November 2009 - Penn State Wilkes‑Barre
Transcription
November 2009 - Penn State Wilkes‑Barre
The Penn State Wilkes-Barre Collegian New Series: Volume 6 Issue 2 Page 1 This issue is chock full of stuff! Enjoy! November 2009 Gone Clubbin’ Lately? Gencina Ricca How many times have you looked up at the blue screens around campus and figured that the announcements have nothing to do with you? From dodge ball tournaments hosted by the Lion Ambassadors to the food drive managed by Students for Justice; there are many clubs and organizations all over campus that you can be a part of. Attention students: don’t be a loser and only come here to learn something and get a degree. There is more to the college experience than going to classes, doing projects, and meeting deadlines; it’s called getting a life. For those of you walking around campus with your eyes closed, here’s a suggestion, come to an SGA meeting on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. in Hayfield 105 and learn about what’s going on around campus, and how you actually have a voice. Our campus offers a slew of clubs and organizations that an intrigued person like yourself can join. Whether you’re someone who is business savvy, nosey and good with words, enjoys the outdoors, an artist of some kind, likes to help their community, or just a freakin genius, Penn State has the club for you. The Business Club consists of business majors who desire to be their own bosses. From trips to New York City to see the inner-workings of large corporations to ideas on managing your own companies, this club is proactive in preparing its members for the corporate world. The Collegian is the newspaper you are holding in your hands this very moment. If you enjoy writing and the idea of sharing your thoughts and creativity with the entire campus and internet, this is just the club for you. Please let us know! The Engineering Club is for you really smart people who enjoy inventing really cool robotic toys. If you’re intelligent and good at creating complicated designs this is the place to be. The Four Seasons Club was established just for you outdoorsy types. If you enjoy participating in skiing, white water rafting, or any other really cool outdoor adventures this is definitely a club you should join. In This Issue 2. The Whatever Generation & “Rude!” 3. Letter from the Editor, Poverty Awareness, & WTF is THON 4. Stride & The Real Deal 5. Sports 6. Artforms & Parking Woes Lambda Sigma is a branch off of the Honor Society Club specifically for surveying majors. If you have leadership skills and are majoring in surveying, grab a hold of your closest Lambda Sigma pal and have them sign you up. The ISTSA (Information Services Technology Association) is a club designed by a group of computer savvy heroes who have committed to come to our rescue and save us from the technological villains that terrorize our campus’ computers. The Lazy Artists’ are more than just their name. Besides their career as the campus DJs, they have a broad range of media in which they express their artistic points of views. From Open Mic Night to the Radio Club, if you’re interested in any form of art these guys will point you to the right canvas. The Lion Ambassadors is a group of cool students who are interested in campus promotion. These awesome people have superior ethical dispositions. If this is you (or you just think what we do is cool) we want you! The Surveying Society is designed for the surveyor in you! If that’s not you, tough luck! Try Students for Justice they’re always looking for some fresh meat. The Students for Justice Club wants you! If you’re interested in helping the campus reach out to community and victims of crime, this is exactly where you should be. This club consists mainly of future crime fighters, but if you enjoy helping others and learning about the legal system don’t be afraid to give them your information and join their club. If you’re still not convinced about joining a club and becoming more involved on campus, well I’m not sure what else to tell you, except that the best part about being involved in a club is the fun people that you’ll meet and the cool things you’ll get to participate in. So if you’re tired of your dismal existence on campus and know that you’re totally awesome and want to share your awesomeness with others, join a club of your choice. @ Check us out Online! http://wb.psu.edu/collegian.htm 7. Writers Corner 12. Advice Column, Top 20 8. What’s Going On?, Trip to the Countdown, & Cryptogram PoPo, Useless Facts, GI Bill 9. Headless Search & 2012 10. Horoscopes, Movie Review, Classifieds, Puzzles, & Comics 11. Photo Corner Page 2 The “Whatever” Generation Nicole Navoczynski Yeats once said: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst/ are full of passionate intensity.” This quote is true to Generation Y, our generation, as becoming increasingly categorized as the “Whatever” generation This coined phrase has become popular and has given teenagers and college students a bad rep for not caring about their future or the consequences of their actions. Let’s go back to the 1960s: the world was changing every day, teenagers, students and even faculty had signs to petition war, gay rights, AfricanAmerican civil rights, women in the workforce, etc. These same people were out on the streets with peace signs on their faces, yelling and fighting for a cause they thought worthwhile. Now we as a generation have our own set of problems, wars, and causes. We seem to not care enough to realize these problems do exist; we have become too wrapped up in our own lives to realize the current events going on around us. We have been called the “Whatever” generation mainly because the generations who came before us fought for the things we take for granted today. Our generation was built on a whole new world of technology. Cell phones and internet have made our lives a million times easier and lazier. Instead of going downstairs to talk to parents, a teenager or student may text their parents to say they are not coming down for dinner. The same kind of thing happens while friends are in the same room. They will talk to each other through text if they are in a group of friends and want to tell a “secret” to a certain friend. Penn State Wilkes-Barre–An epidemic has spread throughout the small town campus, PSU Wilkes-Barre. We in the “Y” generation need a check-up. Have we succumbed to the epidemic of rudeness? Are we the “Rude” generation? According to Tricia Ellis-Christensen, the “Y” Generation refers to the population in the United States born between 1976 and 2000. The “Y” generation is also known as the “echo boomers” because large portions of the population are children of the baby boomers. Other names for this generation are “Millennial,” “Internet Generation,” “Gen Yers,” and lastly, the “Rude generation.” Generation “Y” is the first group to come of age as the internet began to bloom. Gadgets such as cell phones, electric organizers, and cable radio have continued to proliferate. Generations before the “Y” generation did not grow up with such gadgets. Previous generations would consider these items as novelties and completely unnecessary. Generation “Y” grew up with technology and rely on it to perform better. Armed with laptops, cell phones, and social media, Generation “Y” is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Communicating through e-mail and text messaging is preferred over face-to-face contact. When does this tech savvy generation cross the line from a more advanced