THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929
SUPPLEMENT
MERCIAD
Vol. 79 No. 10
THE
Students smoked out
By Corrie Thearle
News editor
As senior Chris Heisler walked into
his house on the evening of Monday,
Jan. 2, his first thought was that some-
thing did not smell right.
His three roommates were watching
football on the television with some
friends in the front family room and
were surprised when Heisler com-
mented that it smelled like pickles in
the house.
Immediately following Heisler’s
observation the occupants of the house
inhaled deeply and realized that it was
not the smell of pickles but of some-
thing burning inside the house. In fact
the white addition on the brick house at
3906 Pine Ave. was engulfed in flames
and thick black smoke. An electrical fire
had broken out in the back right corner
of the house around 9:30 p.m. and was
spreading rapidly.
Heisler’s other roommates, seniors
Chris Williams, Drew Wagner and Justin
Waas, went to the back of the house to
locate the burning smell.
When they opened the door to the
back of the house they were met with
a thick wall of black smoke which
obscured their vision into the addition.
Waas immediately phoned 911 and the
rest of the seven occupants left the
smoke filled house and went outside.
They were amazed at the sight that
greeted them. Three foot flames were
leaping out of the windows and black
smoke was everywhere.
Senior Greg Hoffman, a friend of the
tenants, tried to use the garden hose to
fight some of the flames but fire trucks
immediately arrived at 9:43 p.m. Wil-
liams and Waas directed the fire fighters
into the house and towards the fire in
the back addition.
The raging fire was under control by
9:57 p.m. Erie Fire Inspector Thomas
Testrake arrived at 10 p.m. to assess the
cause of the fire. Testrake explained
that an electric space heater in the back
right room was too close to combus-
tible materials. This is where the fire
started.
Williams commented that all the
occupants in the house were, “very
calm and cool, everything happened
so quickly, I think we handled it very
well.” The fire spread so rapidly that
by the time they smelled “burnt plastic
and rubber” it was too late.
Fortunately that night no one was
Geography speaker broadens horizons
Dr. Harm deBlij spoke to a full crowd on Tuesday evening in the
PAC.
See the latest
edition of
Ecodemia inside
Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie Pa. 16546
Joe Mravintz, Justin Waas, Drew Wagner, Chris Williams and Chris Heisler stand in what remains of the
addition that took the brunt of the scorching, however, their spirits have not been dampened.
harmed in the blaze. Despite the
destruction caused by the fire, Williams
explained that they are all, “Thankful
that everyone is still alive.”
The extent of the damage to the
house is incredible. The back yellow
addition where most of the extreme
fire damage occurred will be torn down
in the coming month. The back right
room was currently used as storage
space.
Joe Mravintz, a junior HRIM major
and close friend of the occupants,
stored many personal belongings such
as clothes, books and a futon in the
back room. All of these items were
destroyed in the inferno.
The room directly across from the
storage space housed a couch and tele-
vision set which were also damaged.
The television set was melted and black
smoke has stained the walls. The third
room in the addition was also used
as another sitting area and contained
a large couch. The walls and couch
both sustained heavy smoke and fire
damage.
The brick part of the house has suf-
fered smoke damage and the basement
was also flooded with water. Most of
the furniture in the house will have to
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
SPORTS
Joe Mravintz stands in the room where the fire started, and where his
personal items were being stored.
be professionally dry-cleaned to eradi-
cate the smoke smell, along with many
personal items owned by the tenants.
Currently, Heisler, Williams, Wagner
and Waas are waiting to receive infor-
mation from their insurance company
about the costs of the damage.
Currently these Mercyhurst seniors
are living at 3807 Briggs Ave. This
temporary living arrangement was
immediately provided by Laura Zirkle
By Stephanie Williams
Contributing writer
and
Chelsea Boothe
Copy editor
On Jan. 10, Dr. Harm deBlij, geog-
rapher extraordinaire, graced the Mary
D’Angelo Performing Arts Center with
one of his world renowned speeches on
“Why Africa Matters.”
DeBlij is not only a professor and
speaker, but used to be the geography
editor for ABC’s “Good Morning
America,” and won an Emmy award
for his short series on PBS, “The Power
of Place.”
At the beginning of his lecture, deBlij
addressed a prominent crisis within
the educational system: the lack of
emphasis placed on geography. He said
Page 12
Corrie Thearle/News editor
Corrie Thearle/News editor
and the Residence Life Staff. Williams
commented that he and his roommates
were, “Grateful for all the help Resi-
dence Life offered immediately. Laura
Zirkle personally came to the fire on
Monday night to offer us on campus
housing.” The students stayed with
friends Monday night and moved into
their apartment on Tuesday.
Please see Blaze on Page 2
America is the only place where you
can go from kindergarten to graduate
school without knowing anything about
geography. Its importance lies in the
fact that America’s ignorance poses a
threat to national security.
DeBlij wants to stress the importance
of Africa because it is where all human-
ity began. Furthermore, unlike the rest
of the world, under the sub-Saharan
part of Africa there is no permeating
state or religion which currently leaves
it susceptible to terrorist antics.
Knowledge is deBlij’s answer for
America. Due to the fact that he was
born in the Netherlands, lived through
WWII in Europe, moved to Africa
when he was young, went to school in
America, and is constantly teaching on
the subject; he seems to be one answer
for America’s large knowledge gap.
Win free tickets
to Fridays O�ers
game.
January 11, 2006
MSG
pushes for
blue light
special
By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief
The Mercyhurst Student Government
Health and Safety committee proposed
to implement a series of 12 emergency
posts and six emergency boxes around
campus.
The units will serve as protection
for students and help improve current
security measures.
According to MSG Vice President
Mike Nichols, the blue light system – as
it is called – will consist of “…poles
throughout campus that have blue lights
on them and have intercoms as well that
go right to police and safety.”
Police and Safety Chief Ken Sidun
said the units will send an immediate
response to the security office when
triggered. “What happens is that if
someone would trigger a safety pole,
then it would go to a board in police
and safety,” he said.
“The pole would then act as a two-way
radio and we would find out the infor-
mation and send help right away.”
Nichols said the idea was thought of
five years ago, but never given consider-
ation until now. “This issue came up in
1999 and police and safety did research
for it, but MSG pulled out,” he said.
“MSG is now much more for it than it
was five to six years ago.”
Nichols said Penn State Behrend
University and Gannon University
already have the emergency posts and
Mercyhurst’s proposed plan is to start
in the summer and finish within a year
or year and a half.
According to Nichols, the plan will
cost between $100,000 and $120,000.
He also noted the possibilities of receiv-
ing grants to cover the costs.
Please see Emergency on Page 3
New grants
proposed
By Katie Walker
Contributing writer
On Tuesday, Jan. 3, Mercyhurst Col-
lege President Dr. Michael McQuillen
announced a series of grants totaling
$36,692 for 30 clubs and organizations
on campus. Each grant will benefit the
college by showing diversity in a series
of different ways.
The largest amount of the grant
went to Diversity 101, Residence Life
and Student Conduct and the Student
Activities Committee for a series of
events regarding the birthday of Martin
Luther King, Jr.
The events will begin on Monday Jan.
16, with the third annual Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day breakfast for students,
faculty and staff in the Mercy Heritage
Room. There will be two sittings for
the breakfast to accommodate different
class and work times.
The sittings will be from 9 a.m. to 9:45
a.m. and the other will run from 9:50
a.m.to 10:30 a.m. During the breakfast
there will be a performance by the
Mercyhurst dancers and also Dr. King’s
famous “I Have a Dream Speech” will
be recited.
Please see Diversity on Page 2
PAGE 2 THE MERCIAD January 11, 2006

NEWS To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

MSG lauches new Website

World Briefs An innovative solution for reaching constituencies
International news and posting discussion topics for
By Carly Wamboldt
students to comment on in the
Compiled by Contributing writer
blog section of the Website.”
Corrie Thearle Alito hearing The Website will also offer
Senate hearings on President On Jan. 1, Mercyhurst Student students the ability to view who
George W. Bush’s nominee for Government (MSG) officially the MSG representatives are.
the Supreme Court, Samuel launched its new Website. This There will be pictures available
Alito, have begun in the U.S. anticipated launching has re- along with highlights of each
Alito, 55, is a conservative who ceived a great amount of support representative. Also, on the
is likely to face questioning over from the college. Website there is a letter from the
his views on abortion and on the In the past MSG has tried to president along with the MSG
reach of presidential powers at a update Lakernet, but encoun- mission statement.
time of war. tered many difficulties. Through Expectations for the Website
However, making his open- New Line Creations in Erie their are higher than other past at-
ing statement, Mr Alito insisted dream of a more adequate Web- Katie McAdams/Photo editor tempts made by MSG to reach
that a good judge is one with no site has been accomplished. Ryam Palm sits of front of the Website he helped create. out to the students and the com-
agenda. The hope MSG has for its munity. Other attempts include
If approved, he will replace updated Website is that students to get involved in MSG, but also about the importance of the SAC the newsletter provided by MSG.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, will take more of an interest in contains a section devoted to portion of the Website. Palm believes the new Website
who said she was stepping down MSG, and get involved. Ryan the Student Activities Commit- Other interesting things in- will be increasingly successful
last year. Palm the MSG treasurer, stated, tee (SAC). cluded on the Website will be because, “the Website is a tool to
Judiciary Committee Chairman “firstly we [MSG] need to get “It is important for the stu- the blog that will be used by the bring the thoughts and wishes of
Arlen Specter began proceedings MSG out there to the students, dents to know what is going to students to discuss different top- the students directly to MSG.”
by pointing out that voting for a and demonstrate what exactly be happening around campus,” ics that are issues for MSG. Palm Also, the new site proves to be
Supreme Court member was a MSG is all about.” Not only does says freshman representative explains, “MSG will be posting easy to use and very resource-
matter of vital importance and the Website encourage students Stephanie Williams when asked the minutes from the meetings, ful.
that the committee members
should not rush their decision.
Grants promote diversity
Iran resumes nuclear research Continued from Page 1 to faculty.
Names in the news
Later in the week on Thursday, in the new year. According
By Rob Watson to her mother and manager,
European Union leaders say they are very concerned at Iran’s plans Following the breakfast the col- Jan. 19, Diversity 101 will also Knight Ridder Newspapers
to resume sensitive nuclear research in the coming hours. Iranian lege’s shuttle will begin transport- present the event “Tabernacle Dina Lohan, Lindsay was
officials say they will remove seals at nuclear facilities, ending a two- ing those interested to the annual of Praise.” This event will be heading home to New York
year suspension of research. Memorial March in downtown held at 7 p.m. in the Union Great Robert De Niro’s new film, to recover after her discharge
Western countries fear Iran’s nuclear programme could be used Erie. Students in attendance that Room. “The Good Shepherd,’’ be- Thursday.
to make atomic bombs, but Tehran denies such a goal. It says the have discussed missing class with According to Pertrina Williams, gins filming in the Dominican No longer content with the
project is for the peaceful production of energy only. their professors will be asked to assistant director of residence Republic next week. sugary roles she played in
sign in on arrival. life and Diversity 101 director, The film, based on the his- “Herbie: Fully Loaded’’ and
Also on Monday from 1-4 p.m. by receiving the grant from Dr. tory of the CIA, stars Ange- “Mean Girls,’’ Lohan is div-
the Student Activities Committee McQuillen we are able to help lina Jolie as the wife of one of ing into deeper waters with
Sharon breathes the agency’s founders, James Robert Altman’s “A Prairie
and the Student Union staff will students “understand that once
Ariel Sharon is able to breathe hold a “Reflection Reception.” upon a time, a man set out to Wilson, who will be played by Home Companion,’’ based
independently, say doctors who The reception will feature the change the world and did so in Matt Damon. on Garrison Keillor’s radio
have started to bring the Israeli showing of the movie “Eyes on a non-violent manner. Because No word yet on whether show.
prime minister slowly out of a the Prize” and refreshments. of his efforts, we are able to Jolie’s “chum” Brad Pitt will Lohan will join the likes
coma. Classes are in session on Mon- come together in unity and work be along for the one-week of Woody Harrelson, Kevin
As the anaesthetic was reduced, day, Jan. 16. All students and toward a common interest; the shoot. Kline, Tommy Lee Jones and
Sharon began responding to employees are encouraged to education of others.” De Niro is stepping into the Keillor himself in the film.
pain, but staff at the Hadassah participate in the celebration of This is not the only event that director’s chair for the first Other Lohan projects in-
hospital warned the revival pro- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Any Diversity 101 will use the grant time since the acclaimed ``A clude “Bobby,’’ a film about
cess would take days. student interested in attending money for; they will also host Bronx Tale.’’ Robert Kennedy that Emilio
Sharon has been in an induced the activities must seek approval events to celebrate Black History We can all breathe easier Estevez will direct, and
coma since being operated on for from their respective faculty to Month in the month of February. now that pop star Lindsay “Chapter 27,’’ about Mark
a major stroke, which he suffered be excused from class. Students There will be a kickoff dance and Lohan has been released David Chapman, who killed
on Wednesday. will be required to sign in at the a “Soul Food Dinner.” The days from a Miami hospital after John Lennon 25 years ago.
A full assessment of any brain breakfast, march, and afternoon and times for these events will be a bout with asthma. Lohan
damage Mr Sharon may have reception so that attendance can announced in the near future. had been in Florida to ring
suffered can only be made once be confirmed and communicated
the process of weaning him off

Damaging blaze disrupts lives

the sedation is complete.

Bird flu spreads
Five new human cases of bird Room where the electrical
flu have been confirmed in sev- space heater started the fire.
eral Turkish provinces, pushing
the number of people infected
up to 14, officials say.
The cases, identified as be-
ing of the deadly H5N1 strain,
mean the virus is now present Ceiling damage.
in the east, north and centre of
the country.
Three Turks have died, two
Where the new addition begins.
teenagers and one child, and cor-
respondents say fear is spreading
rapidly across the country.
Health experts say there is no
sign the virus is passing from
human to human. Melted television set.
Kitchen
Living Room Stairs down
Ex-dictator Pinochet granted bail Where the roommates
were watching televi-
Ex-Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet was granted bail Smoke damage through-
sion before they real-
on Monday after seven weeks’ house arrest for charges relating to out
ized their house was
his years in power. Stairs up
on fire.
The motion by Judge Victor Montiglio, who suggested bail of
$19,000, must be ratified by the court of appeals. It relates to the
disappearance and presumed death of three leftists.
Dining Room
Gen. Pinochet, 90, was Chilean leader from 1973-1990, when an
estimated 3,000 people died in political violence. 1st level floorplan
A final ruling on bail for Gen Pinochet is expected later in the
week.

