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Page 2, News OP/ED

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News OP/ED, Page 2

Fort Dix Suspects Go to Trial

Last May, six  men were arrested in an attempted terrorist attack on the military base Fort Dix in Burlington County, New Jersey.  The men were arrested when they took a videotape of their weapons training to a Circuit City to convert the tape to DVD.  The tape showed the alleged terrorists shooting high-powered rifles and calling out words like “jihad” while praising Allah.  When the video was seen by a Circuit City employe, concern quickly grew, leading him to contact the Mt. Laurel, New Jersey Police Department. From there, Police alerted authorities of the tape and a full-scale investigation took place.  The FBI caught up with the suspects when they tried to purchase weapons from an FBI informant from Egypt.

On October 21, a video shown to the US District Court in Camden, New Jersey showed the plot’s leaders, Shain and Dirtan Duka, making the weapons purchase.  Later in the day the weapons were placed in front of a jury as the alleged terrorists went to trial.   The government points out the alleged terrorists as being inspired by Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda to defend Islam in the United States. The Dukas, their other brother, Eljvir, Mohamad Shnewer and Serdar Tatar are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder of soldiers at Fort Dix and could face life in prison if convicted.

The defense of the alleged terrorists is focused on the fact that a hidden camera, planted in the Dukas’ Cherry Hill residence, never talks about any sort of attack, but rather points to the guns being used for trips to the Poconos to shoot high powered weapons.  While the tape does show the crew talking about their Pocono trips, other factors are hurting the defendants.

One of the Duka brothers drew a detailed map of the base and Fred Lang, a senior investigator with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and an officer in the Southern New Jersey/Philadelphia Joint Terrorism Task Force, testified that he helped develop the list of weapons that Omar would offer to Dritan and Shain Duka prior to the deal.  The weapons included things like grenade launchers and RPGs, which the Dukas did not ask for when they talked to the FBI informant.  These weapons were brought to the table because Shnewer, in separate recorded conversations with the informant, said that he would like to use them during the attacks. The defense claims the other weapons were placed there to bolster the government’s investigation but, with their purchase of the weapons, the Dukas & Co. look to have too much against them.  The men could face life in prison for the attempted murder of soldiers at Fort Dix.

From the Editor’s Desk…

To Our Faithful Audience,

Thank you again for picking up another issue of The Tower. I really think you’re in for a good one this time. I know we don’t have a free poster this time, but this one is all about election day- so get excited to Barack the vote or McCast your ballot.

We decided to endorse Barack Obama as the next president of the United States. I won’t give you all the reasoning here, but if you just tilt your gaze slightly to the right, you can find all of that good stuff out. We also have a restaurant review in this time, which we will try to get similar things like that together in the future. The idea here is that we want to give you, the readers, some information that you can use. That means next time you go out to eat, hit up thebar scene, or buy a new album, The Tower will have helped you out in some way.

If not, well what the hell, we hope you enjoyed the Bullpen. No but seriously, this is a great issue, and I personally recommend reading the entire issue at least twice. And for the love of God, go out and vote this November 4th.

Until our next installment,

Tyler Peckham
Editor-in-Chief

The Tower’s weekly round-up of quirky, interesting and mildly relevant news.

Can You Guess the Story that isn’t True??
This week we slipped an extra in there that didn’t actually happen.
Find out which one it was next week.

Woman arrested for brutal digital homicide

Divorce can bring out the worst in people, but with technology, some take it to a new level of absurdity. A 43-year-old Japanese woman has been arrested for killing her virtual husband after he suddenly divorced her avatar in the online game, “Maple Story.” The game is similar to the popular “Second Life,” in which people can create their own avatars and engage in social activities, relationships, and fight against obstacles.

She had obtained his password and identification from her avatar husband when they were happily married, but then used the information to access his avatar and kill it.

She told investigators “I was suddenly divorced without a word of warning. That made me so angry.” She has been charged with illegal access onto a computer and manipulating electronic data. If convicted, she could face a fine up to $5,000 or five years in jail. Indeed, this is a bizarre story. Well as the old saying goes, it’s just a game. It should be a lesson for all avatars out there. Save the homicidal urges for a game like Grand Theft Auto.

-Gina Merlino

Man Marries Dog

Although some married men might occasionally think it (but never dare say it), a 33-year-old Indian farmer named Selvakumar can officially say that he married a bitch. The farmer was wed to a stray female dog in an effort to lift a curse that had been plaguing him for years.

The wedding was performed in a remote village in rural India, complete with a feast and festivities. The bride was dressed for the occasion as well, although she reportedly tried to flee from the large crown attending the ceremony.

The reason the couple married was not because of love at first sight, but a belief that Selvakumar could lift a curse from two dog spirits. The marriage was an effort to atone for his  killing of two dogs and then stringing them up in a tree. After performing the heinous acts, Selvakumar complained of a loss of movement, speech, and hearing. By taking his new bride, he hoped to appease the restless spirits of the dogs. Hopefully the couple will live a happy life together, but as far as the rest of married life goes, I don’t think even the comprehensive Kama Sutra can help them there.

-Tyler Peckham

Boy Scouts Try to Earn Breast Exam Merit Badge

Two 12-year-old boys proved that you are never too young to get a job done. Zach Henniford and Brian Sykes appeared on The Onion’s news network announcing that they volunteer to give women breast exams. The pre-teens, who are Boy Scouts of troop 128 in White Hall, New York, said that, in order to earn another badge, they had to complete a community service project. Well, the boys have and did a service for a number of local women, and hope to help hundreds of women examine their breasts! The youngins often have a table set up at various public spots and have a sign that says “Let us examine your breasts!” Putting the icing on the cake is the fact that they have a website to promote these services, AND they plan to do more exams in their very own basements! The boys claim the idea came to them while at a local pool. How lovely!

-Elishia Peterson

Cops Ridin’ in Style

Looks like the Italian police force got an upgrade on their patrol car. The crime fighters will now drive in style since auto brand Lamborghini donated one of its cars. According to Yahoo News, the LamborghiniGallardo supercar boasts a 560-horsepower engine and a top speed of 325 kilometers (200 miles) per hour. While chasing the bad guys, the police will look fly in the Lambo. “This car replaces the former model which used to operate in the Rome area and will now be used in the Bologna region in the north,” a Lamborghini spokeswoman said.

A Gallardo base model is not cheap. It sells for 175,200 euros, which is 220,000 American dollars! Yahoo added that the police force’s model is equipped with a mini fridge to transport donor organs and a defibrillator for use in emergencies. As if that makes it all better, the po-po’s are still riding in a Lamborghini for crying out loud!

-Elishia Peterson

Page 3, News OP/ED

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News OP/ED, Page 3

The Right Man for the Job: The Tower Endorses Barack Obama to be the Next President

After waiting out to see what each candidate has to offer, we at the Tower have decided to endorse Barack Obama for president. As this race has played out, we have seen  what each candidate has brought to the table for the American people, and we believe that, between Barack Obama and John McCain, Obama has provided the best policy, leadership, and confidence to become the next President of the United States.

Senator John McCain has shown himself largely inept in all aspects of what will be faced in the next four years. On the economy, he has refused to back down on increased tax cuts for the wealthiest in America- including oil companies that have enjoyed record profits throughout the Bush administration. His campaign direction has been sloppy and misleading. His choice in Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate was a choice to divide America once again. Palin is increasingly unstable in her remarks, and has made a number of ill-fated attempts to brand the Democratic party as somehow un-American. Racist remarks have become commonplace at her rallies, and she has shamefully done little to quiet them.

On foreign policy, where McCain claims to be strongest, he has presented no plan to exit Iraq but, instead, only gives vague promises of “winning.” He still refuses to acknowlege the questionable circumstances of the war and, instead, argues points on whether or not ‘The Troop Surge’ is working. McCain entered the race with center-right credentials that appealed to many moderate voters and even some Democrats, but instead of sticking to his moderate positions, he has tried to redefine himself as a staunch conservative and, in the process, alienated many Americans with his reckless campaign.

In contrast, Barack Obama has proven himself to be suited for the office of President. His promise of tax breaks to the middle class are needed to restore stability and prosperity to Americans. He also has proposed a plan to guarantee health care to all Americans. This is something especially important to college graduates that will no longer qualify under their parent’s plan. Those leaving Arcadia and other institutions across America next May will face a dismal job market and economy. To expect these young men and women to pay for their own health care is simply unrealistic, but with Obama’s plan, this is one less burden for them to face. Students and the rest of America need new policies to restore our economy, and the outdated trickle-down theories of McCain will not cut it.

Obama will also lead America out of the costly war in Iraq. Not only has this war taken the lives of our soldiers, but it has strained our alliances abroad.  Obama speaks of a new American presence in the world where these alliances will be reforged. Obama’s choice of Senator Joe Biden was a decision to bring foreign policy credentials into the White House. True, Senator Obama has limited hands-on experience in foreign relations, but with Biden as an advisor, we believe his decision will be informed and in the best interest of America.

Perhaps most importantly is what Barack Obama represents for our generation. His organization of grass-roots support has energized this country in an unprecedented way. Many young people came into political awareness under the Bush administration, and we have seen what divisive presidential campaigns produce: a divided and unsettled country. Barack Obama presents a movement that gives voice to this need for change. He speaks to our generation in a way that is sincere instead of just pandering for our vote. At the Tower, we believe it is time for a new face in politics. It is time for a new era of unity and progressive reform. It is a time where our generation moves to elect a capable politician to bring reform to an outdated and out of touch Washington. And most importantly, we believe Barack Obama will do those things as President of the United States.

By the Numbers: Obama Presidential Term Seems Likely, but not Certain

Click on image to enlarge

In order to win the presidency, one of the two candidates must win at least 270 votes in the Electoral College. Each state has a value in the Electoral College based on their number of elected representatives in Congress. For example, a state with two senators, and five members of the House of Representatives will receive seven votes in the Electoral College. So far Obama is leading McCain in the number of states that he has a solid majority in (259 for Obama to 152 for McCain). Neither of these numbers are great enough to win, however, and that’s where the swing states come in.

These pivotal states are where the race is still tight between the two candidates and could go either way in the election. Obama has the edge in many of these states as well, but they are by no means a sure victory. Where Obama has made impressive inroads are in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Missouri. These states were typically well in Republican column, and few expected McCain to have to defend them this late in the race. Obama has had a significant advantage in the amount of money he can spend on Television ads in these states, and in some cases has out spent McCain eight to one.

At this point the odds are stacked against a McCain presidency, but the votes will not be in until November 4th. Until then Obama will look to increase his lead, while McCain desperately tries to close the gap.

Tom Ferguson-

“Obama. I’d like to vote for
someone who has ideas of a
better world, however unrealistic
those plans may be.”

David Abdul-Muluk-

“Obama. I’d rather vote for
someone who is at least pretending
he’s not a socialist.”

Photographs and interview
provided by Photography
Editor Ash Wise

Page 4, News OP/ED

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News OP/ED, Page 4

Opinion: Local Politics Make me Sick

My friends always tell me how much “Mayfair sucks” and how “crappy looking it is.” Having lived in this neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia for the first twenty-one years of my life, I was proud of the area, especially since I lived right at the heart of it, behind the Mayfair Diner on Frankford Avenue. It was at this diner where I met President Bill Clinton in 1996, during his second run for President. This shows how important Mayfair truly is.

Unfortunately, last year, I had to make the move away from my beloved neighborhood and into Montgomery County with my parents. Still, this did not stop me from going back to Mayfair to ask about people’s political views. With the upcoming historic election, I wanted to understand how people in my old neighborhood thought about what they wanted to happen this November. Little did I know that, while I have no political affiliation, what I would hear and also what I would read about would upset me dearly.

According to a September 3, 2008 article by Catherine Lucey of the Philadelphia Daily News entitled “N.E. Phila: Key to McCain Pa. Victory?”, Mayfair is “…a white working-class neighborhood of attached brick houses and modest commercial strips in Northeast Philadelphia, where Republicans aren’t an endangered species, Democrats can swing any which way and Obama has his work cut out for him.” This is somewhat inaccurate as, year by year, white people move out and a minority moves in. For example, an immigrant Asian family bought my old house.

After going back to Mayfair and hearing some of the things I did, I agree that Obama has his work cut out for him. When I heard that Sen. Joe Biden would be visiting another local diner right next to Mayfair, I knew I had to go eat there that day. What I heard about and what Dave Davies of the Daily News reported made me sick. Eighty-nine year old Carolyn Bauer was quoted as saying (to Biden), “I told him I’m not going to vote for him… Anybody who runs with a guy with a name like that is not going to get my vote. It’d be disgusting to get a man named Barack Obama as president of the United States. No way. I mean it . . . I’m going to vote for McCain and the lady.”

Those last two words are the ones that make me laugh and cry at the same time. Mrs. Bauer does not even know the name of the Republican vice presidential candidate. This does not make me very proud of the old neighborhood. Should Ms. Bauer even be allowed to vote? Clearly she does not know what she is talking about.

With regards to how well McCain will do, political analyst Larry Ceisler stated on PennLive.com, “I think McCain will do well up there… The problem in some of these places, Obama’s message is change, and people in these places don’t want a change.” This makes Mayfair sound way too old fashioned for my liking.

In a quick question and answer session with Bridget McGeehan, a former schoolmate of mine and niece of Pennsylvania State Representative Mike McGeehan (who fights for Mayfair as well as its surrounding areas), I tried to get a youthful approach to things to balance out the elderly Ms. Bauer: “I am too busy to concern myself with who will win. It’s not like my vote even matters. It would be irresponsible of me to even vote, because I would probably just vote for Obama because of his skin color, just to have something different.”