means of communication to rudeness? Has the epidemic of rudeness really spread to Penn State Wilkes-Barre? “Our generation is rude,” said PSU WB freshman Abby Bachman. Abby said behavior such as texting and talking during professors’ lectures are inappropriate. “Texting during class is rude. You are paying to sit in a class and learn, not text.”Texting during class has become a widespread interruption to most professors and Though we have been named the “Whatever” generation, there are many young people contributing to our community, society and the world. The X generation and older generations don’t take into account how much we strive to better our education. Our parents have given us the tools to know that to better ourselves we have to go to college, get a job, and move out of the house. Being technology savvy gives us the advantage over older generations to better understand how the world works. With the internet at our fingertips, we can learn how to do anything. While some may see this as making us lazy, it endows us with the tools needed to become more enriched with intelligence and an extensive global awareness. I feel as though our generation should speak up against the accusations made about us. As young people, we have the ability and power to make the future a safer and better place. Let’s get up off our gluteus maximuses, start thinking about the future generations and find a cause worth fighting for. It is said one person can make a difference and I fully believe in this. All it takes is one step. teachers on campus.” Out of 14 students polled, 9 have admitted to texting during lecture. “Students disrupt because they feel like they are entitled to do whatever they want because they are paying.” Bachman said. “If you know so much, and are not willing to listen to your professors, then why did you come to college?” asked Dr. Jankowski, English Professor and Director of Academic Affairs. Is it the professors’ responsibility to lay out the rules of the classroom, and abide by them throughout the semester, or should students be aware of the common sense rules to keep them from being rude in a classroom? “While I’m not sure that I see it as my responsibility to teach students what is appropriate behavior in the classroom, I do have a very detailed attendance and participation policy description in my syllabus. So, in effect, I do teach appropriate conduct in the class and how it is reinforced,” said Dr. Berzsenyi, English professor. I would not show such disrespect to students (now technically adults) as to suggest what their behavior should be. I will simply correct them when necessary,” said Dudley Snyder, Chemistry Professor. “I expect people to be taught manners at home, and if they are being taught, they are too busy texting to listen,” said Dr. Jankowski. “You are paying to come here and it costs a lot, and some students would rather listen to their cell phones.” A poll conducted across PSU WB campus, asked “Do you find your classmates behaviors while in class rude?” Out of 43 students, 31 find their classmates to be rude. The remaining students do not find their classmates to be rude, or commented on faculty and staff being rude as well. Out of those 43 students, only 11 felt Rude! Cait Atkins as though they are entitled to do whatever they want because they are paying to be here, and 13 found professors to be rude. “Of course students are rude, but no worse than professors or people beyond the given age of “generation rude,” said Adam Pellek, 23, University Park. “Each has their own amount of equal rudeness; it shows in different ways.” With all this talk about the “Y” generation and being rude, there is no way people born between 1976 and 2000 are the only rude ones in the valley. “I’ve had professors yell “shut up” in front of a class, I was dumbfounded, I would never tell a professor to shut up,” said Pellek. “We may be considered rude, but what about those people over the age of 27? I’ve had everything from ‘shut up’ to if you don’t understand this why are you in college.” Apparently, there is an epidemic of rudeness throughout the “Y” generation, as well as the “Y” generation’s parents, and their parents. Maybe it’s not so much a generational epidemic as a human epidemic. Let’s find a cure. Page 3 Every morning I awake to what I have been dreaming of for most of my life. I see the beautiful Manhattan skyline overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge that separates the two boroughs. I climb out of bed and debate what I want to wear as I sip my black coffee with one sugar. I catch myself glaring at the bridge and the river surrounded by moss covered rocks that are continuously walked upon. I try to fathom the number of relationships that were born on the exact spot where I stand, or the number of people who have twisted their ankles on the same rock on which I twisted mine on my first visit to the Brooklyn Bridge. Nope. I’m not in New York City, not yet. A crumpled picture of the Brooklyn Bridge hangs on my bedpost and inspires my dreams of someday becoming a journalist. Over these past two months, I have been dreaming of my picture more and more. A lot has changed since my first visit to the bridge and many more inspirations have been tacked onto my Brooklyn Bridge picture, such as my first article ever to be published in The Collegian, a Penn State paw print, or the splendid group of people, I have met who make The Collegian possible with their endless efforts and aspiration. I am still getting use to working with The Collegian newspaper itself, so I would like to Letter From the Editor apologize to the writers and staff for my lack of knowledge on AP format, and for my many quirks. I also want to share how much I enjoy working with all of you, and getting to know all of your quirks as well. Where would The Collegian be without you? I get excited when I walk up the old metal stairs in the Hayfield House and open the second floor door to listen as room 212 sounds like a real newsroom. But, what is more exciting to see is a newspaper issue completed in my hands. The newspaper, wrapped in its wire bows, distributed throughout this campus. This gives me and the other staff members of The Collegian a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially when we see the students, faculty, and staff spend time looking at the work we’ve created outside the classroom. The Collegian is not just for the people who are listed on this roster. It is for anyone who enjoys reading it, partaking in leadership, and enjoys writing. Sure we slack off and enjoy being unproductive at times; but we do not bite, and always welcome new faces to Hayfield 212, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:15. I recently left a school at which I was very comfortable and had a good group of friends. Sometimes, in order to realize how strong of a person you really are, you must step out of your boundaries or comfort zones, and be open to meeting new people, and try some different things. I was hesitant at first, but after a long summer of a stomach filled with butterflies, I stepped foot onto Penn State WilkesBarre. I was nervous, and the first couple weeks were difficult for me to adjust, but “I kept on keeping on,” as Joe Dirt would say. Now, two months later I have met people who have helped me, professors who have inspired me, and classmates who have become my friends. I want to say thank you. Thank you for making my adjustment as a transfer easier and for helping me feel like a true Penn Stater. I am excited, and continue