U.S. reporter abducted

Porch
Jill Carroll, a freelance journal-
ist currently on assignment for
The Christian Science Moni- Continued from Page 1 and stored. situation was a joking matter. I met these students and inter-
tor, was abducted by unknown There was one particular inci- Unfortunately the only “joke” viewed them for the article, I
gunmen in Baghdad Saturday campus housing.” The students dent that did upset the students Monday night was the sad fact was greeted friendly and warmly.
morning. stayed with friends Monday night the night of the fire. Wagner that some Mercyhurst college Thankful that no one was hurt
Her Iraqi interpreter was killed and moved into their apartment explained that many people students could be so ignorant and that the entire house was
during the kidnapping. Iraqi on Tuesday. They plan to stay showed up from around the and callous towards their fellow not irrevocably damaged, these
police say they are searching for on campus for about a month surrounding area to witness the students. students were happy to be simply
Ms. Carroll. Several Westerners until they are able to move back blaze. Some of the bystanders Despite this upheaval in their hanging out with one another
are currently being held hostage into their house on Pine Avenue. were Mercyhurst students who personal lives, Heisler, Williams, and watching “Caddyshack” on
in Iraq. Until that time they will be mov- viewed the event as entertain- Wagner and Waas have resumed their 52-inch HDTV which mi-
No group has yet claimed re- ing out the furniture and other ment. Some of these students their daily routines and academic raculously survived the fire.
sponsibility for the kidnapping. items in the house to be cleaned were laughing and thought the schedules at Mercyhurst. When
January 11, 2006
New Webmail causes headaches
By Sarah Sheehan
Contributing writer
Recently Mercyhurst Webmail
has gotten a new look. Many
of you may believe that they
changed the program because
the Information Technology
(IT) Department just wanted a
new design.
However, Pat Benekos, the
director of the IT department,
that the vendor we get our Web-
mail program through upgraded
and if we wanted to remain with
that vendor we would have to
upgrade as well.
If the upgrade had not been
done, there would have been sup-
port issues. The IT department
waited to make sure the system
worked with other companies
before purchasing the program.
The benefits to this new soft-
ware is based more “behind the
scenes” such as good on-line
help and it is smoother running.
The software runs in a very
similar way as Microsoft Outlook
and there have been few reported
problems.
There was a brief problem
with the transfer of Contacts
of individual’s e-mail but within
the last week the IT department
has been able to fix it. There are
Students experience the
history convention
By Chelsea Boothe
Copy editor
Last week, Jan. 4-6, the 2006
Biennial Convention was held
for the Phi Alpha Theta (PAT)
History Honor Society in Phila-
delphia.
Three Mercyhurst students,
Gregory Stelter, JoEllen Taylor
and Chelsea Boothe, all pre-
sented papers at the conven-
tion. Dr. Randall Howarth from
the history department and a
member of the PAT joined the
students as the advisor.
It was a three-day event that
involved months of prepara-
tion for the presenters. The
deadline for submission was in
mid-November and the dead-
line for the paper to be turned
into the moderator was Dec. 23.
During this period the papers
are constantly going through
changes and revisions.
The group from Mercyhurst
arrived on Jan. 5 and was able to
tour a little bit of Philadelphia
before presenting the following
‘Hurst contributes to blood bank
By Lakyn Bianco
Contributing writer
Mercyhurst College Rotaract
Club and the Community Blood
Bank are sponsoring a blood
drive Wednesday, Jan. 11 from
noon to 5:30 p.m. in the Baldwin
Hall lobby for faculty, staff and
students.
Everyone who donates will
receive a red awareness band.
Donors will also have the chance
to enter to win a pair of Peek n’
Peak lift passes. There are three
pairs of passes available, and
entries will be drawn at the end
of the day.
Deanna Renaud, Mobile Drive
Coordinator of the Community
Blood Bank, encourages regular
and new donors to give today.
“Mercyhurst College has al-
ways responded very well to the
Community Blood Bank blood
drives. Successful blood drives
in the past have seen nearly 100
donors in one day. When you
consider that one pint of blood
can save three lives, you can see
how much the Mercyhurst com-
munity is doing to help those in
need of blood and blood prod-
The new Webmail system is causing problems for students.
also minor performance issues
but hopefully they will be able
to tweak the service.
The IT department’s goal is to
make the needed adjustments
and correct the performance er-
rors, and they feel that this will
not be completed for another
month.
However, if these errors are
morning.
At the PAT convention each
student is put in a room with
two other presenters and a
moderator who has previously
read the papers.
Each session is based on a
topic, for instance Modern
Europe or Ancient History,
and typically the moderator has
some form of expertise in the
category.
Following the presentations
,questions are asked by both the
moderator and/or the audience
concerning the papers.
Stelter, Taylor and Boothe
all received positive feedback
and comments concerning
their papers and look forward
ucts,” she said.
Last spring Mercyhurst had the
most donors out of all drives
among Edinboro, Gannon and
Penn State Behrend. None of
the other campuses in this area
have achieved more than 100
donors.
Basic requirements for blood
donation are that you must be at
least 17 years old and weigh at
least 110 pounds. Those inter-
ested in giving blood must be in
general good health and eat well
the day of donation. Donors
must also wait 56 days between
donations.
Blood and blood products like
red blood cells, plasma and plate-
lets, are used to treat accident
victims, cancer patients and other
patients undergoing surgeries
and medical treatment.
Each year only 5 percent of
eligible donors in the United
States give blood, while every two
seconds someone needs a blood
donation to survive. Approxi-
mately 40,000 units of blood are
used in the U.S. each day which is
why eligible donators are encour-
aged to give.
“It’s quick, easy, and it saves
lives,” Renaud said.
not able to be fixed, then it will
be necessary to upgrade the
school’s server.
Other errors that have occurred
with the upgrade is the problem
of .jpeg and .bitmap files not
transferring over and becoming
corrupted. Besides this problem,
there have been no other major
problems that have risen yet with
to hearing the results of the
competition, which is based
on the actual paper and the
presentation itself.
Upon reflecting on the con-
vention Taylor said, “It was a
great learning experience, one
of which I was able to excer-
cise my public speaking and
historography skills that I have
obtained throughout my four
years at Mercyhurst.”
The Community Blood Bank
is a local, non-profit organiza-
tion whose national affiliate is
America’s Blood Centers. All of
the blood donated with Com-
munity Blood Bank will stay in
the area. It is the only supplier of
blood to all patients and hospitals
in Erie, Elk, McKean and Warren
counties.
“We are very excited to be re-
turning to Mercyhurst. We look
forward to seeing our regular
donors as well as the chance to
meet some new ones,” Renaud
said.
The Community Blood Bank
encourages those who are in-
terested but unfamiliar with
donating blood to stop in Bald-
win this afternoon for more
information.
Despite flu season and weather
conditions, Rotaract and the
Community Blood Bank are hop-
ing for high turnout today.
“I hope that this drive will
be as successful as in the past,”
said Nicole Ruffo on behalf of
Rotaract Club.
Rotaract will be sponsoring
another blood drive in March.
THE MERCIAD
To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
the new upgrade.
Students disagree. There have
been uproars of people com-
plaining about the new system
and how it does not work well
and it is too confusing.
Liz Lindsey who owns a Mac
expressed her feelings towards
the new system. “As a Mac user,
I can’t even access my e-mail
MSG proposes emergency posts
Continued from Page 1
Senior representative and the
Health and Safety chairwoman,
Ashley Masi, said the project
would serve as an excellent as-
set to campus and needs to be
underway soon.
“It is a big project and would
be a good investment,” she said.
“Even though we are a safe cam-
pus, we do not want to wait until
something bad happens.”
Masi, who is an ambassador,
said that she receives questions
about the blue light system,
however, does not see it as a main
recruiting feature.
“As an ambassador, I receive a
lot of questions regarding the is-
sue,” Masi said. “But, the motive
is not primarily for recruiting.”
Nichols agrees. “I can’t speak
for ambassadors, but this is a
recurrent theme that comes up in
questions when tours are given,”
he said. “The admissions office
can pitch that we have them, and
I think it will make students feel
safer on campus.”
Sophomore ambassador Jessica
Kocent said the school would be
better safe than sorry to place
the poles.
“As a female student I’ve never
feared for my safety on this cam-
pus,” she said. “However I have
‘Hurst graduate program
continues to expand
By Jonelle Davis
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst College Of-
fice of Adult & Graduate pro-
gram is offering a new graduate
certificate in Non-Profit Man-
agement.
Students can now receive a
masters of science in organiza-
tion leadership with a concen-
tration in non-profit manage-
ment, or a graduate certificate
in non-profit management
through a Web based program
that starts March 8.
The 12-credit graduate certifi-
cate includes three Web-based
courses in non-profit manage-
ment and one classroom based
course in leadership theory and
practice.
The Masters program is 30
credit hours and includes six
core courses in leadership,
three Web-based courses in
non-profit management and
a thesis.
and I don’t think that it should
be necessary to download a new
browser just because Mercyhurst
updated their e-mail program.”
The ar t depar tment also
uses Mac computers and Andy
Lapiska, a current art student,
describes their situation. “The
new system is not compatible
with MAC browsers, that leaves
the entire art department in the
dark. I would e-mail a complaint
but I can’t.”
Pat Benekos agrees that this
is one of the biggest prob-
lems that is occurring with the
upgrade. It is not possible for
Mac computers to use Internet
Explorer with Webmail but she
suggests downloading Mozilla
Firefox. There is a link on the
IT department’s webpage for this
free download.
Other students find it confus-
ing, such as Chrissy Biddle who
described, “I like that it is a fresh
new look, but I think that it is
more confusing and harder to
read and reply to e-mails.
I think it would be fine if they
would not open the e-mail at the
bottom of the screen because it
is flashy and distracting. I mean,
at least it doesn’t look cryptic
anymore!”
And another student, Steve
Faber expressed his opinion. “I
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College uses the
blue light system.
been asked on a handful of tours
whether or not we have it, so it is
a slight concern to at least a few
families looking at the school.”
Sophomore Jessica McNurlen
hopes the school will consider
constructing the blue light sys-
tem to be in the same safety
loop as most other colleges.
“We might just be the only col-
lege that doesn’t have them,”
she said. “Just because we are a
small school doesn’t mean that
bad things cannot happen on
According to Dr. Michael
Lyden, the three Web based
courses are being provided
through the Online Consor-
tium of Independent Colleges
and Universities.
The consortium is comprised
of institutions similar to Mer-
cyhurst, and include several
Mercy colleges. It was orga-
nized by Regis University as a
way for members to share their
distance education resources.
“The online courses provide
instruction in such topics as
marketing, finance, and vol-
unteer management and can
be accessed 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. A program
that offers relevant content in
a convenient format should be
well received.
“The online format should be
of particular interest to those
working in smaller communi-
ties throughout the tri-state
region. These individuals often
have a limited range of pro-
PAGE 3
News
think it is much more efficient,
but lacks character and per-
sonality.” The problem of the
e-mail opening at the bottom
of the window can be changed
immediately in your Preferences
as well as other options within
the system.
Lindsey Stefko’s comment
reflects the majority of the Mer-
cyhurst student body opinion,
“I don’t really understand why
a new system was necessary. It
got a little facelift but it does not
appear that any of the problems
of the old e-mail have been cor-
rected with this new system.The
change did not seem necessary
and many people I know still
prefer the old e-mail system.”
But the upgrade was not a
choice, but a need and, although
there may be minor problems
within the system, it is just a new
look and design that will take
time to adjust to but in the end
it still completes it’s purpose of
sending and receiving e-mails.
Pat Benekos expressed, “With
every upgrade of a program,
old problems will be corrected,
however there will always be new
issues that need adjusted.”
She also encourages students to
change their Preferences, which
is beneath the contacts on the left
side of the window.
campus.”
McNurlen also empha-
sized that female students are
always warned about strange
things happening on campus and
that the blue light system will
help nullify some anxiety.
“I know I would feel a lot
safer walking by myself at night
if there was something there,”
she said.
Sophomore Kyle Jackson dis-
agrees with the blue light pro-
posal. “I think it would be a waste
of money,” he said. “Police and
Safety seem to be able to keep
campus safe enough.”
Sophomore Andy Finkle
agreed with Jackson. “I think by
installing the blue light poles, the
school is implementing fear on
the campus; there is no need for
the posts at all,” he said.
MSG President Dan Schuler
said the government is very excit-
ed to lend its support to the blue
light security system project.
“This endeavor is a result of
the hard work and vision of our
Health and Safety committee,
which has dedicated itself to
taking a proactive approach to
campus safety,” he said. “At this
point we are still in the project’s
initial phases and working on a
formal proposal for the admin-
istration.”
grams from which to choose,
and most require significant
travel – and schedule juggling,”
said Lyden
The idea of a Web based
programs was created to reach
more students and provide new
learning opportunities.
“The goal of our distance
education initiative is to ex-
tend learning opportunities to
adult and graduate populations
that are not currently served
through our on-campus pro-
gramming.”
“For example, our graduate
certificate in applied intel-
ligence is being offered to
intelligence professionals in
the Washington, D.C. area,”
said Lyden.
New students can apply for
the masters of science in or-
ganizational leadership with
a concentration in non-profit
management for fall, winter or
spring admission.
PAGE 4 THE MERCIAD January 11, 2006

