THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929 A&E SPORTS Student-produced Men’s hockey musical ‘Grease’ scores victory opening at the PAC over Team USA Page 5 Page 8

Vol. 79 No. 14 Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie Pa. 16546 February 8, 2006

THE MERCIAD Rising book prices plague students Students should blame their empty wallets on the publishing companies and not the college bookstore book buyback in an effort to make prof- By Jeff Allen its. Some mark their prices up as high as Contributing writer 26 percent. Mercyhurst, however, only charges 20 percent. Many college students across the This means instances arise where nation frequently complain about students are sold books below the sug- buying and selling textbooks. gested retailer price. Many students feel they should get Mercyhurst has a contract with the back a larger amount of money when Follett company for book buyback. they sell their books back. Follett is renowned for being one of When asked about selling back her the largest of six publishing companies. books, junior Ashley Leute said, “I This means it can supply Mercyhurst spend a ton of money buying my books with a large, diverse amount of books. and receive a small amount of cash Follett is also recongized for its con- when I sell them back.” sideration of students and fair pricing. However, book buyback is not a According to Dan Cullen, general simple process. manager of the Mercyhurst bookstore, The supply of textbooks fl uxuates another advantage the students have are frequently. Books are bought and sold teachers who are conscious about book based on the college’s need to supply prices and usage. its students with the right textbooks at Cullen explained that many faculty the right time. members insist on selecting books that Students fail to realize universities closely fi t the curriculum at the most are also businesses designed to make reasonable price. money while performing a service to The problem of excessively high book Corrie Thearle/News editor the students. prices does not lie with Mercyhurst, but Mercyhurst students empty their wallets each term to purchase new textbooks for their classes. It is the goal of the bookstore to bal- with the publishing companies. ance student necessity while adequately In order to publish a new edition of older editions of the textbook, driving term. Therefore editions of certain others don’t use them at all. In some monitoring its supply. a textbook, the information only needs the older edition’s resale value down. books for these classes change. instances the CDs can actually reduce Mercyhurst makes great efforts to aid to be altered by 20 percent. Because many students choose to Additionally publishers in recent years costs of paper usage. the students in this matter. However, This percentage, while including new keep their books and sections change have been selling books in bundles Despite this advantage however, the they cannot be obligated to lose money information, can also include minor by trimester, it’s impossible to supply which include compact disks as well as bookstore and faculty members have no for the students benefi t. font changes. all students with the same edition of workbooks. These packages are much way to avoid this form of packaging. The bookstore book buyback is This causes a dilemma for the book- a book. more expensive than the individual Recently many publishing companies superior to that of most colleges for store and ultimately the students and It is diffi cult for a teacher to conduct a textbook. have come under attack by the federal several reasons. faculty members as well. class with multiple editions of the same Some faculty rely heavily on these Many colleges and universities offer Publishing new editions invalidates text. Many electives are not offered each additional materials for classes while Please see Bookstore on page 2 Mercyhurst students lend a helping hand at the annual Special Olympics Ski Meet

another co-chair of the event. By Jonelle Davis Franks was eager to get involved in Contributing writer the meet after seeing the kids at last year’s event. Mercyhurst students helped special “Last year I went to the Special Olym- needs students from the Erie City pics Ski Meet and was overly impressed School District at the annual ski meet with the talents that these students at Peek ‘n’ Peak Ski Resort on Thursday, have. I had such a great time that I Feb. 2. really wanted to get more involved,” According to Kelly Dombrowski, she said. Katie McAdams/Photo editor senior co-chair of the Special Olym- Franks would also like to see even Randal Silvis spoke Tuesday. pics Council for Exceptional Children more student involvement in the (CEC), about 50 special needs students future. from the school district practice once a “I think that other students should week with ski instructors from Peek ‘n’ get involved in the events that Special Literary Peak and then compete in the annual Olympics put on because they open ski meet. your eyes and make you have a better Over 70 students from Mercyhurst understanding of the Special Olympics Speaker joined together at Peek ‘n’ Peak to help athletes,” she said. the kids show off their new skills in the Dombrowski added that not only are annual ski meet. students doing a great thing, but will By Chelsea Boothe Copy editor “I organized all of the Mercyhurst have fun in the process. volunteers for the event,” said Dom- “Students should get involved because browski. it is a great time, and it’s simply an added When novelist Randal Silvis came to “The volunteers’ duties ranged from bonus that we’re helping others. Hon- Mercyhurst campus Tuesday night he being buddies to the athletes, cheering estly, volunteers will forget that they’re said it was like “coming home.” them on and being their one-on-one ‘working’ this event because the athletes Silvis who is also a playwright, screen- support throughout the day,” explained keep you so amused the entire time,” writer and essayist, has been here several Dombrowski. said Dombrowski. times before, once as writer in resi- “Volunteers also bought and planned “The day flies by and seeing the dence. This time he was here to open decorations for an Olympic Village. kids complete their event and become the fourth annual Mercyhurst Literary Some recorded running times and excited and proud really does warm the Festival. scores of the various events includ- heart,” she added. Silvis read an excerpt from his newly ing cross country skiing, beginner and The most rewarding part of the event released book “North of Unknown.” advanced downhill skiing, and nordic for Dombrowski is seeing the kids as It is considered creative non-fi ction, the snowshoe.” they compete. same genre Thomas Wolfe and Truman Dombrowski has been involved in the “Seeing the excitement on the kids’ Capote use. event for the past three years. faces as they complete an event is the He said this style is diffi cult for him “I volunteered my freshman year. It best part.” because he was unsure how much he was my fi rst time being involved with She went on to explain that, “It could make up. In the end, he decided Special Olympics. I really enjoyed it, and doesn’t matter to them what place he needed to fi nd the “essence of truth.” Contributed photos I returned the next three years to lead they come in, they’re just happy to be He did not make up any scenes, Above: An Erie City School District student enjoyed her time skiing. the event,” she said. competing at all and are having a great Below: Mercyhurst students line up with their buddies for an event. Sophomore Kristin Franks was time doing it.” Please see Literary on page 2 PAGE 2 THE MERCIAD February 8, 2006