Obviously my generation seems to be lacking the right state of mind in order to give a solid response. Once again, my beloved Mayfair has come off like a slum of the city. In another non-answer in Lucey’s article, Democrat George Scaricamazza stated, “I’m voting for McCain because Obama is all b.s…. He’s not qualified for nothing.” Also according to her article, Annette Blumenthal, of Pennypack (an area/park in and around Mayfair and all over the Northeast), decided to support McCain because of the race issue, “He’s a smart guy, he’s looks very educated, he has a beautiful wife… I just think the world’s not ready for a black president.”

It is quotes like these that make me a bit ashamed to have come from Mayfair. When Obama came to visit the Mayfair Diner on October 11, the crowd was predominately black and other minorities. If Paris Hilton was running against Obama, would people vote for her because she is white?

Most of the people quoted were of a much older age. They truly represent that Mayfair is old fashioned-I just never knew it before. Perhaps the people in the 55 and older community I reside in now will have a different view on the issues of race, sex, and other topics come November, when it is time to actually vote.

Incident Log for Public Safety 10/17/08 – 10/23/08

Each week the Tower displays noteworthy incident logs from Public Safety’s database. All names and specific residences are always kept private. Reports provided by Jim Bonner, Director of Public Safety.

10-18-08

Theft from Vehicle:
Between 11pm on 10-17-08 and 11am on 10-18-08 someone entered an unlocked, parked vehicle in a parking  lot along Church Rd and removed an iPod and a digital camera.

10-19-08:

Disturbance:
At 4:20am,  it was reported that there was a large, loud group on the second floor of Heinz hall.

Safety tips:

Do not leave valuables in plain view in a vehicle, wherever you park. Some will smash a window to get $5.00 in change and it’ll cost $300 to repair the window.

NEVER JAYWALK.  It has been reported that some are walking against the traffic signals at Church and Limekiln and at Limekiln at Blankley Hall, Easton Rd. and Michaels Restaurant.  Please use caution, and ONLY cross WITH the traffic lights.

Exercising your Right:All You Need to Know to Vote

On Tuesday’s November 4th Election Day, students will not have to worry quite so much about getting to the polls. Arcadia’s Office of Student Activities will be offering a shuttle service to those registered at Arcadia to go vote at Westminster Seminary, Arcadia’s approved polling location at the crossing of Church Road and Willow Grove Ave.

“It’s done every [voting]  year as a service to the students, so that students without a vehicle can exercise their right to vote,” said Campus Activities Programmer, Cate Rooney.

The shuttles will leave from Taylor Hall starting at 9:00 a.m., in fifteen minute intervals. The shuttles will run continually until the final run at 7:00 p.m. Students must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls. Arcadia student IDs are valid. Other valid IDs include passports or Pennsylvania Drivers Licenses.

The shuttles will be piloted by none other than Arcadia staff members volunteering their time to help students vote.

For students going to vote, there are some important things to remember. “You have to be registered to vote at Arcadia to vote [at Westminster]”,” said Rooney. This is because Cheltenham Township and all of Montgomery County is divided into different sectors, each with their own specific polling location. It is important for students that do not list Arcadia University as their place of residence to find their proper voting location.

In addition, students going to vote should be aware that Montgomery County uses Sequoia AVC Advantage® voting machines. According to Montgomery County’s website, a selection is made by pressing the square to the right of your choice. To make a different choice, simply hit the box again to deselect, and then hit the box next your new selection. You also do not have to vote the entire ballot. When finished, hit the “Cast Vote” button and a tone will sound signaling your vote has been properly cast.  For write-in votes, press the “Write-in” square for the selected office. From there follow the directions and enter the name with the keypad.

For any questions on the shuttles, the Office of Student Activities can be reached at 215-572-4082. For any questions about voting, the Montgomery Board of Elections can be reached at 610-278-3280. The website for those not living at Arcadia, but still residing in Mongomery County, to find where their polling station is located is http://voterservices.montcopa.org/voterservices/cwp/view,A,1459,Q,62525,voterservicesNav,|.asp.

Page 5, Student Life

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Student Life, Page 5

Knights’ Nook

Arcadia’s Own Miss Majestic answers ALL of your questions about love, life and the library!

Dear Ms. Majestic,
I hate my work study! The people in the office are really nice and they treat me really well but everyday when I come in to work, there’s nothing to do. Sometimes I sit for hours with nothing to do. I don’t mind being paid to do nothing but it would be nice if I had something to do to make the time go faster. I don’t want to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong so I haven’t said anything to my supervisor but I don’t know if there will be anything for her to do. I mean, she really doesn’t do much on a day-to-day basis either. My friends tell me that at their work study, they have assignments and sometimes they can even bring their homework in if they want. How come I can’t do that? The thing is, I don’t want to quit because I need the money, but if I have to choose between being bored to death and freedom…I think you know what I’ll pick!
Bored in Officespace

Dear Bored,
Is it really that bad? Will it drive you to quit? Really? I don’t think so, but I do understand what you mean. I’ve worked in so many places and have been bored out of my mind, but I did have to weigh what impact it would have on my wallet. So here’s what you do. Talk to your supervisor to see if there is anything you can help with, but remember that  the work may be confidential, and they may not want student workers’ assistance. I also don’t see any harm in asking to bring your homework with you. Those hours are yours and you should be able to earn them regardless of whether the office has work for you or not. Good luck!
-Ms. Majestic

Dear Ms. Majestic,
I got my 6 week evaluations back and boy were they horrendous! My advisor said that I have time to make up for my early mistakes but do I really? I just think that if I’m doing this bad this early, maybe college isn’t for me. I came here because I figured it would be fun and over the top, but now that same fun has gotten me in lots of trouble. My parents keep asking me about my progress too, and I don’t want to lie, but I can’t tell them the truth. I know I’m going to have a painful break if I tell my parents that I’m not doing so well. How do I fix this mess? I need to get better grades that I can share at the dinner table when I go home and I need to know that I’m supposed to be here. Help!
Clueless about College

Dear Clueless,
Ok so the only way to fix the damage that’s been done is to make a game plan and stick to it. You really do have time to fix the academic part if you really want to but ONLY once you figure out whether you really want to be here. Arcadia isn’t for everyone. Some people need an environment that is larger to function properly and, for some, this place is ideal. You may not be one of those people, but you can try to figure out if you are by doing a pro/con list. Be really specific about what you need out of your school and see if Arcadia fits the bill. If not, its time to reveal the news to the family and start shopping. You wouldn’t be the first person who realized that good ol’ Beaver was not for them and you won’t be the last. Bon chance!
-Ms. Majestic

Questions about life? Email us @
KnightsNook@gmail.com

Green Tip: Trayless Tuesday

The Dining Hall has started Trayless Tuesdays!  According to the Dining Hall’s comment cards, 75% of the responses were in favor of having Trayless Tuesday each week, 10% did not have an opinion and 15% were not in favor of it.  Did you know that many colleges and universities have stopped using trays in their cafeterias?

The trayless movement is an effort to reduce waste: tray use leads to food waste and extra water is needed to wash the trays.  Don’t stop with Trayless Tuesdays, look for other ways to stop wasting food and water as well!  Questions?  Contact goodwins@arcadia.edu about the Dining Hall or sclymer@arcadia.edu about other environmental issues.

When I began this venture, I thought every week I would have something new and exciting to report. Technically I do, but the things that are most exciting are either illegal to mention or things that happen in my hall that I just wouldn’t be allowed to write about. That being said, most of what has been going on in the past two weeks is basically boring. My life has been encompassing a universal theme of college students; I have been procrastinating.

I honestly have so much preparation to do for all of my classes, it is shocking. At first I was in the idea that they must have dropped my study abroad application in the wrong pile and that I was honestly not able to do this work. The problem with that theory was that I am completely capable of doing the work. This semester so far has shown me that I can bring myself up to the level of the people who have been studying these things intensely since they were sixteen. The problem is, sometimes I just don’t feel like it!

Let’s face it, we all get to the point in school where we just want to coast; you can do the minimum and get away with it and catch up later. I have to admit, they make this concept more difficult at Arcadia with the mostly constant homework but it feels like they have designed this semester for me to have just enough leeway to slack off for a week. Not this Monday but next Monday begins my week of reckoning: Reading Week.

I know what you’re thinking; that surely must mean exams are coming up and you will be blind with panic preparing for everything you haven’t done, plus don’t you only get a day for reading before the start of exams? No! For some fantastic reason in the middle of the semester we, in humanities, are given an entire week to collect ourselves. It’s actually a factor leading to my procrastination because I am so excited for Reading Week that I feel alright if I don’t quite finish a novel or two.

That being said, I have to admit, slacking here is completely different from slacking at home. Here, slacking seems to come down to only reading the primary material and not doing any secondary research into the topics you are discussing. I haven’t even abandoned my studies to enjoy the lower drinking age. I usually find myself drawn in to watching Halo sessions with my flat mates or just sitting in the kitchen for hours laughing at nothing. It’s not fair. I mean to do work but I just can’t.

I think the moral of my story is that procrastination is a global phenomenon. To be honest, I procrastinated in writing this piece even though, by writing it, I am procrastinating in doing my work. It’s a vicious cycle but it will all have to change by Reading Week! After that comes the 4,000 word essays and then the real fun begins; I hope my sad pile of work puts your semester into perspective. I am leaving you with this: study abroad can’t always be a giant vacation.

Each Week Arcadia Junior Jennfier Pahcheco gives students a peek into her study abroad journey in London.

Restaurant Review: The Blue Sage Vegetarian Grille

The Blue Sage Vegetarian Grille, located in Southampton on Second Street Pike- only a twenty-five minute drive from Arcadia University’s campus, offers vegan and vegetarian cuisine that is unique and delicious.

At first, it seemed like there was no hostess or maitre’d, but once they realized that new costumers had arrived (Katelyn – Party of Four) we were seated immediately. Reservations are recommended for dinner, but on Tuesday, October 7th there was a more private atmosphere than on more crowded evenings.
Orders were taken promptly and the food arrived in what seemed like a few minutes. The food and the service were both impressive.

The Green Curry Summer Rolls, a vegan appetizer, were a flavorful mix of fruity and Thai flavors, wrapped in rice paper rolls that were raw, not fried. One of the featured items, “Sliders,” is Blue Sage’s version of French fries and mini-hamburgers. But, instead of meat, they contain avocado, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes and more, all hidden inside adorable mini buns.

A Mexican-inspired entrée, Quesa Havana, was anything but Taco Bell. Griddled, not fried, whole wheat tortilla buns contained fresh mango as well as other, more traditional Mexican ingredients and spices, such as black beans, cheeses and cilantro.

Many of the meals are served with a small salad with baby arugula, cucumber radish and red grapefruit, or spring mix with chile lime vinaigrette, but the house salad itself is at least as good as any one of the entrees.

For dessert, the White Chocolate Espresso Crème Brulee and the Chocolate Panini were both creative and delightful. Besides the obvious sugar, they contained compatible combinations of flavors such as milk chocolate, walnut and cinnamon.

Throughout the meal, the service was quick and appropriate. There were no uncomfortable attempts at conversation or forgetting to bring the check for a half an hour and the waitress even took a picture for us.

Any age group seems to be welcome at the Blue Sage. All that is required is at least an appreciation for good vegetarian food. It’s BYOB, but the menu’s items can be a little pricey, with most entrées starting around $20, so save money and skip the booze.
Blue Sage Vegetarian Grille is definitely the kind of place any Arcadia student could feel comfortable at and the food is way above and beyond expectations, especially after eating dining hall food for weeks. The dining area is well-lit with very simple, unremarkable decorations that lean towards an Asian or Thai theme. Dress is casual, but I wouldn’t recommend sweat pants or worn tee-shirts.

Jennifer Staley, a Junior Arcadia Student, was pleased with the experience, even though she is not a vegetarian herself. “The service was good, and the food was even better.”
Arcadia Junior and meat eater, Brandon Haze, is more hesitant about his judgment. “I would go again, but I could easily see people disliking it, if you know what I mean.”
Blue Sage Vegetarian Grille is at 772 Second Street Pike in Southampton, PA, 18966. The phone number is 215-942-8888. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday for Lunch and Dinner and hours are posted on the website, www.bluesagegrille.com.

Page 6, Entertainment

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Entertainment, Page 6

Fear Before “March” into Foreign Territory

Coming into their fourth full-length album, Colorado art-core vets, Fear Before the March of Flames, decided it was time to make a name for themselves, or at least a new name.   With their previous two releases, 2004’s Art Damage and 2006’s The Always Open Mouth, Fear Before the March of Flames had cemented their place as an up and coming band with ambition and direction to burn.  So when the band curtailed their name in early September, settling on Fear Before ,many fans were left scratching their heads.  Bassist Mike Madruga explained in a press release the long version of the name as a challenge that the band feels they have met over the last three albums. “The long version of the name was good for us in the beginning because it was interesting and stood out. It paralleled our mentality of playing the music we were writing because we told ourselves, ‘If we can pull off having this name, we had better be able to pull off the music we were writing.’ The new album is 10 strong songs, no fillers or tag-ons… and we want the band name to replicate that.”  Moving on as Fear Before the band’s self-titled new album, like each new release in their history, is vastly different than the one before it, only this time the change is more than just in the sound, but in every aspect of the approach.

From the first verse of the opening track, “Treeman”, Fear Before sounds different than anything the Colorado five piece has every done.  Vocalist David Marion, known for his guttural larynx-shredding scream, is, instead, toned down and mixed in amongst layers of vocals.  It doesn’t take long for Marion to return to form, sounding like the twisted ringleader of some fucked up circus sideshow later in the track.  While “Treeman” is the opening track, it outs the new Fear Before philosophy: more is more. Where Art Damage saw the band on a relentless hardcore tear, and Mouth showed the guys maturing their previous sound with synths, layers, and, most of all, moments to breathe, the self-titled album is Fear Before doing their best to move away those previous records.  In some cases, Fear Before sounds totally different. At other times, “The March of Flames” still burns through. The combination may take time to grow on long-time fans, but in the end, new and old alike should give Fear Before a shot.