Undertaking an exhilarating experience
Study-abroad program in South Africa provides student with global eye-opening, educational insight
By Jen Helbig
Contributing writer
Study abroad is not simply
another tourist experience spent
inside museums and on a tour
bus.
Imagine surfing for a week in
the surfing capital of the world,
diving backwards off the Guin-
ness Book of World Records
highest bungee jump, learning
to speak Xhosa, a tribal clicking
language, sky diving from 9,000
feet over the cape, climbing
Cederburge Mountain and go-
ing on safaris, all in addition to
studying.
For senior Karyn Craft, this
adventure became a reality during
a five month trip to South Africa.
She stayed at the Afrikaans Uni-
versity of Stellenbosch, which
is about 30 minutes outside of
Cape Town.
“I went from July 10 until No-
vember 19,” Craft said. “I met
26 other Americans from around
the country in London. We actu-
ally arrived in London the day
after the Tube bombings, but we
did some sight-seeing for three
days and then flew to Africa.”
Craft’s major is communica-
tions, but she took a variety of
classes at the university, including
comparative politics, truth and
reconciliation commission, wine
tasting and jewelry making.
“Our classes were taught in
English, but the atmosphere was
very different from here. They
are laid back there; time is not
really an issue. It’s actually a very
relaxing place to be,” Craft said.
Craft had to learn another
language, however, to be able to
communicate while outside of
the classroom.
She explained that South Af-
rica has 11 official languages,
Above:
In order to teach 58 sixth-
graders in Kayamandi Af-
rica, Karyn Craft learned to
speak the native language,
Xhosa.
At right:
Craft got an adrenaline rush
from her various adventures
in South Africa.
Contributed photos
and although most people know
a bit of English, she needed
to learn basic Afrikaans to get
around town, and Xhosa so that
she could share English with the
students in her classroom.
“I learned to speak Xhosa in
order to teach,” she said. “I took
three weeks of intense language
classes, as well as a full semester
of Xhosa. I taught in Xhosa to
58 sixth-grade students in an all
black school in the township of
Kayamandi.”
“There was no electricity,
no running water, not even a
door handle on the door; my
‘classroom’ reflected the life my
students were living. I taught
English along with history and
geography, ” Craft said.
However, teaching in South
Africa was very different from
in the States.
Craft said that racism, poverty
and AIDS are pressing issues in
the country.
Black people are divided into
townships or informal settle-
ments, which are blighted with
poverty. Most families living in
these townships are living in
scrap sheds, made from metal,
cardboard and any other materi-
als they could gather.
To make matters worse, the
poverty is on a large scale, not
just affecting pockets of some
To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
neighborhoods.
“There are over 80,000 families
living in the Cape Flats, one of
the many townships,” Craft said.
“The gap between the rich and
the poor is atrocious. Over there,
there are blacks, whites and col-
oreds. They are not subtle about
labeling at all. When I got there,
it made me feel like I had gone
back in time.”
Craft said that her truth and
reconciliation commission class
was taught by someone who had
grown up during apartheid and
experienced the horrific events
of that time; it was crucial to
learn about the changing society
and its problems from a first
FEATURES
hand perspective.
“I didn’t really know what to
expect before I left; I truthfully
didn’t know the current status of
racism and the slow progression
of their new democracy.”
However, after living in the
society for a few months, Craft
was able learn from her own ex-
periences with racism, witnessing
poverty, AIDS education, ram-
pant crime and safety issues.
“I was definitely a minority in
the townships; I was very exotic
to them, which was something
new. There were some places
that I couldn’t get into because I
was white, and there were other
places that only allowed whites;
segregation was one of the big-
gest challenges we as Americans
faced in S.A. There was a lot
of haggling when we were out
with blacks and coloreds,” she
added.
Although the problem of rac-
ism could be bothersome, Craft
stood up for herself.
“I was one of five white people
from the University among over
500 blacks from the area to
march through Stellenbosh for
civil rights and equal opportuni-
ties for blacks and coloreds at the
University.”
Craft was also touched by
civil rights issues when she met
Max Depree, a well known and
influential writer and activist on
apartheid issues during apart-
heid. Craft also visited Robbin
Island and stood in Nelson
Mandela’s cell.
While the trip taught Craft a
lot about the politics and racial
issues of the country, the expe-
rience was not all work and no
play. “We did so many things
while we were there and made
friends from all over the world,”
she began.
“We went kayaking in Septem-
ber with hundreds of whales in
the Indian Ocean, and we at-
tempted to go shark cage diving
right before we left. We weren’t
able to go, though, because the
day before a surfer had been
killed by a shark in those wa-
ters.”
Although bungee-jumping and
shark cage diving might seem un-
fathomable risks to many, Craft
said that being adventurous is
just part of her personality.
Even though Craft is safely
back in Erie, she said that she
is still adjusting to the different
culture, and trying to incorpo-
rate her experience into her life
here.
“I am definitely trying to work
on a fundraiser,” she said. “I’d
like to send some school supplies
over for the kids at the school I
taught in. It is so devastating that
these kids don’t even have basic
things like pencils and crayons.”
South Africa has made her
want to work in an altruistic job
after graduation.
“Ideally, I want to establish
myself first, travel the world, and
then work for an NGO and do
Humanitarian work,” she said.
“Eventually I want to own a
home in South Africa.”
Although culture shock is in its
final stages, Craft realizes that her
life has drastically changed, and
said, “We are so blessed to have
what we do; it is so easy to take
everything for granted. I would
encourage everyone to travel and
get out of the United States; see
what the rest of the world has
to offer. I guarantee will change
your life forever.”
Craft concluded with a quote
from Nelson Mandela: “There is
nothing like returning to a place
that remains unchanged to find
ways in which you yourself have
altered.”

Sports Management Department Coping with midterm stress

behind the scenes at Olympic events nationwide are sponsoring re-
By Alexa Aguilar math department at St. Louis
lief activities for students.
By Michelle Brewer Knight Ridder Newspapers University.
In the past 10 to 15 years, she
Contributing writer During midterms week, May
said, universities have become
increases the number of cook-
A massage won’t necessar- more focused on making sure
ies he bakes to cover all the stu-
Many of us only see people at- ily help college students write students succeed once they ar-
dents in the study lounges of
tempting events such as bobsled- that essay on Russian literature, rive on campus.
Reinert Hall, where he lives.
ding or luging on movies such and a pancake breakfast won’t “We as administrators and
He hopes the students re-
as “Cool Runnings” or on TV assist them with chemistry staff don’t want to add to their
frain from the stereotypical
shows reminiscent of “Jackass.” equations. stress, but rather, we want to
all-nighters.
However, for seven students of But universities nationwide minimize it,” she said.
“It was a bad idea when I was
the Sports Management Depart- are turning to such gimmicks For the past five years, the
in school, and it’s a bad idea
ment and two professors, nothing as college students face tough university’s Office of Stu-
now,” he said.
but the World Cup will do. midterm and final exams. dent Activities has sponsored
Still, that’s the plan for
During the first week of Universities in the St. Louis, “stress-free zones.”
many.
Thanksgiving break, Dr. Chris Mo., metro area now offer ev- This year, students can get
Kyle McFarland, a senior in
Lachapelle organized a trip to erything from yoga, backrubs professional (and free) mas-
biomedicine and genetic engi-
Lake Placid, N.Y. enlisting Dr. and late-night pancake break- sages, sip on hot chocolate, do
neering at SIUE, anticipates a
Ed Grode as a chaperone to take fasts to playtime with faculty yoga exercises, watch a movie,
14-hour day today in prepara-
with them a number of students members’ dogs. play board games, do arts and
tion for his population genetics
who would volunteer at the Students can sumo wrestle, crafts, decorate cookies and
and biomedicine midterm on
Olympic qualifying event. play midnight games of dodge- play with faculty/staff mem-
Wednesday. He was already at
The students which consisted Contributed photo ball and emit “primal screams” bers’ dogs.
Starbucks early Saturday morn-
of four boys and three girls, Mercyhurst students gained sports experience at Olympics. out their dorm windows at But all of the fun and food
ing and was preparing for long
were given the opportunity to designated times. doesn’t necessarily mean stu-
nights ahead.
rub elbows not only with men had to get them tested within though she and her fellow mono- Nobody’s claiming the stress dents feel calmer.
He said he’d feel embarrassed
and women performing the jobs an hour of having them sign the lingual peers didn’t know what relievers help students ace their Though students can chill
by a massage, and that he would
they’re preparing for in school, contract. they were saying, they all knew exams. out with some pancakes and a
be home studying instead of
but also with Olympic athletes Senior Lisa McAllister de- they were pumping each other up But universities offering yoga massage, they still tend to pro-
eating pancakes at midnight.
such as Vanetta Flowers, the first scribed her experience. and it was pretty remarkable. and popcorn and cider want to crastinate, officials said.
T he way he deals with
African American to win a gold She was asked if the athletes She said it was also astonishing give them the chance to blow Carnaghi, of Washington
stress?
medal (in the winter Olympics were first of all, huge and number to see the track from the top of off some steam. University, said students seem
“The thing that gets me
of 2002). two, if they were open and kind the hill that the students hiked. Jill Carnaghi, assistant vice to place more pressure on
through it is that after Thurs-
The event housed about 18 people. She described the track as being chancellor for students and themselves than ever before.
day, I’m done,” he said. “I’m
represented countries of men She responded that number perpendicular to the ground and director of campus life at “They are under stress and
going out after it’s done and
and women’s bobsledding, luging one they were huge and number the speed of the racers so fast Washington University in St. going crazy,” said the Rev.
then I’m sleeping in.”
and skeleton racing. two, they weren’t allowed to en- that they had to learn to snap Louis, said more universities Michael May, chairman of the
The girls and guys were as- gage in conversation with them attempted pictures when they
signed volunteer responsibili- but that some of them did talk heard the racers as opposed to
ties in different areas. The girls to the students and were very seeing them.
were given the task of helping pleasant. The students also got to visit the
the United States Anti-Doping She said she met a woman who, famous 1980 (recently renamed
Agency (USADA) and the guys like herself, was from Canada and Neil Brooks after the coach)
of helping security clearance. that it was nice to meet “Ameri- arena in which the Americans
The guys were given access to cans, as well as athletes from my beat the Russians in a “Miracle”
a private deck area and were told country too.” produced hockey upset.
to check everyone’s clearance The students were there from Thanks to Lachapelle and
and not to allow anyone without Thursday night through Saturday his previous work with Demi-
a proper badge entry. afternoon and though they had try Feld, marketing director of
Each girl was responsible for both morning and afternoon bobsledding, the students were
locating the first, second and events, they still found some given the opportunity to work
third place winner of each event free time to watch some of the alongside men and women of
and escort them to a contract races. their chosen field as well as expe-
signing, informing the athlete of McAllister described the chants rience something few of us can
a necessary drug screening. that each group did to psych say we have.
The girls were not to let the themselves up before the race.
athlete out of their sight and She said it was amazing because
January 11, 2006
FEATURES
A healthier column
With Jen
The New Year has begun, so
refrigerators are packed with
skim milk and the gym is filled to
its capacity of new resolutions.
If you are one of the many
who have resolved to take better
care of yourself in 2006, then
listen up. I don’t guarantee that
you will lose a pound a day, but
if you take this advice, you will
be better off than many of your
peers.
I was watching television the
other night, and “Real Life, I’m
on a Diet” came on MTV. I
was disgusted to watch a beauty
pageant contestant starve herself
on cottage cheese. Although her
mom knew that crash dieting is
unhealthy, she did nothing to
stop her daughter from her dras-
tic weight loss for the pageant.
Next, a college athlete dis-
cussed his history of bulimia
and then went on to describe
himself as hungry and tired all
the time – but considered him-
self healthy.
American society is so obsessed
with thin or thick, they will obvi-
ously do anything, even present
unhealthy behaviors through
the media and make them seem
normal. I think that this distorts
reality, and puts many vulnerable
people in an insecure mindset,
Strawberry Banana Chocolate
Ingredients
2 bananas
1 cup of strawberries
1 cup chocolate soy milk (buy lowfat if you feel inclined. Do
not use a regular gallon of chocolate milk because it will
give you more calories for the same flavor. Trust
me, the soy milk is excellent.)
Directions
1. Peel bananas and freeze overnight.
2. Trim and wash the strawberries.
3. Combine all three ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. If it is too thin,
add some ice cubes and blend. If it is too thick, add more milk. For an extra boost
of protein (and therefore energy) add a quarter package of silken light tofu and blend. You won’t even
notice that it is there.
Wake up and enjoy!
Lifesaving endeavor
Student takes the time to donate stem cells for needy recipients
By Merissa Frank
Contributing writer
Danny Mudd, a freshman with
an undecided major, spent two
days in West Penn hospital in
Pittsburgh in November.
However he wasn’t ill.
Mudd was making a stem-cell
donation.
Sitting comfortably, he began
to talk about his experiences.
He first made a blood donation
about four years ago.
He explained that his mom
suggested he donate blood.
She said there wasn’t much
to it, so why not help those in
need.
He kept donating as often as
was allowed, then began to do-
nate blood marrow.
To donate stem cells, though,
he isn’t sure if the blood types
have to match.
Mudd has been donating
through an organization in the
United Kingdom called the Na-
tional Blood Center.
When he made his stem cell
donation in Novembe, all costs
were billed to the organization,
so there was no cost to him or
his insurance provider.
According to the Website
http://stemcells.nih.gov, stem
cells are able to reproduce into a
variety of cell types in the body.
They are like a repair system
for the body and can theoretically
divide without limit to replenish
cells as long as the person, or
animal, is still alive.
When each stem cell divides, it
can either remain as a stem cell
or become a specialized cell, like
a blood cell or a muscle cell.
To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
which is not a great place to start
if you are making resolutions to
be a better you.
To get on track, you first need
to wake up in the morning, and
waking up early doesn’t mean
after 10 blows to the snooze but-
ton. Go to bed at a decent time,
and attempt to get eight hours of
sleep. This might seem difficult,
but try rebudgeting some time
during the day (turn off the TV)
and you might just find an extra
hour or two.
Once you’re up, make the most
important decision yet: have
breakfast.
A good breakfast is probably
one of the best ways to start your
diet, for a number of reasons.
First, if you wake up rested, you
won’t be groggy and cranky. If
you wake up positive, you will
feel better about your body and
yourself, and you will be more
inclined to want to stay healthy
for the day.
Next, try to avoid too much
caffeine and don’t just sit down
with a huge glass of orange juice.
If you do have juice, make sure
it is actual juice (not just Sunny
Delight or another fruit flavored
beverage). Drink a glass of water
with your usual breakfast drink.
This will help to hydrate you,
Adult stem cells differ from
embryonic stem cells.
Also on the Website, it de-
scribes adult stem cells as found
as undifferentiated cells among
differentiated cells in tissues or
organs.
They remain non-dividing for a
number of years until disease or
tissue injury activates them.
Stem cells are found in the
brain, bone marrow, skin and the
liver as well as other organs.
How does donating stem cells
work?
To prepare, Mudd said four
days before he was to go to West
Penn Hosptial in Pittsburgh, he
received a daily injection at the
Cohen Student Health Center.
This shot caused him to pro-
duce an excessive amount of
stem cells within his system.
Initially, stem cells are created
and stored in the bone marrow.
The injections he received
made so many stem cells that they
spilled into the blood stream.
He received the final injection
the day he went into the hospital.
From there, it was fairly smooth
sailing.
Mudd said both arms were
hooked up to the machine that
separates the stem cells from the
blood for three and a half hours
each day.
He explained that the process
was not overly painful.
“It was a bit painful at times,
but mostly it was just uncomfort-
able to hold one arm completely
straight and still that long,” he
said.
“There was a TV so I wasn’t
too bored.”
The needle removing the blood
was large, inserted into the arm
because in the morning you
are usually dehydrated. Having
enough water in you will help
keep your body balanced and will
be necessary if you are going to
work out later.
Third, EAT SOMETHING.
I’m not talking about a cereal that
is chopped up cookies or a candy
bar. There are so many products
on the market today for any taste
preferences; you will most likely
be able to find something that
you will like.
One of my favorites is oatmeal
(make it with skim milk instead
of water for some extra calcium)
with raisins in it. If you go to the
store, buy the large container for
three dollars instead of the boxes
with six individual packets which
run you about the same amount
of money
If the plain oatmeal is not ap-
pealing to you, though, go ahead
and buy the packaged, eating the
packet with its sugar and flavor-
ings does beat eating a muffin
and grande cappuccino from the
bookstore on the run to class.
Eat a piece of fruit. I am not
always in the mood for some-
thing sweet in the morning,
so I keep a variety in the
apartment, and usually can
find a piece that I like. If you
Danny Mudd underwent a three-hour donation process.
that was straight and still for
those long three and a half
hours.
The returning needle in the
other arm was smaller, pump-
ing a saline solution through his
veins, which “felt a little weird,”
he said.
The stem cells Mudd donated
were then transported to some-
one in need of them.
He isn’t sure where his stem
cells went after they were re-
moved, but last he heard it was
somewhere in Germany.
He is interested in contacting
the person, though privacy laws
restrict such things.
He is allowed to send an anony-
mous letter to the recipient.
There were no personal expe-
riences that motivated Mudd to
begin donating blood, other than
his mom’s suggestion.
With a sheepish sort of grin,
Mudd said he sees it as “giving
up an hour of your time to help
someone else, there’s not much
to it, so why not?”
THE MERCIAD
absolutely do not like fruit, try
adding something to it (such as
a tablespoon of peanut butter
on a banana or apple) or eating a
fruit salad if you don’t like to eat
a single whole piece of fruit.
Follow these simple guidelines
to start your day off, and you will
be full of energy from a healthy
source to power you for the rest
of the morning.
The great thing about breakfast
is that it only takes a few minutes
to prepare and eat, but it is just
enough time to get ready for the
day ahead. If you are ready and
positive, that is all that you need
to get started on your new year’s
resolution.
Starving yourself or eating the
same food every day will only
bring you down and make it
tougher to lose weight. So good
luck with your resolution, every
day is a great day
to eat healthy!
KRT photo
Many people harbor unhealthy body image conceptions.
Food diagnosis
Counseling Center offers free
screenings and helpful
information on recognizing and
fighting eating disorders
Mercyhurst Counseling Center
Contributed article
Many people across the United
States battle eating disorders.
In fact, many of these same
people have no idea that they
have an actual diagnosable dis-
ease.
The first step in fighting any
type of illness is to find out ex-
actly what you are up against.
Here are a couple questions
that if you answer “yes” to, may
indicate you have been adopting
unhealthy eating patterns or pos-
sibly have an eating disorder.
Are you dissatisfied with your
body or have an intense fear of
gaining weight?
Do you over-exercise, restrict
calories or think about food all
the time?
Do you avoid eating around
other people, or feel that food
has a power over you so that you
can’t stop eating even when you
are full?
Don’t continue these unhealthy
routines.
If you are concerned about
your eating habits, or those of a
friend, you may find it helpful to
talk to counselors through the
Counseling Center.
Mercyhurst College will be
observing the annual Eating
Disorders Awareness Day on
Jan. 31.
The center will be offering
screenings for eating disorders
and information on how to stop
letting food, weight and calories
control your life.
The screenings will be held at
Hermann Student Union on Jan.
31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“If the number on the scale
determines whether or not you
have a good day, we can help
you learn how to refocus that
energy onto other things,” said
Julie Brieger, a member of the
Counseling Center staff.
“It’s a shame when the excite-
PAGE 5
KRT Graphic
ment of the college experience is
overshadowed by calorie count-
ing, compulsive exercising and
worrying about clothing size.
“You CAN free yourself from
these worries, and we are here
to help you learn how,” Brieger
explained.
Counselors emphasize that
even those who do not have a
diagnosable eating disorder can
benefit from this awareness day.
Food concerns, body dissatis-
faction and low self-esteem can
keep a student from achieving
at school or sports and hinders
social activities like dating or be-
ing with friends.
Educational materials and a
free, anonymous screening test
will be available to help students
stop unhealthy eating habits be-
fore they evolve into full-blown
eating disorders.
The prevalence of bulimia ner-
vosa keep counselors concerned
as studies indicate that incidents
of bulimia may be as high as 15
percent in college-aged women.
Bulimia nervosa is character-
ized by recurrent episodes of
binge eating followed by purging,
dissatisfaction with body shape
and size, and fear of gaining
weight.
Other eating disorders include
anorexia nervosa and binge eat-
ing disorder.
Anorexia nervosa involves an
intense fear of gaining weight
and self-starvation.
Binge eating disorder is charac-
terized by recurrent binges when
the person feels out of control
and eats a large amount of food
at one sitting.
In contrast to bulimia, binge
eaters do not purge their body
of the food.
To learn more, stop by the Stu-
dent Union on Jan. 31, from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. and see what the
Eating Disorders Awareness Day
may have to offer you.
PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD January 11, 2006