NEWS To contact: [email protected] Making every call count World Briefs Phonathon raises more than $80,000 toward annual fund International news donors has been overwhelmingly By Jessica Kocent positive. Compiled by Contributing writer Sophomore Ambassador and Corrie Thearle SuperBowl Champs SAC representative Ashley Ga- About 250,000 Steelers fans, The phones are still ringing briel said, “I enjoyed participat- some holding signs that said off the hook even as the annual ing in the phon-a-thon because “CHAMPS” and others with phonathon comes to a close on I got to be part of the develop- black-and-gold face paint, crowd- Thursday, Feb. 9. ment of a fund that I, as well as ed downtown streets Tuesday for During the three-week long thousands of other students at a parade honoring the team’s phonathon, parents and alumni Mercyhurst, can use.” Super Bowl win. have contributed over $80,000 to Sophomore Ambassador Steelers players, coaches and a number of scholarship funds. Pledge Audry Passetti explained, owners went down the parade Most of the money raised by “The phon-a-thon showed me route. Some players, such as the phonathon is considered un- just how proud some alumni can starting cornerback Ike Taylor, restricted, meaning Mercyhurst be of their alma mater. showed up early and signed College deems where it can be “I feel it allows us to appreci- autographs. of most use. ate the contributions that others The Steelers won their fifth However, there is one notable have made because it one day Super Bowl title Sunday, beating addition this year to the event may benefi t us. I also believe the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in which many callers and donors that those who organized the Detroit. are very excited about. Contributed photo phon-a-thon did a tremendous They are the third team in NFL The new initiative is the Alumni Mike Flickner and Jenna Golden helped to raise money. job,” she added. history to win fi ve SuperBowls, Emergency Scholarship. Peterson is also very pleased making Sunday’s victory “one for While most scholarship funds to help. with the generosity and eager- this year. the thumb!” require a minimum amount of The Ambassador Club’s Advi- ness from Mercyhurst parents These groups include the dance money and accrued interest sor Christa Wilson stated, “The and alumni. team, Ambassador Club, honors before they can be awarded, the Ambassador Club is proud to This money will go to improve Afghan suicide bombing kills 12 people students, Roteract Club, rowing Alumni Emergency Scholarship participate in the phonathon, we Mercyhurst College, and help team, golf team, women’s hockey At least 12 people, mostly policemen, have been killed in a suspected can go directly to aid a student know how important this fund- those who may not be able to and lacrosse teams, as well as the suicide bomb attack in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, of- whenever the fi nancial aide offi ce raising effort is to the school. attend the institution due to softball and volleyball teams. fi cials say. Eleven others are said to have been injured in the blast fi nds it necessary. “The people in the alumni of- fi nancial restrictions. So far the Ambassador Club which took place outside the police headquarters. Therefore, this scholarship fi ces work hard to bring money Peterson also expressed how has raised the most money during A spokesman for the ousted Taliban regime has claimed that the allows for more freedom for to Mercyhurst so that we can do pleased he was with the support the coarse of the phon-a-thon, group carried out the attack, reports say. Mercyhurst College in awarding more things. It’s great that the of so many of Mercyhurst’s or- mostly due to the club’s size and Last week, fi erce fi ghting between troops and Taliban fi ghters left scholarships, and more direct as- students have an opportunity to ganizations. structure. at least 25 dead in southern Afghanistan. sistance to both current and pro- help with that,” she said. “We just direct it. The students However, all callers have con- spective Mercyhurst students. According to Gary Peterson, are the ones that make it hap- tributed to raise a significant Several Mercyhurst College the phon-a-thon Coordinator pen,” he said. Rioting over cartoon amount of money and are very teams and clubs are taking an ac- and Alumni Outreach Offi cer, dedicated to the cause and eager The United Nations evacuated tive role in the phonathon again the response from callers and staff and NATO peacekeep- ers rushed reinforcements to a northwest Afghan town after Fundraising reaching deadly fi ghting erupted during a protest against cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. record highs this year At least one person was killed and dozens injured in the latest gifts, Bukowski explained. Afghan violence, which came By Sarah Sheehan The majority of the gifts and Contributing writer as angry protests spread across pledges are based on the success Asia and as Denmark urged its of the Mercyhurst’s Preserving citizens to leave Indonesia, The Mercyhurst College has raised the Legacy capital campaign. Associated Press reported. $3,285,343 in the fi rst six months This campaign began in 2000 The cartoons first appeared of the 2005-06 fi scal year. and ended in November of in a Danish newspaper and This is a record high in Mercy- 2004. have been reprinted in several hurst College history. It was initiated to increase the other papers in Europe, Asia, During the 12 month pe- college’s giving base. The biggest the United States and the Middle riod of the 2004-05 fi scal year segment of gifts is built upon East. Islam forbids depictions of $3,716,104 was raised, which was the pledges and gifts of 6,200 Mohammed. a record high. donors. Gary Bukowski, vice-president Bukowski is hoping to raise up of Institutional Advancement, to $1 million in gifts and commit- Scott King funeral “Because of the success of the ments to begin the construction Preserving the Legacy had and of Mercyhurst West campus on Thousands of friends, family retaining major gifts, pledges are Route 20. and admirers are due to attend now coming in and we are hav- Mercyhurst bought 400 acres the funeral of Coretta Scott ing the most successful year in of land in May 2005. King, widow of U.S. civil rights college history.” The college expects to be- Theft strikes TLT leader Martin Luther King Jr. This is due to the large amount gin construction and fi nish the President George W. Bush took of pledges and gifts received building in time for classes in Theatre props reported stolen part in the service, alongside from a variety of sources. September. ex-Presidents Bill Clinton and These sources include students, The Mercyhurst West campus According to English profes- Jimmy Carter. trustees, staff and faculty mem- structure will be similar to the By Joshua Wilwohl sor and play director Dr. Hillary Editor-in chief In the past few days, tens of bers, alumni, parents, friends, North East campus, however, the Fogerty, the cast discovered the thousands of people in the state bequests, local and national programs will differ. Mercyhurst missing items during the first of Georgia have fi led past Mrs. foundations, corporations and West campus will also have one Props from the play “Macbeth” dress rehearsal on Tuesday, Jan. King’s open casket. Mrs. King state and local governments. and two year programs. were reported stolen from Taylor 24. died aged 78. The gifts and pledges are re- With a great start to this fi s- Little Theater in Weber Hall this If anyone has any information She is the fi rst African-Ameri- ceived through a variety of cal year Bukowski hopes to see past week. about the objects in question, can and the fi rst woman to lie sources including phonathon, let- continuing success and another Among the items include are please contact special investiga- in honor in the state Capitol. ter campaigns, face-to-face meet- record-setting year in fundraising a fake dagger, a sword and a tor Dennis Donovan at (814) Tuesday’s funeral was held in At- ings and the senior class project at Mercyhurst College. crown. 824-2347. lanta, at the New Birth Mission- ary Church where her daughter, Bernice, is a minister. Bookstore strives to keep textbook costs down Muslim cleric jailed for inciting murder Continued from page 1 book can be extremely trouble- some. Controversial Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been jailed for government for practices that Many students experience seven years after he was found guilty of inciting murder and race hate. raise book prices. problems with shipping books Abu Hamza, 47, who preached at Finsbury Park mosque, London, Many students seek a way online. was found guilty of 11 of the 15 charges he faced. around high prices by purchasing Sometimes books do not arrive He was sentenced to seven years to run concurrently for eight and selling books online. in time and students who buy counts and 21 months for the others. He has already been in jail Sites like ibeatmybookstore. online go without a textbook in since May 2004. com exist to allow students on the beginning of the term. U.S. authorities are seeking the cleric’s extradition for terror-related the same campus to connect and Senior Stephanie Reho ex- matters. exchange books. plained some of the problems He is wanted on charges of trying to set up a “terrorist training These sites can be effective but she experienced online. camp” in the state of Oregon. aren’t always a surefi re way to “I have to make sure I am fi nd the books you are looking purchasing my books from a de- Haitian election for at the right price. pendable source. I once waited Sometimes searching and re- two weeks into a term for a book The people of Haiti have be- Katie McAdams/Photo editor ceiving the correct edition of a to arrive,” she said. gun voting in the country’s fi rst The high price of books put a strain on student budgets. elections since former Presi- dent Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted in Feb. 2004. Literary Festival speaker entrances audience Hours before the polls opened, lines of people waited to cast Continued from page 1 ence a glimpse of his upcoming change into men and dance with desco said. their votes in what is expected book “In a Town Called Mundo pretty girls. The Literary Festival will re- to be a high turnout. but allowed himself to dramatize Mutro.” Freshman Kristin Tedesco is sume April 12 when the poet Thousands of heavily armed actual events. This book is written in one of anticipating ‘In a Town Called Li-Young Lee will read followed U.N. troops are watching over the The story is about a real Cana- Silvis’ favorite genres, magical Mundo Mutro.’ on April 19 by fiction writer election process, which has been dian woman who explored all the realism. “Silvis’ reading was exciting Robert Coover and end on April delayed several times because of way up to the tip of Labrador. It is loosely based upon a Latin to experience, and to hear him 26 when the Lumen will be widespread unrest. He ended by giving the audi- folk tale about dolphins that speak and talk afterwards,” Te- released. February 8, 2006 THE MERCIAD PAGE 3 FEATURES To contact: [email protected] Super Bowl basket NHRA season blasts off this weekend awarded

