FEATURES ENTERTAINMENT OP/ED SPORTS The inspiring story of a Grab a bite at a great Clueless about going Heavy rain on the Bucks student local restaurant on a first date? Bucks soccer team Shaida Abbas was paralyzed by a Find out where to eat as we count Hope Kumor has some great tips The men’s soccer team had to terrible mistake but that hasn’t down the top ten best places in to help you get over that dreaded endure heavy rain as they went brought him down. ▷5 Bucks County. ▷10 time out. ▷11 against Harrisburg. ▷12

Bucks County Community College The week of November 3, 2009 Volume: 45 Issue: 6

Cheap tuition, costly books BY KYLE REAVES Centurion Staff

Although students attending Bucks are passing on the costly tuition prices by staying home and not attending a four-year uni- versity, the price of the books still remains the same. Some students may only be purchasing one book per class, others are forced to buy multiple books for every class they have. This can leave students buying over 20 books per year (two semesters) in many cases. Furthermore, used textbooks that were originally sold with CD-ROMs are not resold with the CDs, forcing students to have to purchase the new version of the book in order to have access to the CD. While some students and par- ents would like to point their fin- gers at Bucks for the price of the books, Willy Coleman, director of the Bucks bookstore, urges people to understand that the col- lege has little say. “Everyone agrees that the prices are high, they’re high at Faculty seek benefits for every college, but the prices are not set by the college, they are set by the publisher,” said Coleman. “The CDs are not sold at the pub- lisher’s request. You could go same-sex partnerships online and purchase the access BY AMANDA SMILEY and Halloween grab bags. Not receive. Currently, Bucks does for the club’s cause.” codes but at the point it would Student Life Editor only were the goodies appealing not extend benefits to the partners At the bake sale table, the peti- almost be cheaper and more con- to students, but prices were rea- of its homosexual employees. tion was sitting out for students to venient to pay full price.” The Open Door Club hosted a sonable as well, ranging from 50 In hopes of establishing a new sign. The prices of the books are rel- bake sale to raise awareness of a cents to $1. policy, the club will present a Rik Boorademe, a history pro- atively the same at most colleges demand by some Bucks faculty The bake sale not only attracted petition to the school signed by fessor at Bucks and member of and universities, said Coleman. that their same-sex partners hungry students, but helped gath- Bucks students. President of the the Open Door Club, explained Chris Puzo, current Penn State receive benefits. er support for Bucks faculty who Open Door Club, Sarah how important it was for the col- student and Bucks alumni con- The sale table offered a variety are seeking to have their same- Campbell, said in regards to the lege to reconsider its policy. firmed this. “The prices at Penn of baked goods such as cookies, sex partners receive the kinds of sale, “We’re raising awareness “Many other colleges, except State were slightly higher than brownies, cupcakes, carrot cake, benefits that spouses normally for the petition, and raising funds ▷ Continued on page 2 ▷ Continued on page 6

ALSO INSIDE Get to know Robert Saving Earth Review: Couples Alexander selling t-shirts Retreat

He is a public speak- A Bucks student Andrew Laufer ing teacher at Bucks has found his own reviews a new but there is much way to go green comedy star- more to him with a t-shirt ring Vince than that. company. Vaughn.

PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 9

bucks-news.com [email protected] | Our pictures: flickr.com/buckscenturion Weather on back page 2 NEWS The week of November 3, 2009 Bake sale for same-sex rights