Dense is the word to describe Fear Before.  The album, produced by Casey Bates, is ten tracks chock full of erratic instruments, gang vocals, lingering synths, samples, and creepy background noises constantly playing tricks as they pan from one speaker to another.  Early songs on the album like “I’m Fine Today” and the album’s first single “Fear Before Doesn’t Listen to People Who Don’t Like Them” show off Marion’s and guitarist/vocalist Adam Fisher’s twisting, turning vocals.  Since the screaming has been turned down, the haunting prose of the two is finally decipherable, proving the new direction is no more mainstream than the old one.  With that said, there are some cringe-worthy moments, like Fisher singing “No one understands me/ No one understands” on “Bad Day” or Marion on the whiney beginning of “Stay Weird” (an awesome track after that, by the way). Fear Before also hosts a few guest appearances from other bands like The Fall of Troy, Heavy Heavy Low Low, and Portugal. the Man ( PTM appear on one of my personal favs “Everything’s Not Shitty”). The album’s biggest surprise is the fifth track, “Jabberwocky”, (where’s Mario Lopez?) where Fear Before go *GASP!* acoustic. The track has Marion and Fisher going back and forth over a spiraling verse line, ending in an infectious one-liner, “That’s what I’m afraid of these days”.  “Jabberwocky” snaps back into Fear Before norm with new drummer Clayton Holyoak pounding out the path.

Fear Before holds true to their word.  The new album mirrors the band’s name change.  Dense, concise, and, at times, confusing Fear Before is an effort with no trepidation or panic in terms of blazing a new trail.  If you’re a long time fan, give the album a chance. If you’re new to Fear Before, go right ahead and pick this album up first.   For Fear Before, there is no better way to start the next chapter than cutting the fat and adding raw musical muscle, change is their game and once again they’ve found a way to win.

Vote for Obama! All the Cool Celebrities are Doing It!

It’s not surprising that Obama has won over the hearts of many popular Hollywood celebrities, as he has with much of the younger American generation. After all, the possible future president almost rates at celebrity status, himself. Why would young celebs vote for someone who is old (very, very old) news?

We all know that Obama’s speeches make Oprah “cry her eyelashes off”, but she’s not the only Obama advocate. It seems all of young Hollywood has become active in promoting Obama. Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am even created a music video inspired by a speech Obama gave after Clinton’s loss in New Hampshire, and Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel took to the stage on October 8th to rouse support for the democrat. The duo received their biggest applause after performing “Hail to the Chief”, the official song of the American President, in honor of Obama. Springsteen devoted his classic “Born to Run” to the Democratic candidate and he recently finished a three-day, free tour in support of him. Jennifer Aniston also donated 2, 300 big bucks to Obama’s campaign, along with Robert De Niro who endorsed Obama at a New Jersey fundraiser. De Niro ,defended the candidate against allegations of inexperience, saying that a candidate who hadn’t gotten his country into war had “the kind of inexperience I can get used to.” The comedian Chris Rock introduced the senator at an event in Harlem, not too far from the Clinton campaign headquarters, and has donated $4,600 to Obama’s campaign. Samuel L. Jackson even skipped the Academy Awards to campaign for Obama, claiming, “We need somebody the world relates to in a very real kind of way.”

Scarlett Johansson sang in the “Yes We Can” video, has campaigned in Iowa, and even joked she was “engaged to Barack Obama.” Ben Affleck and wife, Jennifer Garner, threw a fancy fundraiser for Obama, and Affleck, along with Matt Damon, was a judge for MoveOn.org’s “Obama in 30 Seconds” competition. George Clooney is a self-proclaimed “Obama Guy” and says the democrat has the “aura of a rock star.” Although he says celebrity endorsements can do “more harm than good”, Clooney appeared with Obama at a panel on Darfur in ‘06. The Kennedy Women are also pro-Obama. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg caused a frenzy claiming that Obama would be “a president like my father” in the New York Times. Her cousin, Maria Shriver, is voting for Obama, despite her McCain-fan husband. Oprah is, of course, Obama’s number one fan, and he is the first candidate she has endorsed in her entire career. Along with campaigning with the senator, she threw a celebrity fundraiser at her California home which collected about three million dollars. Other celebrities known for their pro-Obama attitude include Jessica Alba, George Lucas, Star Jones, Susan Sarandon, Anne Hathaway, Sheryl Crow, Spike Lee, Jennifer Hudson, Steven Spielberg, and Jennifer Lopez.

So which celebrities are voting republican this year? Almost none of them, unless you include miss Heidi Montag, who is good friends with McCain’s own wannabe-celebrity daughter. However, the list of young, popular celebrities voting republican this year begins with Heidi and end with Heidi. McCain, enthralled by his impressive Hollywood following, has admitted, “I never miss an episode of The Hills.” Even those celebrities who gave money to the Republican Party years before are not voting for McCain. Besides Heidi Montag, McCain has collected checks from Dean Cain (Superman), James Caan (Godfather I and II), Jon Voight (Midnight Cowboy), Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Adam Carolla (The Man Show), Angie Harmon (Law & Order), and Victoria Jackson (Saturday Night Live).

This upcoming election, it is obvious who has won Hollywood’s vote. Because celebrity actions have such an impact on the younger generation of voters, it clearly works in Obama’s favor. Unfortunately for McCain, Heidi Montag may just not be enough.

Page 7, Entertainment

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Entertainment, Page 7

The Scramble

A Brief Look at New Media

Eight years in between releases is an eternity in the music business.  For AC/DC, the long hiatus has done nothing but good.  Black Ice, the fifteenth studio album from the legendary hard rockers, is probably the best thing they’ve done since 1980’s Back in Black.  Where Back in Black is the most celebrated entry in AC/DC’s catalog, Black Ice is their most solid.  Vocalist Brian Young wails away like he did 20 some years ago, while Angus and Malcolm Young’s blues rock riffs blare so loud even John McCain can hear them.   With the bands on the radio today acting like they know the formula for panty droppin’, fist pumping, bar brawling man rock (cough cough Nickelback cough cough),  the return of AC/DC couldn’t have been timed better.  The first single, “Rock ‘N Roll Train”, is already tearing up the radio with twice the testosterone as anything else on the underused airwaves.

As soon as Gossip in the Grain starts with the opener “You Are The Best Thing”, there is an essence about the album that just feels right.  Maybe it’s the bellowing brass section, the shimmering piano, or maybe its LaMontagne’s Van Morrison-esque voice.  No matter what does it for you, Gossip in the Grain sounds like an autumn afternoon in 1960-something.  LaMontagne, once again, expands his sound, adding instruments and compositions, something he started to do on his 2006 release, Till the Sun Turns Black.  Evolving from simple lo-fi singer/songwriter to 60s full band folk mastermind has seemed easy for LaMontagne.  Tracks like “Meg White” and “Let it Be Me” show Ray can stay basic, only to flip a switch, turning on the sparkling analog wall of sound.

Ok, so I know that when the words “Death Metal” appear, the page will probably get turned.  This one time, read on.   Gojira, a French (yes, French) death metal band have tons of monstrous low end riffs and creative songwriting to offer, if you give them a chance.  On The Way of All Flesh, Gojira tear down numerous stigmas behind their genre, all while sounding like a run away Mack truck.  The lyrics are poetic, decipherable, and insightful, while the band backing them is about as creative a metal band as you’ll hear.  Taking cues from Meshuggah, Gojira have learned to craft some incredibly heavy music with all the ‘listenability’ ( drinkability is a word…right?) of lighter stuff.  Gojira have found a good balance between melody and malice, making The Way of All Flesh the smoothest of death metal albums.  Check out the track “Orobous” for a taste.

T.I. Has a Story to Tell With ‘Paper Trail’

ATL’s own T.I. is back at it again and, as one of the tracks off his album Paper Trail says, T.I. is “Ready For Whatever”. Recently, the rapper had a run-in with the law and even spent some time in prison for his crime. Now, “The King of the South” is trading his jailbird ways for a chance in the spotlight again. The highly anticipated album instantly was a hit, for hip-hop lovers realized that T.I. meant business. Some naysayer’s may have questioned the superstar’s comeback. But T.I. answers the haters with a banging revival of his new self and new album.

Immediately, as the album begins with the intro “56 Bars,” T.I. informs that the wait is over. Fans who have always nodded their heads to his lyrics were probably hoping that the southerner wouldn’t disappoint them. Well, T.I. makes it happen in sixteen songs, in which each stands on its own with a different message. The majority of the songs are T.I. reclaiming his “King of the South” throne by telling listeners “Don’t judge me” and “Put yourself in my position”. A prime example of his thoughts is track seven, “No Matter What”, which chants in the chorus, “I ain’t dead, I ain’t done, I ain’t scared, I ain’t run, but still I stand, no matter what”. T.I. reassures fans that he is a changed man, but he also makes it known that he can still keep it gangsta with songs like “I’m Illy” and “Every Chance I Get”. Paper Trail could be stamped as a celebration album, for the hip-hopper has much to be thankful for. With a new album, new start at life, it’s a new and improved T.I.

To add on to the greatness, the star-studded creation features music favorites. “Live Your Life”, featuring singer Rihanna, is a hot one off the album. As Rihanna belts “Just live your life, ain’t got no time for no haters, just live your life, no telling where it’ll take you, just live your life, cause I’m a paper chaser”. For all the paper chasers out there, you’ve got to love this track with the hot beat to match. T.I. keeps the star tracks going with songs including John Legend, Ludacris, Swizz Beats, Usher, and even Justin Timberlake makes an appearance on a song called “Dead and Gone”, which is hot! “No one on the corner has swagger like us” is a line from the song “Swagga Like Us”, which features some of the best rappers alive: Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and T.I. himself. The line-up proves that the rappers possess much swagger, with some of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” lyrics adding to the ruggedness. The featured artists allow the album to reach major heights, which makes the album worth giving a listen to.

T.I.’s country grammar has earned him another hit album, filled with hit songs. The trail that T.I. is leaving, is leaving him with tons of paper in his pockets. So, give a listen to what he’s been waiting to say. T.I. wants you to snap your fingers to his head banger album and enjoy the sounds of his life. As the popular hit of T.I. says, you can have “Whatever You Like!”

Game of the Week: SOCOM Confrontation

The Playstation 2 is the best selling game system of all time, at this point.  When the system launched in October of 2000, parents fought tooth and nail to get the next big thing to put under the tree that December.  One of the biggest selling points for PS2 was online gameplay, something reserved mostly for computers at that time (Dreamcast does not count).  Many manufacturers had trouble with the Playstation Network but, as usual, Sony’s homegrown projects worked well, the best one being SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals.  Now in 2008, SOCOM has been updated for the Playstation 3 as SOCOM Confrontation.  This multiplayer-only game takes SOCOM’s classic third person tactical gameplay and throws in new twists, like the use of the PS3’s SIXAXIS motion-sensitive controller to duck and lean behind cover.  Combine the new gameplay features with fully customizable guns and classic maps from the first two SOCOM games, and the multiplayer experience couldn’t be better for the hardcore gamer.  With that said, SOCOM does have some issues.  Marathon load times, spotty lag spikes, and poor grenade physics do hurt the fun of 16 vs. 16 firefights but, like other Sony online issues, patches will come out to help the problems, in time of course.  The plan for SOCOM is similar to Sony’s other multiplayer-only game, Warhawk, constantly updating the game with new weapons maps and game modes has made Warhawk better and better as time has gone on.   It would be smart for Sony to do everything in their power to make SOCOM Confrontation an expansion-happy franchise for years to come.

So I’ve found an issue with this Game of the Week column.  I can’t review every game that you, my precious readers, need to hear about before the holiday season hits. So from now on, the games I can’t get/play in time are going to get the one or two line treatment.  Keep reading.

Dead Space (PS3, XB360)
Deep space horror survival with physics like no other. Bottom line, go buy it.  Don’t play Dead Space with the lights off, alone, or at night.  Have an extra pair of pants ready if you have surround sound, for sure.

Fable II (XB360)
Probably the best action RPG on the market.  Everything in Fable II’’s vast landscape is part of the game, where the decisions you make affect your character’s path in life.

Page 8, Sports

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Sports, Page 8

Late Game Scoring Ensures Knights’ 3-1 Win over Griffins

A pair of scores, just under three minutes apart, late in the second half, broke a 1-1 stalemate and gave Arcadia University Women’s Soccer some breathing room, with an insurance goal going on to defeat local Division II rival, Chestnut Hill College, 3-1 Thursday afternoon in Glenside, PA.  Thursday’s win is Arcadia’s second straight as they improve to 8-5-2 (1-1-1 Commonwealth).  The Griffins drop to 5-11 overall.

In a game that Arcadia controlled from start to finish, the Knights took thirty-nine minutes before senior Jamie Bradford rifled a shot, from 25 yards out, that hung just enough over Griffin keeper Kelly Evans for the opening score.  It was Bradford’s third goal of the season.  The Knights retained their 1-0 advantage well into the second half before the Griffins took one of their only offensive possessions of the second half.  The game-tying goal from Chestnut Hill came off the foot of junior Julie Treen who poked home the shot to the left of Arcadia keeper Jacquelyn Eckert.  Sophomore Lauren Riff assisted on the goal by Treen at 52:34.

