourcThe scavenger es Librarian Kristin hunt is full ofuseful Pitt is responsible information on how for initiating the moto make the most of bile scavenger hunt. what the library has She says she started to offer for research the scavenger hunt and assignments. because QR codes The second goal are appearing everyPitt has in mind is where, and many lito gage students' braries are starting to response to this use them as a means new technology as to advertise colleccurrent research tions, link resources to video tutorials and The Beacon/ Aust in Loukas indicates that a sigprovide information Scan codes like the one pictured above nificant number of to supplement ex- can be found around the library for scan- students are using hibits. She had been ning with smart phones. Students start at smart phones. "I wanted to see if keeping an eye on the Reference Desk and scan for clues. QR codes are somethis trend and looking thing that students would use, and if they are for an opportunity to see if it could be implesomething that librarians should be using to mented to engage students at Wilkes. "I had a couple goals in mind when I cre- promote resources and possibly to make liated the scavenger hunt," Pitt says. "The first brary instruction more interesting," Pitt says. Pitt says more and more students have ac(goal) is to simply get the students into the I cess to smart phones and are going mobile for information. This is a spin on the traditional library scavenger hunt because it requires a small amount of time commitment to complete and offers helpful library information and a chance to win a Nook color before the holidays. So far, the response from students has been positive. Several students have been asking questions at the reference desk while working on the hunt, creating important dialog between the students and the reference librarians. There have also been a lot of inquiries as to when the contest ends, and many students indicate that they intend to participate later in the semester. The scavenger hunt will continue until Dec. 15, when the drawing for the Nook Color will take place. The winner will be announced on Dec. 16. Students can seek more information about the mobile scavenger hunt at the Library Reference Desk. CONTACT ALYSSA STENCAVAGE AT: alyssa.stencavage@wilkes.edu �12 THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 UrtiM~orf'lrtf Q14esfior}S with Important People SHADAE GATES MULTICULTURAL STUDENT COALITION PRESIDENT BY CHRISTINE LEE Life Editor Year: Senior Major: Political science and criminology Hometown: Baltimore, Md. What is the purpose of the Multicultural Student Coalition_on campus? The purpose is just basically to spread diversity in multiple ways and everyone understands other cultures. We try to showcase things like festivals they have in their home countries if they want to bring to campus and doing things like going on different trips. What is an interesting fact about yourself you would be willing to share? I have a lot of tattoos and piercings no one knows about. What can we expect from this year's MSC Fashion Show? This year since the whole executive board is seniors, we are leaving it to our younger board to decide what it is they want to do with it and let them experience it more. It's going to more of an '80s theme; it's not going to be as cultured as it is going to be something everyone can relate to. TV shows you follow? "Pretty Little Liars" and "Jersey Shore." What is something we should understand about MSC and diversity affairs on campus? Diversity isn't always dependent on race. It can be depending on the different things that we do. What are some of the things MSC is planning this year? For this semester, we are doing the fashion show. We are cl.oing a holiday party and we have one trip to New York City this semester and next semester it might be Baltimore. What do you like to do in your down time? Sleep, shop, eat and travel to Baltimore. Best Wilkes memory? Spring Fling last year because I think Kevin Hopper did a good job planning it and it had a really good turnout for Wilkes students and the music was awesome and it had me dancing the entire night away. What is in your fridge now? Waffles and pickles. What is your favorite part about being MSC president? I'm proud of the fact that every year we get to meet new people and we get to learn new things about people and ourselves. And just to know that you can have an impact on people in ways that you never thought you could. And any student can come to MSC and feel appreciated. If you were in a band, what would the name be? Ma Band You Listen! If you could go anywhere in the world, where would be and why? It would definitely be China. I took Chinese for four years in high school, and I know the language and the culture I'm definitely interested in. I would love to see the fastpaced society. What is your favorite part about being at Wilkes? The one-on-one connection with the teachers. Favorite dining services food? A buffalo chicken Rifkin Cafe. What do you envision for the future of MSC and diversity on campus? It will be a lot more involved with the student body as well as faculty and that we can actually reach out by getting high schools involved in diversity and actually making a name for Wilkes by getting involved in the community. CONTACT CHRISTINE LE E AT: christine/ee@thewilkesbeacon.com History Club to judge soups at cook-off BY DOMINICK COSTANTINO Staff Writer The History Club will be hosting a Slumgullion soup cook-off on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. in