Radio Bux on its way CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Catholic institutions, extend these benefits to their employees back on the airwaves with same sex partnerships, and Bucks is at the tail end of these With brand new equipment, the station is making a comeback new policies. There is no real reason why we should be there,” he said. Bucks already maintains a nondiscriminatory hiring and en- rollment policy. The Open Door Club believes that this accept- ance should be demonstrated throughout all of the college’s policies. One argument against the ap- proval of the change is that costs for college will rise. Tim Schillaci, student and member of the Open Door Club said, “Re- search has been done on these costs, and the rise would be hardly 1 percent.” Even with the concern for costs, m e m b e r s of the Open Door “The mem- Club say this is a “bers of the moral issue Open Door rather than a financial Club say one. The college’s this is a f a c u l t y moral issue union also the cause. rather than If the pe- tition is a financial recognized one” and ac- cepted by the admin- istration, an Open Door Club rep- Courtesy stock.xchng resentative will attend the college’s Board of Trustees meet- BY MARK MAROZZI done in studios at Bucks with new When the podcasts are com- want to do the promotion. There ing where they will discuss and Centurion Staff equipment and sound booths that pleted, they must be uploaded to are a lot of opportunities.” decide on the issue. There, the were donated by the school. Itunes University. This will get the Sheridan adds, “We’ve had a club representative will present College campuses around the Sheridan was excited by these word out and allow students to see good number of people express students’ opinions on the matter. nation have radio stations that new acquisitions, saying, “We the reactions of listeners. interest in it, about 15 people give students the chance to get a have all new equipment, the Although in the beginning stage came to the first meeting and there feel for the broadcast industry and school bought us some really nice of the project, were a few others who couldn’t provide local news at the same microphones and sound insulated Sheridan and make it.” INFORMATION time. Bucks is now on its way to the booths, so we have the facili- the students In the next week or so, Sheridan jumping back in those ranks. ties and we are going to utilize hope this is along with other staff members, Facebook group: Radio Bucks is a new podcast- them.” “I really just a spring- hopes to elect officers and ratify Search The Open Door Club ing club fronted by Professor John The podcasts will be done board to a live the club’s regulations and by-laws Sheridan and fueled by the ideas completely by the students. The want the o n - c a m p u s so that they can get the podcasts Group meetings: of Bucks students and coordinat- idea is to give them the freedom “ radio show. up and running as soon as possi- Group meetings are held every Tuesday at 12.30 ing professors. “The original idea to be creative with different top- students There are ble. p.m. in the Clubs Meeting was to revive the radio station,” ics, but at the same time keep the to steer many differ- So keep a look out for Radio Center located next to the Sheridan said, referring to the old subjects discussed relevant to the ent ways stu- Bux. Before we know it, Bucks Student Life office (Rollins, student station that used to broad- school. it” dents can be a will have its own live radio show 2nd floor) for anyone inter- cast to the cafeteria. “Some peo- “I really want the students to part of this to keep students updated on cam- ested. ple expressed interest in it and I steer it.” Sheridan says. “Some of new project. pus events, entertainment, sports, thought it was a great idea for the them have their own ideas and “Some people want to be the and much more. students to get the experience.” we’re going to run the podcasts talent, some people just want to be For further information on The podcasting itself will be like radio.” the engineers, and some people Radio Bux contact Sheridan.

Check your Bucks email for a digital copy of the paper!

Editor-in-Chief Eric Nocito Additional Staff To receive the Centurion’s Email Edition: Send letters to: Managing Editor Ian McLean Hope Kumor Register at www.Bucks-News.com and a .PDF version of The Centurion Advising Tony Rogers Andrew Laufer the newspaper will be delivered directly to your email 275 Swamp Rd Jennifer Bell box. Newtown, PA 18940 Adam Stapenell [email protected] Senior Staff Sarah Battista 215.968.8379 News Joshua Rosenau Kyle Reaves Letter Policy Entertainment Matthew Flowers Carl Waxmonsky Letters should be limited to 300 words. They will be edited for Features Annmarie Ely Shiju Jacob spelling and malicious or libelous statements, and may be edited for Student Life Amanda Smiley Matthew Stumacher space. Letters must be the original work of the writer and must be Sports Jesse Trout Josh Roseboro signed. For identification purposes, letters must include the writer’s full name, address, and telephone number, although the address Arts Amylynn Bellingrath Stephen Carroll and telephone numbers will not be published. Op/Ed Liam McKenna Rick Mauro The week of November 3, 2009 3 4 FEATURES The week of November 3, 2009 Professor profile: Robert Alexander The Bucks public speaking teacher talks about his life and his interests