Caitlin Lafferty, who started the contest playing the field for the Griffins, took to between the pipes to replace an injured Kelly Evans, coming up big on numerous Arcadia shots on goal, but could prevent Arcadia sophomore Jenni Groves from playing a through ball from Janelle Jablonski, which Groves poked in the short side past Lafferty for the go-ahead tally at 76:30. The goal was Groves’ third of the year.  Under three minutes would go by with Arcadia leading 2-1, maintaining the momentum the Knights converted on a pretty cross pass from Groves to sophomore Stephanie Edson, heading home the Knights’ insurance goal at 78:54. Edson’s goal was her second of the season.

Lafferty prevented the Knights from taking a 4-1 lead with 4:15 remaining as she robbed the Knights at point-blank range, finishing the contest with 7 saves.  Evans finished the game with 10 saves before leaving due to an injury.  Eckert made 3 stops for Arcadia, picking up her 5th win of the season.

Arcadia returns to their Commonwealth schedule with undefeated Messiah College on Saturday at noon in Glenside.

All Knights’ Athletics articles courtesy of Arcadia University Athletics, photos courtesy of University
Photographer Josh Blustein

Controversial Game Winner Pins Loss on Knights’ Conference Record

An Albright College free hit that was ruled a goal off of a deflection sparked the Lions 2-1 come from behind win over host Arcadia University in Commonwealth Conference field hockey Wednesday afternoon in Glenside.  The Knights, who remain winless in conference play, opened the scoring in the first half, only to have Albright tie it up with under minute remaining before the controversial goal in the 43rd minute of play.  Arcadia falls to 5-13 overall (0-3 CC), while the Lions of Albright pick up their first Commonwealth win of the year (1-3), improving to 4-12 overall.

Senior Kristin Conrad sparked Arcadia’s first goal, feeding sophomore Caroline Champi for the score and the Arcadia 1-0 lead.  The Knights, who outshot the Lions 9-4 in the opening half, had some other fine looks, but Albright converted on the next goal to tie it up at 1-1 at 33:53, scored by Michelle Pomante from Kimberly Hummel.

The Lions would go on to outshoot the Knights in the second half 12-7, but not before a free hit that would turn out to be the game changer.  Gia Boscola stepped up for the free hit, which made it’s way past Arcadia keeper Brittany Rasmussen and in.  Albright’s Beth Moran was credited with the deflection and the eventual game winner.

Albright held the slight advantage in corners 7-6 and shots wound up even at 16 apeice.  Rasmussen was solid in goal, making 10 stops through regulation.

The Knights travel to Widener next Tuesday and then Lebanon Valley on Nov. 1 for their final two Commonwealth and regular season matchups for 2008.

All Knights’ Athletics articles courtesy of Arcadia University Athletics, photos courtesy of University
Photographer Josh Blustein

KNIGHTS of the WEEK

Katie O’Malley ‘11

Women’s Soccer

The sophomore sailed a thirty-five yard blast high over the head of Elizabethtown goal keeper Angela Freeland at 75:08, breaking a 1-1 game as the Knights prevailed for their first ever in Commonwealth Conference Women’s Soccer victory, 2-1 over Elizabethtown College. The Knights improve to 7-5-2 overall and pull into a four-way deadlock on third place with the Blue Jays (who stand at 9-4-2 overall), along with Widener and Lycoming in the Commonwealth standings at 1-1-1.

Danielle Klim ‘10 and Megan Gillespie ‘12

Women’s Tennis

Megan Gillespie and Danielle Klim entered the MASCAC Individual Tournament, having only lost once as #3 Doubles partners.  On Saturday, the duo advanced out of the first round and captured the fourth seed for Sunday’s quarterfinal round, where they won again, defeating Jen Bader and Maria Cometa of King’s College in a thrilling 9-7 set win.  But winning meant moving on to face the top seeded #3 Doubles pair of Michelle Knight and Rebekah Shanamna from Wilkes ,who held Gillespie/Klim pointless in an 8-0 win for the eventual #3 Doubles Champions.  The duo went an impressive 14-2 overall this season.

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News OP/ED, Page 2

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News OP/ED, Page 2

Opinion: Katrina Still Plagues the Nation

Imagine this: You have no electricity or running water. You’ve heard about a storm coming but that’s the least of your worries. You survived Hurricane Betsy so this one shouldn’t be that bad. The house you stand in is the very pinnacle of your life. You watch people evacuating and wish you had that luxury. If a storm comes, what will your disabled daughter do? If a storm comes, where will you go? If the storm floods your home, where will you live?

These are all things that went through the head of Ms. Daisy, one of the women featured in a recently released film, Trouble the Water. In the film, viewers follow a family led by Kim ‘Kold Medina’ Rivers and her husband as they battle Hurricane Katrina and survive her aftermath.

In the film, viewers get a first hand account of the days before Katrina hit and the damage she left behind, but not from the perspective of your everyday videographer. Rivers is the woman behind the camera and she tells a story like no other.

I saw the film with a phenomenal group of AU students who belong to the American Catastrophe and Words of Mass Destruction first-year seminars, but the opportunity was certainly my pleasure. I can’t speak for other peer mentors but I can say that this experience is benefitting  me to a degree that I never expected.

Besides being able to hang out with a great bunch of students, the course has reopened my eyes to something that my brothers and sisters are still dealing with today. HURRICANE KATRINA is not over. Her aftermath still plagues much of New Orleans and the Gulf even 3 years later. Many of the homes of the Ninth Ward are still damaged. Most of the residents haven’t returned. And can you blame them? They would be returning to a New Orleans that is so unfamiliar to them that they wouldn’t know what to call it.

When I say Hurricane Katrina isn’t over, I’m referring to the social-economic struggles that the residents of New Orleans still face today. Being displaced from the only pace you call home is a tragedy but not ever being able to return is much greater. Feeling as if you are a castaway in your own country has to be one of the most disturbing emotions. What I believe to be troubling them the most today is pain and anger…a pain and anger that much of our country has forgotten about.

Like many things that become commodified tragedies in American history, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has escaped the primary agenda of our society and, most certainly, our government.

A recent update on CNN.com describes how actor Brad Pitt has helped move a few families back into their old neighborhoods in the Lower Ninth Ward. Pitt and his foundation helped rebuild over 150 homes with contemporary designs unlike the traditional French styles. Many of the homes feature modern elements like solar panels and “green” appliances.

Although Pitt has helped to remodel parts of one of the most damaged districts, his efforts land on deaf ears. As the federal government focuses on other situations in American society, people who called New Orleans home are not a priority. And as the stock market scares us all into hiding beneath the covers, we forget about what we could and should be doing for people who could have been our neighbors, grandmothers and uncles.

So here is the challenge: I challenge you, Arcadia University student, to put yourself aside and think about what you could be doing. Think about Charles, a man who lost his wife in the storm and had to find her lifeless body 6 months after the hurricane passed. Think about Brian, a recovering addict who lived in a group home at the time of the storm and became homeless once it hit because he had no proof of residency. Think about the hundreds of men, women and children who lost their lives and will never see their hometowns again.

You can do something. The students in my learning community think that change for New Orleans starts with education. Educate people you know. Tell them that just because Mardi Gras happened in New Orleans, that doesn’t mean the entire area is flourishing.

Tell them that the French Quarter is not all of New Orleans. Tell them that their donations will go far but their time and hard work would go further. Tell them to volunteer. The people need you. Arcadia’s Community Service is going back to the gulf for Alternative Spring Break this year, so get involved.

Tell them that the next time they walk into their home or visit their place of worship or favorite restaurant to think about the thousands of Gulf Coast residents who no longer have this privilege and if things remain the way they are, they never will again.

From the Editor’s Desk…

To Our Faithful Audience,

Because you were so patient and understanding we thought we would reward you with a gift. This week, the back cover is a free Phillies Poster courtesy of the Tower and our Entertainment Editor Jake Scalici who designed it.

Sorry we missed you last week, but we had some technical difficulties that prevented us from putting out an issue. For the weekend we lost the Internet, which is a vital part of how we retrieve and write stories and, most importantly, how we send the issue to our printer. To make up for it we added four jam-packed bonus pages for your reading pleasure.

So sit back, watch the Phillies game, and enjoy what this week’s Tower has to offer. I’d ask for feedback, but I know we probably won’t get any. In any case, we hope you’re satisfied with what we managed to put out (clearly we’re pulling out all the stops if we’re giving away posters).

Until our next installment,

Tyler Peckham
Editor-in-Chief

Couple Saws House in Half in Settlement

On Friday, October 10th villagers in rural Cambodia witnessed a divorce settlement like no other. 42-year-old Moeun Sarim and his wife of 18 years, Vat Navy decided that as a part of their break-up, they would split the house…literally.

The couple finalized their divorce last month but Navy claims her husband made the peculiar request to have the house split. Sarim brought relatives and friends to help saw the 20 x 24 ft house down the middle.

Navy adds that her husband called for a divorce after he accused her of having relations with a local policeman. All of the accusations, she says, are hugely false. She told local officials, “He wanted a divorce, and I said, ‘Let’s divorce.’”

Navy now lives in what’s left of the house, which is still standing. Her ex-husband’s half is dismantled at his parents’ house where he now lives.

This only makes you wonder what Sarim would have wanted to do with the kids and the car.

-Maya Stewart

Man Eats 20 Pound Burger

A man named Brad Sciullo took on the challenge of being the first person to ever eat a 20 lb. burger. On October 17, Sciullo finished this monster morsel in 4 hours and 39 minutes, finishing within the five hour time limit set by Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub. The meat alone was 15 lbs., but after adding the bun, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, etc., the finished product was just a little over 20 lbs. of greasy goodness.  The restaurant, located in Clearfield, PA, awarded him $400, three t-shirts, and a certificate to hang on his wall so all will be reminded of the sacrifice his heart had to make for just $400 dollars.  I’m sure the heart attack coming within the next few days will be well worth it.

-Danielle Trout

Teenager Changes Name to Web Address

A 19-year-old girl decided to take an act of protest to a whole new level. The former Jennifer Thornburg successfully changed her name to cutoutdissection.com, “cutout” for short. Her new name is also the web address for an anti-dissection page for the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is also the place where she is interning. The former Jennifer first became uncomfortable with dissection in middle school with a school assignment to cut up a chicken wing. “I normally do not have to repeat my name several times when I am introducing myself to someone new”, she said. Surprisingly, her parents are okay with the decision. “It will take me a while. She’s still Jennifer to me. I understand why she’s done it. Believe it or not, I totally respect it,” said her father.

-Gina Merlino

Man Pays for Meal with Marijuana

In Florida, a man was arrested for perhaps the most bizarre incident ever involved in a fast food restaurant. Shawn Pannullo tried to pay for a McDonald’s meal with marijuana. Pannullo was at the drive-thru window and attempted to pay for his food with pot.  The cashier called the Indian River Counter Sheriff’s Office with a description of the vehicle and police arrested Pannullo and found marijuana in his car. He was charged with possession of cannabis and posted $500 bail. It was certainly a bizarre case. Maybe it is a sign of bad economic times or someone who misinterpreted Harold & Kumar go to White Castle.

-Gina Merlino

God Wins Lawsuit

Everyone now and again blames God for things going wrong in their lives, but Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers actually attempted to sue God.  He claims that the Almighty is responsible for, as quoted previously by The Associated Press, “wide-spread death, destruction, and terrorization of millions.”  Judge Marlon Polk ruled that the case could not be presented in court. The reasoning was that court officials did not properly inform God of the lawsuit against him because of his unlisted home address.  Chambers may appeal for the permanent injunction against God.  Perhaps Chambers should look to sue others for the death and destruction of millions of people, for example, his employer.

-Danielle Trout

News OP/ED, Page 3

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News OP/ED, Page 3

The Juice Can’t Seem to Stay Out of Trouble

It seems like old O.J. Simpson, now well into his golden years at 61, never really learned his lesson after he was cleared of murder charges thirteen years ago. The former NFL player was recently arrested with heavy charges yet again. This time, however, he carries the heavy burden of twelve charges which include conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault, and kidnapping with a deadly weapon. Simpson could now spend fifteen years to life in prison after Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, a co-defendant, and O.J. were found guilty for the robbery of two sports memorabilia dealers (stealing photographs, footballs, a phone, etc.) at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel room on the night of September 13, 2007 (a little more than a year ago). Simpson reportedly led a group of men to break into the room in the Palace Station Hotel to take the Simpson memorabilia by force. Apparently what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and “The Juice” was arrested three days after the crime was committed. For those who think O.J. got away with murder back in his famous murder trial in 1995, justice is finally going to be served, and this time the glove definitely fits.

The verdicts that proclaimed O.J. and C.J. guilty came thirteen years to the exact day after a Los Angeles jury acquitted Simpson of killing his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ronald Goldman. Coincidently, Simpson carried out this crime on the day the book about his ex-wife’s and Goldman’s murders was published. Goldman’s father, Fred Goldman, is apparently thrilled with Simpson’s incarceration into jail, where he believes “the scumbag belongs”. Neither Simpson nor his partner in crime testified during the trial, and witness testimonies were sometimes “conflicting and contradictory”. Simpson claims, however, that the sports merchandise had been stolen from him and he was simply trying to recover his property. Simpson admitted to taking the items but denied breaking into the room and denied the claims that he or the people with him carried weapons. “Why are they not in trouble?” Simpson asked concerning the memorabilia dealers, named Beardsley and Fromong, according to police reports. Both men testified for the prosecution, although Beardsley agreed Simpson was “set up” and that the man did nothing wrong.

The stoic murderer-turned-thief sat quietly at the defense table as he listened to the verdicts being read and he reportedly showed little emotion. However, defense attorney Yale Galanter spoke with Simpson after the verdict and said he was “extremely upset, extremely emotional”. On the other hand, Simpson’s sister, Carmelita Durio, was sobbing uncontrollably and even fainted as her brother was escorted out of the courtroom. Paramedics had to be called for help.