the lounge of the Student Union Building. Sophomore chemistry major and history club president Rachel Gill says "Slumgullion" is the term that Civil War soldiers used to call the soup they made at camp. The cook-off will begin at 6 p.m.in the lounge of the Student Union Building, and students may taste the different soups by buying tickets. In addition to tasting soups, those attending the event will be treated to special music by local band, Just Blush with junior English and communications major Todd Oravic, sophomore psychology major Adam Bailey and others playing acoustic songs throughout the event. "We are hoping to raise money for our end of the year trip to the historical Boston and Salem, Mass.," Gill says. "Because of the distance and high price of gas, it is very important for us to have this fundraiser." This fundraiser is something new to the Wilkes campus. History club vice president and junior education major Jennifer Earley came up with this event with a little inspiration from an event that used to be held at her high school. She thinks this will be a great fundraiser because it is something that no one has ever seen on campus. "Students should come to this new and different fundraiser to eat amazing food, listen to Just Blush and chat with History Club members," Earley says. Judging will begin at 6:15 p.m.The judges for this cook-off include assistant professor of history and History Club adviser, Dr. Michael Davidson, a food services chief and an administrative member. The judges will pick one corporate winner and one non-corporate winner. Anyone interested in entering a soup can do so by contacting Gill via email. The cost for submitting a soup is $5. Set-up for those entering will be at 5:30 p.m. on Nov 10. "The cook-off is a way for the History Club to reach out to the community, both the WilkesUniversityangle and the local residents of Wilkes-Barre," junior history major and History Club member Samantha Hunter says. "Students should come to eat amazing food, listen to the local band Just Blush, and chat with History Club members." CONTACT DOMINICK COSTANTINO AT: dominick.costan tino@wilkes.edu Shadae Gates is from Baltimore, Md. and is in her second year as the president of MSC. The Beacon/Austin Loukas ~ ROTC Continued from page 9 the service in a positive light so it gives them motivation to do well in school and participate in the ROTC program," Honrath said. Honrath says Veteran's Day is important for cadets because they see that being in the military is something they want to do to serve their country and eventually become active duty members. He add that even though Veteran's Day is only one day a year, it is important to keep veterans in mind most of the time. CONTACT CHRISTIN E LEE christinelee@thewilkesbeacon.com �CONTACT EDITOR: devoninovak@thewilkesbeacon.com NOVEMBER 8, 2011 The Rouge tours while living 'in a van down by the river' Band from Colorado is getting a chance to see America while promoting its album. BY DEVON I NOVAK A&EEditor Colorado-based, rock band The Rouge has been touring the country., in its van 'White Thunder' to share their music and love for genuine rock 'n' roll. Playing songs from their album 'Heat and Light' the members hope to reach their audiences on an emotional level The band has been playing together for three years and currently resides in Nashville whenever they aren't on the road. What · genre of music do you consider 'The Rouge'? We try to just be a rock band, American rock 'n' roll, honest rock or whatever you want to call it, honest Abe rock" Who writes the songs? We all do. Josh does all the lyrics and we sit in a room and stare at each other and come up with the foundations of songs. It's Members of The Rouge, pictured from left, are Jack Egan, Steve Voss, Adam Call and Josh Vaught. a family experience. We all write together. How do you come up with the lyrics? Do you pull from personal experiences? (Lead singer Josh): Yeah, generally. I've kind of ventured into trying to come up with something in my mind and fabri- cate and then make lyrics out of that but it doesn't work nearly as well. So yeah, I usually just do it from my brain and whatever has happened to me. How does the song writing process begin? (Lead singer Josh) It depends, sometimes there's a chunk of lyrics, like there will be a certain line that I feel is able to be developed into a song or sometimes I'll have the melody and I'll kind of fit :Ords with it. It's never been a "this is how it always works." It kind of just works in different ways. How do you decide what the mood of a song will be? There are definitely times when lyrics tell the ·song where to go. Sometimes you need to push a little bit if you think it needs to be a little more moody but generally it's the lyric that dictates. So how long have you been on tour? A month. Photo courtesy ofThe Rouge Lead vocalist, Josh Vaught, belts out the lyrics for a heavier sound. Photo courtesy ofThe Rouge Is this your first tour? No, we've been touring for a couple y.