BY AMANDA SMILEY starts the course off with a speech to more complicated forms of in- uses the rest of the classes to edu- see something like aspartame that Student Life Editor due just two weeks into the se- formative and persuasive speech. cate students on topics they might is going to kill students, I feel as mester. “I know if we don’t jump Alexander describes his teach- have not already known about. In- though it is my responsibility to Professor Robert Alexander right into it, they become even ing style as very relaxed. “I’m stead of lecturing, he often shows teach them about it.” teaches one of the most dreaded more nervous with anticipation,” having a conversation with my a movie on the topic. Alexander shows his class other courses at Bucks: Public speaking. he said. students,” he said of his lecturing Alexander explained that the films hoping to spark students’ in- Students dread the course be- Alexander tries to make the style. He prefers discussion in the worst course he had ever taken in terest in doing some investigating cause of the anxiety that public topic of the first speech simple classroom over him lecturing to college was world history, where of their own. “I present them with speaking inspires. and unintimidating. “They pick a his class. the professor read the textbook to the information, and it’s up to Because Alexander knows how fruit, and inform us about it.” The Because speech presentations the class, verbatim, for the entire them to research it and make their nervous students become when “fruit speech” is simply a primer take up only about half of the hour. “I would never lecture for own conclusions based on their speaking in front of the class, he that will eventually lead students classes during the semester, he 50 minutes without a visual,” he own research.” laughs. Films like these lead to what is Alexander shows his classes arguably the students’ most im- “movies that portant speech. Alexander calls it raise ques- “the problem speech,” in which tions.” One the students elaborate on a current of the societal problem. movies in- Beyond the classroom, Alexan- volves the der’s favorite past time is flying. “He controversial He is a licensed pilot, and he is “prefers nature of arti- building his own plane. Alexan- ficial sweet- der’s Osprey can land both on discus- eners. water and on land. To those who According are afraid of flying, Alexander sion in to Alexander, says, “the sky is the safest place in the class- the chemical the world to travel.” that these Alexander is also very involved in room sweeteners the world of theater and has many are composed years experience in technical di- over him of, aspar- recting. Technical directing is the lecturing tame, can be supervising and application of very danger- lights and set design of a theater to his ous to a per- performance. Six of the plays he son’s health, directed he also wrote. class” especially if His love for theater began dur- consumed in ing his education at the University large quanti- of Hawaii where he saw an opera ties. “Any performance for the first time. time I From then on, he’s spent his life building an impressive resume that includes working on sets at U.C.L.A. and working for 13 years as chairman of the drama department at Onondaga Commu- nity College in Syracuse. Alexander is also a prolific reader. “I’m often reading three or four books Photo by Amanda Smiley at the same time.”

Pulitzer prize-winning journalist to speak at Bucks

BY MATTHEW FLOWERS Washington Post, Chicago Trib- for a charity event you support- My favorite is ‘The Heart is an in- nonfiction. Entertainment Editor une, Northeast Magazine in the something, anything to stay in the strument.’ The story is inspiring The event is sponsored by the , Philadelphia In- game,” wrote Blais in a Boston to me and gives me hope,” said Bucks Cultural Affairs Committee Pulitzer Prize-winning journal- quirer, , Nieman Reports, Globe column addressing journal- Dan Coleman, 22. and Department of Language and ist Madeleine Blais will be speak- Detroit Free Press, Boston Globe ism students. “The Heart is an Instrument” Literature. It is free and open to ing at Bucks’ Newtown Campus and San Jose Mercury News. Blais overcame a lot of personal was a finalist for the National the campus and community. on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Blais coordinates the honors challenges in her own life. Book Critics Circle Award for Blais will speak at the Fireside journalism program at The Uni- “One of her most famous stories Lounge, which is located in the versity of Massachusetts- is “Uphill Walkers,” about how Rollins Student Center. Amherst. She teaches several Blais and her family pulled to- Author of “Uphill Walker,” “In courses at the university. Her gether to survive as her father These Girls, Hope is a Muscle,” courses include “The Art of the died, leaving his pregnant wife and “The Heart is an Instrument,” Profile,” “Literature and Film in and their five young children, Blais will be reading with mem- the Documentary Tradition,” and alone, according to a review on oirist Hayden Saunier. “Diaries, Memoirs and Journals.” the Barnes and Noble web site. Blais graduated with a bache- Blais has tried to encourage stu- “Blais was inspired by her lor’s degree from the College of dents to stick with journalism mother, who expected much, but New Rochelle in 1969 and a mas- even in tough economic times. gave even more for her children, ter’s from the School of Journal- “Even if you have to live at as a single-parent,” said the de- ism at Columbia University in home and work at Planet Fitness scription of her book on the web 1970. She worked as a reporter for to create cash flow, you can vol- site. , the Trenton unteer to do a newsletter for an or- Bucks students are very excited Times, and Tropic Magazine of ganization you admire, coach a about Blais’ visit to the Newtown the . sport you might want to write campus. Madeline Blais She has also written for the about, create programs or videos “I am a great fan of her stories. The week of November 3, 2009 FEATURES 5 Saving Earth one t-shirt at a time One Bucks student makes a difference with his “green” t-shirt company