By Melissa Jack Features editor

The winner of the Ambas- sador Club’s Super Bowl basket themed fundraiser was Patricia Kowalski Colvin, who works at the Mercyhurst Health Center. “I called the embassador’s of- fi ce to have them come by the Health Offi ce with the basket so we could buy some tickets and show our support,” said Kowalski Colvin. Colvin said that they did have a Super Bowl party at her home, so the basket was a lucky win, “However, we weren’t able to eat everything that came in the basket, there was so much.” The National Hot Rod Association season is beginning this weekend, and with it the Gary Scelzi and Jeff Haft. The basket contained peanuts, inevitable accidents. Pictured here is the burnout of Robert Hight and Gary Scelzi. pretzels, salsa, tortilla chips, potato chips, Pringles, Dori- The 2006 National ber of John Force Racing, has not won the champion- fourth title overall. With Crew Chief Alan Johnson back tos, crunch and munch, cheesy By Jeff Haft Hot Rod Associa- ship. Force fi nished third, 32 points behind Scelzi. for another season, it’s a very real possibility. Contributing writer popcorn, two football-shaped tion season begins This season’s Funny Car battle looks to pick up right Last season Schumacher piloted his 8,000 horsepower serving trays and more. with the 46th an- where it left off last November. Both John Force Rac- Top Fueler down the ¼ mile in the fastest pass in his- The Super Bowl had a pleasant nual CarQuest Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals ing and Don Schumacher Racing will be using new, tory at 337.58 mph. end for Kowalski Colvin and her this weekend, from the historic Auto Club Raceway more-aerodynamic bodies this season, with Team Force Qualifying for the 46th annual CarQuest Auto Parts guests. “I wanted the Steelers to at Pomona, Calif. using 2006 Ford Mustangs, and Team Schumacher us- NHRA Winternationals can be seen Saturday, Feb. 11th win,” she said. Last season’s Funny Car championship point battle ing 2006 Dodge Chargers. Both hope the new bodies from 10pm-12am on ESPN2, and fi nal eliminations on This fundraiser made a grand was the tightest in NHRA history. Coming down to will give them the extra advantage to bring home a Sunday, Feb. 12, from 7:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m., on ESPN2. total of $350 and all of the the fi nal event, there were three drivers in position Championship. For more information, log onto www.nhra.com. proceeds will go to the Pierce/ to win. During the test sessions the past few weeks in Las Buskirk family. The 2005 Champion, Gary Scelzi, won the title in Vegas and Phoenix, John Force and Gary Scelzi have Kowalski Colvin said, “I actu- the second round of the NHRA Finals last November. been at the top of the charts, “one-upping” each other ally saw the fi re on my way home Although all three drivers lost in the second round, by running the fastest times. from work that day, so the family Scelzi’s last Championship competitor was eliminated Force has unofficially run the second and third had been on my mind and I was when John Force lost to Tony Pedregon on a holeshot. quickest passes in Funny Car (these are unoffi cial since happy to support them.” Scelzi won by only eight points over Don Schumacher only runs at National Events are counted for records). On a more personal note the Racing teammate Ron Capps. Force holds the national records for the quickest Ambassador’s club would like With his fi rst Funny Car Championship, Scelzi be- (elapsed time) and fastest (speed) pass in a Funny Car to thank all of Mercyhurst’s came just the second driver since the legendary Kenny at 4.665 seconds at 333.58 mph, set on Oct. 3, 2004, employees and students for Bernstein to win titles in both Top Fuel and Funny Car. in Chicago. their ongoing support in their Also, with Scelzi’s victory, it is the fi rst time since 1992 Two-time defending Top Fuel Champion Tony fundraising efforts. that 13-time NHRA Champion John Force, or a mem- Schumacher is looking to keep marching towards his John Force’s Hot Rod. A healthier column With Valentine’s Day only a nutrients, rid itself of waste, and items that are low in fat and they few days away, many of you are bring oxygen to tissues, organs, also offer whole wheat pasta With Jen scrambling to fi nd the perfect and muscles. options for additional fi ber and night very romantic, you can even card, the freshest roses, or to If you think you can put off protein in place of excess car- try making food at home, so that make a reservation at the classiest worrying about heart disease bohydrates. you can create your own heart restaurant. until you are 40, then think again. Applebee’s offers a variety of healthy entrée. Here’s a great Even if you are single, you’re Your heart is working just as Weight Watcher’s menu items, chicken recipe that I love to use probably going to come across much now as it will be 20 years from a variety of Southwestern because it’s easy to make and the a few foil-wrapped chocolate in the future, so you should start chicken dishes to skewers of chicken doesn’t need much cut- hearts over the course of this treating it well today. steak and shrimp. Most expen- ting before baking. week. Either way, the heart that is Although genes determine sive restaurants will have a chef So try not to be distracted on on your mind is the wrong one. your chances to some extent for equipped with the knowledge to the 14th from the real heart in According to the American heart disease, you are in control make a lighter entrée involving your valentine, because it’s what Heart Association’s Website, of most of the other variables. vegetables and lean meats at your will keep him or her around for “cardiovascular disease is the Regular exercise, not smoking request. many more roman- No. 1 killer in America. About and eating well are three im- If you are planning on gift- tic dates! Melissa Jack/Features editor 950,000 Americans died last year portant factors that should be ing chocolate to your valentine, The entree consisted of veal marsala, matterhorn orzo and of CVD, accounting for over 40 adhered to all of the time. try just a few expensive truffl es haricot verts with a parmesan sauce. percent of all deaths.” Restaurants today are shifting instead of an oversized box of It’s hard to look at your plate on their menus to include a few cheap chocolate. You can even Valentine’s Day and see heart at- more heart healthy options, so resort entirely to fl owers, an A tour of the Alps tack, stroke or death where your going out for Valentine’s Day original mix CD, going out bacon wrapped steak is sitting. doesn’t have to mean a night of to see a show or a comedian, cannoli. However, your heart is working gluttony on fat-laden foods. or even a homemade card By Melissa Jack The atmosphere in the Grotto Features editor 24 hours a day to pump blood to Olive Garden places olive instead of food altogether. is very formal, with the servers your body so that it can absorb branch icons next to their menu To save money and make the making sure to serve from the Little did I know during my left and clear from the right. freshman year that, just on the Also, with the small size of the Heart Conscious Chicken Parmesan other side of the cafeteria wall, a Grotto, they have a few tables gourmet, three-course meal was of six and a few tables of eight, being served. causing most groups to sit with Ingredients Now, in my senior year, I found another group of people that 2 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts out about the student-run Grotto they don’t know. 1 egg white, slightly beaten restaurant. Recently, the Grotto Because of this small size the ½ cup Oven Fry or Shake ‘n Bake began e-mailing its menu to Mer- reservations go fast. Meals are cyhurst students and faculty, and served on Mondays, Wednesdays 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes what was being offered during and Fridays and reservations start Grated parmesan cheese winter term was irresistable. at 9 a.m. exactly two weeks in Each meal has a theme that advance of the meal. Make sure Directions the courses are designed around. to call early so you can experi- On Feb. 3 my family visited me ence the exotic meals our peers 1. Thaw chicken breast in the microwave for from Pittsburgh and, for a taste are cooking. about two minutes on each side, or until the of something different, we made center isn’t stiff anymore. reservations at the Grotto for 2. Remove any fat that remains on the chicken, which will be the gummy yellow a meal called “A Tour of the tissue at the edges of the breast. Alps.” 3. Dip each chicken breast in the bowl of egg, until coated. This promised to serve as its 4. Pour Oven Fry onto a large dinner plate, and press all sides of chicken breast into the crumbs. I prefer oven fi rst course a gorgonzola, sliced fry, I think it’s crispier than Shake ‘n Bake but if you do not have either, bread crumbs will also work, it just pears and dried fruit salad, which was the star of the meal. It was won’t be as crispy. an eclectic variety of tastes 5. Spray a cookie sheet lightly with cooking spray. combined to create a delightful, 6. Place chicken breasts on sheet and bake in a 375° oven for 40 minutes, or until done. refreshing start to the meal. 7. Pour can of tomatoes into a bowl, and heat in microwave for 3 minutes, or until hot. The main entree was veal 8. To serve, place chicken breasts on a plate, divide tomatoes between the two breasts, and sprinkle with marsala, served with Matterhorn parmesan cheese. orzo, a type of rice, and haricot verts with a parmesan sauce, a * Serve with a vegetable such as steamed carrots or green beans, and try vanilla frozen yogurt with fresh type of green bean. peach slices for dessert. Last, but not least, they served * Have a heart healthy Valentine’s Day! us the dessert, which was a chocolate-covered, pumkin-fi lled Page 4 THE MERCIAD February 8, 2006