to look forward to working with everyone in the Penn State community. I am excited, and honored to be an editor of The Collegian. Let’s continue to move ahead with debating about articles, and scoping out information from our readers about what is happening throughout our campus. So far we have produced a successful issue, and we hope to send out several more before the closure of the semester. I will work my hardest to help lead The Collegian staff to a successful end of the semester. Sincerely, Cait Akins, Co-Editor Poverty Awareness Meal Touches on Important Issue within Economy By: Brieana Mitchell In a nation known as “The Land of Opportunity,” more and more statistics come out about the rising issue of poverty in America. While our government officials are worrying about the “important” issues such as warfare and politics, 42% of the people in the United State are living in poverty; making $35,000 or less a year will place you in this category. The issue of poverty is overlooked in our own society, but it’s becoming more of an issue each passing year as families struggle more and more to make ends meet, especially in today’s recession. Poverty is not an issue of little means. However, in the United States it’s more about power and those who control our society. Too few American citizens have limited access to the necessities of life, such as healthcare, education, and decent jobs. The people who do reap the ben- efits of this “perfect” life account for a low 25% of the US population. Everyone else is left with the choice to try and eat or be eaten. Although this issue is too often overlooked, once a year our nation sets aside a day to raise awareness of poverty throughout our country. On November 17th, the Campus Environment Team will hold their annual Poverty Awareness Meal, an event that attempts to shed light on the ongoing issue of poverty. Participants will randomly be placed into an economic class level (upper, middle, lower), seated, and fed according to their assigned class level. Class levels assigned are kept hidden until the day of the event. All proceeds of the benefit will go to the Back Mountain Food Pantry. Tickets will be sold two weeks prior to the event held in The Commons Chalet Area for a $3 donation. WTF is THON? Haunted Forest, Penny Wars, T-shirt sales are just some of the fund-raising events hosted by Penn State Wilkes Barre’s student-run committee called THON. At this point in the semester I’m sure you’ve all heard of it. But do you have any idea about what it is and why these students continue to raise all this money? Until recently I didn’t have the slightest clue about THON. All I knew was that it was something a bunch of people on campus were involved in. After talking to a few people and learning about it, I realized that Thon is a pretty cool group to be a part of. The name THON is short for Penn State IFC/Pan-Hellenic Dance Marathon, which is an annual two-day event held in the Bryce Jordan Center on Main Campus. Its purpose is to raise emotional and financial support for children with cancer, their families, and the researchers and staff of the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Children’s Hospital. So far the Four Diamonds Fund has contributed more than $52 million, with the help of THON, in effort to conquer pediatric cancer. The students involved in THON commit to a year-long effort in order to raise funding and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. This year Penn State Wilkes-Barre THON members will support Tristen Waters and his family. Tristen is four years old and finished his last chemotherapy treatment in November 2008 for Wilms Tumor. The money THON raises will help offset the cost of treatment and other ex- By: Gencina Ricca penses. Any Penn State student interested in being a part of THON is welcome. They hold their meetings in the Gym room 102 on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. THON participants raise money by going “canning” (which is standing in front of grocery stores with cans asking for donations), by soliciting donations from small businesses and corporations, and through other fundraising events. So if you want to make a difference in a kid’s life head over to the gym this Tuesday during noon hour and check out what’s happening with THON. Page 4 Hitting Your Full Stride Nicholas Turner October is very colorful. Along with the changing colors of the leaves, you will also see a lot of the color pink, representing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From hair salons doing pink highlights to the involvement of the National Football League, there are various people and organizations helping with this cause. I took the time to witness how far people will go for a cause that supports women suffering with this affliction and the families that support them. For the past five Octobers, Philadelphia has hosted a 3-day Benefit Walk. On October 16th I got on the turnpike and headed south for Philadelphia. As I drove, the rain poured, and, while I was safe and dry in my four-door sedan, the Benefit walkers trudged through the rain in Willow Grove just northeast of the city. As the rain cleared and night fell, my trip ended with an arrival at a friend’s house, while the walkers camped outside for the night. Sleeping inside, in warm, dry air, I could not even begin to relate with the walkers’ night. Considering location and weather, my decision was to center my attention on one location. Where else but city hall in center city? City hall was a major stop on their route and on Saturday night the tower of city hall was lit up a proud pink. Sunday morning I woke early and after a refreshing coffee, I took a spin down Broad Street heading directly to city hall. Countless people passed along the side of city hall, ponchos and all. I conducted a brief interview with Kelly Steinbeiser, a member of the event staff. She informed me about the five-year history of this event and told me that over 26,000 people walked through the city on Sunday morning. While this particular event lasted only three days and National Breast Cancer Month only thirty-one days, one should never forget about those who inspire it. The victims, surviors, and their families–all the lives that have been affected by cancer. I have been down that road, and have experienced the pain and confusion of losing someone to cancer. For the longest time I couldn’t understand what happened, wondering if something could have been different. I read all the information I could find, but only found more confusion. The seemingly random selection of victims that cancer strikes: old, young, middle-aged, male or female and only theories are presented about the cause. It doesn’t seem fair to some people, and it didn’t to me. However, now almost a year after my experience and after witnessing the dedication of these people, I feel almost selfish. I focused all my time on the cause, and never once thought about what I could do to help find a cure. Whether it is October, November, or January we should never stop fighting for a cure. Life is priceless and immeasurable, so get involved in trying to preserve life. Help those fighting cancer, remember those who have lost the battle, and join those searching for a cure, because everyone deserves a future. Life’s the Real Deal… Brieana Mitchell On Tuesday October 6th, Penn State Wilkes-Barre hosted their 2nd annual Youth Symposium, a program geared towards high school students from around the area. This year’s focus was justice, violence, and