BY ANNMARIE ELY wristbands that read “breathe out of California, is the things out as we go. The process Features Editor green.” company’s web designer. has been difficult, but we all un- The clothing line as- Coker, the treasurer, also derstand now how to run this busi- Every time Bucks student Ian pect of the company was designs t-shirts ness much better than we did McLean sells a t-shirt, he plants a at first just an idea for and occasionally before,” he said. tree. a contest. models them for the The most challenging part of So far McLean and his partners “My friends web site. starting the company has been fi- have planted 1,000 trees through and I started the t- By combining nances. Verde Styles, an environmentally shirt company last their different “If we don’t have money we conscious t-shirt company they year when we en- areas of can’t produce a product,” said launched last year. tered a business knowledge, McLean. The student business owners are plan contest at the five stu- M c L e a n passionate about “going green,” Temple Uni- d e n t s and his part- which is the reason they started versity. Our w e r e ners are put- the company. idea has able to ting their “We wanted to do a green com- evolved into create a initial prof- pany because we want to make a the clothing w o r k - its right difference. We could sit back and line that it is i n g “So far back into work toward the nine-to-five job, today,” said c o m - the com- but that would not be satisfying McLean. pany. pany. for any of us. We are all aware of McLean, “ A l l “McLean By invest- the growing environmental issues a journal- five of us ing more and we want to spread the word of i s m have knowl- and his money, they change because we need change,” major, is edge in different hope to help said McLean. responsible fields and that partners the com- According to McLean, the com- for marketing has really pany grow. pany has signed a contract to plant and editing content. helped us. Nish have So far 1,000 more trees in a partnership He worked with and Matt are both McLean de- with the American Forests Asso- Nish Patel, business ma- planted s c r i b e s ciation. Matt Munch- jors, and Sean sales as Verde Styles sells t-shirts on- nick, Sean is an art major. 1,000 “ok.” line. They cost between $13 and Coker and Alex is a web- His next $17. A l e x master so he goal is to in- Currently, the company is host- Vazquez knows what trees” vest in ad- ing an online competition for new to make he’s doing vertising. t-shirt ideas. When a designer’s the com- when it comes “The on- idea is used, they are awarded pany a to designing line store hasn’t really taken off $200. Applicants can enter at reality. the page,” said quite yet because we can’t afford verdestyles.com/contest. Some of P a t e l McLean. to advertise at the moment,” he the designs featured on the site in- a n d The group said. clude a melting snow man, a pair Munchnick, has learned a “But we are capable of selling of green lungs, and a green turtle. both students lot through trial the shirts ourselves, and that is McLean hopes to send an e-mail at Temple Uni- and error. something we have done success- to all Bucks art students encour- versity, serve as “When you fully over the last few months. aging them to enter the design presidents of the put all of us to- That will eventually allow us to competition. fledgling company. gether we can advertise and draw attention to our Also available on the site are Vazquez, who works really figure online store.”