OPINION To contact: [email protected] $36,130,000,000 - that’s a lot of zeroes The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly new oil. So, the best answer lies in conservation, By Allison Moore St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial and alternative fuels. Opinion editor Knight Ridder Newspapers There’s also the threat of war. Oil ties us to the most volatile parts of the world, populated by The Good Profi ts at Exxon Mobil jumped 43 percent last dictators, revolutionaries, terrorists and religious year to $36.13 billion. That’s $36,130,000,000. zealots along with millions of ordinary folks. The Winter term is coming to an end. Arguably the most painful of the three terms due to the It may seem crass to praise windfall profi ts at Iranian zealots are developing nuclear weapons, interruption of the holiday break, winter term is loathed by all as dark dreary weather refl ects America’s biggest oil company while consumers and threatening to cut oil exports if the West tries the mood on campus. Light is at the end of tunnel however, as we embark on our last week of are paying $2.35 for a gallon of gasoline. But those to stop them. classes. Soon the sun will be shining, birds will be singing and fl owers will be blooming . . . ok profi ts are good news for everyone. President Bush sees this. “America is addicted to maybe not soon, but at least by late April. Exxon is raking in billions because oil is selling oil,” he said in the State of the Union address. But at nearly $67 a barrel, as opposed to $20 or so his solutions are inadequate. Yes, we need more The PhonaThon raised over $80,000 in fi nancial aid for Mercyhurst. Congratulations to all during most of the 1990s. Oil prices are set on a research into ethanol production, hybrids, electric involved on a job well done! worldwide market. No oil company controls them. and hydrogen engines, as the president recom- Even OPEC has lost much of its clout over them. mends. But that’s not enough. To see the real villain in this piece, look in the mir- We need a full court press, starting with tightened The Bad ror. All of us are using too much oil. fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. Many According to the Tuesday Afternoon, changes made to Webmail have resulted in considerable Oil is precious today because the world is using American cars today can run on a mix of 85 percent improvements. Well, ask any student on this campus, you’ll hear differently. Webmail is a continu- more and more of it, mainly due to growth in ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, but few gas sta- ous headache for students and faculty. The Tuesday Afternoon said that more needs to be done Asia. Demand exceeds the capacity of oil wells to tions sell it. We need bigger subsidies for alternative to stabalize the service and thanks students for their patience. I’m sure most students’ patience produce, thus the price goes up. fuels, for hybrids and ethanol-capable vehicles. has long been tried, tested and exhausted. Webmail is an essential form of communication for The solution is twofold: We must produce more If government were run rationally, we would students and faculty. They say patience is a virtue, but it is quickly wearing thin. oil while using less. fi nance those subsidies through a higher tax on Those sky-high profi ts provide a rich incentive gasoline. Higher prices discourage waste. We saw to produce more oil, the key to lower prices. Tax that in the plunge in SUV sales as gasoline prices The Ugly those profi ts away as some suggest and you’ll get jumped last year. Unfortunately, higher gas taxes less oil. The upshot: higher pump prices and poorer are politically impossible. Sickness, undoubtedly caused by the unseasonably warm winter thus far, has swept over campus consumers. The United States invaded Iraq for many reasons. infecting large populations with fun ailments like the fl u and the common cold. Some are even More production may ease the crunch over the But we wouldn’t be there if Iraq and its neighbors lucky enough to get the oh so popular stomach virus. Timing, like always, is impeccable for such short run. But ultimately, we won’t drill our way out exported only bananas. If Mideast oil supplies diseases as term projects are nearing completion, exams are around the corner and sleep is a of the problem. The Energy Department predicts were ever threatened, we could fi nd ourselves in a stranger to most students. Oh the joys of winter. Be sure to wash your hands people! that world demand for oil will jump nearly 50 per- war that would make Iraq look like a practice run. cent by 2025. We probably can’t fi nd that much America needs to kick the oil habit, and soon. World a mess with few signs of improvement on the horizon I have been dodging national headlines and news Another important story cites Iran as wanting minister. Are the leaders in Washington going to have heard for the past fi ve years. channels for the past few weeks, until I fi nally U.N. inspectors out of their country with the U.S. have a problem with these new power structures To my dismay Bush will be in offi ce until the year caved and visited threatening with force if they do not give up a as well? that I graduate college, and it makes life seem all Washingtonpost. nuclear weapons program. This story in particular Overall, the U.S. has to come to terms that we the more gloomy. com. raises some questions. are losing face in the world. Other countries are The actions of our government, and of the world, An overview Ellen Is the U.S. supposed to be the only country with developing at extreme rates and catching up with fi ll me with a sense of hopelessness. There is no of the Website a nuclear warhead? the U.S. in terms of education and luxuries we take end to the dismay and horror, and then I remember features the nor- Koenig Are we going to invade every country that we for granted. why I don’t read the newspaper, I’ve become cyni- mal gibberish on see as a threat? We invaded Iraq over a perceived Katie Couric was in Rome on Monday with the cal and pessimistic. the front page threat, why not Iran? Today Show and one of the people in the crowd I feel I should leave this job to Sunday morning about the occur- Contributing writer Where do we draw the line? held a sign stating “Impeach Bush,” if only it were news commentators. The stories that are featured rences across the In relation to Palestine, the Bush administration that easy. Congress can impeach a president for ly- on the pages of the newspaper all run together and world. does not support this newly elected regime, even ing to the country about his extramarital affairs, but life continues in a downward spiral on a never-end- Riots have broken out in Lebanon about a though they were elected by a purely democratic they will not impeach the president that lied to us ing path known as destiny. cartoon depicting Muhammad, the Hamas party election. I love being the bearer of reality, and the about invading a country half a world away. Just take everything at face value, take a deep won in Palestine, families in New Orleans are truth is regimes change every day, not just in the Bush gave his annual State of the Union address breath and remember there is light, known as the having trouble moving back to their homes and Middle East. last Tuesday. As he was talking an image of the future, and the American people will eventually Isabelle Dinoire, the fi rst person to ever have a Canada’s recent elections switched power to the Statue of Liberty singing “Killing me Softly” to the become tired and demand change. face transplant, says she is regaining sensation in conservative party, Germany recently elected a voice of Roberta Flack popped into my mind. I just hope it is soon. her lips and face. female chancellor and Liberia has a female prime The speech sounded like the same gibberish we Ask the Malarkys I have a close friend that has developed an addiction problem. What should I do? Should I confront them?

College can provide a tempting outlet for experi- thing wrong, it can appear as an attack. Confronting a friend about an addiction is very behavior and tell them about how it is affecting mentation with illegal drugs. Because students are Your fi rst step in approaching your friend is help- diffi cult, because often times those who are on your relationship. no longer under surveillance by their parents and ing them become aware of the jeopardy they are drugs are in denial about their possible addiction. This method is commonly used in interventions have no one to report to besides their roommates, placing themselves in. It’s not uncommon for college age kids to experi- as well. When someone is truly addicted to a drug many students travel down the path of addiction. In order for someone to kick a habit, they must ment with drugs and alcohol to a degree that they the sad reality of the situation is that a stern talking The problem is that people underestimate the be able to identify the problem fi rst. know is excessive just because they are in college to is going to do almost nothing to help him or her. addictive qualities of drugs. Approach your friend one-on-one. Explain how and it is uni- Many people need to hit rock bottom before they Some con- you care about them and would not want to see versally ac- can come to terms with their behavior. sider occa- them hurt. ceptable. Rather than ratting a friend out to parents or sional usage As lame as this sounds, use “I” messages. Explain If I had a other authorities, despite your intentions, I would Mr. as nothing se- Ms. how their actions make you feel rather than what friend whom suggest involving an unbiased professional who Malarky rious. Malarky they should and should not do. I felt was would not only bring important expertise to the People claim Make them aware of the danger they are placing heading down situation but keep information confi dential. Profes- that only us- themselves in. Not only are they poisoning their a path lead- sionals like this exist on college campuses across ing drugs in a body, they are committing an illegal act which would ing to addic- the nation and are typically a free service provided social atmo- have serious repercussions. tion, I would by the college for students. sphere does Help your friend realize that they have a problem certainly con- Remind your friend that you are on their side and not indicate a problem. and then provide the support for them to deal with front them about it. want to help them if they are willing to accept it. If Once you expose yourself to any type of drug, their addiction. It’s important to convey the correct message to your message continues to fall on deaf ears there is you inject your body with poison and run the risk In trying times we need support and help from these people, but be careful. People do not want little to nothing you can do about it except remain of addicition. others and you need to make your friend aware that to be judged by their friends. It is important that steadfast in your rejection of your friend’s behavior It may be hard for you to approach your friend you will be able to provide this no matter what. you come to them, as a friend, while neither one of while setting an example they can hopefully follow and not have them become defensive. Anytime The worst thing is to allow this person to isolate you is intoxicated and approach the subject. Write to get their life back on track. someone tells another person they are doing some- themselves with their addiction, step in and become down things you’ve noticed about their changing TheMERCIAD Joshua Wilwohl Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Corrie Thearle News Editor [email protected] Melissa Jack Features Editor [email protected] Allison Moore Opinion Editor [email protected] Ryan Palm Sports Editor [email protected] Melissa Brandt A&E Editor [email protected] Katie McAdams Photo & Production Editor [email protected] Melissa Brandt Advertising Manager [email protected] Chelsea Boothe Copy Editor [email protected] Emily Crofoot Graduate Assistant [email protected]

The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms week and fi nals week. Our offi ce 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 fi t. Letters are due the Thursday before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit KRT letters to box PH 485. February 8, 2006 THE MERCIAD PAGE 5 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT To contact: [email protected]

tHe Go ‘Grease’ lightning ... BuZz Break out the saddle shoes, ‘Grease’ is at the ’Hurst

FEB. 8. O.A.R. Wolstein Center, Cleveland State University, Cleveland.