OPINION
Campus Question
To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

New Outlook for Webmail problem

Microsoft Outlook offers a feasible solution for problems caused by Webmail As a student, do you enjoy the
The overstated maxim that “change is good” student was facing, I decided to explore the tanta-
does not seem to be the case with Mercyhurst’s
new e-mail system.
lizing ways of Microsoft Outlook.
To start, I could only open the program and click NEW and supposedly improved
Over holiday break, the information technology around, but beyond that I was clueless.
department opted to upgrade the traditional, easy-
to-use e-mail
To begin setup on the system, I had to perform
numerous Google searches on “Microsoft Outlook
Mercyhurst Webmail system?
with a more setup.” After perusing seven pages of babble, I
complex and found very useful information on the University
complicated Joshua of Minnesota’s site.
one that is Wilwohl The site, http://www1.umn.edu/adcs/help/
quite frustrat- email/WinOutlook/,guides you through a step-by-
ing. step process on transferring your e-mail account to
Now, I am a more feasible system that is always accessible.
not par t of Editor-in-chief The trick, however, is during the process anything

the dig erati
and know very little about the wave of advanced
technology; but, what I do know is that with this
upgrade comes annoyance.
I hear complaints from students and faculty
alike about the system being “too slow” or “never
working.” Nonetheless, with the e-mails’ tortoise
pace, there is one solution I found that always
seems to work.
Wanting to get past the aggravation every other
‘
that says to “enter your UMN e-mail,” instead enter
your Mercyhurst e-mail.
The only downfall to Microsoft Outlook is
that it can only be accessed from your personal I don’t really use the new Mercyhurst Webmail
computer. because I’ve always used Microsoft Outlook,
Nevertheless, once completing the five-minute
process, your e-mail will flow smoothly and always
but I heard that people don’t really like the
‘
be accessible. new setup.
It will ultimately ease any tensions against Web-
mail and the new advanced system.

Ashley Gabriel, sophomore, French education

The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

By Allison Moore

‘
Opinion editor

I feel the new Webmail system is unfriendly

The Good to use and a lot slower. I did not see a need
‘
for a change.
Green grass in January. In Erie, Pa., this is a phenomenon. The unusually mild weather has
brightened spirits and quelled winter blues all over campus. Much to the confusion of students’
eyes, the sun has even graced us with several appearances. I don’t know what Erie did to deserve
such special treatment, but we’re not complaining.

MSG has created its own Website to better serve the student body. The site comes in response
to concerns raised by students that MSG was out of touch with the Mercyhurst population. The
new site, http://msg.mercyhurst.edu, offers current MSG news, general information, as well as Hillary Szyollowski, senior, biology education
SAC events.

The Bad
Midterms after the holiday break. Most students can’t remember what they learned yesterday
let alone two weeks ago. The benefits of trimesters are often debated, but the winter break falling
‘
I loathe the new Webmail system! After all
within the middle of a term is undoubtedly inconvenient. the hype for the new system it seems like it
‘
was a down grade!
Most students have rejected the new Mercyhurst Webmail system. While the layout is more
contemporary, students are having trouble adjusting to the new system. Some students lost their
address books during the server switch and other e-mail servers are having trouble sending items.
Over time the kinks should be worked out and students should learn the ropes to better operate
the system.

The Ugly
Marty Wallenhorst, sophomore, intel/political science
Some students seem to confuse Briggs and Lewis for the Indy 500. These two streets are highly
populated with students walking to and from class. Several times cars have been spotted flying
up and down the street without regard to pedestrians. Not only is it extremely dangerous, it is
inconsiderate. For the safety of the student body, please refrain from exercising your lead foot
on residential streets. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way!

Parking on Wayne street is now a little more sparce. Students who became accustomed to park-
ing on the street now must search the congested campus for a new spot. Residents are entitled
to their personal space, but prior notice for students would have been thoughtful. Several Wayne
‘ I like the opening page but don’t like all
residents found early Christmas presents on their cars, and it’s safe to say that parking tickets
weren’t on the top of their gift list.
the windows that open up randomly! ‘

Families of miners deserve public hearing

Editorial from the Lexington Herald-
Leader
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Like so many coalfield tragedies, the deaths of 12
no excuse. Katya Sussman, junior, dance
The citations against Sago included persistent
problems with build-ups of flammable coal dust.
The operation had been cited for not providing
adequate ventilation to keep the mine clear of
deadly combustible gases and failing to insulate