The inspiring story of Bucks student Shaida Abbas

BY JESSE TROUT studying. They include fast cars, Sports Editor girls, the Phillies, and hand-cy- cling. Shaida Abbas’ life story could “I’ve always loved cars, even have been just about the surgery when back in Kurdistan,” said he had four years ago that went Abbas excitedly. “I’m also a huge terribly wrong. fan of a newly developed sporting In fact, his life is about so much race called hand-cycling; it was more. He’s made sure of that. developed for disabled athletes The surgery, meant to correct a who could no longer ride bikes condition known as scoliosis, in- but still volved placing two metal rods wanted to held down with hooks and screws race,” said to help support the fusion of the Abbas. bones to the curved spine and its It is clear surrounding vertebras. that Abbas, Unfortunately, during Abbas’ who now surgery, which was performed in “What resides in his home country of Kurdistan, many pro- Morrisville, the doctor made a terrible mistake “ is an emo- and one of the hooks used to sup- fessors and tionally and port the rods straightening out his m e n t a l l y spine hit the spinal fluid in his students strong indi- lower back. This devastating con- alike at vidual. Six tact with the fluid used to protect m o n t h s the spinal cord left him paralyzed Bucks do after the from the waist down at age 16. failed sur- “The doctor was from France, not know is gery, he and but was over in the Middle East his family performing surgeries and every- the chal- moved to body said how great of a surgeon lenging Pennsylva- he was, so I had the surgery. Dur- nia where ing the surgery though, he irritated Shaida Abbas Photo by Jesse Trout journey” he finished the spinal cord liquid while plac- his last three ing the rod and that immediately years of paralyzed me,” said Abbas. With Abbas’ dedication, desire, or a “C.” This disease can create uation might be resentful or angry, high school before moving on to Abbas, a 21-year-old biology and work ethic, he certainly seems emotional problems for those di- Abbas has a great attitude and a college at Bucks. major now in his second year at to have the skill set to do just that. agnosed, severe back pain and res- certain level of confidence that is From the very first day he Bucks, is just months away from However, what many professors piratory complications. noticeable from the very minute passed the driving tests for his li- graduating and receiving his asso- and students alike at Bucks do not Once a doctor notices a child you sit down with him. His hon- cense, he says, “Now I don’t have ciate’s degree. know is the challenging journey has scoliosis with a curve of 40 esty and ability to speak so can- to rely on the bus or van trans- “After graduation at Bucks, I that has taken Abbas to where he degrees or greater, surgery is re- didly about what happened to him portations at Bucks because I plan on attending Jefferson Phar- is today. At a young age it was dis- quired because curves that large just four years ago shows a re- drive, and it’s a great freedom.” macy School to become a medical covered he had developed scolio- have a higher risk of getting worse markable level of maturity. Above all, it is his attitude and pharmacist because I have always sis, in which a person’s spine is even after the growing process Like any college student personality that gives him the true been good at science and wanted curved from side to side, which stops. though, Abbas still has his inter- freedom to be happy, enjoy life, to do something that I enjoy.” usually forms the shape of an “S” Still, while many in a similar sit- ests outside of homework and and continue his dream. 6 STUDENT LIFE The week of November 3, 2009 Confused about choosing a major? Bucks offers a quiz created to help students choose their direction for the future