-s now, although this would be our first time since the band started [touring] in November that we've been on the East Coast. Is traveling in such a small space tough? How do you manage to get along? Were like brothers so we fight and get over it, sometimes we hate each other, sometimes we get mad but you have to allow that. How has this tour been different from others? This tour has been really adventurous, more than any other tour. We've had a lot more stories. Could you share some? It was a Tuesday night in a small town, a place we've never been and 30 people showed up ready to party. That's probably the best part about touring, you have low expectations of a place and then you get there and it ends up being a total riot. It was basically a house party, everyone brought How many more places are you going? One more, Richmond Va. SEE THE ROUGE, Page 15 �14 THE BEACON. I A&E NOVEMBER 8, 2011 Wilkes alunt drunts up ntusical career with local bands BY DEVON I NOVAK A&EEditor ~ Wilk1 s alum, 24-year-old Matthew Rutkoski shows off his talents for drumming howe1 er he can. Graduating last spring with a B.A. in Spanish reflects his knack for foreign lanJage, but one may not expect that he is a so an experienced musician. Although Rutkoski has a start in the music business he stil has far to go before he reaches his career aspiration. "My main goal is to tour the whole world and to play in front of every nationality and culture," Rutkoski said. To reach out to the Wilkes-Barre community through his performances, Rutkoski currently plays with two different bands, The Artoos and Kriki. After playing with Scranton-based The Artoos for two months, Rutkoski feels the band's overall style is similar to his own with indie rock sounds. Although Rutkoski likes a variety of music he admits, "Anything is good; except polkas and hard-core country." Friends of Rutkoski, Breaking Benjamin and now Black Label Society drummer, Chad Szeliga and Szeliga's girlfriend, Heather Smith introduced him to The Artoos. After the band's lead singer, James Phillips, saw YouTube video of Rutkoski playing, he asked if he would join the band. Two months later, Rutkoski is still playing with The Artoos and plans to be a part of the band's 12 song recordings that will be released on iTunes within the next year. For six months, Rutkoski has been playing with the female dominated band, Kriki of Wilkes-Barre. Complete with their own flutist, Kriki fits into a southern bluegrass genre. Rutkoski met most of the band's members at church where they all learned of each other's developing musical careers. Eventually Rutkoski joined Kriki after jamming with them at the Jazz Cafe's open mic nights. Kriki has three albums out including one full length production to check out. Despite playing with two bands, Rutkoski Photo courtesy of Matt Rut koski Matthew Rutkoski on the drums. can't seem to fulfill his obsession for the drums. "It's something I'm really passionate about," he said. Rutkoski began taking lessons when he was around 10 years of age after becoming interested with the intricate drum sets he would see at the homes of his friends . Thriving off of his fascination with the instrument, he began playing on drum like objects such as pots and pans. Because he wasn't really sure what he was doing he paired up with an instructor and took lessons. Although he wasn't always as skilled as he is today Rutkoski continued forward in hot pursuit of his dream. "Once I got the hang of it, it was really fun, I got into it,"Rutkoski said. Now Rutkoski writes his own beats and is looking to spread his love for the drums by offering lessons at $25 an hour. He is willing to work with any musician at any skill level and encourages people everywhere to give whatever it is they wish to do a chance. "I love to teach and share my skills with other people that want to or are drumming," said Rutkoski. "If you're really into it just give it a try and pursue it." CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK AT: devoni.novak@wilkes.edu 'Like Crazy' sho-ws young lovers in a realistic light BY DEVON! NOVAK A&EEditor "Like Crazy" is a realistic portrayal of the melodramatic love that young couples tend to fall into. The entire movie is centered on the relationship of two college students who fall • deeply during their last semester of school. The girl, Anna, who resides in England, ignores her visa limitations and stays over the summer to be with her boyfriend, Jacob, in L.A. After traveling to England to attend a wedding, she is denied entrance to the U.S . upon her return. The rest of the film tells the story of the strain this mistake has on their relationship as Anna is repeatedly rejected in her request for visa renewal. To the audience, the way Anna and Jacob respond to each other may seem silly. However, to those who have experienced an emotionally heavy relationship, the issues are relatable and the script is very real in how every disagreement seems like the end of the world. In order to relate to the film, the audience must immerse themselves into the story of romance. Only then can the impractical reactions seem less hysterical and ~ore authentic. While the two are miles apart, they mutually agree to see other people, believing it will ease the heartache of missing each other. As Anna and Jacob are sporadically reunited and continuously forced to be separated again, they use their knowledge of the others infidelity against them out of frustration. The audience, who sees the relationship from an outside perspective, can see these other encounters as meaningless. However, Anna and Jacob allow their reciprocated disloyalty to elevate the intensity of their long distance separation. <_;;<,;·_m,-w.;'!""'