tolerance. Over 300 students came to campus to learn how to do the right things in the course of their lives. Students attended various workshops that touched upon varies topics from healthy eating to internet safety. Other topics included the dangers of engaging in gang activity and how to deal with daily stress. Keynote speaker Alma Johnson hit home as she spoke to the students and read an original poem she composed about her experiences of stealing money, getting caught, and being processed through the juvenile justice system. She spoke with conviction about how lives can be reversed if you make amends for mistakes by getting involved in more positive activities. Johnson emphasized throughout her presentation how the life of crime she led impacted her permanently as she was left with a Not a Reality Show criminal record that changed her life. Also included at the Youth Symposium were team-building activities. A rock climbing wall was provided by the local fire department as well as a demonstration about what it takes to become a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper. Students saw the world through impairment goggles and a DUI simulator. Students also got a tour of Luzerne County’s Mobile Emergency Command Vehicle. Campus clubs, Lion Ambassadors, and Students for Justice were present at the event leading students throughout the event as well as handing out door prizes. Advertise In The Collegian! Half Page 10 1/2” x 8” $50 Quarter Page 5 1/4” x 8” $35 Business Card3 1/2” x 2” $25 W! RO sG pu Hel To request information or to place an ad, contact Dr. Steven Putzel at 570-675-9136 or SDP4@psu.edu *All ads are subject to approval by the Collegian Staff 2009-2010 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Kicking Off Marissa Duffy The leaves have changed, the cold is setting in, and basketball season is finally here. The men’s and women’s teams have been awaiting this season since summer play, and are looking forward to put their thumb prints on Penn State Wilkes-Barre with a successful season. On the men’s side, fifteen talented players have set high goals in order to make a run at the playoffs and upset some top competitors. “As a group we have two main goals: first, to get better every day and second, to make the playoffs. With our athleticism and depth we are ready for the start of a new season,” said Coach Minor. The men kicked off with the Luzerne County Community College tournament November 6 and 7. Their first PSUAC, December 2 at 8:00 p.m, is a home game against Penn State Schuylkill. As for the women, getting players to come out for the team continues to be a problem. There are currently eight players on the roster. The lack of bodies is shaping up to be a blessing in disguise as the girls mesh very well together and have the heart and grit to turn some heads in the PSUAC. “We are on the radar now. Teams last year were shocked by our progress considering that we are the newest team in the PSUAC. Don’t judge us by our numbers. We will be on look out to climb rank in the PSUAC,” said Coach Monick. The ladies also tip off on Dec 2 at 6pm against Penn State Schuylkill. Please support our teams this season and look for the basketball updates and game times on the blue screen. Good luck to both teams! 2009 PSU WB Baseball Season Outlook Matthew Buffano “Hit to center or miss to right,” in essence serves as the unofficial motto of the 2009 Penn State Wilkes-Barre Nittany Lions baseball team. It is a simple message that first-year manager Sean Foley is trying to convey to his inexperienced and untested group of college students-turned-baseball players. Pulling the ball is rarely a quality that is valued on a team, but on a team filled with players who are somewhat inexperienced at the plate, it is a relatively new objective that will be hard to get past. These words and teachings are from manager Foley. Foley served as a bench coach/catcher specialist in his half decade at King’s College. The future of this team is unknown, but the potential for success is certainly present. The core of a baseball team lies in the center of the diamond; the catcher, pitcher and center fielder. Shaping up to be the catcher is freshman Corey Timek. Timek played infield, outfield and catching in his time on the Varsity squad. Timek is an athletic player who can literally play any position on the field. The rest of the infield could set-up as followed on opening day come Spring: Ryan Phillips, first base: J.P Mericle, second base; Chris Hettes, shortstop; and Kyle Jola, third base. Phillips, elder statesman at first base, is said to serve as the unofficial captain of the team. Mericle plays with enthusiasm, gives it his all, and it shows. Set up at shortstop is Hettes, who has not played baseball since freshman year at Wyoming Valley West. He focused on football in high school, and suffered a season-ending Page 5 injury early in his senior year. At third base is the experienced power-hitter Kyle Jola, another graduate of Wyoming Valley West. The infield is shaping up to be the strong suit of the Nittany Lions. Penn State has physical strength coming from every position. Shortstop, Hettes co-signs the statement, “We are very physically strong. Our workouts have the team benching an average between 250 and 300 pounds.” The cast of outfield players is cloudier than the infield. No positions are set in stone, though the lead roles can be assumed. Ryan Williams looks to be patrolling left field; Tom Horn, the all-business character of the team, is a very important piece to PSU WB having success this season. Horn’s effectiveness comes majorly from his left-handedness, both hitting and throwing. Baby-faced David Fay could possibly come out on top in right field, earning the starting spot over John Barreto. Derek Sanchez is another outfielder that can undoubtedly push the assumed starting outfielders with his competitiveness. Pitching could end up being the Achilles heel of the team. “Pistol” Pete Kelley, a Tunkhannock graduate, looks to be the ace of the staff. He was originally set to attend Shippensburg University, but ultimately chose PSU WB. Not only can Kelley carry the team with his pitching, he has good speed on the base pads and would be a logical choice as the leadoff hitter. The rest of the pitching staff is where it gets dicey. Hettes (no High School experience), Phillips, Fay (played for Troy High School, team was 2-17) and Timek (no High School pitching) are going to be looked upon for pitch- ing assistance. All-in-all, the PSU WB Nittany Lions could be on their way to success. Not many reasonable thinkers would proclaim that PSW-B will contend for a Conference title this season, but by hiring Foley and gathering a harvest of ambitious players, they have set sail in the right direction. The season does not begin until March/April, and in the meantime throughout the winter the team will be practicing inside doing conditioning drills. They are potentially planning a trip to Florida to play ball in the sun, against top-notch competition. This will not be the last you hear of the baseball team on campus. Catch the action (when it gets underway) at Hilldale Park. You Can Only Choose One Side Matthew Buffano The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees won the pennants in the American and National Leagues, respectively – leading to a grand World Series matchup. The two teams are hands-down the most relevant teams in Pennsylvanian’s houses. The “other” Pennsylvania team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, is the most