Sentencing is set for December 5, 2008, and America has yet another O.J. trial to deal with. This one, however, may earn him his very own cell in Nevada State Prison for the remainder of his life. Though this one certainly doesn’t have the shock value that his first trail did (people are used to crazy, old O.J. now), it will be an interesting one nonetheless.

Scams and Fraud Attempt to Keep Philadelphia Voters Away from the Polls

This presidential race could be considered one of the most heated and involved in recent history. With the nomination of Barack Obama for president on the Democratic side and since the selection of Sarah Palin as Republican Vice Presidential nominee, America has seen an outburst of political involvement. For Obama, his strongest assets comes from two demographics: the African American vote and that of the “young people”, that is to say, college students and other eighteen to twenty-somethings like yourself.

Given that, it is fitting that these groups have been the targets of myths and rumors, both nationally and right here in Philadelphia, intended to keep potential voters from the polls.

Earlier this month, fliers were  spread in Philly claiming that anyone with outstanding warrants or unpaid parking tickets could be arrested if they show up at the polls to vote this election. The information is false, and the fliers were distributed in the areas around the campuses of the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, and Philadelphia Community College as well as the predominately African American neighborhoods in that area.

“They were signed anonymously, no one’s figured out who’s behind it, in the new technology age it is easy for people to do things like this anonymously,” said Zach Stalberg, the Chief Executive Officer of the non-profit group, the Committee of Seventy, a non-partisan organization committed to protecting the rights of voters.

The flier encouraged potential voters to stay away from the polls for their own protection. It was written as a letter from someone who claimed to hear that undercover officers would be stationed at polls to catch offenders as they attempted to vote. The writer then claimed to have heard this information in class, suggesting that he or she is a student at one of the surrounding universities. According to Stalberg, although initial blame was targeted towards a disgruntled Republican supporter, Republican’s have rebuffed the idea, saying that it could very well have been from a Democrat to give them a bad name.

“The fliers were put out a while before election day which is a little unusual, a little out of character,” said Stalberg who would have predicted a flier like this coming out only a few days before an election, as opposed to many weeks before. This added time allows groups like the Committee of Seventy to inform voters about its inaccuracies.

To be clear, potential voters need not worry about any outstanding traffic tickets or warrants, but there are some necessary things to know before going to the polls. For new Pennsylvania voters there will be some important information given by mail. “They should get their voter registration card in the mail. They will get a post card saying that they are in the file and where they go to vote. Also it will tell them if they need to have ID. If they’ve already been registered they will not get a new voter card, but they will get the postcard. So they get anytime between Tuesday and Saturday before Election Day. It will tell them whether or not it is handicap accessible,” said Bob Lee, Voter Registration Administrator at the  Philadelphia Board of Elections.

As for the facts on hoaxes like the flier, “They don’t need to know the facts, they just need to take their voter ID and another ID. If someone tries to take away their right to vote, then they should just go to vote anyway, they’re all distractions and nonsense,” said Lee.

If for some reason the voter registration card does not arrive in time, then a valid Pennsylvania drivers license, a student ID, or a passport will suffice. Students should also check with their county to make sure they are registered if they have any questions. For students registering at Arcadia, the number for the Montgomery County Board of Elections is 610-278-3275. The number for the Philadelphia Board of Elections is  215-686-1500 for those registered in Philadelphia. Additional myth busting (for example you will not lose your financial aid by registering at your school) can be found at the Committee of Seventy website, http://seventy.org/Elections_Election_Myths_Exposed.aspx.

View Points, the AU Parents’ Weekend Edition

Who won McCain and Obama’s Town Hall Debate?

Bob Dean,

“It didn’t seem like they were answering the questions, I just think they’re not on the right page as far as what we need. They didn’t explain their views or ideas how they’ll help us.”

Stacy Ricks,

“Obama did! McCain really didn’t answer the questions, he just went around the questions.”

View Points interviews and pictures provided by Photography Editor Ash Wise.

News OP/ED, Page 4

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News OP/ED, Page 4

Opinion: We Always Pay for their Mistakes

Since we were all little kids, we have heard our parents, principals, and teachers preach, “You have to be ready for the ‘real world’ because it is going to be a lot harder than you think.”  The problem is that when our parents, principals, and teachers were giving this gloomy speech years ago they had no idea of the dire situation this country would be currently facing.  Not one of our elders who gave us this lecture encountered the same type of pressure and uncertainty when they made the transition from being a college student to entering the workplace, and they can not fully understand what we are soon going to experience.

Young people never seem to get the respect they deserve in society.  One example is the current presidential polls; cell phones are never called for polling when it is known that 90% of people that are twenty-five and younger do not have a land line.  Our opinion and outlook is too often overlooked.  Many people from the older generation feel we do not have the knowledge or experience to solve problems, when in reality we are going to be the ones who are going to be responsible for fixing the problems placed upon us by previous generations. These same people do not complain when it is us young Americans who pay into their social security system.  We pay but, more than likely, when it is our turn to collect social security forty years from now it will not be there because of more careless mistakes by previous generations.

Essentially, the old people messed up and we are the only ones who are going to be able turn this around because it is not, by any stretch of the imagination, an overnight process.  It is going to take many years for a complete recovery.  We have had no say in the horrible, crippling decisions that have been continually made in our political and economic system, but now as we all get ready to go out and attempt to get jobs, buy houses and cars, and begin our life in the ‘real world’, we are going to be the ones suffering the consequences of countless mistakes.  It’s not fair, but it’s fact.

Under the George W. Bush administration, our country has borrowed hundreds of billions of dollars from nations in the same fashion as a college kid asking a friend for five bucks at Wawa.  “Borrow and spend” should have been the slogan for this administration.  Running the country on a credit card has put us in incomprehensible debt, and made us extremely dependent on foreign nations’ economies.   Currently, our nation is in debt at an estimated $10.2 trillion and the deficit has grown on average $3.3 billion a day since September of last year according to US News & World Report.

With that being said, where is the money for the new $700 billion plus bailout, just passed by the government, going to come from?  The only two options available include taking the hit now and pay as we go with the necessary evil of taxes.  The other option is if the government continues to plan on borrowing money from other nations, like China, in an effort to pay for the plan and put the country in an even weaker economic situation than we already currently face.  Regardless, the people who will have to pay the bulk of all this debt directly in taxes, or indirectly in an even more unstable economy, are the people who will be around the longest, us, the young people.  When previous generations bought their first house they were not under anything close to the scrutiny we will soon be under.  It was much easier to “grow up” and start your own life back then.

According to Monster.com, 60 percent of today’s college graduates move home with their parents after graduation and that number is going to continue to rise.  It is very possible that interest rates will sky rocket even higher than they currently are on credit cards, car payments, student loans, and house mortgages.  With all the analysis that the economic and political “experts” lay out there, the simple fact is the American people are going to have to pay the consequences for the mistakes.  If a sports team makes a ton of mistakes during a game, they lose.  We, as a country, have made a ton of mistakes and we have lost.  Once we realize this fact, we can begin the healing process and fix this country and restore its reputation as the greatest, most powerful, wealthiest country in the world.
Our generation has the burden of dealing with consequences of this problem and the responsibility to be an active part in fixing the problem.  We are the hope for the future.  Once again it might not be fair, but it is fact.

Barack Obama Comes to Abington

It began on the night of the Vice Presidential debates. I was watching them with some real enthusiasts for Barack Obama, most of them Arcadia students. As Arcadia is a very liberal college, it should come as no surprise that many students enjoy getting together to watch the weekly debates. It might have something to do with the constant entertainment provided, especially when the lovely Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, makes a spectacle of herself, as she always seems to do, no matter if you’re on Barack Obama or John McCain’s side. I agree that the American people like to be able to relate to their government officials; however, I don’t think we want someone who describes the average American male to be “Joe Six-Pack”, as the candidate for Vice President.

Mary Cracolice, our hostess, began discussing Obama’s big visit to our own Abington High School the following day. I was really looking forward to going, but faced with the choice of missing classes, and being that I’m a very studious young woman, I decided I couldn’t go. As my night wore on I began to see Facebook statuses informing me of how many of my Arcadia friends would be going to this once in a lifetime opportunity. As someone who never misses a golden opportunity when it’s presented, I grabbed at my second chance to go. So there I was at two in the morning, running around charging my camera and deciding what to wear. I thought to myself, “You never know you might get to meet him”. I frantically called my mom, telling her the exciting news, and she brought to light the fact that if it was two-thirty am, perhaps I should try and rest; I agreed since we were leaving at six-thirty am.

My Manor girls and I were up before the sun rose and were on our way to Abington High School. Of course we stopped for some coffee and stereotypically found Dunkin Donuts full of police officers dressed in their very best, undoubtedly in case Obama stopped in to join them for a donut.  As we parked and began walking down the hill we found that we made it at a pretty decent time of 7am. Yes, it was an ungodly hour to any young student but there were some Arcadia students, such as Libby Kimport and company that arrived around 4am, and had made a little camp-out adventure of it.

Very excited, we took our place in-line about one hundred yards from the gate. Now all we had to do was wait two more hours before we could enter the gates at 9am. As time went by, we watched security setting up metal detectors and saw the masses of people grow into the hundreds that attended. We may have been sleep deprived, but we were certainly glad to have arrived early enough to make it through the gates shortly after 9am. As we were all herded through security, it felt like the hours of waiting would all be worth it. As our group made its way to the right side of the stage I began to shoot all the different camera angels of the podium so that when Obama was center stage I would be ready. Of course, that wouldn’t be for another two hours since he wouldn’t speak until 11am.

Meanwhile, I would have to work to keep my prime spot from all the late arrivals trying to shove their children, armed with their cameras, in front of me and my friends. That’s one thing I learned: don’t mess with amped up college students at an Obama rally. As we all watched the ever-growing line of people on the outside, we counted ourselves as the lucky ones. One minute it seemed that the huge field was wide open and the next there were crowds of people who had been packed in behind us. You could begin to feel the intensity of the eager crowd. I was beyond content. I thought this man could be the next President of my country, and I was going to be right there in the front row to hear his promises of a better future for my country.

As the final hour came about, we couldn’t believe it had been four long hours since our adventure started. We were tired and ready to see Obama! When vans and buses started pulling up, the crowd began to go insane. We heard speeches from several Obama campaign members and Abington’s representatives. A ten year old girl even led the whole audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

It was a heart pounding moment when security finally led a smiling Obama up to the podium on my side of the stage. The people began cheering for Obama; it was like an adrenaline rush. I went crazy taking his picture and joining in the Obama chant. As he started to speak, the crowd slowly quieted their excitement. Every time Obama mentioned making college more affordable the groups of Arcadia students, placed throughout the waves of people, could be heard above all others. I found myself hanging on his every word and felt like he was speaking directly to me. Being an Arcadia student, I especially felt the pains of tuition prices.

After his speech, Obama made his way around the barricade, shaking hands with people in the front of the blockade. Suddenly the hundreds of people behind us where pushing us forward and we were lucky to have an arm hanging over ready to catch his hand. A friend of mine, Kelly Parmiter, President of Pride at Arcadia, was enthralled to have fought her way through the people and was front and center when Obama came around to shake our hands.  She recounts her personal moment with Obama, “When he finally got around to us, and he shook my hand, I held on a little longer than I should have so he would look at me. He did, and I pointed to him and said, ‘You need to focus on LGBT issues!’ He looked directly into my eyes and said, ‘You got it’. I know, I know, it doesn’t seem that big, but to me, it was huge.”

I vaguely recall my handshake with Obama; it seemed to last forever, yet I know it happened more quickly than I thought. Right after his hand gently slipped out of mine and he was onto the next person, I just stood, stunned, and stared at my friend and we both just screamed and jumped up and down with tremendous excitement. It was most definitely with a feeling of having just experienced a once in a lifetime event that can hardly be described. I personally will never forget the ridiculous softness of Obama’s hands, and how I felt as he had been speaking genuinely to his people.

Student Life, Page 5

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Student Life, Page 5

Mr. Beaver 2008 Does not Disappoint

Where in the world is Mr. Beaver? Well, he just flew in from Alaska in the form of Sarah Palin Saturday, Oct. 18.

This year’s annual Mr. Beaver Pageant filled the gymnasium with Arcadia students and friends to witness the crowning of the new Mr. Beaver. Students were entertained by the comedy of Baron Vaughn, who was a great hit. Students who attended this event were encouraged to come and enjoy the annual male pageant, while donating canned foods for charity in exchange for extra raffle tickets towards prizes given out throughout the event.
Contestants this year included Jonathan Porcasi as El Woods, Matt King as John Travolta, Raymond Reinhardt as Posh Bechkam, and Shawn Lovett as Sarah Palin
Each contestant performed in a series of four categories, swimwear, formalwear, talent, and Q and A. In each category performed, contestants competed in the costume of their character along with the hall, club, and sports teams who nominated them.

The event was emceed by Baron Vaughn, a comedian who has been featured on VH1’s “Awesomely Oversexed,” and in the movie Cloverfield.

Vaughn began his act with a joke about singer/songwriter Lionel Richie’s 80’s classic, “Hello.” “That is the creepiest song ever written,” joked Vaughn

His act ranged in jokes about the “10 second rule,” all the way to one about cereal and a high school experience where he mistook breast milk for left over milk transferred from a gallon jug over to a water bottle.

While Vaughn regaled the audience with jokes, the judges deliberated and came to a decision.

The emcee announced the votes, with King as third runner up, Reinhardt as second, and Lovett as the new Mr. Beaver.