BY ANDREW LAUFER workers. Centurion Staff The fifth type of personality is enterprising. These people may go Many students today have trou- into fields like politics or sales. ble deciding on a specific major to Finally, the sixth is conventional, pursue in college. The career per- which is for people who like to sonality quiz located on the Bucks keep things organized and very website can help you make this clear. This personality would fit an decision more efficiently. event planner. If you are having trouble decid- After putting a check under ing on a major the career person- “agree” or “disagree” for each ality quiz is your place to get all question, tally up the number of the answers you need. questions you agreed with, then “It’s a good place for students to calculate the highest personality get ideas,” says Amy Armstrong, types that fit your answers best. director of career services here at After calculating, click on the Bucks. career wheel icon, which will be The career personality quiz highlighted. You are then given a consists of 18 questions. It is de- choice of signed to help students understand each type of their personality. personality “The idea is for people with cer- and the ma- tain personalities to match up with jors that fit a specific workplace,” says Arm- “It’s a each cate- strong. gory; chose When asked how many people good“ the major take the quiz, Armstrong said, that fits your “Yes they do use it, but there isn’t place type. a way of monitoring it.” for stu- T h e The quiz is able to distinguish personality six different personality types. dents to career quiz The first type is realistic; people can be who like to work with their hands get found by outdoors, such as landscapers. simply typ- Secondly, there is investigative; ideas” ing “career people who enjoy research such as personality journalist or even scientists. The quiz” into third type is artistic, for people the Google search bar on the who like to draw and paint. The Bucks home page. After entering fourth is social; people who want this, click on the first icon that to be in a profession that enables comes up and that will lead you to Photos by Eric Nocito them to help others, such as social the career personality quiz. Books prices set by publishers, not colleges

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 This book scholarship is for students who demonstrate finan- the ones at Bucks actually, new cial need. There is an essay that or used,” said Puzo. “I rely on students have to submit describing websites and libraries for the how the bookstore fits into their books that are really expensive or educational experience and how it that I can’t find used copies for.” would aid The fact that students are pur- their pursuit chasing books that they hardly use of a higher is another factor that has them on e d u c a t i o n edge. degree. “It annoys me that I pay for “It an- S t u - books that I hardly use all semes- noys me dents must ter and when I go to sell them “ have a mini- back to the school I don’t get the that I pay mum of six money that I spent back,” said credits and Alyssa Rapoport, 19, of New- for books should be town. that I returning for For example, if a student pur- the follow- chases a new book for $170 she hardly ing fall or may receive about $100 of that spring se- back when it is time to sell the use” mester and book at the end of the semester. also enroll “We can’t control how much the in at least six credits. They will re- professors actually use the text- ceive from $100 to $250 to help books of course, we only sell the pay for the books. books the professors request us to,” said Coleman. As many students know, books INFORMATION can be purchased online from var- ious websites. There are even sites For the scholarship that they can rent books from and application, type in: return them upon completion of www.bucks.edu/foundation/ the semester. documents/BCCC One solution to beating the high BookstoreScholarship prices is a scholarship that Bucks Application.pdf Courtesy stock.xchng offers. The week of November 3, 2009 STUDENT LIFE 7 Students and teachers get connected on Facebook BY ADAM STAPENELL Centurion Staff