miners underground in West Virginia now seem to
have been sadly predictable.
The federal government knew the mine was
dangerous. The company knew the mine was dan-
gerous. And so did some of the men who worked
there, according to their families.
And, like other coalfield tragedies that have riv-
eted the nation for a few days, this one will probably
be forgotten all too soon.
It was just a little more than four years ago that
13 miners died in an explosion in an underground
mine in Brookwood, Ala. Then, as now, Labor
Secretary Elaine Chao and officials of the U.S.
Mine Safety and Health Administration promised
a thorough investigation. They eventually levied
$435,000 in fines against the mine’s operator, Jim
Walters Resources.
But in November, the fines were reduced to just
$3,000 by an administrative law judge who ruled
that MSHA did not prove most of the violations.
With that kind of record, it’s little wonder that
mining companies would feel free to flout safety
laws, especially under the Bush administration,
which has pushed “compliance assistance” over
strict enforcement.
At the Sago Mine where the 12 died, the list of
safety violations was long and serious. Since May,
federal inspectors had issued 13 unwarrantable
failure orders, the most serious kind.
Unwarrantable failures are issued when manage-
ment knows about an unsafe condition and fails to
fix it or when the danger is so obvious that there’s
‘
electric wires. Sparks from electrical equipment
can ignite coal dust and methane gas, thus causing
underground explosions.
It’s harder to use, but the layout is better.
It was an explosion early Monday, as the mine
reopened after a holiday break, that trapped 13
‘
miners underground.
The cause of the explosion still is undetermined.
From what little we know, the miners did what
they could to save themselves. They hung a curtain
designed to block the spread of deadly carbon
monoxide, and each had a personal rescuer that
can provide oxygen for a short time.
Twelve miners were found together behind the Chris Martin, freshman, business management
curtain; the one survivor was taken from the mine
unconscious but moaning, according to The As-
sociated Press. Another miner died elsewhere in
the mine.
Our hearts go out to the families, whose suf-
fering was compounded by a false report by the
International Coal Group, that the 12 had been
found alive, until the truth was discovered three
‘
hours later. I don’t like it as much; it’s harder to use.
With that backdrop, the investigation begins
under a cloud of mistrust and suspicion.
That’s a good reason for MSHA to convene a
‘
public hearing into the causes of this disaster, as
mine safety advocate and former state and federal
official Tony Oppegard urges.
The families of the miners and the public deserve
to hear firsthand why their loved ones died, and that
won’t happen without a public hearing.
Nick Kaiser, freshman, business advertising
January 11, 2006
Budget cuts hit students hard Is America really safer?
By San Jose Mercury News
Knight-Ridder News
Congressional Republicans made a self-satisfied
gesture of fiscal constraint before heading home
to hornswoggle voters into believing they’re really
worried about the federal deficit.
The $40 billion in spending cuts, spread
over five years, was barely a pinprick
about a third of 1 percent of the
federal budget.
This year’s budget deficit
alone is $319 billion.
The spending cuts will
soon be swamped by $56
billion in extended tax cuts
that Congress is poised
to pass early next year,
along with $27 billion in
additional tax write-offs
for the wealthy that took
effect Jan. 1.
In fact, $40 billion in
cuts would be barely
worth mentioning were
it not so irresponsible.
Bearing the brunt will be the federal
college loan program, which Con-
gress instead should be increasing in l i g h t
of soaring higher education costs and the fact
that American industry is clamoring for a better
educated workforce.
Because of the cuts, students will be piling up
several thousand dollars of additional debt and
parents will be paying higher interest on loans up
to 8.5 percent.
Lenders will no longer be able to subsidize new
loans from the money they make. And, despite
promises to raise Pell Grants, the foundation of
Ever since Christmas break, my roommates have not been cleaning our apartment.
Without causing any fights, how should I approach this problem?
When someone jokes around, half of their intent
is actually serious. When I loudly ask my roommate
in a laughing manner whether she is going to clean
up her dishes in the sink because they are currently
“growing mold” I’m joking and I’m not.
My experience with roommates, especially girl
roommates, for
the past four
years is not to
come across Ms.
like a psycho
b----.
Malarky
Take a mo-
ment to exam-
ine the recent
situation. It’s
midterm week and everyone’s daily routine has
been assaulted by school work.
I’ve seen people sacrifice 10 minutes in the
shower for 15 minutes of last minute cramming
before a midterm.
Right now, the last thing on many students’ minds
is going back to the apartment and scrubbing the
bathroom.
Many of us are thinking about collapsing for a
much needed nap in order to recharge for a night
of mind numbing beverage consumption. So for
this week, I wouldn’t freak out about a temporary
slip in the apartment cleaning duties.
However, if at the end of the weekend your apart-
ment still looks and smells like something died in
it, I would take some serious action.
Specifically in a girl’s apartment it’s important not
federal student aid, by $1,000 to keep up with rising
costs, the grants will remain capped at $4,000.
The $22 billion in cuts and restructuring will be
partly offset by $3.75 billion in new grants for stu-
dents studying foreign languages, math and science,
plus $2 billion to forgive loans of special-education
teachers and students who enlist in
the military after college.
But the net $13 billion cut
marks the biggest hit in the his-
tory of the program.
The House version passed
narrowly with no Democratic
support.
It took Vice President
Cheney, rushing back from
the Mideast, to break a
50-50 tie vote in the
Senate.
Describing the vote
as the only chance this
year to ``actually do
something about deficit
spending,’’ Senate Bud-
get Committee chair Judd
Gregg of New Hampshire
told senators, ``This is our respon-
sibility to our children.’’
Actually, Congress and the Bush admin-
istration have socked it to them.
They have piled on a mountain of federal debt
with an unbudgeted war in Iraq and a drug program
for kids’ grandparents.
And now they have compounded this by pinching
on college aid.
Some high school grads will give up altogether
on pursuing a degree, to the detriment of the U.S.
economy in the future.
The next generation is paying a big price for
Congress’ lip service to austerity.
Ask the Malarkys
to get nasty with one another over the dishes in the
sink. Girls tend to internalize small problems into
huge raging issues that can result in what men love
to call a “girl fight.”
However, there is usually a lack of mud and hair
grabbing in these situations. Usually just a lot of
negative, hurtful comments are directed at one
another followed by a door slam and extended
silence. So instead of all this drama, just confront
the cleaning issue right away.
First of all, make sure that you don’t have any
dirty laundry or dishes lying around before you
start calling the kettle black.
I would simply divide up the cleaning tasks among
your roommates by being the first to volunteer that
you will be cleaning the bathroom. This should
be an indication that normalcy must return to the
apartment.
It should be understood that everyone in the
apartment should clean up after themselves, espe-
cially in regards to dishes and keeping their stuff
in order.
When it comes to the weekly cleaning duties, my
roommates and I switch up the jobs every week.
Sadly this week it was my turn to clean the bath-
room. However, now I won’t have to reach for the
toilet bowl for another three weeks.
If someone is still dragging their feet, don’t hesi-
tate to try some humor. Remark how their dirty
laundry makes a lovely decor for the living room.
Or how it was a good idea to save on a shower
stopper when the excess hair has been currently
doing a great job of clogging up the drain.
KRT
THE MERCIAD PAGE 7
To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu OPINION
With extra time over Christmas break, I was actu- the National Security Agency, which made its way
ally able to catch up on current events and read the to the front page of the New York Times.
newspaper, magazines, journals etc. Upon publication, it was revealed that President
A lot of attention has been focused on the new- Bush gave the go-ahead for the NSA to eavesdrop
est addition to the Patriot Act, which is waiting on Americans.
in Congress In response, I asked for a phone card for Christ-
to be voting mas since telephone calls from a land line are harder
upon, due to to tap into than those from cellular phones.
a time exten- Ellen A report was later released stating the entire U.S.
sion passed in Koenig Intelligence Community was not doing enough
order to make to combat terrorism and other threats to the
necessary re- country.
visions. The Federal Bureau of investigation has been
One con- Contributing writer spying on Greenpeace, Catholic Worker, the Ameri-
troversial sec- can-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and
tion of the bill gives the government access to our PETA. So to protect freedom, the government is
public library and college library records. restricting freedom . . . interesting paradox.
Harper’s Magazine recently reported a student Even if the government is not checking our
from New Bedford, Ma., was visited by agents records, it is fair to preach caution. For example,
from the Department of Homeland Security for be careful what you post on the Internet.
checking out a copy of “Mao’s Little Red Book.” Some extra time over Christmas break led me
The story ended up being a hoax, but it does pose to some ‘exploring’ on Facebook. After a few
a scenario which could possibly occur within the clicks I stumbled upon faculty members who have
near future. Facebook accounts. Then I realized anyone with a
Library records are not the only thing being Mercyhurst e-mail address has access to the online
monitored. database. This includes coaches, administrators and
The current administration has also ordered even teachers.
searches on private citizens and currently has a list Instantly, certain pictures were censored and
of 80,000 people on terror watch. some material instantly erased. Pictures with under-
Phone lines are being tapped, postal mail and age students holding bottles or cans of alcohol are
e-mails are being screened and above all else, the enough evidence to get you in trouble, along with
president is taking measures that have not been comments from friends, and listing organizations
approved by Congress. that you may be a part of and even the music and
Does anyone remember the balance of power set books you read are enough to raise suspicions.
up by the Constitution? An implied power does not I hate to sound paranoid, but is all of this cen-
give the president absolute power. The framers are soring and spying really making America safer or
probably turning in their graves. just more mistrustful?
And of course who could forget about the recent Privacy is a thing of the past, and we are just now
letter from California State Representative, Nancy being told about it.
Pelosi to General Michael V. Hayden, director of Welcome to 2006.
Communal living with strangers is one of the sharing the burden of keeping house.
most drastic changes students must face while My apartment decided to use a written dish
attending college. schedule that has worked really well thus far. Such
Dealing with other people’s habits and routines schedules could be used for almost anything if
while being tolerable at the same time is definitely followed.
a chore in and of itself. Different personalities In my opinion, the most important thing you can
accompany do is hold individuals responsible for their own un-
differnt liv- cleanliness by calling them out on it and demanding
ing styles. that they clean it up. If a certain roommate is not
As most pulling their weight or is responsible for 99 percent
kids our age Mr. of messes, say something. Letting it go will only
tend to be Malarky encourage such behavior.
untidy at best, Don’t be afraid: Uncomfortability should have
relations be- nothing to do with this demand, be a jerk.
tween room- My parents don’t pay room and board so my fel-
mates can low roommates can trash the room and infringe on
easily get ugly my space. Thus far I have been the largest culprit
if in fact they care about cleanliness. I personally of this in my room so I really have little argument
am a pretty tidy person and can’t stand a messy here; however, if I were on of my roommates I
room. But what may be disgusting to one person would be mad at me.
may be comfortable to another. This is an issue of respect so don’t bother re-
Since guys are responsible for roughly 110 per- specting someone who doesn’t show you the same
cent of all of the parties going on at Mercyhurst courtesy you show them.
College, and we are generally slobs, our dwellings Similarly, it is important that you hold up your
tend to get dirtier faster, although I’ve seen some end of the bargain.
pretty nasty female apartments as well . . . uncleanli- Ultimately, I feel that the cleanliness of your
ness doesn’t always have gender boundaries. apartment should be just about the last thing on
This being the case, it is important that room- your mind during college when there are more
mates adopt some kind of system that can be important things to think about like class, Mario
followed for cleaning. Compromise is necessary in Kart and naps.
any sticky (no pun intended) situation. So be a buddy and just clean up after your-
There are several options roommates can un- selves.
dertake to improve their living conditions while
The
Joshua Wilwohl
MERCIAD Editor-in-chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Corrie Thearle News Editor newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Jack Features Editor featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Allison Moore Opinion Editor opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ryan Palm Sports Editor sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Katie McAdams Photo & Production Editor photomerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt Advertising Manager admerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Chelsea Boothe Copy Editor copymerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Emily Crofoot Graduate Assistant ecrofo81@mercyhurst.edu
The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College.
It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms
week and finals week. Our office is in the Old Main, room 314. Our telephone
number is 824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and
names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters
for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due the
Thursday before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit
letters to box PH 485.
PAGE 8
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
tHe
BuZz
JAN. 10-22. Musical.
“Evita.”Palace Theater,
Cleveland.
JAN. 13. 38 Special. Pepsi-
Cola Roadhouse, Burgett-
stown.
JAN. 15. The Syn with
Chris Squire of Yes. Beach-
land Ballroom, Cleveland.
JAN. 18. Camper Van
Beethoven. Beachland Ball-
room, Cleveland.
JAN. 19. Derek Trucks
Band. Odeon, Cleveland.
JAN. 19-22. Tyler Perry’s
Madea Goes to Jail. State
Theatre, Cleveland.
JAN. 20. Almost Queen.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
JAN. 20. Bon Jovi. HSBC
Arena, Buffalo.
JAN. 21. Keller Williams.
University at Buffalo Cen-
ter for the Arts, Buffalo.
JAN. 22. Larry the Cable
Guy. Tullio Arena, Erie.
JAN. 22. Yellowcard, Mae.
Odeo, Cleveland..
JAN. 24. Big Head Todd
and the Monsters, Jackie
Greene. House of Blues,
Cleveland.
JAN. 25. Derek Trucks
Band. Center for the Arts,
University of Buffalo, Buf-
falo.
JAN. 26. Pray for the Soul
of Betty with Constantine
Maroulis. House of Blues,
Cleveland.
JAN. 26-28. Gordon Light-
foot. Avalon Ballroom,
Niagara Fallsview Casino,
Niagara Falls, Ontario.
JAN. 27. Whole Wheat
Bread, Know How. Agora
Theatre, Cleveland.
JAN. 27. Lakewood Proj-
ect. House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
JAN. 28. David Allan Coe,
Kentucky Headhunters.
Agora Theatre, Cleveland.
JAN. 28. Low. Grog Shop,
Cleveland.
JAN. 29. Lyle Lovett
Acoustic Trio. Center for
the Arts, University of Buf-
falo, Buffalo.
JAN. 29. Moe. House of
Blues, Cleveland.
JAN. 31. Toasters, Go
Jimmy Go, Gelatinus Cube
and Jolly Rodgers. Odeon,
Cleveland.
JAN. 31. Sevendust, Non-
Point, Wicked Wisdom.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
FEB. 2. Lonestar. Warner
Theatre, Erie.
FEB. 2. Aimee Mann. Cen-
ter for the Arts, University
of Buffalo, Buffalo.
FEB. 4. Stylistics, Chi-
Lites, Bloodstone, Heat
Wave, Main Ingredient.
Palace Theater, Cleveland.
FEB. 7. O.A.R. A.J. Palum-
bo Center, Pittsburgh.
FEB. 8. Less Than Jake,
Rock & Roll Soldiers.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
Courtesy of GoErie.com
Cursed classic: ‘Macbeth’
By Jessica Ciccone
Contributing writer
Love Shakespeare? Love twist-
ed romances? Want to see people
skewered on massive daggers?
Then get ready, because Mercy-
hurst is gearing up to present one
of Shakespeare’s most widely-
recognized, highly-praised works
ever: the cursed Scottish play
about a weak-minded, but blood-
thirsty Thane and his brutally
manipulative wife: “Macbeth.”
This classic will be brought to
life under the direction of Dr.
Hillary Fogerty on Jan. 26-28
in Taylor Little Theater at 7:30
p.m.
Countless hours contributed
by many individuals have gone
towards creating gorgeous cos-
tumes, collecting amazingly de-
tailed props and coaching the
student actors of Mercyhurst in
the ways of bringing a Shake-
spearean tragedy successfully to
the stage.
Dr. Fogerty claims she is “ex-
tremely excited” about the play,
and exceptionally proud of all
of the actors involved in the
production.
Sophomore Joe Zamora will
perform the lead role of Mac-
beth, the twisted Thane who
is seduced by a prophecy and
convinced by his scheming wife
to murder the ruling King and