The crowd, unhappy about the results began to chant for a recount. “John Travolta should have won, ” said a member of the audience. The John Travolta character was a favorite of many, especially in the talent competition, where King dressed as Travolta, dressed as Edna Turnblad, signing “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” But overall, the judges decided on Lovett’s portrayal of Palin, who had the crowd roaring in laughter during her debate
However, never in Mr. Beaver history has there been a recount conducted after the final results were announced, therefore, the results are standing.

When asked about the whole experience, the newly crowned Lovett was eager to speak. “It was great and I’m glad Arcadia enjoyed seeing me show off too much leg,” joked Lovett. He says he couldn’t have done any of it without the help of his friends and hall mates.

Audience members didn’t walk away empty handed, though. In addition to an evening of fun and excitement, several prizes were given away by SPB, including cash, gift cards, and the ultimate prize, a brand new iPod nano.

Rocky Horror Show Delights and Entices

Arcadia opened up this year’s theater schedule with a bang. The Rocky Horror Show was led by an impressive cast that delivered a play known for its raunchy comedy, taboo subject matter, and homo-erotic overtones. This cast did more than give it justice- they brought the characters to life in a musical that presents no small challenge to the actors.

The show was headlined by Sophomore Adam Darrow as the infamous Dr. Frankenfurter, senior Ernie Miles as the ghoulish Riff Raff, sophomore Laura Gould as Magenta, sophomore Beth Seybert as Columbia, and seniors Lauren Otis and Dustin Karrat as the young finances Janet Weiss and Brad  Majors that were unlucky (or maybe lucky) enough to stumble upon Frankenfurter’s castle. Arcadia alumni Charles Illingworth IV even returned for the Adonis role of Rocky.

The chemistry in this cast is prevalent throughout the show. The comedic timing is spot-on and  each actor really becomes their character. Adam Darrow, as Frankenfurter, was an excellent choice. His costume and movement during his songs gave the performance a burlesque show style that any good Rocky production should. Otis and Karrat hit their roles exceptionally well, with Karrat looking like a mix between Buddy Holly and the father from Fox’s American Dad. The most stand out performance, however, goes to Ernie Miles as Riff Raff. His body movement and facial expressions take on a life of their own throughout the show, often getting some of his best laughs when he isn’t even speaking. Ren Manley also did an excellent job with the makeup for both Frankenfurter and especially Riff Raff, whose facial expressions and features were a big part of the show’s success.

Narrator Hugh Henry Wyatt adds some great comedy as well with his stoic pose and dry humor that is a mixture of a college professor and James Lipton of Inside the Actors Studio (in a good way).

The singing numbers were some of the highlights of the show, which makes sense, this being a musical. The numbers “Damn it Janet” and “The Time Warp” were personal favorites from among the seventeen songs in the production. Lighting and sound was done well, but during many of the solo musical numbers the audience was left guessing at the lyrics. This reviewer was sitting in the back half of the theater, and at times it was very difficult to hear the otherwise excellent singing. Single voices were continually drowned out by the background music. Only Brad Major’s and Frankenfurter’s solos came through completely clear over the music. Despite this, the singing was excellent and when more than one voice was involved the acoustics were very good.

From the beginning to the end this show promises some great laughs. Characters got laughs not just from their lines, but also their interactions with each other. Excellent chemistry is apparent among this cast, easily some of the best seen at Arcadia’s shows. And for a reviewer that has made almost every one of Arcadia’s shows when not studying abroad, this will go down as my favorite so far- and I don’t expect it to be dethroned anytime soon.

Student Life, Page 6

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Student Life, Page 6

Incident Log for Public Safety 10/03/08-10/09/08

Each week the Tower displays noteworthy incident logs from Public Safety’s database. All names and specific residences are always kept private.

10-5-08

Theft:
A student on a bus trip from campus had money taken from her purse.

10-6-08

Theft:
At 6:08pm a student  reported the theft of several pieces of clothing left in a dryer at the Kistler Hall laundry room.

Minor Disturbance:
At 8:44pm there was a minor disturbance inside the library when an unidentified woman would not produce identification.

10-7-08

Theft/Lost property:
Between 12:20-2pm a student placed their wallet under a desk in Taylor Hall.  The wallet was discovered missing when they were leaving the room.

10-8-08:

Harassment:
A student reported that, at about 11:30am, while walking with another student  along Church Road going back to Oak Summit 2 males, inside a white 4-door older model car, made some inappropriate and harassing remarks and comments to the students.

Theft/Lost property:
Student reported that on Monday, 10-5-08, they had left a wallet unattended in a study room and when they returned it was missing around 6pm.

SAFTY TIP:

1. Please do not leave your property unattended in common areas.

2. Be alert while walking. Walk in pairs.  Walk facing on-coming traffic.

3. Call for an escort if needed.

4. Notify Public Safety immediately of any unusual occurrences.

Knights’ Nook

Arcadia’s Own Miss Majestic answers ALL of your questions about love, life and the library!

Dear Ms. Majestic,
I don’t think Arcadia is for me. I thought this place was perfect when I came to visit last year but now, I’m not so sure. I don’t think I fit in. People here are very different from the people at home and I don’t think I’m ever gonna get used to it. I feel really awkward in my classes and the people on my hall are just different. What am I supposed to do? I don’t want to transfer because my classes are really awesome and I love my professors. The problem is just the people around me. I don’t fit in and I don’t know what to do about it.
Out of Place

Dear Out,
You poor thing. I can only imagine what you are going through and I wish there was an easy answer for what you’re dealing with. I’ll assume that you’re a first year student and of so, this is very typical of students like you. You feel like you don’t fit in because no one fits in. At college, you’ll find that everyone goes to the beat of their own drum. Some peoples’ drums beat in sync for different reasons and others don’t. And that’s ok! Don’t pressure yourself to fit in because then you’ll force yourself to be something other than what you are. I suggest you join a few clubs that interest you. At least you’ll have something in common with all of the people who are there. You may even make friends with some of the members and find time to hang out with them at other times. What ever you do, don’t force it. It’s still early in the semester and you have plenty of time!
Ms. Majestic

Dear Ms. Majestic,
I don’t think my professor likes me. From the first day of class I knew there was something peculiar about him but I didn’t know what it was. He seemed like a pretty friendly man but now that’s all changed. He always gives me these weird looks during class and my friends have seen it too. He grades my assignments really hard while he gives my friends all A’s for doing half the work. He never answers my emails or phone messages-which is really starting to annoy me. I’m at the point where I don’t wanna go to class anymore because he makes it impossible for me to deal with him. I don’t want to get a bad grade but I don’t think that I have control over that anymore. He’s horrible!
Pissed off

Dear Pissed,
Wow. I’ve had some difficult professors but none that sound like this. First, you shouldn’t give him any ammunition to use against you in the future so I suggest you go to each and every class. Be prepared and complete each assignment according to directions. Do all of the extra credit assignments and submit everything on time. If he really does have something against you, don’t give him anything to add to the problem. At the same time, if you feel like his behavior is out of line, try saying something to him. I understand that you may feel awkward doing this but that’s how mature people are supposed to handle situations like this-by talking it through. You could even have another faculty member present to help mediate. If all else fails, you have only have 6 more weeks left!
Ms. Majestic

I am coming to you this week from a much better place. For the first time, I have finally been able to manage my time table and make it to all of my classes. This place is a lot of work to wrap your head around. Besides being impossible to find anywhere you ever need to go, it also requires a lot of prior preparation in all facets of your life.

I spent my week doing the required reading, supplementary reading and then taking notes. I feel almost like a real student. I have to say, I still haven’t been able to get my sleep regimented, and I am starting to think that will never be possible.  When the other 20 people that live on my floor aren’t running around the halls and barging into my room demanding that I join them in gallivanting around like I have no work, we are all out in London doing ridiculous things. I find that between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. is the best time of the day to either get things done or disco nap because it is honestly the calm before the storm. My halls make living on third Thomas my freshman year seem even more boring if possible.

Besides work and insomnia, I also spent my week agonizing over the British banking system. If you go to school at a British university they all seem to have reciprocal agreements with different banks and it is supposed to make your life easier. Surprise surprise, it doesn’t! I don’t want to slander a particular banking institution but let’s just say King’s works with a bank called ‘FatVest’ and FatVest IS supposed to woo me into opening an account by offering me a student rail card and all of these other great student gifts. I was caught in their web and skipped down to the local branch with my passport and address verification letter in tow.

Beginning this jaunt on Monday, I seemed to find the branch closed every time I went there. After the third day of this I was not so happy, so I went to my local branch and, after waiting there, they told me to bring them a different letter and then everything would be okay! Well the next day I followed their specific instructions and, what do you know? Still not enough! After talking to at least four FatVest employees that were unable to project intelligent or coherent thoughts through words, I found myself at yet another bank hoping they would be better at everything. Finding myself at a bank that isn’t getting crucified in the stocks, I now have an appointment to open up an account this week. I won’t be getting a swag bag but I think I will at least get some quality service.

I’m not sure whether poverty or the exchange rate will be the cause of death on my certificate but if the money spending keeps going at the rate it is, I won’t be able to write this column for much longer because I will have to sell all of my belongings on eBay. It seems my word count has run out for this week so have a good one and let’s keep our fingers crossed that Sterling takes some insane nose dive and the US Dollar is remarkably worth 30 pounds!

Each week Arcadia Juniot Jennifer Pahcheco gives students a peek into her study abroad journey in London.

AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF WHAT SEX REALLY IS

Walking the dog, double clicking the mouse, having some fun with “JILL,” the one handed mambo, and having some personal time.  Confused? Well, I’m talking MASTERBATION! It’s the safest form of sex…ever.  Come on, you know you love doing it and if you don’t, well maybe give it another shot. Here’s a fact for you, “Surveys have shown that 80% of males and 59% of females have masturbated by age 18. “  Now that’s a good lot of us.  Next time you’re sitting in class look around the room and think how many people probably masturbated in the last twenty-four hours!  That’ll make biology lecture much more interesting!

Next time you are stressed out, go to your room, lock the door (This is an important step! When your roommate walks in on you cranking one out, don’t say I didn’t warn you!), and get down and dirty with your self!  Why in the world does this help relieve stress, when you should be working on that paper for English?  Masturbation releases endorphins, which is the pleasure hormone, and makes you more relaxed. So take a break from studying already!  You know the best thing about masturbation?  It lets you know EXACTLY how you like it, so when you’re with your next partner, you can give them some tips on how to make it the best experience ever! You could even try tempting them by a visual demonstration of how you like it.

If you’re thinking, I like touching myself, but sometimes I need a little extra something then hold on to your…hat! We’ve all talked about sex toys and some of us have even been lucky enough to see “Big Blue” during orientation, but do we dare buy one?  Where do you even start with finding the perfect one for you? There is a great selection out there of sex toys, for use alone or with someone. Dildos, vibrators, clit stimulators, butt plugs, anal beads, and pocket pussies are just some of the items you can get to help please yourself. Any of these sound interesting to you? Some of them do to me; loving myself is a great way to spend a lonely Saturday afternoon.  You can get these fun-filled toys at an adult store or, if you want to be a bit more discreet, you can order offline. Though that would make an interesting trip to the mailroom.  Imagine opening that package in the Chat! Now, if you don’t have the money to buy a toy for yourself here’s a website I found that has some, well, imaginative ideas for homemade sex toys: http://www.homemade-sex-toys.com.  Feel free to give them a try and let me know how they work.  Try it at your own risk. Remember that  I am not at fault if you hurt yourself in the process of getting off!

So are you ready to go have some fun with yourself? You know I am!  Here are some websites you can feel free to check out yourself.  And don’t forget to LOCK YOUR DOOR!!!!

http://www.store.sinclairinstitute.com

http://www.adameve.com

*kiss kiss*

-Sex and Candy

Entertainment, Page 7

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Entertainment, Page 7

Arcadia Theater Season Preview

Got the mid-semester blues? Were your six-week evaluations much worse than you had expected? Well, take your mind off all of your problems and enjoy an evening or two at Arcadia’s Little Theater, where another great season of theatrical entertainment is awaiting an audience!

Following in the tradition of some of the remarkable actors who were veterans of the Arcadia stage in recent years, such as Marc Lombardo, Cindy Spitko, and Peter Roccaforte of last year’s graduating class, the actors in this year’s shows, such as Dustin Karrat, Ernie Miles and Lauren Otis, are sure to continue the tradition of fine performances on Arcadia’s campus.

“I like to make people think and I like to make people laugh,” says theater department chairman Mark Wade. “Last year, I am told, we were short on laughs, so I tried to make up for it this year.”

Make up for it he has, because a lot of fun and funny shows are lined up. What better way to put a little more fun into the start of the theatrical season and put everyone in the mood for Halloween than to start off with Richard O’Brien’s cult classic “The Rocky Horror Show”, which runs in the Little Theater from October 16th to 26th. For those unfamiliar with the show, it is fair to say that it defies simple summary, but everyone in it does a great job and you should see it if you can. But be warned- it draws very large crowds, if opening night was any indication.

“It’s gonna be an awesome experience,” says senior Ernie Miles, who plays Riff Raff in the show. “I think it’s gonna be probably the best musical that Arcadia has put on in many years. It should blow some minds, I hope.”

While most of the season will indeed contain lighter fare than has previously been offered, the first of two Chat shows will be this year’s only drama, Doug Wright’s “The Stonewater Rapture”, a story of teenage life in the Bible Belt, which runs from November 7th to 9th.

A week and a half later, the lighter side of the Little Theater returns with a production of “The Wind in the Willows”, an adaptation of the classic children’s novel by Kenneth Grahame, which runs from November 20th to December 7th and is sure to delight theater goers of all ages.