FEB. 9. Blue Oyster Cult. Denny’s Bar and Banquets, Edinboro.

FEB. 10. Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Jason Al- dean. Bryce Jordan Center, State College.

FEB. 10. Povertyneck Hill- billies. Denny’s Bar and Banquets, Edinboro.

FEB. 10. Green 17 Tour with Flogging Molly. House of Blues, Cleveland.

FEB. 12. Sigur Ros. Allen Theatre, Cleveland.

FEB. 13. Black Rebel Mo- torcycle Club, Elephant, Morning After Girls. Ode- on, Cleveland. Photo coutesy of Meghan Sullivan Make sure to purchase tickets to this year’s student run musical, ‘Grease’ at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, the show starts Feb. 10. FEB. 14. Matt Pond Pa. Meghan Sullivan acts as the diligently for months in an ef- However, the irrepressible show its support for our theater Grog Shop, Cleveland. By Jessica Ciccone producer, while Jessica Provenz- fort to make the show unforget- energy, enthusiasm and light- programs. Contributing writer FEB. 14. Isaac Hayes. ano provides the choreography table. hearted feel certainly carries This will be the third year of House of Blues, Cleve- and Richard Rockage is the musi- The lead female role of Sandy through in both genres. the D’Angelo Department of On Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m., the land. cal director. Dumbrowski will be played by Everyone involved in the pro- Music staging a student-run curtain will go up on the Mercy- Auditions were held in the Carly Kelton, and the lead male duction is working tirelessly musical. hurst College D’Angelo Depart- FEB. 17. Motley Crue. Tul- beginning of October 2005, and role of Danny Zuko will be to create an amazing, fun and In the past, the shows have ment of Music’s student-run lio Arena, Erie. preparations have been going on played by Matt Tolbert. lively musical that will appeal to always received great feedback musical for the 2005-06 school since then. They, and supporting roles everyone. and have been widely enjoyed by year. FEB. 17-19. Paul Anka. Piecing a musical together is of Kenickie, played by Ryan One very unique aspect of the all who attended. The show this year will be Avalon Ballroom, Niagara no easy task, and when the job is Noonan, and Rizzo, played by show is the fact that it will be The show will run Feb. 10-12 “Grease,” the classic story about Fallsview Casino, Niagara being done by full-time students, Kim Foradora, will be joined preformed in the Performing at 7:30 p.m. in the PAC. 1950s high school life and two Falls, Ontario. an extra amount of dedication is by a large ensemble of dancers, Arts Center, as opposed to one Don’t miss your opportunity head-over-heels teenagers who required. singers and actors as they bring of the smaller theaters around to see this classic stage show learn that love is about com- FEB. 17. Brooks & Dunn. However, with all of the hard this timeless classic to the Mer- campus. and witness the dedication and promise. Seneca Niagara Casino, work being put in by the students cyhurst stage. This is an unprecedented event, talent of your fellow Mercyhurst The play, which is entirely Niagara Falls, N.Y. involved, the show is sure to be Fans of the movie “Grease” which is why it is even more vi- students. student-run, will be directed by spectacular. should be prepared for slight dif- tal that the Mercyhurst College Jim Rudisill. FEB. 17. Marshall Tucker The cast has been rehearsing ferences in the stage show. community steps forward to Band. Denny’s Bar and Banquets, Edinboro. Hawthorne Heights won’t disappoint FEB. 18. Corky Siegel. Mayville Cool Jazz Festival, pretty popular and a second bers,” the last track on the CD. a signifi cant other, but now that thought it was catchy after the Chautauqua Lake School By Joe Fidago single, “Niki FM,” was released. It’s an acoustic track, but even it’s been done, they fi nd that “the first few minutes and when I Auditorium, Chautauqua, Contributing writer Fast forward to February 2006. that being the case, it’s very well deal can’t quite be sealed.” realized what the song’s message N.Y. So far this year, Hawthorne done and doesn’t bring the CD The song turns out in the end really was, I thought it was very When Hawthorne Heights de- Heights has already released a down – it’s a great way to close to be a story about how the lead well written. FEB. 18. Zoso. House of but album, “The Silence in Black DVD entitled “This Is Who We the disc. singer’s parent walked out on Overall, for people that are fans Blues, Cleveland. and White,” came out in July Are” are about to embark on One of my personal favorites the family, and he wonders how of the genre this is a must-have, 2004, it got a lot of fl ack from a headlining tour with Emery, is “Cross Me Off Your List,” someone could be so insensitive and for people who didn’t like FEB. 18. Robert Randolph people saying that they were Anberlin and June and are about which starts out sounding like towards someone else’s feelings. their fi rst CD, give this a try be- and the Family Band. House “just another screamo band” to release their second album, “If a song about how someone has Not the brightest song to cause you might just be surprised of Blues, Cleveland. and they offered nothing new to Only You Were Lonely.” fi nally shown their true colors to pick as a favorite, but I already – I know I was. the genre. The fi rst thing I noticed upon FEB. 19. Starting Line, Co- However, this wasn’t necessar- listening to the new album was peland, Gatsby’s American ily true. that the songs are more fast- Dream. House of Blues, The truth was that Hawthorne paced than their previous ef- Cleveland. Heights was just as good as other fort. screamo bands, they just got “The Silence in Black and FEB. 21. Seether, Shine- a late jump on things (Taking White” is comparable to New down, Flyleaf. House of Back Sunday’s debut came out Found Glory’s debut album in Blues, Cleveland. a full two years earlier) so a lot regard to how the songs are of the genre’s fans thought they played. FEB. 21. California Guitar were simply stealing someone You expect it to be fast paced Trio. Beachland Ballroom, else’s style. music but most of the songs Cleveland. This didn’t seem to be the case are kind of boring – they aren’t once Hawthorne Heights (HH) ballads, but they defi nitely aren’t FEB. 22. Default. Denny’s hit the mainstream with their anything that will get you pumped Bar and Banquets, Edin- single “Ohio is for Lovers.” up either. boro. MTV has a bad tendency of Some of them just kind of calling old bands new (case in seem like you should be able to FEB. 23. Silverstein, Spit- point: Fall Out Boy), and they speed the song up a notch. alfi eld, Stretch Armstrong. didn’t deviate from that plan The new CD is anything but. House of Blues, Cleve- here. The CD keeps an excellent land. HH had a “Spankin’ New pace, with most of the songs Video” for “Ohio is for Lovers” being guitar-driven from begin- FEB. 23. Elefant. Odeon, almost a year after it could be ning to end. Cleveland. viewed on VictoryRecords.com. One of the few tracks that Photo courtesy of www.hawthorneheights.com Regardless, the song became breaks this mold is “Decem- Hawthorne Height’s new CD breaks the screamo band cliché and impresses fans. FEB. 24. Juanes. Palace Theatre, Cleveland. FEB. 24. North Mississippi SafeNet of Erie benefi ts from artists and the ‘Vagina Monologues’ Allstars. House of Blues, Cleveland. entine’s Day performance of art, it will be on display begin- benefi t the Erie community. office by calling (814) 456- By Melissa Brandt “The Vagina Monologues” ning Friday, Feb. 10. The Roadhouse Theater 5656. Please note the earlier FEB. 24. Martina McBride. A & E Editor celebrates not only the arts in Patrons are encouraged to requires reservations for the performance time: 7:30 p.m. HSBC Arena, Buffalo. On Erie, but also the efforts of visit the theater gallery during Valentine’s day performance. sale at tickets.com. Spread the love on Valen- those who provide support for box office hours (Tuesday- They can be made at the box tine’s day and contribute to a domestic abuse victims in the Saturday, 2-6 p.m.) and before FEB. 25. Tequila Sunrise. worthy cause. Erie area. and after the regularly sched- House of Blues, Cleve- The Roadhouse Theater is Professional, regional artists uled 8 p.m. performances of CORRECTION land. showing a special performance are donating works of all me- “The Vagina Monologues” on The Merciad incorrectly reported in its Jan. 11 edition the of the “Vagina Monologues,” diums to help the cause. Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, FEB. 27. Meat Beat Mani- name of the director of the Roadhouse production of ‘The followed by a reception and All works will be sold after Feb.11. festo. Grog Shop, Cleve- Vagina Monologues.’ Her name is Nicole Stewart Hand. an art sale that will benefit the 7:30 production and will be On the evening of Tuesday, land. Also, the actresses in the production are veterans of the SafeNet, Erie County’s Do- available for $100 each. Feb. 14, treat your sweetheart Erie theater scene, not fi rst time performers as was incor- mestic Violence Safety Net- Cash, checks and credit cards to a show she’ll thank you for, Courtesy of GoErie.com. rectly reported. work. will be accepted. a lovely reception and a piece The special 7:30 p.m. Val- If you want to check out the of art whose proceeds go to PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD February 8, 2006 ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENTTo contact: [email protected] Guelcher Film Series features Eye-catching and innovative ‘2046’ reveals a door to the future