down-trodden team in the majors, as in 2009 they missed the playoffs for their seventeenth straight season. The “other” New York team, the Mets, had a rolodex of baseball stars rotating on-and-off their disabled list, as they finished on the outside looking in at the playoffs. But, the Phillies and Yankees will forever have two of the strongest fan bases in the world, regardless of their season’s outcome. In a poll of fifty-seven students on campus (about 2/3 male, 1/3 female), 56% of students said they wanted the Yankees to win, and 44% of the students were rooting for the Phillies (there was no “neither” option). Sophomore student Mike Farrell is enthusiastic and Continued on Page 6 Page 6 You Can Only Choose One Side Continued from Page 5 passionate about his lifetime favorite team, the Phillies. He stated, “I was rooting for the only team, the hometown favorite, the Phillies,” he continued, “anyone that roots for the Yankees deserves a punch in the jaw!” As you can tell, the matchup was important and put people’s pride on the line in this series. Yankee fans are no less obsessive than Phillies fans, highlighted by freshman Corey Timek. “I’m not surprised they won, I called them winning in six,” said Timek. He closed with a quote about Phillies fans, “A generalization: they are nuts! But Yanks fan are the same way.” And this is true, Yankees fans are just as crazy and overzealous about their baseball as Phillies fans are. New York and Philadelphia are two of the biggest markets in America, and for every calm, knowledgeable fan – there is a drunken fool yelling slurs at opposing players. The game itself was not the epic game to end all that it was hyped to be. There was no standout memory from any one game, there was no “instant classic,” there were no truly jaw-dropping performances; it was ordinary. It went six games, which is always a plus, but none of the games were real edge-of-the-seat thrillers that came down to the wire. The 2009 World Series brought MLB out of the cellar in terms of television ratings, providing FOX with the highest numbers of viewers since 2004. The lasting thought I will have of this World Series is that, I hope that fans appreciated what they saw. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Robinson Cano, Hideki Matsui, Andy Pettite, Cliff Lee, C.C. Sabathia, Raul Ibanez; this World Series had more big names and future Hall of Famers in it than any other in recent time. And in the past five seasons, our area has seen the Phillies leave, while the Yankees moved into Moosic. Several of the stars of the Series called the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area their home for a season or two before getting the call to the bigs. In the end, the Yankees took the Series and Hideki Matsui won the World Series MVP award. 2009 ended the Yankees’ ten-year drought without a fresh World Series trophy in their possession; my guess is that their success leads into 2010. Art Forms Shared on Campus Throughout the year Penn State WilkesBarre offers a lot of culturally enriching activities. On October 8 for Hispanic heritage month, Penn State WB hosted award-winning spoken word artist Gabriella Garcia Medina. Spoken word is a unique style of delivering poetry that gives emphasis on how the poetry is performed. Medina is a poet who delivers her poetry through spoken word with a passion. Her topics range from social changes to how her underwear makes her feel empowered. Medina’s Abby Bachman poems leave you with a different impression of how poetry can be delivered. On Thursday November 5, Professor Frank Little Bear came for two performances to share Native American culture and dance. Little Bear and his performers shared different dances and history about Native Americans and their culture. They performed many different dances that captured different ideas about their Native American culture. Professor Littlebear is from the Cree Nation. He explained some of the Parking Woes Have you ever had a class in the Tech Center, the science building, or in the Nittany Courts and couldn’t find a place to park other then the open faculty parking lot? Have you ever been late to class where your teacher gave you the regular speech on how you should arrive on time? Well you’re definitely not the only one. Realistically, you would not have been running so late if you did not have to search high and low for a place to park your rusty steed only to find out that the only place to park is the main lot on the other side of campus. Some of us have teachers that mark us absent if we are late to class, so we decide to take the chance and park in the faculty parking lot and Originally published by Scott Adams differences through the dance. They allowed the audience to participate by teaching some of their dances. Be sure to watch the blue screen for interesting upcoming events! Angie Baloga hope to avoid those crazy parking fees that start at $15. Funny isn’t it? The broke college students that work minimum wage paying jobs, have to pay to park when the spots run out. We the students have to pay extra parking fees for our college education while the professors and faculty have their own (most of the time) half empty parking lots. I’ve heard so many complaints about this parking situation and asked one of the freshman students about the problem and she had this to say, “Every day I set my alarm ten minutes earlier just to make sure I get a place to park, I have a lot I have to pay for while going to college, and I hate worry- ing about the extra money I’m going to have to come up with at the end of the semester just because I parked in an empty parking spot. We pay the professors and we pay to come here so why pay even more to park somewhere?” One ticket after another and no one seems to understand that students are working hard to pay their school loans, and now these parking tickets. While this has been going on since my dad attended our campus back in 1976 this issue may never be resolved. Remember while you’re at work to work an extra two hours so you can pay for the parking ticket you may get today! Writers’ Corner Page 7 Follow Me “Doubt” By: Nicole Navoczynski By Jennifer Shubilla Light is darkness with hate to harness Control like a net, Caught a ghost called loneliness Heat and ice, frozen cold to the marrow No blanket for the heart No warmth for what is not mine. He consumes me all, Heart, thought and memory as a dream’s repeat, he always arrives in shut-eye, on time His voice in every song, His name in every breath of sugar-frosted air, every slice of my soul complete, every flicker and every beat. I never heard so clear a name as his I only ask for a sterling diamond second chance, I await his reply, thirsty and hungry in love’s line. The bright lights just beyond the corner of her eye She followed it in a mystical sense, unknowing, unaware She could hear a calming voice that trickled from the sky There’s a whole different world out there. And she felt the warmth of a distant place the chill of a challenge on the way She visualized the details of an unfamiliar face And wandered to her delight and dismay. Contradictions amid her illustrious mind Curiosity making its peak Was it worth it to leave everything behind? Would this prove her strong or weak? No time to decide what is and is not No answers to be found just yet around here She heard a whisper from an adjacent spot, “We’ve been waiting your arrival, my dear.” Now she hadn’t had time to figure it out if she had been dreaming or living a myth But this thing that spoke