-"":>O'-<- ,'\NTCN 'rtLCHiN FtL=C:1Y JOf-~SS )l:NN/F£RU-',WRENC£ tfem~ P!CTV.,E'lj. ~or:ii1fjfil;s~)4 To me some parts of the movie seemed over-dramatic and childish. I found myself thinking they both obviously love each other; they need to stop creating their own aggravation. I also felt as if the script tried to portray this intensity of love that the characters' actions sometimes contradicted. For instance, why didn't Jacob move to England? In the movie his excuse was that his furniture company was located in L.A. but that reason is insignificant in terms of true love. After all furniture can be built and shipped anywhere, welcome to the 21st century! The acting is excellent, the script was well done and the scene locations were nicely selected. Unlike many films presented today, "Like Crazy" is not done with traditional shots of continuity. Although jump cuts are primarily tagged as a major 'no no' is movie production, there use in this film builds the feelings portrayed by the characters in each scene. The entire piece was artfully crafted with thoughts that grew outside of the box. Similar to the film "Blue Valentine," much of the dialogue between Anna and Jacob was improvised, according to IMDB.com. The use of improv created a conversational realism that would have seemed rehearsed with a concrete script and taken away from the leading aspect the movie has going, its realistic interaction of young lovers. "Like Crazy" is a must-see for the romantic artist. With all the elements of a growing, maintained and dwindling romance, Anna and Jacob's story is similar to that of many real life lovers. They are unique from the usual cinema love story with the absence of outside elements such as, society, family, or death that kept them from being together. Instead, it is their relationship that puts strain on itself and their actions toward their problems that cause the romance to fail. The film brings proof to the theory that long distance relationships are a lost cause. What is a movie without a perfect ending? The last shot of "Like Crazy" is not the traditional happily ever after, but something the critics can appreciate more. It is left open-ended for the audience to decide. My prediction is the viewer will believe that what came ofAnna and Jacob is exactly what happened in their own personal romance that the mo~e reminded them of. The ending, will be different for everyone and like many great artworks open to interpretation. Rating: ***** CONTACT D EVON I NOVAK AT: devoni.novak@wilkes.ed u �A&E THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 15 Wilkes University Theater presents: The Who's Totnµ1y' BY DOMINICK COSTANTINO/ ONGELIQUE McGUIRE Correspondents Wilkes University Theater brings "The Who's Tommy" to the '§tage of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center this November as the fall musical theater production. "The Who's Tommy" is based on The Who's original 1969 album about the amazing pinball wizard. The musical, written by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuffl, is about a young boy who witnesses a traumatizing event, which puts him in a state of catatonia where he cannot see, hear or speak, yet finds his calling in a game of pin ball. The rock-opera takes the audience through all of Tommy's life from age 4 to 20, and shows that no matter the circumstances, one can always be triumphant. The musical is under the direction of Teresa Fallon, director of visual and performing arts at Wilkes, with musi- 'THE ROUGE' Continued from page 9 their own beer. It was awesome. What else has happened? We were in New York City in this little bar watching the baseball game and this guy got super mad because the bartender wouldn't serve him. He went outside and just started kicking the window until it broke. · The cops came and he freaked out. He was in cuffs on his chest on the side of the street and he would not stop yelling naughty words and once he ran out of naughty words to scream he just started screaming 'yeah'. Like 'YEAAAH!' ... New York Cii1 is insane." Will 'The Rouge' be going on tour again? We'll probably be out in December again. I bet we'll probably end up playing 280 dates next year as a guess. So I imagine we'll be [back] here [in Wilkes-Barre] a few times. How do you guys come up with the funds to travel? We try to get guarantees. Right now we're not funding, we're in the red right now for sure. But It's kind of what you have to do. We're still a young band, no cal direction by Ken McGraw, adjunct music instructor. The musical stars musical theater majors Jamie Alderiso as Tommy, Kelly Pleva as Mrs. Walker, Luke Brady as Cousin Kevin, Cassidy Conroy as Uncle Ernie and William Michael McGovern as Lover. The Beacon/Laura Preby Pleva, sophomore musical theatre major, plays Tommy's mother Mrs. Walker. Her role and the show itself are different from anything she has done in the past. "S ince the show spans over 40 years, it's a challenge to keep my character interesting as I age on stage," Pleva said. "It's a lot to think about at times, also Tommy is a high energy show that doesn't slow its pace through the entire performance." Two noncollege students make an appearance in this production playing Tommy at ages 4 and 10. They work just as hard as the older cast members according to different members of the musical. In addition to the show's high energy and variety of musical numbers, it also offers a valuable lesson. "Tragedy does not have to define your entire life. I think this is a lesson that everyone can take away from this show" said Alderiso, sophomore theater major and lead in the show. one really knows about us yet. Do you like being on tour? There's a fine balance. When we've been home for too long we start to get a little stir crazy and we're ready to get back on the road again, a lot of the time road feels like home. When we got home this last time we kept on carrying around our