After a month or so of winter break, you can finish the year with some laughs as Arcadia presents three great comedies in a row. First is Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s darkly absurd “The Visit”, a satire of greed and other human foibles, from February 19th to March 1st.
Christopher Durang’s bizarre and hilarious “Beyond Therapy” is next, a farce involving a young woman’s attempts to cope with some rather unusual relationships.

And in the Chat, the year’s final production, Gore Vidal’s wonderful satire “Visit to a Small Planet” about a time-traveling alien’s plan to conquer the Earth for fun and profit, runs from April 24th to 26th.

All of these shows are sure to be great fun, so don’t miss ‘em!

For show times, visit http://www.arcadia.edu/theater

Brew Review: Keswick’s G.G. Brewers

Nestled on the bottom of the hill just past the train station lies G.G. Brewers. To many it may be surprising that there is a brew-pub at just a twenty minute walk (or stumble) from Arcadia. Although I’ve been going there since I turned 21 like it’s some sort of ritual, I thought this would be a good place to begin for this first edition of the Brew Review. As a general rule, I like to come on Wednesday’s for the three dollar entree menu, but I’ll leave that up to you. But no matter what day you come, the beer list should be the same. Beers are rated as a full glass being excellent, three quarters as good, half as so-so, quarter-full as below par, and an empty glass meaning ‘Natty Light.’

Keswick Light
The Keswick light is by all measurements a pretty standard light beer. I had hoped for more of a differentiation from most American-style light beers (Miller Lite, Bud Light), but it comes across as a beer with the flavor knocked out from under it.  So pretty much a  standard American-style light beer. That said, it goes down easy and its flavor isn’t offensive, but the idea here is to enjoy the beer you’re drinking, and for that I’d order something else, personally. On the other side, I know some of us are trying to watch our girlish figures here, and if light beer’s your thing, this is the one I’d go with out of the two on the menu. Let me put it this way, I would have a Keswick Light over a Bud or Miller any day.

Red Light Ale
This light ale comes off a bit too strong in its raspberry flavor (hence the ‘red’ of the title) and leaves a bit too much to be desired in its finish. It starts off with a fruity nose that is not altogether bad, but the beer lacks a true hoppy flavor that its ale nomenclature suggests. For a light beer it does hold its own in the flavor department, but I would not choose the words “full bodied” as the best description for this one. I would recommend this to the novice beer drinker looking to make the change from fruity mixed drinks to the wonderful world of beer; but for the experienced drinker, I’d hold off for some of the better selections on this menu.

Laughing Wolf
This lager has a mellow, hoppy taste with a very clean finish. While some might question Laughing Wolf’s lack of a strong flavor, I think its smooth taste works well for this particular lager. Laughing wolf puts value back into the word “drinkability” that has lately been sullied by the major domestics like Budweiser and Coors that claim the word as their own. Keep an eye out for the pleasant taste of the hops that pervades in this brew, but beware of how easy this one goes down. I recommend starting out your night with this one to loosen up before you move up to some of the more complex flavors in the likes of Brown Eyed Girl or the Harvest Ale. Take it from me: I wouldn’t drink any more than one or two unless you plan on calling a cab for the ride home.

Brown Eyed Girl
Brown Eyed Girl starts off with a creamy head and a dark body that lets you know right off that you’re in for a walk on the darker side of the beer spectrum. The body has a malty flavor at first that finishes with a bitter bite to it. This is the most bitter beer on the menu, so for those of you into that I would recommend it. I really liked the malty flavor, and hope to see more like this in the future.

Harvest Ale
I’ve always wondered how a beer like this would taste on tap, and I can now say that it is excellent. This beer tastes like pumpkin pie and Christmas all mixed up into one tasty and alcoholic beverage. This is one of those great specialty beers, spiced ales that are typically put out by breweries like Saranac (which I’ve heard is excellent, by the way).  Take a good whiff of this beer before taking the first sip and let its cinnamon aroma sink in. From there on, the mixture of all spice, cinnamon, and clove only gets better; this is like the dessert of beers. Too many of these will leave you feeling a little full and your taste buds over-saturated, so I would only have a couple of glasses of this in a sitting; but they might just end up being the your favorite drinks you have all night.

Amberly Eyes
One thing I noticed right after I received my Amberly Eyes was the lack of a foamy head. The suds were almost non-existent, and for me the head is like the welcome mat of the beer. So, without the proper entrance, the rest of the flavor did not really click with me. In short, Amberly Eyes came off as too sweet. The sweetness dominated the other flavor in the beer, not allowing the drinker to appreciate what else was going on. There was a bitter taste that worked really well, but again, was hard to pinpoint. I’m not sure if I got a bad pour (I came in on a pretty packed Saturday as opposed to the laid-back Wednesday atmosphere and, there being only one set of taps, things might have been rushed), but this was not a beer I would readily go back to.

Entertainment, Page 8

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Against Me! – New Wave

• JAKE SCALICI- Going mainstream does mean losing your touch for these Springsteen loving punks.  Don’t believe me? Ask a host of media sources (Spin said it was the best of 2007) and, despite some initial hostility, the band’s die-hard fans.  Simple punk, catchy melodies, and relevant song writing keep New Wave brief and poignant.  If you aren’t totally captivated by tracks like “New Wave” and “Thrash Unreal”, just listen to the sixth track, “Borne on the FM Waves” featuring a stunning collaboration with Tegan Quinn.  Against Me! may have a major label release but it rocks straight from Main Street.
• HUNTER HOLLIS- A mainstream album is usually the downfall of a great indie band, but this is not the case concerning New Wave by Against Me! Against Me! is a band from Naples, Florida. The band was formed in 1997, which means that they have been around, making positive additions to the indie music scene for a little over a decade. New Wave has experienced mainstream success, being named the best album of 2007 by Spin Magazine. Many Against Me! fans feel like New Wave is hyper produced and that the band was more concerned about a catchy hook on this album than getting a message across. While New Wave is an album where the melodies are what is likely to be the first thing to catch a listener, Against Me! hasn’t abandoned the meaningful lyrics to go along with their hooks. Songs like “White People for Peace” show off the band’s ability to create an album for the old fans and new ones that may just be in it for the tune.

The Ting-Tings- We Started Nothing

• JAKE SCALICI- The Ting-Tings have attitude.  When their video for “Shut Up and Let Me Go” hit FNMTV last summer (What happened to that?), the Ting-Tings’ brand of techno-infused Brit-pop hit airwaves everywhere.  We Started Nothing is cavity-sweet and has more hand claps than Sarah Palin’s puck drop at the Flyers game.  We Started Nothing has rave tracks (“Great DJ” “Keep Your Head”), slow jams (“Traffic Light”), and a little rock (“Fruit Machine”).  Sure the Ting-Tings seem like a campy everyday one-hit-wonder, but listen closer because We Started Nothing has some big fangs.
• HUNTER HOLLIS- The Ting-Tings is a two person band that originated in Greater Manchester, England. The band is taking a new spin on Brit Pop; and their debut album, We Started Nothing, is a blend of quirky music and even quirkier lyrics that may get a “WTF” from first time listeners. The Ting-Tings’ sound is definitely unique and they are incomparable to most other bands, unless the step is taken to call them a White Stripes rip-off band in reverse (the triangles in the Ting Tings’ video for “Shut Up and Let Me Go” and the White Stripes video for “Seven Nation Army” solidify this comparison for me). While the Ting-Tings’ sound is unique, it gets to be a bit far-fetched at times. There are songs on We Started Nothing, like “Fruit Machine”, which have dull lyrics and seem to be about nothing at all, and songs like “Impacilla Carpisung” with indecipherable lyrics that really are about nothing all. “Traffic Light” is a toned down and enjoyable song on the album, with lyrics that can be understood and sung along to. Besides the few singles that would catch any radio listener’s ear, We Started Nothing is an acquired taste.

Jack’s Mannequin Walk on Glass

Typically, a release date being pushed back foreshadows a great album, something that’s being reworked to perfection and fans should be excited to listen to on repeat for weeks after the release. The Glass Passenger by Jack’s Mannequin, released on September 29th, didn’t quite do that.

Jack’s Mannequin is a band from Orange County, California. The band’s lead singer, Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate, is also its founder. McMahon has battled with leukemia and the fear that his illness would keep him from properly promoting the band’s first album Everything in Transit. He overcame his cancer and Everything in Transit fared well it’s opening week.

Jack’s Mannequin’s sound hasn’t changed too much. It’s still catchy piano rock with lyrics by McMahon, but rather than the songs being upbeat “driving songs”, they are all slow, slightly depressing songs that don’t convey that good old Jack’s Mannequin joyfulness. And after getting halfway through The Glass Passenger, the “didn’t I just listen to this song?” feeling starts to kick in. It’s like listening to “Rescued” (a more drawn out song from Everything in Transit) fourteen times. The subject matter in each song is pretty much the same throughout; all of the songs are sort of melancholy and Andrew McMahon is still talking about the solar system.

“The Resolution” is the first single off of The Glass Passenger, and is the best song to single out and pull from the sluggish, dull mess that the album can become. “The Resolution” begins slowly and then picks up at the first hook. McMahon also delivers what a fan would expect of his on this track, lyrically. The first song on the album, “Crashin”, is a good opening for the album and the song “Bloodshot” is a fun song that could easily be sung along too and has hints of a Maroon 5 soulfulness at times. However, on “Bloodshot” the hook gets a bit too… “hooky”. The lyrics seem repetitive, rather than something that needs to be repeated. The Glass Passenger, unfortunately, has no equivalent to “Dark Blue” or “Holiday From Real” from the first Jack’s Mannequin album.

The Glass Passenger wasn’t a complete bust, but it didn’t live up to the first Jack’s Mannequin album. A majority of the songs weren’t worth listening to more than once and those that were still didn’t live up to Andrew McMahon’s full potential.

Entertainment, Page 9

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The Scramble

A Brief Look at New Media

TV on the Radio- Dear, Science

Go out to the news stand and pick up your monthly copy of Rolling Stone, Spin, Alternative Press, pretty much any music magazine, really, and you’ll find something on the latest album from Brooklyn dance rockers TV on the Radio.  Most of the press is a sounds like “ album of the year bait” or “career defining” making Dear Science, one of the biggest critically acclaimed albums since, well, their last release Return to Cookie Mountain.   TVOTR push their unique brand of funky dance rock further than they have before, but Dear Science really isn’t the bees knees, if you catch my drift.  Sure the album has more handclaps than a PGA Tour event and enough grooves to keep you moving all day, but unless you’re into what TV on the Radio is bringing to the table, don’t believe the hype.

Of Montreal-Skeletal Lamping

Of Montreal, frontman Kevin Barnes is a fan of change.  In the beginning, he found himself as a lo-fi indie rocker — a minimalist with sunny guitars and warm falsetto melodies (not to mention the Outback Steakhouse song).   Starting with last year’s Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?, Barnes has morphed Of Montreal into a Prince meets Freddie Mercury prog-pop collage.  Skeletal Lamping comes out of left field with Animal Collective style samples and 80s club beats, not to mention some down-right addictive tracks.  The opener “Nonpareil of Favors”, and second track, “Wicked Wisdom”, might not do it for you, but listen on and you’ll find plenty of moments to replay over and over again.  My recommendation: the sixth track “Gallery Piece” and its Ziggy Stardust era Bowie sound.

Body of Lies Directed by Riley Scott

In the realm of action movies very few directors combine those edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting thriller sequences with solid story telling and actor choices like Ridley Scot does.  Whether it be the dead-on presentation of Black Hawk Down, or the “holy shit this is crazy” moments of American Gangster, Scott has a gift for putting together style and story.   His latest project, Body of Lies, stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe as CIA operatives working to take down terrorist cells.  From the previews and commercials, Body of Lies boasts tons of action (check out DiCaprio’s trigger happy Jeep chase seen) as well as a few twists and mind games (Crowe and DiCaprio’s characters work together, but not really).  Body of Lies looks to be a must-see movie this fall.  DiCaprio’s stock is always on the rise and, really, when has Russell Crowe done something bad (I’m talking movies of course)? Add in Scott and a big budget and Body of Lies looks the perfect recipe for a thrilling roller coaster ride set across a Middle East war zone.

Game of the Week: Fracture

With the holiday season approaching rapidly (wierd huh?), the Tower will be taking a look at a new video game each issue. So if you have any gamers on your list, take note, and this year things can be quick and easy.

Shooters seem to be the hardcore gamer’s dream on any system.  The overall game of the year for the last two years has been a shooter (Gears of War, Call of Duty 4) but not only one with epic gameplay or a badass story.  Both GOW and COD4 were innovative in their approach to their respective types of game.  While Fracture might not win game of the year for 2008 it does offer one of the most cerebral shooters ever.      Set in the year 2161, you play a soldier in the Alliance Army, a group of Americans from the eastern side of the United States.  The purpose of the Alliance is to take down the Pacificans, a group from the western side.  Lucas Arts opted for a run and gun third person shooter with mediocre controls, but they more than made up for one blunder with the innovative weapon and cover techniques.  Using a gun called the “Entrencher” the player can move the earth around him (if its natural ground) up or down.  The ability to make cover by using the ground, not to mention a physics system that takes climbing into account, make Fracture a thinking man’s game.   So if you bought Halo 3 thinking it was going to be good, I’d say check out Fracture and enjoy the ride.

Eagle Eye Not so Dead-On

There’s nothing more frightening than the thought that someone is watching your every move. It’s always been a popular theory that the government could hear you and track you via telephone. In D.J. Caruso’s Eagle Eye, airing on Sept. 26 in both regular screenings and IMAX, the plot’s main focus is on this exactly–that there is someone who can easily track down and control virtually anything via technology.