had tremendous clout and she was forced to hesitantly come with. She looked all around her at nature and its creatures And the night time air that sparkled as did her eyes At the lake and the trees with magnificent features And pondered the truth among lies . Everyday By: John Bailey You have the handle on the door to everyday With that sort of reflective glass So that you cannot see through It looks like you’re giving yourself a handshake. The gruesome greeting forces you to get along With an image of worthiness So nod your head and swipe your card as proof Of identity in this place And walk into work. Song Song Glory of my Heart By: Sarah Ferrier Sing song, sing song Does my voice move you? Can you hear in three dimensions? The sing song glory of my heart? What you hear; what they hear. What I hear, oh listen. Sing song sing song I hope my voice will move you. “Nature’s Suicide” By: Nicole Navoczynski Insomnia drags my corpse around. It speaks for days in sagging eyes and engorged skin. There are not enough coffee breaks to wake me from this comatose-like state. The hellish hues of coral consume me; the rusty shackles around my legs. I wear a muddy sleeve with my beating heart soaked in the coffee-covered lies and stained tears that drop like crying clouds. These pathetic lines seek no empathy or sympathy, just antique-colored understanding or maybe a hug from a bear-of-a-tree-human being. But instead, I find the wrong, tall one of nature and fix myself to hang from the highest chestnut growth that is embedded like a sore thumb or a broken leg with the marrow projected out from the skin. The wretched leaves as droplets of blood; drip, drop, drip, drop, down to be suffocated by the emerald blades that look more like daggers than grass. Everything must die eventually. “The Abandoned Wanderer” By: Nicole Navoczynski Ask him how he’s doing today If you’d like a taste of cynical contradictory He holds onto twilight obscurity because he fathoms nothing else. If there is any slight flare of illumination, any brilliant fire by way of flames, He quickly chokes such a candle with his bare, calloused hands Blasts it to the ground where he lives, resides in the abysmal darkness, Forever in affliction with imperfect, glum, disfigurement The blisters and scars of his dead past Haunt him as gray ghosts in his desolate home. By: Michael Calore A scent of burning embers from fires unseen is carried on chilling winds. The air is cold enough to afford a familiar burning sensation. Autumn nears. Most leaves are still green, except for a few small ones near the bottom of each tree. Silence settles in the valley this time of the year. It seems that the world grows reverent when Old Man Winter comes, as if he is respected. Maybe rightfully so. It’s the quiet frigid that judges us. It forces us to bond… to commune. Those that are mindful will endure the harshest winters. In the dark, I hear geese calling overhead. I wonder if they’re the last convoy out of town. A singular moth circles around a lamp post. Still attracted to the dazzling light, I suppose. I imagine he wasn’t paying attention when the others started to leave. He won’t make it. As for me, I like the silence. I listen. Perhaps God will whisper something as the leaves rustle. Perhaps He wants me to whisper something to Him. A “Thank you” seems fitting in this weather. The colder it becomes, the more we come to each other. We grow closer when we’re reminded of our frailty. How many loves were borne from a chill? Oh! How that sensation can make us forget we were even cold to begin with! The rolling steam from a lover’s lips radiates a warm security. Watching her flowing hair fall around her face is more graceful than the dancing oranges, yellows and reds Mother Nature can yield. A coy smile burns the soul more than meagerly crackling flames. Even the mere thought of her enlivens the spirit. Yet, I sit here with only a moth to keep me company; I’m still listening and wishing I had her instead of the moth. I’m not quite sure what I didn’t say or do. Perhaps someone else’s words were warmer or arms more inviting. Perhaps I was so dazzled by the light that I didn’t notice my opportunities soaring by. Another chilly bluster passes and the leaves rustle. “Thank you”, I whisper. I pull my jacket around me tightly and stand. The moth is still circling the lamp post. I wish him luck and walk inside. Interested in submitting your written or drawn art form? Submit it to Gencina Ricca GMR5076@psu.edu :) Page 8 What’s going on around Campus? Feeling Lucky? Happy Friday the 13th Penn State Wilkes-Barre! Dodgeball Tournament Tonight! It’s that time of year again, the semi-annual PSU-WB Dodgeball Tournament! Those who may have played last year could recall that it was a lot of fun. Don’t want to play? No problem! Show support by coming out to the game. What: Dodgeball Tournament Who: Lion Ambassadors and Surveying Society Benifit Where: Athletic Recreational Building When: Today (Friday 13, 2009) at 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm How to Join: Walk ins are accepted to this event. Teams consist of 6 people, $5.00 per person for a total of $30.00 per team. Double-elimination tournament. Penny Wars ends Today Penny Wars which benefits THON (See our article on THON on page 3) ends today. Thanks to all who have helped through your generous donations. During the lunch hour today THON will announce who the loser is which will be pie’d in the face and the winner who will pie the loser. Stay tuned for more fun THON benefit events! Poverty Awareness Meal Please sir, may I have more? Some of us take the luxury of PSU WB chicken wraps and the vending machines for granted. For those that don’t know, the poverty awareness meal allows students go get a good glimpse of what goes on in the different economic classes such as Upper, Middle, and Deprived. Students participating in this event will be placed into a group randomly where they will experience how the other half lives. For instance, deprived students will sit on the floor eating ramen noodles and water. This Collegian staff member thinks that this will be an interesting event. Check out our story on the meal on page 3! When: Tues., Nov. 17 Time: 12 Noon to 1 pm Where: Cafe Commons (High Ceiling Chalet Room) Cost: $3.00 Donation (Faculty/Staff & Students) Thanksgiving Break Get ready for Thankgiving Break Penn-Staters! Slip away from classes beginning on November 23 to November 30. Enjoy your time off! Trip to the PoPo Robert Danko Jr. On Friday, October 30, 2009, students from the Students for Justice Club journeyed to the Pennsylvania State Police Training Academy and Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The tour of the facility allowed those attending to gain an understanding of the process of applying to the academy, the expectations of those attending the academy, and the rewards of those who complete their training. Also, those attend- ing benefited from a tour that included a history of the Pennsylvania State Police. While visiting, everyone enjoyed a visit to the horse barn to view the animals and listen to a brief history about their mounted division as well as feed and interact with the horses. If anyone would like more information about this trip or the happenings of the Students for Justice Club, please visit on Tuesdays in the blue room of Cafe Commons. Useless Facts Thanks to world-english.com for the following. Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a “Friday the 13th.” Coca-Cola would be green if colouring weren’t added to it. Of all the words in the English language, the word ‘set’ has the most definitions! “Almost” is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order. Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people. Honey is the only food that does not spoil. Honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs has been tasted by archaeologists and found edible. Page 9 Headless Undead Search to Reclaim their Heads John Bailey If the rotten pile of partially decomposed limbs, conveniently missing its head, asks you for your homework, get out of class. Do not fall for these tricks. More than likely you will smell it before you actually see it, stumbling into the back of the room, where it will take a seat. So, we here at The Collegian implore you, leave at first sniff. There have been reports by teachers and students alike that classrooms have been haunted by this lazy, headless being, probably escaped from the haunted forest last month. When asked, Dr. Putzel explains that, “It thinks it goes unnoticed hiding there in the back of class, but it’s pretty obvious. In fact, it will even make a sort of grunting noise every so often, as if it can’t control itself. I am beginning to doubt the absence of its head, and to wonder if all it really wants to do is disrupt the class.” Students say that the creature does, in fact, have a voice, however impossible that may seem, and that it appears intent on getting its homework done by copying it from other students. But be warned. For if you comply with its demands, you may well soon be missing your own head. But it doesn’t start there. When an individual first contracts the germ, he does not immediately lose his head. At that time, he may appear to be “normal,” but will have begun to contract many of the symptoms associated with headlessness. Health officials across the state have classified these persons as “stage ones” or “helpless.” This point in the decomposition process is characterized by bleeding in the brain, as well as swelling. This is a condition caused by a rapid increase in blood pressure, and will invariably cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These creatures feed off the result of others’ hard work, and need it to keep their heads. You should look out for them in group projects, where the life of your presentation will no doubt be devoured by the heap of flesh that makes up the fourth and completely unmotivated member of your group. In order to help you avoid these unfortunate situations, The Collegian staff has identified a number of traits that could help you identify these soon-to-be-undead derelicts. These will of course be in addition to those symptoms listed above. 1. Donut eyes (glazed, with red sprinkles) 2. Raccoon eyes (massive bags lining the socket) 3. Lack of arm strength (cannot raise hand) 4. Inability to formulate complete thoughts Also, these stage ones will often be found repeating themselves, in both word and action. Indeed, our worst fears have been confirmed. The epidemic is spreading. Over the last three weeks, sightings of many headless Penn State WilkesBarre students have been reported aimlessly roaming the campus, searching to reclaim their heads. And it may be yours, so be on guard. Looking at the statistics, outbreaks seem to be more frequent in locations like the parking lot, or all throughout the Student Commons. In an attempt to slow this wave of contagion, it is strongly recommended that students spend their free time in the library. So far, this is the only known place of refuge, and the best hope for retaining your head. December 21, 2012 - A Day of Pandemonium Oh no, the Mayan calendar is coming to its end! Oh no, a black hole is on its way! The world is about to end. What should we do? Exactly what the government wants us to do. Spend money! I believe that the government is trying to fix our little economy problem. What better way to put in more money than to scare people? If you convince a person that they are going to die in a certain amount of time, they might decide to spend their money on things that they never thought they would be able to spend money on. If a person has only a few years to live, they might travel to their dream vacation, or buy things to enjoy what time they have left– expensive things. After all, aren’t they going to be dead? They won’t need money anymore. There is plenty of convincing evidence out there to make this hoax believable, but maybe we shouldn’t read too much into this. The Mayan calendar might end on December 21, 2012, but what is the Mayan calendar? It’s a cycle. What do cycles do when they end? They start over. Just like the cycles of the moon, the Mayan calendar may just begin again. Isn’t it a bit childish to believe that the whole world is going to end based on a calendar from a culture long past its prime? Most people do not believe in what the Mayan people believe in; why would we start with a calendar? I’m not saying that the calendar isn’t legit, but it is impossible to tell the future of the earth, based on the moon, sun, and stars, especially on something made thousands of years ago. Another thing, something I just heard form word of mouth, is that one way the world could end, a black hole, isn’t something we should be afraid of. This black hole comes around every twenty years. Now, I am not basing this little editorial on science, but I don’t think that we should be afraid of something that has been around from the beginning of time. Every twenty years may be a long time for us, but not for earth. If we didn’t sense any danger the last time it came around, what can we base such fears on this time? Remember, this is just my opinion. Lastly, most of our fears have come from the predictions of one Michel de Nostredame. He wrote several predictions that seemed to have come true, but did he? Being a poet, I know what it is like to write something and have someone else totally take a different meaning from it than I had meant. It is so easy to see what you want in something that isn’t clear. In a poem, “Essence of Life,” I wrote about a vampire hunting its prey. Someone told me it was a beautiful way to portray the emotions ab- Sarah Ferrier bout abortion. Abortion has nothing to do with what I wrote. It was simply about a vampire. Perhaps the readers of the prophecies connected the vague writings to what was going on in their time. Perhaps the government is manipulating the writings to their own diabolical needs. Remember, this is just my opinion. Now, whether or not the world will end in 2012, I just don’t know. What I do know is that I have too much going on right now to worry about it. We cannot predict the future and we cannot stop it. What I am trying to say is that we don’t need to be afraid of something that the government is obviously trying to pump up. The discovery channel features and the 2012 movie are too much. Don’t be scared, don’t riot the day before the world is supposed to end, because then the pandemonium will really be real. Live your life and laugh on December 22, 2012. Christmas is right around the corner. Spend your money on that and have a good rest of your life. Page 10 s e p sco o r o H Anna Miller Libra – (September 24 - October 23): Leadership is a big thing for you. Be careful because your words may be quoted back to you sometime in the future. However, your eagerness to listen is one of your strong qualities and it’s what draws people to you. Be yourself, don’t try to fool people into liking you, they like you just the way you are. Lucky Numbers- 53, 78, 