van bags just because it felt so uncomfortable not to have it." Ticket prices are $15 for the general public and $7 for students and senior citizens. Wilkes students, faculty and staff will receive free admission with their Wilkes University ID. For more information about this production, call the Darte Center box office at 570-408-4540. "Whether you come to see Tommy because you like musicals, or because you like The Who, you are bound to like the show and have a great time watching us," Pleva said. Wilkes Theater Department: What: 'The Who's Tommy' Rock Opera Where: Dorothy Darte Dickson •. When:Nov. 11-12, 18-19 8p.m.Sundaysat2p.m CONTACT DOMINICK COSTANTINO dominick.costantino@wilkes.edu ONGELIQUE McGUIRE AT: ongelique.mcguire@wilkes.edu i the legendary taste Go Colonels! We Deliver to Wilkes University! Call (570) 331-FAST (3278) Ask about our combo specials featuring our complete line up of pizza, subs, wings, burgers & more!visit us online for a complete menu & listing of specials at Where do you do your laundry when your on the road? Wherever we can. Were in a rock 'n' roll band so were supposed to be dirty a little bit. I think we've all been blessed not to have really bad body odor." www.grottopizzapa.com or visit our restaurant & sports bar Grotto Pizza, Gateway Ceuter, ou Rt. 11 in Edwardsville (just across the bridge!) What do you hope to give to your fans and gain for yourself through rock and roll? Everybody has a different answer. We just love rock 'n' roll and we want to inspire other people to love rock and roll and make them feel a part of something. We love music and it's our passion so as long as we can support ourselves by our passion we will." zza the legendary taste The Rouge is now working on another album to be released this spring. Check out the band on facebook.com/therougeband. CONTACT DEVON I NOVAK AT: devoni.novak@wilkes.edu I $5 OFF Any Order of $20 or More I For delivery or take out Expires 12/31/11 L ------valid only at Grotto Pizza locations in Pennyslvania I I �--November 8, 2011 Editor: phatnguyen@thewilkesbeacon.com Colonel wrestling opens season with tournament title Da t tolo, Wilson claim indiv idual championships at Monarch Invitational at King's BY JUSTIN FRANIAK ,·.ssistant Sports Editor The Wilkes University wrestling team is hitting the mats and hitting the books as the season begins. The nationally-ranked squad made its debut this past Saturday with a huge tournament title at the King's College Monarch invitational. Head Coach Jon Laudenslager believes in getting off on the right foot to get your season started. "Well you always want to get off to a g,od start," Laundenslager said. " It becomes a great confidence booster in that the things we have done to prepare for the tournament are all worth it. For the young guys, it's a great time to get the nerves out and have some of your weaknesses exploited so we can work on fine tuning things for second semester." The Colonels took home two individual titles with returning All-American and captain Anthony Dattolo taking home the trophy at 149 pounds, while teammate and fellow captain Ryan Wilson took the gold at 141 pounds. The Colonels also saw multiple runner-ups in Michael Fleck, Jeff Peterson, Tyler Lauchaire and Nathan White at 125,141 , 149 and 165 pounds respectively. • The Colonels are currently ranked 12th m the nation, and are looking to improve according to Laudenslager, but he said there is no added pressure within being ranked so high. "We are giving 100 percent and will continue to do that," Laundenslager said. " Wrestling is fun, so why put pressure when all you can do is put all you have into it and really wanting success. This team may be perhaps the strongest I have ~".)ached in terms of work ethic." Captain Benjamin Marich, a senior integrated media major, reiterated the mentality of working hard and how he instills that into the younger guys. I'm not a vocal leader, I kind of try and lead by example," Marich said. "I work ard and try to get a couple guy to follow me, then they get a couple guys, and sooner or later the whole team is working hard." Senior captain Ryan Wilson, a Business major, also talked about leading by example. "Even though we are named captains, we are not better than anyone person on the team, we just have the most experience," Wilson said. "Everyone on the team is treated equal, but we are looked upon to bring some leadership to the team, they look at us to guide them in the right direction." Wilson also said he has his team and individual goals set high for this upcoming season. "We are looking to be the team we expected to be the last two years," Wilson said. "By the end of the year we are going to the top ten team we 've been wanting to be ifwe continue to work hard." Laudenslager reinforced these goals for the season, for not only wrestling, but for earning a degree also. "Our No. 1 goal each year is to keep everyone academically on track for graduation," Laundenslager said. "After that we want to break in the top ten rankings both athletically and academically after finishing 13th last year in both. Finally we want to have 100 percent commitment toward winning the Metro Title and sending multiple guys to nationals." Wilkes won the Monarch invitational by a heavy margin. The Colonels posted a tournament high of 146.5 total points with York College following far b with 117 total points. At the end of the day, 11 Colonels finished in the top five or better in this year's tournament. Dattolo expects to keep the ball rolling this weekend at the