The movie starts off with a stereotypical government-initiated military blunder and quickly evolves from there to introduce Shia LaBeou’s character Jerry Shaw the brother who was always second best to his sibling and a rather ordinary young man who would later on whip out fighting styles that easily beat those of highly trained law enforcers. Next comes a high-strung single mother named Rachel, played by Michelle Monaghan,
who is lured out of a bar by a mysterious woman’s voice on her phone, threatening her young son’s life, and then thrown into one of the movie’s several high-speed car chases.

After his latest role in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which received less than stellar ratings, LaBeouf returns and takes on a more serious role and, with it, an inferiority complex and scruffy face. He brings with him the sharp witticisms LaBeouf fans are so used to and, paired with Monaghan’s character, they make an odd couple as they run across the country, all the while attempting to either disobey or follow the directions of a female voice that contacts them through the use of various electronics.

The movie combines several frightening aspects, including the dangers of our current technology and the misinterpretations of the United States laws, as well as incompetent government officials. But then again, rarely has politics ever been portrayed as a good thing in any sort of movie.

While the movie does not lack in the suspenseful action thrill-seekers crave, the movie is so fast-paced and so full of exploding vehicles and violent deaths that it seems altogether unbelievable–and not in the good way. There is just too much crammed into the space of two hours, and even then the movie seems like it should have ended twenty minutes before it did in order to seem more plausible. The plot had the characters wandering around in useless circles, doting around here, doing barrel rolls there, and jumping back and forth so often from one place to another that by the end of the first hour the viewer is wondering why they can’t just cut to the chase and head straight. There are a lot of destinations that are altogether pointless, and seem to be thrown in just to up the action ante.

To the viewer who’s after a good, action-packed movie with more explosions than a Mission Impossible sequel, Eagle Eye is the movie to see. With more fire and car chases than makes sense, the movie offers bizarre and out-of-the-world logic, but this can be covered by the highly intense action that doesn’t seem to know how to turn itself off.

Sports, Page 10

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Knights Comeback Attempt Falls short

Arcadia University Field Hockey found themselves down 4-0 to Cabrini College well into Thursday’s second half of play before scoring a pair of goals, erasing any Cabrini hopes at a shutout win.  Cabrini’s 4-2 victory gives them an overall record of 12-4, while the Knights fall to 4-11 with five games remaining. The Knights travel to tough Commonwealth opponent, Messiah, this Saturday.

Cabrini scored a pair of quick goals at the ten minute mark of the first half to take a 2-0 cushion into the break before adding their third, just one minute into the second half.  The visitors then added their fourth unanswered tally in the 39th minute before the Knights would respond.  Arcadia’s Adrienne Altera scored off a pass from Ashley McCarthy on a penalty corner at 40:26 to cut Cabrini’s lead to 3-1.  McCarthy then notched a tally at 16:35 off of a penalty corner to cut Cabrini’s once four goal lead in half, 4-2.  Beth Harris picked up the assist on McCarthy’s score. Despite outshooting Cabrini 18-13 in the second half, the Knights failed to convert any more shots into goals, settling for the 4-2 loss in non-conference play.

Arcadia keeper, Brittany Rasmussen, made the start in the cage, but was relieved of her duties after allowing four Cabrini scores.  She finished with 4 saves.  Rachel Palis finished the game in net for the Knights, making 8 stops with no goals against her.  Ashley Griffith and Ashley McCarthy each notched a defensive save for Arcadia.

Knights Drop Tough Conference Match in Lebanon Valley

Arcadia dropped a close 1-0 game to Commonwealth Conference opponent Lebanon Valley Saturday afternoon in women’s soccer action.  The Dutchmen snapped Arcadia’s eight-game, unbeaten streak as they improve to 8-3-2 and 2-0 in Commonwealth play.  Arcadia falls to 6-5-2 and 0-0-1.

The Knights traded opportunites with Lebanon Valley in the first half and out shot the Dutchwomen 6 to 4. Second half play began with both teams battling in the midfield and Arcadia nearly struck gold at 58:46 as Samantha Calhoun sent a free kick in toward Lebanon Valley keeper Alyson Reitmeyer.  Reitmeyer bobbled the ball but eventually reeled it in keeping the score at a stalemate.

The Dutchmen capitalized on a misplayed ball by Arcadia keeper Jaquelyn Eckert at 66:33, as Sara Drabenstadt served a ball from the right side in front of Eckert and Christine Fraser poked it in for the eventual game winner.

Arcadia outshot 16-10, while the Dutchmen held a 3-0 advantage in corners.  Reitmeyer finished her shutout performance with 5 saves, while Eckert made four stops.

Dutchman Remain Perfect in Commonwealth with 3-0 Win at Arcadia

The Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley College made it thirteen straight as they remain a perfect 4-0 in Commonwealth Conference Women’s Volleyball with a 3-0 victory over the Knights of Arcadia University Wednesday evening in Glenside.  Overall, the Dutchmen improve to an impressive 24-2 while the Knights fall to 8-13 and 1-4 in league play.  Game scores were 25-15, 25-16, 25-17.

Game one featured competitive play with the two teams nearly playing point for point until the Dutchmen built a 15-9 lead, complements of a few Arcadia miscues on the front line.  The LVC lead would grow to 18-11 as some big kills eventually sealed the 25-15 game one win.  Arcadia took a 4-3 lead to open the second game but allowed the Dutchmen to take a 7-4 lead that would grow into a 25-16 game two victory.  While the Dutchmen seemed to control the pace of the third game, Arcadia pulled within three points  as sophmore Kim Lomas hit a powerful solo block to pull Arcadia within two, 10-8.  Arcadia held strong and rallied back again to pull it within two at 17-15 but eventually saw the Dutchmen take command and the three game victory with a 25-17 final game score.

Joelle Snyder had the hot hand for the Dutchmen finishing with 11 kills on 1 error, 4 aces, 1 solo and 1 block assist.  Erin Yost put up 24 sets to lead LVC, while Brandi Roth notched 16 digs.  For the Knights, Kim Lomas led with a team high of 8 kills and two solo blocks while Sam Schad earned 7 kills and 11 digs.  Natasha Wetten notched 11 digs and 5 kills while Rachel Glass dished out 18 assists in two games.

Arcadia travels to Immaculata University on October 25th for their next match.

Knights Held Scoreless Against Dutchmen in Commonwealth Play

Arcadia University Men’s Soccer dropped to 0-2 in the Commonwealth standings Saturday afternoon as the Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley College took a 3-0 win over the host Knights.  The Dutchmen improved to 7-6 and remain undefeated in conference play at 3-0 while the Knights drop to 5-8 and 0-2 in the Commonwealth.

Both team’ played an aggressive first half, clogging up the midfield and spreading the ball around the field but neither team could convert a score.  Despite being outshot 16-3 by Lebanon Valley, the Knights were awarded three corner opportunities but failed to connect to settle for the stalemate at the half.

The visiting Dutchmen came out on the attack to open the second stanza, scoring ten minutes in as Chris Hall beat Arcadia keeper Jeff Krathowill for the 1-0 LVC lead.  The Dutchmen made it 2-0 at 67:20 as Ethan Groff fed Justin Hutchinson for the score and at the 88 minute mark, Joe Kopchik made good on a penalty kick to seal a 3-0 victory.

Kratohwill made 15 stops for the Knights and sophomore Joe Clementi tallied a team high three shots for Arcadia.

ARCADIA KNIGHTS HALL OF FAME

Inaugural Induction Ceremony Held Oct. 10, 2008

Ten alumni were inducted into the new Arcadia University Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 10, in an inaugural ceremony that marked a new tradition at Arcadia–the recognition of the contributuions of generations of student-athletesa and their individual leadershp and accomplishments

“Special thanks to the Selection Committee and the Operations Planning Committee for making the Athletic Hall of Fame and this inaugural induction possible,” says Dr. Jan Walbert, Vice President for Student Affairs.

2008 Honorees

• Vicki Dougherty Bannon ‘93
• Rosemary Deniken Blankley ‘57
• Barbara Cooper Dotson ‘86
• Michael Giuliana ‘90
• Barbara Heylmun Longstreth ‘58
• Elenore Pepper ‘46
• Dorothy Germain Porter ‘46
• Brian Thompson ‘89
• Elizabeth Holton Weiss ‘60
• Jean Lenox West ‘57

Sports, Page 11

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Gillespie, Wiseman Advance in MAS-CAS Singles and Doubles Competition

A pair of Arcadia University first years advanced out of Saturday’s quarterfinal round of singles play at the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation Individual Championship at the Hempfield Complex in Landisville, PA.

First years Megan Gillespie (Oro Valley, AZ) and Kate Wiseman (Milwaukee, WI) seemed to have little trouble with their first round opponents, advancing to Sunday’s semifinals with ease.  Gillespie defeated DeSales’ MaryKate Boylan 6-2, 6-2 at #3 Singles, while Wiseman defeated Lycoming’s Kelly Drinkard, 6-3, 6-3 at #4 Singles.  Nearly making it three Knights advancing in single play was senior Sarah Lapp(Rockville Centre, NY), taking  on Lycoming’s Rebecca Reynolds at #2 Singles.  Reynolds took set one 6-2 but Lapp reversed that with a 6-2 win in set two before eventually bowing to Reynolds 10-6 in the third set tie-breaker.

Junior Cory Mazen (Mendham, NJ) fell to Alvernia’s Jenny McKee 6-1, 6-2 in #1 Singles quarterfinals play.  Other quaterfinalists not advancing were junior Danielle Klim (Elizabethtown, PA), falling 6-2, 6-2 to Messiah’s Sarah Thow and junior Irina Samson (Waymart, PA), downed by Messiah’s Steph Knepper, 6-2, 6-4.  The duo of Sarah Lapp/Irina Samson at #1 Doubles ended their season together as Lebanon Valley’s Sarah Grodzinski and Shayna Heitzelman rolled past the Knights’ top doubles pairing 8-1.

Winners advancing out of Saturday’s Double quarterfinal play were Cory Mazen/Kate Wiseman and Megan Gillespie/Danielle Klim.  Mazen/Wiseman cruised by FDU’s Heather Gehman and Carrie Schwartz, 8-1 while Gillespie/Klim handed Misericordia’s Jennifer Spotl and Ellyn Wingert an 8-1 defeat.  Play continues today at the Hempfield Complex in Landisville, PA.

Why the Phillies Need to Win

In my 21-year-old life I have, like many of you reading this, always rooted for Philly sports teams.  Growing up in New Jersey, I had a fair share of people who affiliated with New York teams, and the occasional Dallas squad (how that works, I’ll never know) around me at all times.  Still, they were outnumbered by Philly supporters and, at the same time, the classic Philly heartbreak.  Last Wednesday when the Phillies, clinched I think, as a city, Philadelphia took a collective deep breath, one of those “this is our time” kind of things.  Around here, the Keswick area had the streets flooded, while, in the city itself, Broad St. was almost impassable as fans got out to celebrate the Phils’ trip to the fall classic.

As a city, Philadelphia needs this.  Constantly lumped in as a place full of beloved franchises with no modern success to show for it.  When it comes to sports curses, the only names ever mentioned are Boston or Chicago, but the fact of the matter is Philly has always had it worse.  Sure it took the Red Sox forever to break their curse, and the Cubs are still trying, but those cities have won hosts of other championships (come on, The Pats and the Bulls), while we Philly fans have stuck by each and every team (ok so stuck by may not be the best way of putting it) just to have our hearts yanked out in the end.  Honestly, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard or said the words, “Next year is our year” or “ We showed a lot of promise, give it time”.  This time I will not say it.  The Phillies have a chance to do what needs to be done for this city and I have full confidence they will. They can take the pressure off Philadelphia, to shut up the writers, to open the flood gates of Philly sports.

Sports in general have ebb and flow about them, a karma if you will.  As much as I hate to do this, I’ll use the New England area to explain this a little more.   The Patriots come out of nowhere in 2001 , beat the St. Louis Rams, and brought a much-needed title to Boston.  They continue to be successful and in 2004 the Red Sox with, help from a former Phil with a bloody sock, break baseball’s most talked about “curse”.   The Sox are still good (who knows, they may even play the Phils — this article was written before game seven) and last year the Boston Celtics, who had very prominent year in the mid to late 80s, made huge offseason moves bringing in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen and brought the NBA title back to the city.  What am I getting at with all this?  The Phillies could be the catalyst the city needs, It may be a stretch to some of you but winning is addictive and there is no doubt Philadelphia and all of the fans of our franchises need a fix ASAP.  There just seems to be more urgency than ever.  In 2004, when the Eagles soared into the Super Bowl, I felt like there could be no greater anticipation for a championship than that. This trip to the World Series has already trumped the Birds’ Super Bowl run.  The Phillies embody Philadelphia; their brand of baseball is scrappy, never say die type of stuff.  Two years in a row these Phillies have clawed their way to the top late in season like a good sports car shifting into 6th.  Now they’re on the home straight away, and for once I must say, I have no doubt they are ready to get the job done.

So next week when you’re at the bar, in the recliner, or sitting by the radio, never doubt the Phillies; they know the situation, they know the urgency. At the same time I’m a superstitious guy when I comes to sports so I won’t say a certain sentence or two.  I just want the pressure off of the mediocre Eagles (mediocre could be changed to good at some point this season), the rebuilt Sixers, and the seemingly abysmal Flyers.   I want Philadelphia to be able to breathe freely and get out of this rut.  The Phillies have a chance to do all of this, a chance to make people look a Philadelphia not as the toughest place to play, but as the best place to win.  This week, get out and paint the town red every chance you get.  Go Phils!!

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Page 12

Front Page

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Front Page

News OP/ED, Page 2

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News OP/ED, Page 3

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Student Life, Page 4

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Student Life, Page 5

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Entertainment, Page 6

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Entertainment, Page 7

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Entertainment, Page 7