assume the throne.
Macbeth’s treacherous wife,
Lady Macbeth, will be played by
Amanda Valauri, who is also a
sophomore.
Both are very enthusiastic
about their roles, and will no
doubt do a stunning job of bring-
Lucas Ranch revealed on ’Hurst TV
By Gary Williams
Contributing writer
“Once upon a time in a galaxy
far, far, away...”
That phrase has become syn-
onymous with the “Star Wars”
franchise.
The before-its-time feature
film and the more recent pre-
quels have transported viewers
into other-worldly dimensions.
The host of special effects used
by Lucas is certainly one of the
main reasons for success.
Interested in that world of be-
hind-the-scenes movie magic?
This week, HurstTV will air
a ZiloTV special (HurstTV is a
ZiloTV affiliate) on the George
‘Every Time I Die’ releases new CD
By Eric Haak
Contributing writer
One of the most incredible
things about the Buffalo natives
“Every Time I Die,” is that they
have apparently made an image
for themselves based solely on
not caring about their image.
It seems as if every article or
review written about the band
has to put aside as much space
to write about the band perform-
ing in pajamas as they do to the
band’s music.
While it is impressive that a
band can be successful while
defying the rules of one of the
most oppressive music scenes
out there, the music that “Every
Time I Die” puts out is the real
awe-inspiring story.
“Every Time I Die” is not a
band for the timid. While their
newest album, “Gutter Phenom-
enon,” is slightly less heavy than
their last album, it’s still loud
enough for most.
Unlike previous efforts, vocal-
ist Keith Buckley does a fair bit
of singing on “Gutter Phenom-
enon.”
The majority of vocals prob-
ably still fall somewhere between
yelling and screaming, but it’s
nice to hear some singing as in
“The New Black.”
THE MERCIAD January 11, 2006
To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
ing their complex characters to
life in a very realistic way.
When asked what his favorite
thing about the character of
Macbeth is, Zamora replied, “I
like the end of the play, when
Macbeth has grown more and
more villainous. It’s fun to play
an evil character.”
When asked if it is fun to play a
completely insane character, Va-
lauri responded, “Yeah, totally.”
But Mercyhurst students should
be prepared for some interesting
twists on the classic. The origi-
nal version of the play features
mainly roles for male actors.
However, in this version, Dr.
Fogerty has cast sophomore
Sally Applebee in the traditional
role of Malcolm, son of King
Duncan.
The character’s new name will
be ‘Malkia,’ which means ‘queen.’
This casting change serves a
double purpose in that it further
illuminates the dominant influ-
ence of the female characters in
the play.
When Applebee as Malkia is
seen urging MacDuff, played
by freshman Joe Will, to take
revenge, the audience is once
again shown that, in this par-
ticular work, it is the women’s
encouragement that lies behind Melissa Brandt/ A & E Editor
all of the actions performed by Joe Zamora and Amanda Valauri star in the ’Hurst production of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth.’
the men.
There are a few more unique
been receiving help from people Mercyhurst.” Shakespeare, so there will be
twists in Mercyhurst’s production
all over campus in getting this No Mercyhurst student should sword play, blood, and implied
of “Macbeth,” including the re-
production together. rob themselves of the chance sex.” And indeed, what more
turn of the prophesying witches
She says it has been very “heart- to see this classic play brought could one want from the the-
at the end of the play, and the
ening and encouraging to see that to life amid vivid costumes, an ater?
death of Fleance, but as for the
so many people are willing to elaborate set, and extremely Tickets go on sale Jan. 10 in
rest, you’ll just have to see the
help to bring a great Shakespear- dedicated and talented student the PAC, and will be available
play yourself to find out.
ean drama to the Mercyhurst actors. throughout the show dates.
Dr. Fogerty claims she has
stage. We need more theater at As said by Dr. Fogerty: “It’s
Lucas Ranch and the “Star Wars” tal characters were created to
prequel trilogy. supplement real actors and even
Part one of the exclusive will shows the interaction the live
air Wednesday at 6 p.m. and characters had with their digital
Thursday at 4 p.m. Part two will counterparts.
air Jan. 17 at 3:30 p.m. and Jan. The technological aspect to
18 at 7:30 p.m. creating the various majestic
The hour-long specials include scenes in the movie is also ex-
interviews with George Lucas, amined.
cast members and some of Additionally, the top five mo-
the crew who work behind the ments in the prequel trilogy are
scene. revealed and there is an around
As a special treat, a tour of the the world look at the release of
Lucas Ranch and studios will be “Star Wars Episode 3.”
shown. If you’re a “Star Wars” fan or
The behind-the-scenes tour just interested in special effects,
showcases the technology in do not miss the airing of ’Hurst’
the prequel, mainly how it was TV’s exlusive look into the Star
developed and subsequently used Wars Lucas’ Ranch today at 6
throughout the film. p.m. on Channel 19. Photo courtesy of www.starwars.com
The special reveals how digi- Fictional world of Polis Massa, created by George Lucas.
Keith will probably never be nomenon” have a more solid declaring “We’re gonna party tains one of the most interesting
accredited with the greatest voice structure than the jam style tunes tonight!” at separate points. vocal parts of the CD with an
in music history, but he sings well on “Hot Damn!” “L’astronaut” is another brutal interesting echo and layer effect
enough to provide a contrast to The track that will feel most track with a powerful rhythm used in the end of the song.
the more aggressive vocals and familiar to “Every Time I Die” section that dares you not to nod Overall, the “Gutter Phenom-
keep the songs interesting. fans will likely be “Guitared and your head. enon” is a solid album and a
Lyrically, “Gutter Phenom- Feathered,” but even this song is The guitars on the track also good introduction to the band.
enon” adds to “Every Time I a step forward from the bands create an enjoyable tension with However, all the band’s albums
Die’s reputation for intelligent standard fare with the normal well placed layering towards the should be listened to in order to
and extremely sarcastic com- frantic guitar riffs being broken end of the song. judge and fully appreciate their
mentary. up by Buckley crooning and “Kill the Music” probably con- different styles.
The opening song, “Apoca-
lypse Now and Then” contains a
shot at the image oriented goth-
wannabe bands saturating the
mainstream with the line “We’ve
applied mascara to the radio, but
that’s just a quick fix and we need
a little more Does it matter to you
at all? Are you listening or have
you tuned out?”
Like the music, the lyrics
on “Gutter Phenomenon” are
bound to upset more than a few
and the CD should probably be
purchased with care by people
who are easily offended by vul-
garity and adult topics.
Like the vocals, the instrumen-
tation shows a bit more apprecia-
tion for melody while still leaving
the songs heavy.
The songs are much more
structured than in previous ef-
forts. The band has said that
this was a conscious effort on
their part.
Photo courtesy of everytimeidie.com
The songs of “Gutter Phe- Check out the music style of the Buffalo band, ‘Every Time I Die’ on Gutter Phenomenom.
January 11, 2006
Let’s talk ‘Vagina...Monologues’ that is
By Michelle Brewer
Contributing writer
The Roadhouse Theater’s
production of “The Vagina
Monologues” is making sure no
Friday or Saturday night is with-
out excitement this month.
“The Vagina Monologues”
is a collection of accounts
by women of every age and
nationality, uninhibited or shy,
aware or not about their “down
there.”
It’s a phenomenon that relates
the mystery and complexity that
comes with being female.
Eve Ensler started it in New
York in 1996, when she started
asking women about their vagi-
nas in the basement of a café.
By 2001, she was performing
their collected monologues in
Madison Square Garden with
celebrity cameos that included
Calista Flockhart, Jane Fonda,
Melissa Ethridge, Glenn Close,
Oprah Winfrey and more.
It has been performed in cit-
ies across America and on hun-
dreds of college campuses.
The monologues have been
compiled in a book that has
sold and continues to sell in
vast quantities as new releases
include even more material.
Ensler would ask women
various questions and they in
turn would reply with descrip-
tions on topics ranging from
their first discovery, hair, forced
mutilation, the ever persistent
cycle, the dreaded gyno, little
known facts, and of course,
sex.
When they are performed,
Ensler sits on stage and re-
counts the answers she received
as they were told to her.
Sneak peak the new spring films from the PAC
By Christina Ferranti
Contributing writer
Here is a sneak preview at
what the PAC is showing in this
spring’s Guelcher Film Series!
All movies are shown at the
PAC on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
and 8 p.m.
“Enron: The Smartest Guys
in the Room” is a documentary
that tells the inside story of one
of history’s greatest business
scandals.
Top executives of America’s
seventh largest company walked
away with over $1 billion while
investors and employees lost
everything. Showing Jan. 25.
“Broken Flowers” is a bit-
tersweet film staring Bill Mur-
ray, who plays Don Johnston, a
crumpled lothario who receives
an anonymous letter telling him
he has a son.
The search for the mother
takes Murray on a road-trip to
reconnect with four old flames
(including Sharon Stone and Jes-
sica Lange). Showing Feb. 1.
“2046” is a Cantonese, Man-
darin, and Japanese drama/ro-
Retro Review: ‘Something Corporate’
By Joe Fidago
Contributing writer
Anyone who is a fan of the
Jack’s Mannequin CD “Every-
thing in Transit,” should check
out the side project of frontman
Andy McMahon, “Something
Corporate.”
“Something Corporate”
(“SoCo”) is a band that can eas-
ily be dismissed as “just another
one of those emo bands” by
some. I myself had the same
opinion of them before I heard
their songs.
I mean, how many bands out
there can sing about how girls
broke their heart? It’s happened
to all of us so we don’t need
reminded, right?
That’s not exactly the entire
genre in a nutshell, but it is to
Local women take on the role of performers on the Roadhouse Theater stage for its production of Eve Ensler’s ‘The Vagina Monologues.’
The Roadhouse Theatre
showing of “The Vagina Mono-
logues” is directed by Mary
Stewart and performed by vari-
ous local women.
Staying true to the ideal that
every woman embodies her
own female sexuality and em-
powerment, the performance
cast is composed of everyday-
phenomenal women who don’t
necessarily have a background
in theater.
mance.
Filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai
blends the past, present and
future into an exquisite whole in
this sumptuous sort-of-sequel.
Tony Leung returns to play
Chow, a dissolute writer in 1960s
Hong Kong who funds his night-
ly debauchery by writing news-
paper articles and bizarre sci-fi
stories set in the year 2046.
He begins to realize the terrible
truth that “all memories are trac-
es of tears.” Showing Feb. 8.
“Ladies in Lavender” is a dra-
matic comedy about the dull lives
of two elderly spinster sisters on
the coast of Cornwall that are
interrupted by a shipwrecked
Polish sailor who rekindles old
sibling rivalries, jealousies and
unfulfilled dreams.
The movie centers on jealous
rivalries, dark political paranoia
and ultimately crushing heart-
break. Showing Feb. 15.
“Nobody Knows” a docu-
drama from Japanese director
Hirokazu Kore-eda is based
on a real 1988 event formerly
known as the “Affair of the Four
Abandoned Children of Nishi-
Sugamo.”
some (Metalheads, grunt here
and crank up your “Slayer” CD
a few more notches).
For those who don’t know
anything about “Something
Corporate,” I would make the
comparison that they are the
“Coldplay” of the Emo genre.
Just like “Coldplay,” the songs
incorporate piano parts very well;
and they can take a very simple
concept or lyric and make it
something you can’t get out of
your head.
And just for the record, the
songs aren’t all about heartbrake;
many have an air of hope and an
overall message of moving on
and not letting disappointments
weigh you down.
The band has two major label
releases, “Leaving Through the
Window” and “North.”
They also released a CD en-
To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
The women, about 15 to 20 in
all, each retell a monologue that
deals with a different topic. The
show features women young
and old, black and white, heart
wrenching and hysterical.
They all have something to
tell us. The topics include some
of the aforementioned and
others.
Each woman stands alone on
stage and performs her mono-
logue for the audience.
In this fictional film, a 12-
year-old has to look after his
three younger siblings when his
mother mysteriously disappears.
Showing Feb. 22.
“Brothers” is a Danish drama
about two brothers’ lives that are
changed forever when one is sent
to Afghanistan on a UN mission,
leaving his wife and family.
It is a morality play of grief and
fidelity that unravels with grati-
fying unpredictability. Showing
March 8.
“The Constant Gardner” is a
drama adapted from the novel by
John le Carre. It is a gripping ro-
mantic thriller that sweeps audi-
ences along one man’s emotional
and global journey to uncover the
truth behind a personal loss and a
worldwide conspiracy. Showing
March 15.
“Separate Lies” is a humor-
tinged romantic mystery that is
not so much a “who done it” as
an exploration of why people
make the mistakes they do-in
life, in marriage and when their
decisions count the very most.
Showing March 22.
“The Squid and the Whale” is
a dramatic comedy about two
titled “Ready…..Break” in 2000
– but good luck finding a copy of
that; it’s long been out of print.
“Leaving Through the Win-
dow,” their debut, is more piano-
driven and less of a rock album
than “North.”
“North” has a bit more of
a polished sound to it, not to
say that that the former is a raw
sounding record – it’s just much
more of a “Ben Folds” type
record, where a lot of the songs
center around the piano, but
some others have the prominent
guitar sections as well.
My all-time favorite song by
“Something Corporate” has to
be “Hurricane.”
I actually prefer the version on
their “Audioboxer” EP rather
than the one that appears on
“Leaving Through the Window”
because some of the words are
THE MERCIAD
ENTERTAINMENT
Although not their own, the
audience can’t help but be
drawn into the woman’s world
of pain and pleasure that comes
with “down there.”
Keep in mind this show isn’t
just for women. Men will gain
further insight into a world that
they never thought they’d see
(no pun intended).
Although women know about
these things, part of what makes
the show so interesting is how
brothers who are left to grapple
with the confusing and conflicted
feelings that arise from the sud-
den collapse of their parents’
marriage.
Despite the scalding honesty
of the machinations of an ugly
divorce in which practically no-
body does the right thing, the
film still takes the form of a
comedy.
Baumbach’s adroit dialogue
evenhanded way of presenting
even the worst behavior keeps
the film from falling into pathos.
Showing March 29.
“Paradise Now” is an Arabic
drama about two young Pales-
tinian men who embark upon
what may be the last 48 hours
of their lives.
The men, Said and Khaled,
form a pact to give their lives
together to the Palestinian cause,
and go out in a redeeming blaze
of glory. Showing April 5.
“Junebug” is a dramatic com-
edy about a British-born dealer
in regional art that travels from
Chicago to N. C. to pursue a local
painter for her gallery.
The film confronts the difficul-
ty of two cultures colliding, and
changed in the latter.
The song talks about how
sometimes you feel like there’s
just that one thing missing – or
one thing that’s right around the
corner from making everything
just click with someone – and
even though it’s right within
reach the other person is slowly
falling away.
Everything is right this time,
and if the situation is looked at
“out of the box,” it might seem
impossible that everything would
come together how it did, but a
“hurricane” of emotions came
along and you both got sucked
into it.
This may sound like three
dozen other songs you’ve heard
in the last week, but the lyr-
ics are what make “Something
Corporate”so great.
The song is written with seri-
PAGE 9
ARTS &
Melissa Brandt/ A&E Editor
few of us sit around and talk She is necessary for life, for
about the unmentionable. yours and for mine and that is
Though the show does touch what we take away at the end
upon some tongue-in-cheek of the show; a new apprecia-
topics, the finale ties it all to- tion for life and where it comes
gether with a metaphorical from.
depiction of how the vagina, Men and women alike will
like the heart, holds a singular, walk away from this experience
unique importance for accep- feeling different about women,
tance and love. their sexuality, their power and
Woman and vagina are more their importance as the givers
than just something to be dis- of life.
cussed and joked about.
http://wip.warnerbros.com/goodnightgoodluck/
George Clooney stars in ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’
television producer Fred Friend-
discovers reveals a tumultuous
ly, withstood corporate pressures
outcome. Showing April 12.
and took a stand against Senator
“Capote” is a drama about the
Joseph McCarthy’s orchestrated
profile of Truman Capote during
communist-baiting campaign.
the years he researched the story
Showing April 26.
that was to become the basis
Make sure to check out the rest
for the book “In Cold Blood.”
of the spring films, at http://pac.
Showing April 19.
mercyhurst.edu/events.php.
“Good Night and Good Luck”
is the story of Edward R. Murrow
who, with a team led by the CBS
ous thought behind it, and when
McMahon sings you can tell he
means it.
Something Corporate is a band
that I recommend everyone
check out.
I can’t put a number on how
many people I’ve heard say that
they love every song SoCo has
ever made, a statement I don’t
think I’ve heard about any other
band.
 PAGE 10 THE MERCIAD January 11, 2006