annual John Reese Duals. "I expect everyone we send out on the mat to wrestle hard for the full seven minutes," Dattolo said. The Colonels finished last year with a record of 15-10-2 and are looking to improve that record this season. The Colonels will be in action next, this Saturday at the John Reese Duals at the Marts Gymnasium at 11 a.m. CONTACT JUSTIN FRANIAK AT: justin.franiak@wilkes.edu Th e Beacon/ Justin Franiak Freshman Eric Bach works for the fall en route to a third place finish at the Monarch Invitational. Bach finished his impressive debut with a 5-3 decision over Vincent Buttice of SUNY Cortland in the consolation finals. The Beacon/ Justin Franiak Senior captain Anthony Dattolo prepares himself for his quarterfinal match at the Monarch Invitational. The returning All-American was impressive in capturing his first individual championship of the year. Dattolo won his championship bout by pinfall. �SPORTS 17 :s ih h !l h h lS 1>f w 1- ip it m et la THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 201 SCOREBOARD FOOTBALL 11/5 Lebanon Valley L 35-42 WOMEN'S SOCCER 10/30 Eastern L 0-3 11/2 Eastern L 1-3 MEN'S SOCCER 10/31 Eastern L 1-4 . WRESTLING 11/5 Kings Invitational 1st Place Overall 1st place: Anthony Dattolo Ryan Wilson 2nd place:Jeff Peterson Tyler Lauchierre Nathan White 3rd place: Michael Fleck Matthew Ellery Eric Bach 5th place: Dave Oberrender Jon Slack WEEKAHEAD FOOTBALL 11/12 Stevenson WRESTLING 11/12 John Reese Duals MEN'S BASKETBALL 11/15 PSU-Hazleton WOMEN'S BASKETBALL 11/15 PSU-Hazleton Follow us on Twitter at: @wi Ikesbeacon Since Tebow was drafted last year by the Denver Broncos 25th overall in the first round, he has instantly become a fan favorite. Earlier this year Kyle Orton was benched, giving Tebow the nod to get his first start of the season in week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. With mostly the support from the fans Tebow was now the new starter, but outside of Denver criticism has been harsh. First, the Tebow camps are split; some people think he is underrated and his intangibles make him good: others think he is overrated and believe he just cannot play. I am in the overrated half of the group. I believe Tim Tebow cannot play the QB position in the NFL effectively and efficiently enough to win. He should not have been a first round pick. Personally, I would not have looked at him until the third or fourth round. Tebow cannot throw the ball, he barely throws a spiral. It's not tight at all, which gives receivers grief trying to catch the ducks he puts up. His arm is not particularly strong or accurate. Yes, he has good running ability, great sense to extend the play and get out of trouble, and use his legs to make plays but that simply isn't enough. In his first two starts this year he has been sacked 13 times. Pro defenders are much faster than college ones and it will hurt him. The other issue with Tebow is his supporters have started to cry that the firestorm of criticism in the last few weeks is created because the media are out to get Tebow. This is the farthest thing from the truth. Many people in the media love Tebow and hope that he succeeds, but the fact that he has not performed and the media have to do their job and discuss that fact. The media are doing their job there is not one other first round pick that has not received adequate criticism when they have underperformed: Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch, Heath Schuler. The list goes on and on. Each has come, not lived up to the expectations of being a QB taken in the first round and gone. Ryan Leaf is the poster child for this. Why is Tebow any different? The reason is there has never been a single college player to come into the pros who is loved and admired by people as Tim Tebow. The media aren't the bad guy in this case; they are simply doing their job. The media aren't going after Cam Newton anymore. Why? Because he has proved he can play in the league. Until Tebow does that, he will be criticized. Tim Tebow is being too harshly criticize(!_ for things out of his control. Tebow is starter for a terrible Denver Broncos team. I think you can all agree with the fact that all new quarterbacks should be mobile and should have elite accuracy. '\ When Aaron Rodgers came into the league, what kind of team did he inherit'. Ryan Grant, a pro-bowler and 1,200-yard rusher and two all-Pro wide receivers with over a thousand yards receiving in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. What did Tebow get? A running back committee featuring Knowshon Moreno, a 700-yard rusher and a goodbye to leading wideout Brandon Lloyd. Rodgers had a team and a formula that was set up for him to succeed with a team that went 13-3 the year before with Brett Farve leading them close to a shot at th<, Super Bowl. Tebow was drafted into a system by a coach who lost his job after losing control of his poorly managed team. I'm not saying that every quarterback needs to be perfectly groomed as Rodgers was. Too often rookie quartefltiacks are thrown to the lions by desperate teams who pray for anything to change the outlook of the season. If you do another comparison to other quarterbacks that had a slow start to the season, you might see where I'm coming from. Eli Manning and Tim Tebow have similar numbers. In their first five starts, the numbers seem equal1y subpar. Manning had a record of 0-5 with a 3-7 TD to interception ratio, a completion percentage of 44.4 and a passer rating of 44.8. Tebow has a record of 2-3 with a 7-4 TD to interception ratio, a