raphy, done by Chris Doyle. year set by China for the expi- By Christina Ferranti Wong creates a remarkable ration of Hong Kong’s quasi- Contributing writer fi lm. independence from the main- Jamie Russell of the BBC land. Roger Ebert inquires into says it captures, “languid shots The film provides a solid the unknown of this film, of twirling cigarette smoke; plotline involving Chow and “Whether and why this story the sheen of silk stockings three leading ladies. is being written, and how the clinging to perfectly shaped The room 2046 acts as the future world of 2046 shares a calf muscles; glittering, and link that keeps these characters function with the present Ho- sequined dresses.” interwined and deeply involved tel Room 2046, is an inviting It also brings scintillating in the labyrinth plotline devised mystery. sounds to accentuate the seduc- by Wong. “Do we defi ne the future as tive essence of the actors. This is an excellent fi lm for a place in our minds where The film embodies a few those who appreciate the intri- things can happen later, or be themes. cacies of cinematography. shelved, or be hoped for, or be 2046 is the name of the book Uwinde the mystery behind delayed?” that is a work in progress by why the people who enter the This fi lm, directed by Wong the main character, Chow Mo door to 2046 never return. Kar Wai, is an indirect con- Wan. This film is playing at the tinuation to “In the Mood for It is also the next hotel room Mary D’Angelo Performing Love.” over from his where most of Arts Center on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. He wittingly entices his audi- the fi lm occurs and the passion and 8 p.m. ence by arousing the senses peaks. Photo courtesy of the PAC with the stimulating cinematog- Coincidentally, 2046 is the Find the mystery in the visually-stunning feature, ‘2046’ today at the PAC at 2 and 8 p.m. ‘Ladies in Lavender’ discover a drifter to fi ll their deep void

“Ladies in Lavender,” set in The story centers around two in Polish, German and, later, the 1930s, portrays two spinster women, combative over the English, are both heartfelt and sisters who contently live in young man, yearning for his amusing, as is his overall inter- England by the sea. approval and ultimate love. action with lifesavers Janet and One day a handsome, young Maggie Smith and Judi Dench Ursula. man unexpectedly washes up give distinct performances as And, though we never get the from the ocean and cannot the two sisters. sense that his Andrea returns speak a word of English. Together, they team up to un- Ursula’s deeper feelings in any The two sisters, Janet and veil the movie’s sense of humor way, there’s warmth between Ursula, provide food and shel- and the ambition for wanting them that Bruhl plays sweetly ter for this young man, nurse what is best for the young man and tenderly.” him back to health and teach to succeed. This film is playing at the him how to speak a little bit of According to Gary Gold- Mary D’Angelo Performing English. stein, a reviewer for Reel.com, Arts Center on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. As the plot unravels, the two Andrea’s character can be de- and again at 8 p.m. women fi nd out that Andrea, scribed as more a “catalyst Tickets for both of these the mysterious, young man, than fl esh-and-blood character, shows are Adults: $5.00; Stu- is an exceptional violinist and Germany’s Daniel Bruhl still dents/Seniors: $4.00; Mercy- Olga, another younger woman brings great charm and vitality hurst College Students with ID: Photo courtesy of the PAC discovers this talent and falls in to the role. Free (one ticket per ID). Watch Judy Dench and Maggie Smith attempt to capture the love of a foreigner Feb. 15. love with this foreigner. His efforts to communicate Get CASH for Spring Break! CASH for BOOKS Sell them back at the MERCYHURST COLLEGE BOOKSTORE Feb. 20th thru Feb. 22nd (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 23rd 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. February 8, 2006 THE MERCIAD Page 7 LAKER

To contact: [email protected] SPORTS No regrets for Steeler fans Anderson leads This fan answers gripes about refereeing, ‘home fi eld’ women’s hoops to weekend split By Matt Jackson Co-sports editor and three assists. Hines Ward took the Bus to By Brady Hunter Overall, the ‘Hurst was out- Contributing writer Disney World. rebounded 40-35 and held to just Ben Roethlisberger had his a 36 percent shooting rate. beard shaved on national televi- This weekend brought an end Saturday night, the Lakers once sion. to the excruciating six-game again shot 36 percent from the A parade was held in down- slide that captured our women’s fl oor, but allowed their opponent town Pittsburgh in the middle basketball team. to convert 44 percent of their of winter. Unfortunately, no win streak shots. The result was a notch in It can all mean only one thing; was generated, but the team no the “L” column, as Mercyhurst the Steelers are Super Bowl longer has the weight of those fell to Michigan Tech 66-51. champions for the fi rst time in last six games on their shoul- Anderson pointed out the 26 years. ders. importance of effi ciency against Fans of the Black& Gold are On Thursday, a 56-50 win tough opponents: rejoicing everywhere, proud of over Northern Michigan assured “Executing on offense is critical their 21-10 victory over the Se- that. especially against a good defen- ahawks in Super Bowl XL. The fi rst half was contentious, sive and rebounding team like But just as many elated Steelers but a late three-pointer by junior on Saturday. Obviously its easier fans are jealous supporters of Julie Anderson put the Lakers up to hit shots when you are open, other teams saying whatever they 22-21 at intermission. and its easier to get open when can to discredit the great accom- The game was back-and-forth plays are run well and screens plishment of a resilient team. until a 5-0 run by Mercyhurst tied are set.” It started just days after the the game at 41. This game had a few big runs, AFC championship game. The last eight minutes were one in the fi rst half and one in Non-believers thought it was where the team’s bread was but- the second. unfair that the Super Bowl was tered, however, as it rode a 15-9 The fi rst, an 11-0 run against being played in Detroit, a venue run to victory. Mercyhurst, brought Michigan which was all but guaranteed Particularly crucial were the Tech to a 35-21 advantage at to produce a home-fi eld atmo- fi nal three minutes, which saw the half. sphere for the Steelers. Mercyhurst hold its opponent to The second, a 9-0 run for the Yes, Detroit is considerably just two points, while dropping Lakers, ended with just over fi ve closer to Pittsburgh than it is Se- six to seal the win. minutes left and fell short of attle, but honestly that had little Victoria Cooper photo Anderson dominated the game achieving a wonderful come- to do with the Terrible Towel for the Lakers. She fi nished with back. Ben Roethlisberger waves to the crowd during a victory parade through Pittsburgh. fi lled crowd. 18 points, nine rebounds, three Notable from this game was the All through the regular season assists, one block (all leading the stat line of Petit: 13 points, 11 re- head coaches in Cincinnati, Now after the game everyone berger got to at least the one- Seahawks combined. team), and one steal. bounds, and three assists. Along Green Bay, Minnesota, and other wants to complain about the of- inch line. Who’s to say Cowher So Steelers fans, don’t feel the Anderson was a class act with amassing a double-double, cities, pleaded to no avail that fi ciating. wouldn’t have gambled and let need to apologize. Your team through and through, however, Petit led or shared the lead in their fans not sell their tickets to On the four or so calls in ques- Roethlisberger sneak it in on the overcame everything they were claiming, “Actually I didn’t think those three categories. the Steeler faithful. tion, only one was obviously next play? And if not, Jeff Reed faced with this year, including I had that great of a game on Matching her with 13 points The Super Bowl could have wrong; the call on Matt Hassel- gets three points on a chip shot calls by the refs where even Thursday night. I struggled from was Solada, who also came away been held on the West Coast beck for diving at the legs of the fi eld goal. the league itself admitted were the fl oor in the fi rst half. with seven boards and the team’s and the Seahawks still wouldn’t lead blocker. That call was wrong, As far as the pass interference wrong. They overcame starts by “But I just kept with it and only block. have had the advantage of the but the 15 yards gained had little call on Darrell Jackson, the ref- Tommy Maddox. They made his- some shots fell in the second Next up, the team travels to 12th man. do with the outcome. eree made the right call as far as tory by taking out the No. 1, No. half,” Anderson said. Wayne State (Thursday) and Others complained about hav- Argue Roethlisbergers’ touch- the rulebook is concerned. 2, and No. 3 teams in in their con- Modesty that no doubt comes Hillsdale (Saturday). ing to hear about Jerome Bettis down all you want, but if you can I do understand why the ference and then fi nished the job from great self-control, as An- After that comes a home stretch going home before the stories say with 100 percent certainty Browns, Bills and Seahawks with a win over the NFC’s best derson leads the team this season and a concluding trip to Gannon even had time to go out. I guess that he was not in, then your fans are so upset. That win, the team and their league MVP. in points per game (14.4) and for a chance to avenge last week’s Bettis should apologize for hav- mind must have a replay that we Steelers fi fth Super Bowl ring, The other fans will talk, but rebounds per game (8.3). loss. ing possibly the greatest exit in were not shown in the game. gives Pittsburgh exactly fi ve more Steelers fans can respond quietly Senior Cassie Seth made quite sports history. Not only that, but Roethlis- rings than the Browns, Bills and by just giving a thumbs up. an impact, also, with 14 points Men’s volleyball falls twice to nationally ranked teams