12, 19, 2 Scorpio – (October 24 - November 22): Problems that older relatives of yours will face may become a part of your life as well. Try to do what you can to help, but also be sure to welcome help from others. Stay positive and keep your focus on the upcoming holiday season. Surround yourself with the people you love most and look past the horizon. Lucky Numbers- 21, 18, 65, 33, 7, 9 Sagittarius – (November 23 - December 22): You have the capability to laugh at yourself when life throws you a curve ball. You can be sympathetic when it comes to the way you feel about the people around you. Make sure to surround yourself with imaginative people and be ready to have fun and enjoy the good times and banter they provide. Lucky Numbers- 3, 71, 94, 40, 45 Capricorn– (December 23 - January 20): Events push you into an activity that you like. It’s time to believe in yourself and raise that self confidence and awareness. You can make the right choices if you take your time and decide what you really want. Ask for help and you’ll get what you need. Lucky Numbers- 32, 74, 93, 82, 43 Aquarius – (January 21 - February 19): You may find yourself facing a choice when you least expect it. Trust in the people who matter the most to help you. Be free to do what comes naturally. Try to better organize your time so you can fit everything in without too much stress. Lucky Numbers-25, 82, 66, 83, 72 Pisces – (February 20- March 20): Your best partners are those who know your worth. Bring your greatest quality to the table, your self-assurance. It’s time to make some choices, reach out and bring someone new into your circle of friends. Your ability to be unique will result, in your meeting of the right people at the right time. Lucky Numbers-16, 81, 37, 28, 24 Aries – (March 21 - April 20): Be good to yourself this month and to those you love. Use your resources to find new ways to complete your tasks. This is a time for triumph. You can make the impossible look easy. In a little while, you’ll be able to laugh about all this stress and feel like yourself again. Lucky Numbers-37, 87, 82, 3, 17 Taurus – (April 21 - May 21): The energy you feel will help you to reach your goals. Stay passionate, and you’ll discover new ways to express your style. This is the time to turn on the charm and attract interest both professionally and personally. Lucky Numbers-29, 4, 67, 89, 37 Gemini– (May 22 - June 21): You’re now ready to give everything that you have to get what you want. Potential in the unknown allures you this month. Be careful not to be too hasty in your decisions. Getting all that you want isn’t always the best thing to happen. Lucky Numbers-73, 84, 64, 72, 90 Cancer – (June 22 - July 22): This is a good time to set new goals and break bad habits. Emotional difficulties are likely to control your reactions this month. Think before you act. Being impulsive could cost you. However, feel free to try something new and exciting with the people you trust. Lucky Numbers- 84, 63, 25, 92, 9 Where the Wild Things Are - Movie Review Amanda Nolan Where the Wild Things Are, a beloved, best-selling 1963 children’s book by author Maurice Sendak, has now been turned into an artistic motion picture. Under the direction of Spike Jonze; the nine sentences, twenty-page illustrated children’s book has been turned into a fantastical and captivating hour-and-a-half feature film. The film stars newcomer Max Records, as the imaginative and misbehaved young boy of the story, with actress Catherine Keener playing his mother. The movie opens with the everyday antics of a young boy, who doesn’t seem to have any friends his own age, and who is trying to entertain himself using his very creative imagination. Following a dispute with his mother, Max runs away from home and finds himself in a mystical world inhabited by these strange creatures, a.k.a “wild things.” After nearly being eaten by these creatures, Max is made into their king. The movie follows the adventures that Max and the wild things get into. Max begins to miss his family, and must make the ultimate choice between staying with his new found friends, or returning home to his actual family. This is a movie the whole family can enjoy; Where the Wild Things Are has both fantastical moments of fun and happiness, and also includes some violent and aggressive undertones. This movie has been rated PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action, and brief language. Overall, this movie is cute and enjoyable; definitely worth viewing. So “let the wild rumpus start” and make your way to your local movie theater! CLASSIFIEDS If interested in any of the following, please contact The Collegian member closest to you. Lost wedding ring in the park- ing lot of Gentleman’s Club 10. If found please return. Signed, Endangered Schmuck For Sale Air guitar with case. Great condition. Serious inquiries only. Free Auto Repair Service drop off your car and you’ll never go anywhere else again! Free Service - Struggling with illiteracy? Write today for help. Today’s Free Advice - Tired of studying? Suck it up, so are the rest of us. Leo – (July 23 -August 21): Socializing this month will bring you in contact with some exciting romantic possibilities. Get out and have fun. Treat yourself to some splurging so you feel and look like a million bucks. Keep your eyes and mind open and remember to have fun. Lucky Numbers-19, 49, 67, 43, 99 Virgo – (August 22 - September 23): Sit back and relax with close friends this month. Family outings or social activities will bring down your stress levels and help you forget all that chaos. Remember that you can’t control everything and just breathe. Lucky Numbers-13, 20, 48, 67, 42 Originally published by Scott Adams Page 11 A quick look back at some fun moments this semester... o t o r e o C n r h P **Some of the following photographs are compliments of Matthew Rotschky Page 12 Advice Column Need advice on something? Write to The Collegian and we may be able to help you out. All submissions are completely anonymous. E-Mail all submissions to AMS6064@psu.edu. Top 20 Countdown Compliments of 97.1 WBHT 20. Lady GaGa-Paparazzi 19. Flo Rida/Ne-Yo-Be On You 18. Justin Bieber-One Time 17. Drake-Best I Ever Had 16. Shakira-She Wolf 15. Mariah Carey-Obsessed 14. Pitbull-Hotel Room Service 13. The Fray- Never Say Never 12. Beyonce-Sweet Dreams 11. Miley Cyrus-Party In The U.S.A. 10. Daughtry-No Surprise 9. Jason Derulo-Whatcha Say 8. Boys Like Girls-Love Drunk 7. Kings Of Leon-Use Somebody 6. Keri Hilson/Ne-Yo/Kanye West-Knock You Down 5. Jordin Sparks-Battlefield 4. Black Eyed Peas-I Gotta Feeling 3. Taylor Swift-You Belong With Me 2. Cobra Starship/Leighton Meester-Good Girls Go Bad 1. JaySean/Lil’ Wayne-Down Collegian Staff Caitlin Akins - Co Editor-in Chief David Anderson Abigail Bachman John Bailey Angela Bologa Matthew Bufano Robert Danko Jr. Chad Dewing Marissa Duffy Sarah Ferrier - Editor In Chief Anna Miller Brieana Mitchell Nicole Navoczynski - Creative Writing Editor Amanda Nolan - Secretary Dr. Steven Putzel - Advisor Gencina Ricca - SGA Rep Matthew Rutschky - Photographer Alex Seasock - Layout Master Jennifer Shubilla - Treasurer Adam Sutliff Nicholas Turner Jackie Warnick - Piatt Cryptogram We gave you a hint to start out. All of the “E”s are number 6. Now you just have to figure out all of the other letters and match them up accordingly. Cryptogram Leaderboard Know the answer to our Cryptogram? When you crack it, you will know what to do. The first leaderboard will be featured in our next issue and be ongoing.