completion percentage of 48.3 and a passer rating of74.8. An average quarterback has around a 60 percent completion percentage and probably around 75 passer rating. Manning won a Super Bowl ring four years after that horrible five-game skid. I want to leave you with a cut from his , last year in Florida where he made a bold speech to the entire country. "I promise you one thing, a lot of good will come out of this. You will never see any player in the entire country play as hard as I will play the rest of the season. You will never see someone push the rest of the team as hard as I will push everybody the rest of the season. You will never see a team play harder than we will the rest of the season. God Bless." - Tim Tebow �SPORTS 18 Wilkes falls to Lebanon Valley The Beacon/ Alex Zero Auxence Wogou ran for 45 yards and had 57 recieving yards in a loss to Lebanon Valley 42-35. The Colonels put up 465 yards of total offense in the losing effort. The Colonels will play again this Saturday against Stevenson at home. MedExpres against th~., shots Just$ eve .· · · WIL 677 .. Next 570 I . , ·,'/" 1 Jt•·1 : 7L Colonels to close season at home The Beacon/ Alex Zero The Colonels will close there season this Saturday against Stevenson at the Ralston Athletic Complex. The Colonels are currently 3-5 and are looking to close out the season with a win. �THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 -, . ' 19 Open con1petition brings intensity to veteran squad BY PHAT NGUYEN Sports Editor The Colonel basketball team returns starting spots of out his 22 man roster. guard. all five starters from last year's team that Rickrode has enthusiastically stated how "He's got a ton of talent," Huch, the senior went 15-10 advancing to the Freedom great this open competition has been especial- psychology major, said. "You could definiteConference semifinals inchtding last's ly at practice. "In my twenty years coaching, ly see that at practice. College level is just years leading scorer, so much faster pace. It's all about slowing Chris DeRojas, who things down and making good decisions, is now an assistant and I think he's been doing a good job so coach. far." The point guard Rickrode believes that they have quite a pos1t10n formerly bit to do before the start of the season. held by DeRojas is "We're trying to concentrate on the ternnow what Coach po being a lot faster up the floor. We think Rickrode calls an we will be able .to pressure a lot better. open competition, We're also a little deeper, and we look to but early front runplay more people this year." ners include but are That increased tempo is another adjustnot limited to freshment the team improve on both sides of the man Jordan Wilson, ball. The team looks to run more full court Craig Thomas and presses and fast break points with their Tyler Breznitsky. deep roster. Huch believes a lot of guys will "Point guard situaget playing time with this new attitude. tion is pretty strong," "As soon as we get tired, we can bring Rickrode said. "I them out and put another guy comes in," think there will be The Beacon/Phat Nguyen Huch said. "We want some more easy one to emerge, butcoach Rickrode looks to senior leadership to open the new season. points instead of playing half court basketyou know. We haven't ball all game." solidified one yet." this is as good as they've been as competiRickrode says first goal is to try to get off Senior Captain Kendall Hinze enjoys tively and defensively as they been in a long to a good start this year. the open competition and notes how it's time." "I just want to get off to the better start only going to make everyone better. Rickrode said there's a good situation for than last year," he said. "It's a little bit of a "We have so many guys competing for freshmen since they don't have to make a different dynamic because we have more of that one spot, and they all bring some- huge impact as a group immediately. Jordan a veteran leadership. The schedule has some thing different to the table," Hinze, the Wilson will make an impact as a freshman as tough games as it should, but we want to get P-2 pharmacy student, said. well as Rodney Hill. off to a better start." As far as starters go, Rickrode believes Senior co-captain Paul Huch has already "Definitely helps by making us a lot deepthere are 14 guys competing for the five seen good things out of the freshman point er. We have so many guys with experience. CHRIS.MER It feels good to be up there with Tate. He's a hell of a player. Continued from Page 19 When you used to play corner with Matt Gunther as the other corner, did the team ever call you guys Revis and Cromartie? (laughs) Sports information reported that your have two carries for two yards. How did you get that? That would be the Yeah, but I'm playing safety now. They've kept me there for the last two games. announcer's problem, I guess. They must've mistaken me for Tivald. (laughs) I'll take it. That's Tivald's yards for sure. That's just a mess-up which happens, but I'll take the stats Are you more like your mom or dad? My dad. I'm a lot like him. We Is there any reason that you wear #23? I was #11 all throughout high school have a lot of the same personality. The only thing I'm like the mom is that we're both talkative. I'm not afraid to talk to anybody. for both basketball and football. My roommate and best friend, Matt Gunther was # 11 in high school. We had arguments over it, but I let him have it. I just stuck with #23 because Michael Jordan with his mental aspect and drive was my favorite player. What's