By Andy Tait Contributing writer

On the back of an impressive win against Lewis University, men’s volleyball was brought back down to earth this past week with consecutive defeats at home. Last Tuesday, the Lakers lost to Juniata by three games to two, in a non-conference match at the MAC. Juniata jumped out to a two game lead, winning 30-18 and 30-23. However, the Lakers came out fi ghting after going down 2-0 and showed great character. Game three showed the fi ght- ing spirit this year’s team pos- sesses, as they squeaked by 34-32, preventing Juniata, from leaving Erie with a comfortable win. Elizabeth Lindsay/contributing photographer The Lakers made their oppo- Mike Palaschak goes up for a kill against Ohio State. nents fi ght till the end for the win and clinched the fourth game 30- 26 to setup an exciting fi nale. team to another, the Lakers point for point,” said Wagner. Unfortunately, the Lakers faced the No.8 team in Division Wagner led the Lakers with 12 comeback efforts fell short as I, Ohio State last Friday in MIVA points on 11 kills and also chipped the No.1 ranked team in Division action. in with a pair of blocks. III improved to 4-1. There can be few similarities Proudman and Keegan were “I think we came out slow in drawn between the two schools, once again key performers for games one and two, but in three but early on the Lakers appeared the Lakers scoring 11 points and and four we played some of our capable of causing a major up- ten points, respectively. best volleyball,” said freshman, set. Senior captain Kick provided Tim Wagner. The fi rst game was a very close 35 assists and had a couple of “It was undoubtedly a frustrat- affair and the Lakers even led solo blocks. ing loss, but we proved we can 21-20. The loss drops Mercyhurst play with a very strong team.” The Buckeyes quality shone to 1-5 overall and 1-2 in the Wagner supplied 19.5 points though as they stole a four point MIVA. for the Lakers, off 14 kills. Fel- lead late on at 25-29 before wrap- “We are learning things about low freshman, Chad Proudman ping things up. ourselves early on, which will had a match-high 19 kills and The Buckeyes, who improved help us develop and improve 20 points. to 9-1, wrapped up the win by more and more into the season,” Seniors, Dan Kick and Nate clinching the second and third said Wagner. Keegan also chipped in with game in a relatively comfortable On Saturday, Feb.7, the Lakers two good performances. Kick fashion, 30-22 and 30-18. will travel to Muncie, Ind. to take supplied 55 assists and Keegan “I think we gave the Buckeyes on Ball State, in MIVA confer- had 11 kills. a good push early and showed ence play. From one nationally ranked that we can hang with a top team PAGE 8 THE MERCIAD February 8, 2006 LAKER