LAKER
SPORTS To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Kobe shoots to top

By Matt Jackson
Co-Sports editor

About a month ago I seriously considered

writing an article on overrated athletes.
Looking back now it’s probably a good idea
I never went through with the idea, because
near the top of my list would have been
Kobe Bryant.
I was ready to put him right up there with
the likes of Michael Vick in the NFL, Nomar
Garciaparra in baseball, and Michelle Wie in,
well actually Wie might be the most overrated
player in any organization ever at this point, KRT photo
but that’s another story for another time. The BCS system put Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
My argument against Kobe is that he is an

BCS system gets

awful team player, who almost every game
tries to do too much which in the end has a
negative effect on the outcome of the game
for his team.
He shoots when he has a teammate with
a better shot, he shoots when he’s double
covered, and if the game comes down to
the last shot, I’m pretty sure he would shoot
even if all five defenders converged on him
at once.
Lately, however, all Kobe has done is shoot
his way to four straight games of scoring 45
points or more, a feat accomplished only two
other times in NBA history.
Michael Jordan is not on that list.
This accomplishment combined with the
62-point game Kobe put up against the Mav-
ericks on Dec. 20 of this season, a gamne in
which Bryant could have scored more if he
had even stepped on the court for the fourth
quarter, is enough to prove my overrated
theory right there.
Bryant now leads the NBA in scoring at
34.1 points per game and has led the Lak-
ers to an 18-16 record to this point in the
season.
Two games over .500 doesn’t sound too
impressive, but it’s pretty good when you
consider the fact that Bryant has no one
around him.
Lamar Odom has played way under his abil-
ity since joing the Lakers and their center is
Kwame Brown, a known underachiever.
Their third leading scorer is Smush Park-
er.
Smush?
Come to think of it I retract my statements
about Kobe not being a good team player.
If I was a coach and a game came down
to the last shot I would probably put the ball
in Kobe’s hands even if he had a hand in
his face, his hair being pulled and Dikembe
a makeover
By Alan Schmadtke
Knight Ridder Newspapers
One system ends, another
stands ready to take its place.
The Bowl Championship Series
dives headfirst into its next stage
of life, and some “exploring” is
order.
Southeastern Conference Com-
missioner Mike Slive, incoming
BCS coordinator, said Wednes-
day he wanted to used the next
couple seasons to seek out other
possible formats for future post-
season play.
In 2006, the BCS begins a four-
year rotation of a new double-
hosting model among the Fiesta,
Sugar, Orange and Rose bowls.
The model adds a fifth game to
the upper tier bowls, providing
more access to conferences that
have had trouble getting teams
KRT photo into the high-paying games.
Kobe Bryant has scored over 45 points in each of his last four games. The fifth game _ the title game
_ is to be played Jan. 8 most years,
Mutombo was standing on a step ladder in streak to five games when the Lakers travel to a week after the traditional New
front of the hoop, rather than have him pass Protland for a 10 p.m. tip-off tonight. Year’s Day games.
it to a man called Smush. The Trailblazers are 18th in the NBA in In Slive’s mind, the format is
If Kobe can continue to have the MVP type ppg allowed, letting up an average of 95.6 not locked in beyond the next
season he is having now, the Lakers could be ppg this season. four seasons.
the prime candidate for an upset special in If the BCS format changes
the early rounds of the playoffs.
Kobe will get a chance to extend his scoring
after the 2010 New Year’s games,
it would have to cope with an
eight-year contract that the Big
Ten, Pac-10 and Rose Bowl put
in place starting next season.
But Slive said the double-host-
ing model_next year the Fiesta
Bowl will be played and then the
Fiesta folks will host a title game
a week later_opens the door for
a Plus One model.
The Plus One format is es-
sentially a three-game playoff,
something college presidents are
wary of embracing. Two teams
would advance from two BCS
bowls into a title game, allowing
the BCS to handle as many as
four unbeaten teams to find its
champion.
Slive’s goal is to investigate
anything and everything about
the bowl system: this year’s BCS
format; next year’s format; the
Plus One; and others that “we
haven’t thought of yet.”
Regardless, next season will be
different. Commissioners and
bowls are curious to see how
many non-BCS conference teams
qualify for BCS games like Utah
did last year.

Stripping away reputation

Stanford football recruits lured by visit to strip clubs
By Jon Wilner
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Stanford football players took
recruits to a strip club on two
occasions three years ago using
money provided by the athletic
department, activities that did
not violate NCAA rules but may
seem surprising given the school’s
squeaky-clean reputation.
Late Tuesday, after details of
the situation were published on
the San Jose Mercury News’ Web
site, Stanford released a prepared
statement: “Stanford regrets the
actions of student athletes who
accompanied recruits in 2003 to
adult entertainment venues.
Although such actions did not
violate NCAA regulations, we
believe our students should abide
by strict standards of conduct that
obviously preclude such entertain-
ment as any part of recruitment
activity.”
The incidents came to light in
a lawsuit filed against the school
by an employee claiming mistreat-
ment by senior associate athletic
director Debra Gore-Mann, a pre-
sumed candidate to be the next
athletic director.
According to the lawsuit, plain-
tiff Sheryl Kanzaki, who worked
in the athletic department’s ac-
counting office in the winter of
2002-03, received handwritten
receipts for $20 for expenditures
at the New Century Theater in
San Francisco and for alcohol
purchases by minors.
The lawsuit states that “Stan-
ford players and coaches were
seeking reimbursement.”
But Stanford counsel Patrick
Dunkley said coaches were not
involved.
He said the players funded the
outing using the NCAA-approved
$30 given to them as recruiting
hosts. The players then gave
the receipts to football program
administrators, who submitted
the receipts and reimbursement
forms.
It is not known if the adminis-
trators knew that the New Cen-
tury Theater was a strip club when
they submitted the receipts.
Buddy Teevens, the Cardinal’s
head coach at the time, said
Tuesday that he learned of the
incidents after the fact.
The New Century Theater is a
fully nude club that doesn’t serve
alcohol and requires patrons to
be 18.
Dunkley said he didn’t know if
football players had taken recruits
to strip clubs before the outings
mentioned in the lawsuit. But a
former university employee said
such activities went on before
Teevens’ arrival in January 2002.
“It happens everywhere,” the
source added.
Stanford reported the incident
to the Pacific-10 Conference and
the NCAA, but with an interest-
ing twist: It did so not because of
the strip club, but because of an
accounting mistake.
Dunkley said three players spent
more than the $30 allowed for
entertaining recruits by $3.70,
$6.01 and $6.86.
Because these expenditures con-
stituted minor NCAA violations,
Stanford informed the Pac-10
and NCAA.
There were no penalties, ac-
cording to Mike Matthews, the
Pac-10’s assistant commissioner
for compliance.
“Schools report minor viola-
tions like that all the time,” he
said.
At the time, neither Stanford
nor the NCAA governed how
host players could entertain re-
cruits.
That changed when the NCAA
clamped down in August 2004, af-
ter the sex-and-alcohol recruiting
scandal that rocked the Colorado
football program.
“What happened after Colorado
was that an NCAA task force
required individual institutions to
set up policies,” Matthews said.
“And among the policies...is that
they can’t use sex, drugs or alcohol
in the recruiting process.”
Stanford now requires athletes
to sign a “host entertainment
money form,” which outlines per-
missible uses of host money.
“Now there are rules about what
the host money can be spent on,”
Dunkley said, “and strip clubs are
off limits.”
Dunkley said that the receipts
were switched to conform with
Stanford’s accounting practices.
“The players came back and
didn’t have real receipts from the
New Century Theater, so they
wrote something out,” he said.
“That’s not part of the proper
accounting procedure. So when
it came to light that there were
improper, handwritten receipts,
they,” meaning Ching and Gore-
Mann, “took a step back. The
policy requires you to submit a
lost receipt form.
They said, `Let’s not submit im-
proper forms,’ so they submitted
a lost-receipt form.”
The strip-club incident is only
a small part of Kanzaki’s 35-page
lawsuit, much of which accuses
Stanford and Gore-Mann, the
only individual named as a defen-
dant of harassment, discrimina-
tion and retaliation.
January 11, 2006
Zanetta, Schafer win titles in Classic
By Matt Jackson
Co-Sports editor
The Mercyhurst wrestling team
will travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa
,Saturday and Sunday for the
Cliff Keen/NWCA National
Duals held at the University of
Illinois’ UNI-Dome.
This year’s event will feature
80 teams from every collegiate
division, including 16 Division II
teams in the Lakers’ bracket, 15
of which are ranked nationally.
“It’s obviously a showcase
event,” said Mercyhurst coach
Tony Cipollone, “and it’s going
to be real tough especially with
such a young team.”
Last year Mercyhurst entered
the National Duals as one of the
top teams in the country, fresh
off a win over rival Pitt-John-
stown, but Cipollone says things
are different this year.
“Last season we got seeded
high.” said Cipollone, “This year
we will probably have to open
with one of the top five teams
in the country, which is fine. You
like to see where you stack up
with everyone else.”
Nebraska-Omaha, ranked No.
1, won the event last year, and
should be the top-seed this
Men’s hockey loses twice at West Point
By Chris Van Horn
Contributing writer
The men’s hockey team did not
start out the New Year with the
bang they were looking for.
The Lakers dropped a pair
of games over the weekend at
Army.
Mercyhurst was shut out on
Friday night by a score of 5-0 and
then fell again on a garbage goal
in overtime the following night
by a score of 3-2.
Friday night the Lakers were
able to outshoot the Black
Knights, 36-32, but were unable
to put any pucks past goalie Brad
Roberts, who made save after
save all weekend.
Mercyhurst looked as though
they were going to be trailing 2-0
heading into the third period, but
gave up a penalty shot goal with
40 seconds left to go, swinging
all the momentum Army’s way
going into the third.
Saturday night, with the Lak-
First week of NFL playoffs brings Bruckheimer’s ‘Glory Road’ takes
excitement and disappointment viewers back to 1966 college hoops
By Brady Hunter
Contributing writer
So what did we learn this
weekend during the wild card
playoff round?
Eli Manning shouldn’t throw
off of his back foot, Panthers
running backs are tough as nails,
the Washington defense is for
real, and backup quarterbacks
should never be asked to carry
a team by throwing the ball 40
times against the Steelers.
What didn’t we learn? New
England is good, especially in
the postseason, Byron Leftwich
is tough, and Jerome Bettis can
score on the ground.
We knew all those things al-
ready.
The playoffs and their sud-
den death atmosphere amp up
the already intense Lombardian
ethic: winning isn’t everything,
it’s the only thing.
Couldn’t help but notice the
grit of the halfbacks in the Pan-
thers/Giants game. Nick Go-
ings and DeShaun Foster both
fought through injuries to come
up big in this game.
The Panthers running game
was certainly lethargic in the first
half, but came through in the
weekend.
The Lakers are coming off a
fifth place finish in the Midwest
Classic this past weekend, led by
first place finished from juniors
Zach Schafer and J.J. Zanetta.
Schafer, the top-seed, won his
second straight Midwest Clas-
sic championship with a 3-1
overtime victory over Eric Lakia
of Ashland in the 165 pound
finals.
Zanetta won his first tourna-
ment title as a Laker and did it
as the fifth seed.
After a 7-5 decision over top-
seeded Kyle Burkle of Upper
Iowa, Zanetta dominated his op-
ponent in the 141-pound finals
by a tally of 9-3.
“He (Zanetta) did what he
does best,” said Cipollone. “He
ground it out and wore his op-
ponents down. He has probably
been our most consistent wres-
tler all year.”
Payne Lint (125), Will Tedder
(157), and Rich Froats (197) all
finished sixth while Frank Zatta
took seventh at 184 to round out Will Tedder (top) suffered a close loss in the Midwest Classic semifinals and finished sixth.
the Mercyhurst placers.
Tedder was just seconds from late in the third period before riding time.
reaching the finals at 157 pounds, yielding an escape.
but fell to third seed Pete Carna-
bucci of Ashland 11-9 in over- was awarded a stalling point to overtime where Carnabucci behind the fourth place team at Bergman. Cipollone is uncertain
time.
Junior Jamie Hunt leads all defenders in points-per-game scoring average.
ers looking for a weekend split,
was a back-and-forth game all
the way.
Army jumped out to a 1-0 first
period lead on a power play goal
COMMENTARY
end, when it was most needed.
The Tampa Bay/Washington
battle proved that Greg William’s
recent contract extension was
well-deserved.
Rather than letting some other
team snatch Williams up for one
of the nine head coaching op-
portunities, the ‘Skins got down
to business and locked him up
long-term.
His defense validated that deci-
sion, holding the Bucs to just ten
points while causing three turn-
overs and scoring six points.
And of course there is New
England. God help the man (or
team) that stands between the
Brady/Belichik monster and a
championship.
Every analyst you heard was
right: the Patriots are the most
dangerous team in the playoffs.
The reasons are myriad, but
here’s one: all they do is win.
True, their 4-4 start was under-
whelming, but we all know what
happened next, and now, all of
a sudden, they’ve got Denver in
their sights.
But wouldya lookit Byron
Leftwich? Every highlight reel
Tedder held a three-point lead Tedder had locked up a point for
Tedder gave up a final take- points apiece.
At the same time Carnabucci down which forced the match
so the lead was cut to one, but prevailed.
just two minutes into the game.
They held the lead until Scott
Champagne’s goal early in the
third period, before scoring again
just a minute later to retake the
editor in the country wept when
he went down for the season,
fearing that they would have no
more quarterbacks to show be-
ing completely annihilated.
True, his bum ankle visibly
hindered him (David Garrard
eventually came in to finish the
game), but there he was, just how
we remembered him from his
days at Marshall.
He could’ve used a couple
of his old lineman buddies to
carry him up and down the field
Saturday.
The Steelers also showed their
toughness this weekend, romp-
ing Cincinnati in the final wild
card game.
Palmer completed his only
pass for 66 yards, and spent the
rest of the day in an MRI with
two torn ligaments.
Big Ben tied his career-high
with three touchdowns, and
once again the Steelers are con-
tenders in the AFC.
Finally, here’s a call to any
Pittsburgh fans out there: re-
member how Plax always blew
it in the big games?
Well, not even the great city of
New York could cure him, as he
caught exactly zero passes for
the Giants on Sunday.
THE MERCIAD
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ashland and Upper Iowa tied
for the team title with 130.5 without the services of returning
The Lakers finished 18 points and former national qualifier Paul
90 points.
File Photo
lead.
Jamie Hunt tied the game again
two minutes after Army took
back the lead.
The teams headed to overtime
By Drew Sharp
Knight Ridder Newspapers
The magnitude of the move
didn’t register with Texas West-
ern coach Don Haskins until
weeks after his Miners’ seminal
1966 national championship.
Never before had five black
players taken the floor together in
a national basketball title game.
If that wasn’t audacious enough,
they had the unmitigated gall to
actually win.
Thousands of hateful letters
flooded Haskins’ office in El
Paso, Texas, the vast majority
venting their bile with the same
pejorative racist preamble.
He set to flames a documented
archive to a tumultuous social
climate that Texas Western fur-
ther shook up on March 19,
1966, when it defeated all-white
Kentucky, 72-65, at College Park,
Md.
Haskins recalled during a tele-
phone interview Monday, “I had
gotten about 35,000 to 40,000 of
them. And they were all pretty
much the same. I burned them.
I had no use for them.”
Haskins even became a target
of the rising black militancy
movement of the time, branded
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
Coach Cipollone’s squad was
All-American Don Cummings
of when the two will return.
with Mercyhurst holding the
momentum.
However, just 64 seconds into
the extra session, Army’s Chris
Bilec appeared as though he was
dumping the puck into the Lak-
ers end when it ricocheted off
of Laker defensemen Dennis
Kirstein’s skate and shot past
goalie Tyler Small along the
top-shelf.
Needless to say it was a heart-
breaking way to end the week-
end, but the team has to move
forward from there.
Coach Rick Gotkin still feels
his team has the potential to be a
great team down the stretch and
on into the post season.
“Despite the scores and the
fact that we lost, I still feel that
we did a lot of things very well
over the weekend. Our defensive
zone coverage was very good and
we created scoring chances for
ourselves in both games, we just
have to keep getting better on
finishing,” Gotkin said.
There’s also something else that
as an exploiter. Forty years later,
barriers still need smashing.
The Southeastern Conference
is only two years removed from
welcoming its first black head
football coach.
The NFL must legislate an
open interview process because
it cannot wholly trust the color-
blindness of its owners.
The film “Glory Road” uses
the significance of that single
basketball game as a backdrop for
the political and racial upheaval
of the 1960s.
The movie has all the elements
of a big money-maker, heroes
and villains, good and evil and, of
course, the happy ending that, in
this instance, wasn’t the fruit of a
scriptwriter’s imagination.
But if the movie accomplishes
nothing else, it should inspire a
respectful thank you from the
youthful descendants of a once-
segregated sport and culture,
both black and white. The Min-
ers’ tale still resonates today.
Their victory helped shoot
down the myth that blacks were
incapable of mastering what
were considered the more cere-
bral positions in sports, like point
guard and quarterback.
Segregation stared Haskins
flush in the face one day in the
Page 11
LAKER
SPORTS
Gotkin feels his team could use
a little more of.
“It wouldn’t hurt for us to
have a little more ‘puck luck’,”
Gotkin said.
“It’d be nice to have a few
of those unlucky bounces go
our way, but that’s how it goes
sometimes.”
The Lakers have a tough month
ahead and with every game criti-
cal it is important that the Lakers
keep improving, especially on
finishing those scoring chances.
“This isn’t a month that will
make or break us, but it will cer-
tainly help us to see what kind
of team we’re going to be come
season’s end,” Gotkin stated.
Mercyhurst will enjoy some
home ice advantage to close the
season as nine of their final 16
games are at the Ice Center.
The Lakers take on the Univer-
sity of Connecticut next week-
end on the road before returning
home the following week to take
on American International.
late 1940s when both he and
Carr needed a drink of water.
There were two fountains _ one
for the whites and another for
the blacks.
“That left a lasting mark on
me,” Haskins said. “Here was a
person who bled the same color
as I did, yet he was treated dif-
ferently. That’s why it was very,
very easy for me to treat all of my
players the exact same regardless
of what they looked like.”
“Glory Road” is the latest
cinematic confection from Hol-
lywood uber-producer Jerry
Bruckheimer, the same man who
brought “Remember the Titans”
to the screen.
“Titans” was the true story of
an unlikely football state champi-
onship bonding a newly desegre-
gated Southern high school.
Haskins’ relationship with Carr
didn’t make the movie’s final
cut. And there are some creative
liberties taken for the sake for
drama.
A scene in which the team finds
its hotel rooms ransacked with
racial epithets on the walls never
happened.
But the tale of Texas Western
really didn’t require any altera-
tions. The unfiltered truth proved
dramatic enough.
 PAGE 12 THE MERCIAD January 11, 2006