it like being tied for third most tackles on the team? I didn't CONTACT AT PHAT NGUYEN: even know that. It beat my expectations. phat.nguyen@wilkes.edu Chris DeRojas is back but he's coaching now, and I think that helps with team chemistry. It should help us out a lot," Hinze said. "We didn't start playing well until the second semester last year," Huch said. "We're just trying to build off of that, and hopefully keep that going this entire year instead of going so late." Huch and Hinze are trying to start the year off on the right foot by bringing more intensity to practice, stepping up as vocal leaders at practice in order to get to the next level. Rickrode believes intensity at practice has been there now the teams just needs to execute. "I think we just try to establish that every day at practice right now," Rickrode said. "I think that we've had really good ones s• far. They're continuing to get better every day." The bar for the Colonels is set high with the eventual hope to win a MAC championship. "I've been thinking about that for years now," Hinze said. "Whenever I was even running in the off-season, it's the only thing I've been thinking about. I sit there in class sometimes and don't pay attention and just think of the game." "I want to leave a mark in that gym. The best way to do that would be to leave a banner in that gym," Hinze said. Wilkes will open the 2011-12 season at home against Penn State Hazleton Tuesday, Nov. 15 in the Marts Center at 7 p.m. CONTACT AT PHAT NGUYEN: Chrismer has made big contributions on the Colonel defense this year including his only interception of the year which came in a game when Wilkes needed it the most. The Colonels defeated cross town rivals 13-6. The Beacon/Laura Preby ~ / I I �, .:?O Getting to know ... BY PHAT NGUYEN f°"'orts Editor SPORTS Jo e . . THE BEACON I NOVEMBER 8, 2011 (C Thi IT Il § roru ce IT . this year? W1denor's number one receiver #23 Safety' Football Meet Joe Chrismer, the senior safe- and the game at Lycoming was probably my ty of the football team. The hard two biggest hits this season. They were both What do you think of the whole Tebow situatuation? I'm a fan of Tebow. People just need to hitting safety has been making big momentum shifters for us. give him time. I can see what he'll become eventually. stops on defense all year including He needs an off season and some games under his belt. lnte game heroic interception to se- What was the pass deflection that you He'll be perfectly fine. cure a win against cross town rival had this year? Biggest pass deflection was against Susquehanna. Their top receiver was King's College during a blizzard. an All-American. They went at me and it Are you familiar Tebowing, where Age: 22 Major: Business Administration Hometown: Mountain Top, PA. Which high school did you go to? was my first start. Big get up for me. you take a knee and pray in a random public place? (laughs) What sports do you play other than football? Basketball four years, baseball No I haven't heard of that. until freshman year in high school ran track just kept busy How did you get that comparision to Revis Island? Crestwood. What's it like playing football not too f::'" from your hometown·? It's nice you get a lot of the local guys to follow you. It's pretty nice to go back home and see how the teams doing. My family is at every game. A couple of weeks ago, Alex George said that you're the hardest hitter on the team. Is that true? I thought he was probably about right. Not to toot my own horn, but I look to give out the big hits. Being a smaller guy, I think it's kind of a shocker for some of the receivers to get pinned up on their backs. Then they look up and see a 180 pound safety that hit them. What was the biggest hit that you had Who's one guy in the NFL that you would love to tackle? Probably would have to be Terrell Owens or Chad Ochocinco. Wait, so you don't like those guys? (laughs) No, I would just like to see what their reactions would be. I like them as receivers. I think they're great receivers, but I love to see what their reactions would be. Who would you want to be up against more? I would probably be Ochocinco since he would have a better reaction than TO. Who's your NFL team? Denver Broncos. They kind of brought that up last year in the game I started against Utica. I shut down their two top receivers who had probably 14 catches a piece. They kind of came up with Chrismer Island. I just kept a level head and did what I needed to do, more or less. Do they still call it Chrismer Island? (laughs) No, not anymore. SEE CHRISMER, PAGE 19 COLONEL MEN'S BASKETBALL HAS A 22 MAN ROSTER BUT ONLY CAN START 5, page 19 For more information and pictures, check us out at: thewilkesbeacon.con1. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource <p>This is Wilkes University's <em>Beacon</em> Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the <em>Beacon's</em> predecessors, <em>The Bucknell Bison Stampede</em>, 1934-1935 and <em>The Bucknell Beacon</em>, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>.</p> <p></p> <p>Missing Issues:</p> <p>1947 August 8th<br />1947 September 5th<br />1947 October 3rd<br />1947 October 17th<br />1947 October 31st<br />1947 November 21st<br />1947 December 19th<br />1948 September 9th<br />1950 April 28th<br />1953 April 10th<br />1962 February 2nd</p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon 2011 November 8th Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011 November 8 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University