SPORTS To contact: [email protected] Laker Sports “Quick Hits” Men’s hoops wins two This Weeks Results... Pair of wins over Michigan teams move record to 17-5 overall Men’s hockey...... Jan. 31, W 8-7, USA Dev. Team Feb. 5, W 4-3, RIT By Chris Van Horn Women’s hockey...... Feb. 3, T 2-2 (OT), Colgate Contributing writer Feb. 4, T 1-1 (OT), Colgate Men’s basketball...... Feb. 2, W 48-45, Northern Mich. One of the biggest debates Feb. 4, W 76-54, Mich. Tech in all sports centers on - fact or myth - is that defense wins Women’s basketball...... Feb 2, W 56-20, Northern Mich. championships. Feb. 4, L 66-51, Mich. Tech For the Mercyhurst men’s Men’s volleyball...... Jan. 31, L 3-2, Juniata basketball team, we hope that Feb. 3, L 3-0, Ohio State is fact. The Mercyhurst men played their second and third outstand- In the news... ing defensive games in a row and pushed their win streak to three games. Athlete of the Week Awards Victories over Northern Michi- gan and Michigan Tech have Basketball was the theme of the week for the Athlete of the pushed the Lakers to third place Week Awards this past week, with both the male and female in the South Division of the awards going to basketball players. Terry Smith, sophomore GLIAC. shooting guard for the men’s team was named the Male With six games to go, all in- Athlete of the Week. Katie McAdams/Photo editor conference, Mercyhurst is playing Sophomore Terry Smith dribbles for position. the type of basketball that wins He had the game-winning three-pointer on Thursday against championships. vided the late-game heroics, scored 16 points and added six One thing the Lakers have had Northern Michigan and came out red-hot against Michigan “The guys have awokened since draining the game-winning three- assists. constant all year is continuity. Tech on Saturday. Smith notched three shots from behind the we played Lake Superior State, pointer with 19 seconds left in Senior center Jeff Daisley, who Each man on the team knows arc in the fi rst half alone and led the Lakers to a dominating and have been playing great de- the fourth quarter to give Mer- is having a great season, came his role. 76-54 defeat over Michigan Tech. fense. It has been a total team cyhurst a 48-45 victory. off the bench to score 16 and Mercyhurst has used the same effort, especially over the last Keeping defense as the focus Richard Fields added 14. starting fi ve all season long which Senior Erin Solada was named the Female Athlete of the Week couple of weeks,” Coach Gary gave the Lakers an offensive Tough conference games are translates into more consistent for her strong play off the bench on Thursday and in a starting Manchel said. boost in their victory over Michi- coming up for the Lakers. play, at both ends of the fl oor role on Saturday. Against Northern Michigan Solada tallied 10 In the last couple of weeks the gan Tech. Mercyhurst will travel to Wayne because everyone is comfortable points in the Lakers’ win over NMU. Lakers have won six out of seven Mercyhurst came storming out State and Hillsdale this week; with their jobs on the fl oor. games and have gotten their of the gate, hitting 10 of their the Lakers are 6-4 on the road For the Lakers’ streak to con- On Saturday she had an even bigger game, converting on six overall mark to 17-5, including a fi rst 11 shots from the fi eld and this year. tinue, they will have to keep up of 11 shots from the fi eld in scoring 13 points for the Lakers. 7-5 mark in the conference. building a double-digit lead. “We’re taking it one game at the intensity on the defensive Unfortunately, it was not enough in the end as the Lakers fell Forcing opponents into tough The Lakers forced 15 turn- a time. I’ve looked at the tape end, as well as several other to a tough Michigan Tech team. shots and turnovers has been the overs, shot 59 percent from the for our fi rst game against Wayne things, “We have to screen well, key for the Lakers defensively. fi eld, out-rebounded Tech 32-18 State (a Laker victory by four take care of the basketball and Finally the men’s basketball team rounded out the sweep Northern Michigan turned and held the opposition to 33 points) and they are a very tough fi nally take good shots,” Manchel of awards with Team of the Week Award. The team swept the ball over 16 times and shot a percent from the fi eld. team. They have good big men stated. their two games last weekend against Northern Michigan and mere 33 percent from the fi eld. Smith scored 17 points while up front and a solid backcourt,” Michigan Tech. The team now stands at 17-5 and 7-5 in the Offensively, Terry Smith pro- senior lead-guard Avi Fogel Manchel said. GLIAC. CHA honors Colizza & Chouinard Women’s hockey ties Colgate twice Women’s hockey forwards Julia Colizza and Valerie Chouinard were honored by College Hockey America (CHA) this past week series without a victory despite games coming up this week- chances,” Sisti said. for their performances against Colgate this past weekend. By Chris Van Horn Contributing writer out shooting Colgate 81-37 in end against conference rival Mercyhurst is “on the bubble” the weekend tilt. Wayne State, and settling for ties for the NCAA tournament right Colizza assisted on the second goal on Friday night to put On Friday night the Lakers won’t help the team’s postseason now with several other teams Mercyhurst up 2-1 on Colgate, a lead they surrendered soon The women’s hockey team has trailed 1-0 in the third period be- chances. including Princeton, Harvard, thereafter. She also scored the lone Laker goal on Saturday in been fi ghting for their playoff fore freshman Valerie Chouinard “The girls played hard in both and St. Cloud. the 1-1 tie against Colgate. The goal was her 14th of the year. lives for the better part of three tied the game with her 17th goal games this weekend and it was Winning out for the remainder months. of the season. disappointing to not get a win of the season would greatly help Chouinard scored the fi rst goal for the Lakers on Friday night, Without an automatic bid to Mercyhurst then took the lead in either game. We have been their chances of making the which was her team-leading 17th goal of the season. the NCAA tournament from three minutes later on junior playing must-win, desperation tournament, including winning College Hockey America (CHA), Stefanie Bourbeau’s 13th goal of hockey for almost the whole the conference tournament in the Lakers have had to play play- the season. season and it’s going to be a dog mid-March. Women’s hockey drops in poll off-style hockey since October. The Lakers held the lead for fight to win the conference,” The Lakers record stands at Fortunately for Mercyhurst, only a few minutes before giv- Coach Mike Sisti said. 17-7-4 including a 7-0-1 mark Following a disappointing weekend with a pair of ties to they are in control of their own ing up the tying goal with seven If Mercyhurst is going to make in their conference, with six unranked Colgate, the Mercyhurst women’s hockey teams destiny heading into the season’s minutes left to play. some noise down the stretch and regular season games left, with slipped down a notch in the recent USCHO.com poll. home stretch. However, neither team could make the NCAA tournament four of those games coming on With six games left in regular capitalize on their chances for the the Lakers are going to have to the road. The Lakers are now ranked No. 7, with the Tigers from season play the Lakers must play rest of the game and the score improve on their power play op- The Lakers slipped to No. 7 Princeton moving up into the No. 6 spot. The team looks to get near perfect hockey to close the remained 2-2. portunities. in the recent polls published by back on the winning track this weekend when they travel to season on a hot streak. Saturdays contest found the Mercyhurst went a combined USCHO.com due to the pair Wayne State. The entire poll follows: Mercyhurst did suffer a dis- Lakers down 1-0 again heading 0-12 with the man advantage of ties and a pair of wins by appointing setback over the into the third period. over the weekend. Princeton. weekend. Junior Julia Colizza tied it for “Colgate is a very good defen- Mercyhurst still holds a reason- 1. New Hampshire, 23- 2-1 The Lakers tied Colgate twice the Lakers at the 12:59 mark of sive team and regardless of their able margin over eighth place 2. Wisconsin, 24- 3-1 over the weekend at the Mercy- the third period with her 14th record they played us tough all Harvard, however, and winning 3. St. Lawrence, 22- 3-2 hurst Ice Center by scores of 2-2 goal of the season. weekend. Their goalie made out for the rest of the year would 4. Minnesota-Duluth, 18- 6-2 on Friday night and 1-1 Saturday Once again the Lakers battled great saves to keep them in it likely keep the Lakers inside the 5. Minnesota, 19- 8-1 afternoon. to a tie in game they dominated. and give them a chance to win top eight. 6. Princeton, 13- 6-4 Mercyhurst completed the The Lakers have two vital and we couldn’t capitalize on our 7. Mercyhurst, 17- 7-4 8. Harvard, 10- 7-4 9. Clarkson, 19- 8-1 10. Providence, 15- 9-4 Men’s hockey beats Team USA, RIT The second period also saw plays, while Team USA took The Lakers held fi rm, however, Baseball announces captains By Brady Hunter two Mercyhurst goals, the fi rst advantage of three out of their thanks to a game-high 30 saves Contributing writer a power play from junior Kyle seven opportunities. from Small. As their annual Florida trip during spring break looms closer Gourgon, and the second from On Sunday, Mercyhurst was In the end, Mercyhurst was and closer, the coaching staff from the Mercyhurst baseball Tuesday night saw the men’s freshman Brett Robinson. back to business as usual, defeat- outshot 33-25, despite taking a team has announced its four captains for the upcoming hockey team take on an intrigu- At the end of 20 minutes, the ing the Rochester Institute of 13-6 shot advantage in the fi rst season. The group is all seniors, made up of Matt Echan, Joe ing foe: the Under-18 National game was tied 4-4. Technology (RIT) 4-3. period. Mariano, Brandon Mendola, and Brian Zacuor. Team. Sophomore Matt Warren set The game was dominated by The game brought the Lakers This crew of relative young- off a scoring frenzy in the third the Lakers from the start, but a their fi rst win over RIT in the last Mendola and Zacour have worked closely together in the past sters is part of USA Hockey’s period, as the teams traded goals late push made things at least a 10 tries, and left them at third in as a pitcher-catcher combination, and will be looked to for National Team Development back and forth for six points. little interesting. the Atlantic Hockey. leadership throughout the season. Echan anchors the Lakers Program, and competes against For the Lakers, only two play- Senior Dave Borrelli extended At 16-10-0, next weekend’s trip outfi eld, while Mariano is the quarterback of the infi eld from the highest competition it can get ers scored, however, as Warren his team lead to 18 goals in the to Bentley becomes an important the shortstop position. in order to progress its players. racked up two and junior Jamie fi rst period, and freshman Chris factor in the team’s postseason Coach Joe Spano likes that each captain plays a different This squad, along with the Hunt lit the lamp for the third. Trafford quickly followed suit by hopes. position and brings a unique personality to the way they lead. Under-17 team, competes against This sent the teams into an cashing in on a power play. The two Atlantic Hockey foes “I am very pleased with whom the team selected as their more than 110 teams each year to overtime period that was domi- Mercyhurst continued to hold square off Friday and Saturday leaders, we have a tremendous senior class and I will count on reach that goal. nated by defense. RIT scoreless into the second pe- night at 7:30 p.m. all of them for their leadership,” added Spano. The kids learned some things Despite being outshot 42-26 riod, while senior Mike Pochatek The Lakers will be home for on Tuesday, as the Lakers came through the game’s entirety, and Champagne each added to the next two following weekends, As mentioned the Lakers will be heading south to Florida in through in the fi nal minutes to Mercyhurst allowed exactly zero the lead. hosting Holy Cross Feb. 17-18 a few weeks to prepare for a tough GLIAC schedule. While in pull out an 8-7 victory. shots in overtime, and Hunt Late in the second, however, and Army Feb. 22-23. the south Mercyhurst will play a 10-game schedule and will not Mercyhurst began to roll with banged his fi nal shot in with just RIT began to take advantage Atlantic Hockey quarterfi nals play a game on campus until March 25. a power play goal by junior Scott 1:06 on the clock. of its considerable number of are scheduled for March 10, with Champagne in the fi rst period. For the game, sophomore power plays (Mercyhurst would the four highest seeds hosting the This was followed by a score goaltender Tyler Small ended up fi nish with eleven penalties), and fi rst round of playoff action. Quick hits are compiled by sports editor Ryan Palm. Any- from sophomore Ben Cottreau, with 35 saves. was back in the game with a 4-3 thing worthy of being a “quick hit” should be emailed to which made the game 2-1 at the As a team, Mercyhurst capital- defi cit and just under 10 minutes [email protected]. end of the fi rst. ized on two of their fi ve power left to play.