LAKER
SPORTS To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Laker Sports “Quick Hits”

Women’s hockey at No. 5
This Weeks Results... By Andy Tait
Contributing writer
Women’s hockey.............................................Jan. 7, W 4-0, UConn
Jan. 8, W 5-2, Providence
Following four consecutive
Men’s hockey.......................................................Jan. 6, L 5-0 Army wins before the Christmas break,
Jan. 7 L 3-2 (OT), Army the Lakers returned to action in
Women’s basketball.............................Jan. 2, W 63-52, Edinboro impressive form this past week-
Jan. 5, W 74-54, Findlay
end are are now ranked No. 5 in
Division I.
Jan. 7, L 83-42, Ashland The women’s hockey team has
Men’s basketball........................................Jan 5., L 73-43, Findlay now stretched their winning run
Jan. 7, L 79-68, Ashland to six consecutive games.
Wrestling.......................................Jan. 7, 5 of 20, Midwest Classic
Despite having a depleted
squad for a variety of different
reasons, the Lakers still got the
___________________________________________________ year off to a bang showing tre-
mendous character.
The strength of the squad
head coach Michael Sisti has
In the news... assembled was evident as the
Lakers shutout against UConn File Photo

FREE OTTERS TICKETS! last Saturday and then scored Freshman goalie Courtney Drennan stopped all 20 shots against UConn.
five to breeze past Providence
Be the first to answer these two questions by e-mailing on Sunday. Drennen made 20 saves, record- Friars a year ago. sparkling form this weekend, al-
sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu and win two free tickets to “I was extremely proud of the ing her first career shutout. Freshman forward Courtney lowing only 37 shots in total.
Friday’s Erie Otters game! Drennen is a prime example of Unruh opened the scoring early “I think that each member of
pride and passion our players
1. Who was the MVP of the Rose Bowl? played with this weekend.” said the strength of this year’s team. in the second period, netting her our team did an amazing job
2. What was his career record at his school? Sisti. The Lakers’ easily disposed She provides competition to second of the season. stepping up as individual players
of UConn. 4-0. sophomore first choice net mind- Colizza then added another as well as leaders,” said Colizza.
Junior forward Stefanie Bour- er Laura Hosier, along with fel- two goals midway through the This past weekend’s games
Women’s hockey recognized beau registered her eighth goal low freshman Nicole Nelson. period before the Friars cut the could be a sign of just how
of the season and first game-win- “Courtney did a great job es- lead back to two. strong this year’s team is.
In the USCHO.com poll released on Monday the Mercyhurst ning goal to seal the team’s first pecially considering the fact she Bourbeau finished off any “I am very proud of how we
women’s hockey program moved up one spot to No. 5. win of 2006. only learned she was starting the hopes the Friars had when she performed and of Steph and Val
Besides netting the game-win- game moments before the warm- doubled the Lakers lead to four, who played great oversees for
With a pair of non-conference wins this weekend, Mercyhurst ning goal, Bourbeau also had a ups,” said Sisti. making it 5-1. team Canada and represented
moved a step ahead of the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. hand in two of the three other The Lakers were also missing Bourbeau and Colizza both themselves, their family, Mercy-
goals. three talented forwards in Sarah took their goal tally into double hurst College and their country
They shutout UConn 4-0 on Saturday and edged Providence 5-2 Forwards Robyn Law and Les- Kurth, Stephanie Jones and Val- figures with 10 and 11 respec- extremely well,” said Sisti.
on Sunday. Both wins were with a short squad. ley McArthur finished off the erie Chouinard, the latter pair tively. Lakers fans will have the chance
games with McArthur scoring are away with Canada’s under-22 “Coach challenged Stef (Bour- to support the team this Friday
Additionally, the team was named the Mercyhurst Team of the once in each of the final two pe- team in Germany, while Kurth beau) to play the best two games and Saturday as they face Wayne
Week for their performance. riods to secure a huge victory. did not travel due to a minor of the season and she did just State at the Mercyhurst Ice
McArthur’s goals on Saturday ailment. that,” said Colizza. Center.
The Lakers will be back in conference action this weekend On Sunday afternoon the Lak- Providence rounded out the The contests mark the Lak-
took her tally to three for this
when they host Wayne State on Friday night and Saturday ers blasted five past Providence, games by scoring on a power ers return to College Hockey
season.
afternoon. skating out 5-2. play late in the game, despite be- America action.
However, prior to this year she
failed to register a goal in her first Bourbeau and Colizza scored ing held to just two shots in the Friday’s game begins at 7:05
More for women’s two goals each in helping the third period. and on Saturday the contest will
66 contests.
hockey Freshmen net minder Courtney team avenge a 3-2 defeat to the The Lakers defense was in start at 2:05.
The fantastic week the
women’s hockey had last
week just got a bit better,
receiving numerous awards
Men’s basketball drops pair in Ohio
from College Hockey America
On Saturday, Mercyhurst trav-
(CHA). The conference By Brady Hunter
eled to Ashland for another Ohio
awarded three Lakers Contributing writer
showdown.
with Player of the Week
This one was a bit closer, but
awards for their play last File Photo This week provided a few set- the result was still a 79-68 loss.
weekend against UConn and Junior Stefanie Borbeau backs to what has been a stellar he Lakers stayed with the Eagles
Providence.
season thus far for the men’s initially, with a 36-30 deficit at
Junior forward Stefanie Bourbeau scored five points over the basketball team. the half.
weekend, including the game-winner against UConn. She also Men’s hoops has been hot all Soon the game was nearly out
tallied two goals on Sunday against a good Providence team. year, amassing an 11-4 overall of hand, however, driving the
record thus far, but its 1-4 record Lakers to force some shots in the
Senior defender Danielle Lansing was named the conference’s in the GLIAC South is discon- second half.
Defensive Player of the Week, heading up a defense that only certing. After converting four of their
allowed two goals on 37 shots over the weekend. Lansing also Both losses this week came 11 three-point attempts of the
tallied an assist on Sunday on the final goal of the contest. to GLIAC teams, and each was first half, the Lakers shot just one
against a formidable opponent. of 11 in the second from down-
She also helped pick up slack for the defense as a whole, First up on the week’s tough town as they tried to rally.
which was short on bodies with Ashley Pendelton playing on schedule was Findlay. Fogel had a remarkable night,
the offense and Danielle Ayearst seeing limited action due to On Thursday Jan. 5, the Lakers leading all players with 26
injury. traveled to Ohio to match up points.
with the 10-2 (3-1 in the GLIAC) File photo His four assists were a team-
Goalie Courtney Drennan was given the goaltender of the week squad knowing that they were in Senior Andy Kubinski tallied four steals against Findlay. high, and he drained all six of his
for her performance against UConn on Saturday. She shut out for a fight. free-throw attempts.
the Huskies even though she found out about the start less After the game, Findlay was Senior Jeff Daisley also put
than an hour before game-time. Drennan made 20 saves and 11-2 overall and 4-1 in the con- with Findlay riding a 15-0 run to The Lakers finished the game forth a commendable effort,
is now 4-0 with a 1.13 goals-against-average. ference. The 73-43 walloping was a 40-15 lead at halftime. shooting a meager 38 percent finishing with 12 points, 10 re-
a fairly thorough defeat, although The final 30-point differential from the floor and dropped just bounds, and two blocks. Sopho-
Athletes of the Week
the No. 25 ranked Oilers had a came in no small part as a result three free throws in their six at- more Terry Smith contributed
few moments of anxiety. of a 59 percent shooting rate tempts. 13 points.
Two Mercyhurst wrestlers made the Athlete of the Week
Junior Avi Fogel was the only from Findlay. They were just two of 15 from The win brought Ashland’s
selection process so difficult that the Athletic Department
Laker to reach double digits, with The Oilers also owned the three-point land, but did create record to 12-3 overall, and their
couldn’t pick just one!
just 11 points. glass, grabbing 38 boards while 20 turnovers to the Oiler’s 16. mark in the GLIAC South to
On defense, junior Richard Mercyhurst managed just 17. The win was business as usual 4-1.
Juniors Zack Schafer and J.J. Zanetta were named the Male
Fields with six rebounds and In fact, Findlay ended up with for the Oilers, who extended On Thursday, Jan. 12, the
Athletes of the Week for their performance at the Midwest
senior Andy Kubinski tallying more offensive rebounds (12) their streaks to seven straight Lakers battle Northwood (6-8
Classic in Indianapolis, Ind.
four steals led the way. than Mercyhurst did defensively victories and 38 straight home overall, 1-4 in the GLIAC) at
It was ugly from the beginning, (10). triumphs. 8:00 p.m.
It was the second time in as many years that Schafer won his
class, 165, while Zanetta was a first-year winner. As a team
the Lakers finished fifth of 20 teams.
Longhorn Vince Young to enter NFL draft
Hunt recognized nationally Coaches Association conven- have the first pick, will pick up an is best for him will be best for
By Chip Brown
tion. $8 million roster bonus to keep the University of Texas. Some-
Men’s hockey defender Jamie Hunt was recognized by CSTV as Contributing writer
Levine said it was important quarterback David Carr and will body asked me, `If you win the
an Honorable Mention Player of the Month for December. to Young to return to campus draft USC tailback Reggie Bush. national championship and Vince
Texas junior quarterback Vince to meet with Brown with all the Published reports have also leaves, what will you do?’ I said,
The junior leads all Division I defensemen in the points-per- Young will forego his final year same people who were on his said the New Orleans Saints are `I’ll kiss him.’”
game category, averaging 1.80 points per contest. Hunt had of eligibility and make himself recruiting visit: his mother, the interested in USC quarterback Young set the UT single-sea-
a five-game scoring streak going into last weekend, and also eligible for the NFL Draft. family’s attorney, Major Adams Matt Leinart with the second son total offense record (4,086
tallied a point in 14 of the team’s last 15 games. He made the announcement at and his uncle, Keith Young. pick. yards) in 2005 and became the
a news conference Monday Young scored twice in the final The Tennessee Titans, who only player in NCAA history to
He now has five goals on the season while contributing a team- “I’ve decided to enter the 4:30, including an 8-yard, game- have quarterback Steve McNair, rush for 1,000 yards (1,050) and
high 22 assists. (NFL) draft this year,” Young winning touchdown run with a mentor to and close friend of pass for 3,000 yards (3,036) in a
said. “I know everyone’s behind 19 seconds left, to beat USC, Young’s, have the third pick. single season.
The Lakers also own the top scoring offense in hockey, me. I will not let y’all down.” 41-38, for the national title on Brown said on Thursday that He was honored with the Dav-
averaging 4.65 goals per game. Their power-play is also Young said he also planned Wednesday. he wants whatever is best for ey O’Brien National Quarterback
nationally recognized, with a 24 percent efficiency. to get his degree and said his Young’s NFL draft stock Young. Award and the Maxwell Award,
mother told him that it was his seemed to soar after accounting “If he’s back and unhappy, given to the nation’s best college
decision. for a Rose Bowl record 467 yards that’s the worst thing you can football player.
Quick hits are compiled by sports editor Ryan Palm. Any- Brown did not attend the news of total offense in the game. possibly have,” Brown said.
thing worthy of being a “quick hit” should be e-mailed to conference as he is in Dallas at But published reports have “What we want in rewards for
sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu. the annual American Football said the Houston Texans, who Vince is what is in his heart. What