A relatively new phenomenon is the ability of students and profes- sors to connect on Facebook.com, but students who think that they can boost their grades or earn brownie points may be mistaken. Facebook has given people a way to connect to others who would otherwise have drifted out of their lives. One can go on Face- book, look up a classmate from kindergarten, and send that person a “friend request.” This social networking power can give people a way to initiate, maintain, and/or re-establish rela- tionships that would have not been possible just years ago, and students have been using this tool to reach out to their professors. Professors who choose to accept a student's friendship request have done so without interference from their employing institutions, and they might want me to have, and I use the online service as a way to don’t want to put them on the spot enhance communications between in terms of a friend request. At 75$16)(5 <285 .12:/('*( themselves and their students. some point, it usually emerges Bill Meiers, a part-time profes- that I’m on [Facebook], so they &217,18( <285 68&&(66 sor in the Language & Literature can choose to friend me if they Department, said, “I think [Face- wish.” book] is another way for me to If professors and students are 7KLQJV , QHHG WR GR WR WUDQVIHU WR 7HPSOH 8QLYHUVLW\ 'connect' with a student or stu- communicating via Facebook, dents and when they occasionally what value 5HVHDUFK find out I'm on Facebook it makes does it hold me look ‘cool.’” for the educa- 7DON ZLWK P\ WUDQVIHU FRXQVHORU Can this “friendship” cause a tion process? 9LVLW 7HPSOH $PEOHU conflict of interest between pro- Facebook can ($'/,1( fessors and their students? This help profes- $SSO\ RQOLQH E\ 'HFHPEHU  ' question has fueled news stories “Can this sors and stu- 5HTXHVW RIÀFLDO WUDQVFULSWV across the country about how pro- ““friend- dents connect  (;7(1'(' fessors interact with students on on a more the popular social networking site. ship” human level,  A perception that professors as Hoey ex-  may not be able to grade impar- cause a plained: “I tially if they “friend” students on- think it can line has become a question of conflict give each a interest, but according to profes- better idea of sors who do “friend” students, this of inter- the person- is not an issue. Students can ex- ness of the pect equal treatment from Meiers, est?” other. I get a who said, “I'm not the least bit glimpse into worried about conflict of interest their concerns because I know I am going to out of the classroom, their inter- grade every student as fairly as I ests, and they get a sense of [me] can, both for their sake and for when I’m not in class. I’ve never mine.” really believed that much is Allen Hoey, Language & Liter- gained by maintaining an ab- ature professor, acknowledged solutely formal... arm’s-length re- that a perception of favoritism or lationship.” impropriety could develop Meiers echoed this sentiment. “I amongst outsiders. “I suppose think the goal of education is to anything can create different per- make a connection with another ceptions... it’s possible to get in- human being in the interests of 9,6,7 7(03/( #%8&.6 9,6,7 7(03/(·6 $0%/(5 &$0386 volved with students on teaching them something and [Facebook] in a way that blurs the helping them learn. So, while I %XFNV7HPSOH 1LJKW 6DWXUGD\ 7RXU responsibility we have as profes- don't spend any time on Facebook 7KXUVGD\ 1RYHPEHU  1RYHPEHU   DP sors.” (or any other social networking Hoey continued, “I’ve had site) on my own, I think of it as a  SP 7UDQVIHU ,QIR 6HVVLRQ friendships with students over the (small) ‘tool’ to help me in the *DWHZD\ $XGLWRULXP 7KXUVGD\ 1RYHPEHU  course of my professional career, classroom.” E\ DSSRLQWPHQW RQO\ and they always understood that Students who choose to initiate friendship didn’t translate into a Facebook “friendship” with a &DOO  WR 5693 WRDQ\ RI WKHVH HYHQWV special consideration. Or, if they professor may find it can give didn’t understand, they learned.” them greater access to and respect  0HHWLQJKRXVH 5RDG Some professors who use Face- for their professors. book refuse to intiate friendships But in the end, Bucks professors $PEOHU 3$  with current students, but will ac- say, getting good grades is a mat-  cept friendship requests from their ter not of social networking but DPEOHU#WHPSOHHGX students. Hoey said, “I don’t want something more old-fashioned: ZZZDPEOHUWHPSOHHGX to presume on the kind of access Hard work. 8 ENTERTAINMENT The week of November 3, 2009 Broadway star to sing at Bucks The highly acclaimed Broadway singer John D. Smitherman makes an appearance on November 14

BY AMYLYNN BELLINGRATH few months ago that the pieces Arts Editor began to fall into place, and the college arranged for him to be the John D. Smitherman, the man final act in the “Bucks Live” who the Miami Herald has called music festival. “the Mario Lanza of the century,” “I would like students to leave is coming to the Gateway Audito- this concert with a greater appre- rium on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. to ciation of musical theater, and the entertain with his highly ac- way a talented performer can grab claimed tenor voice. an audience and move it through He has been honored by being m u s i c , ” chosen as one of the Three Amer- Kaye said. ican Tenors, and has performed all She feels over the world showcasing his that any amazing voice. s t u d e n t His many achievements include with an ap- multipal shows on Broadway, in- preciation “He cluding “Oklahoma,” “Showboat” for a great and “South Pacific;” he’s also per- v o i c e “can formed in many operas, such as would ben- “Madama Butterfly” and “Le efit from hold a Nozze di Figaro” (The Marriage S m i t h e r - of Figaro). “He can hold a note as man’s expe- note as well as Pavarotti,” says The NY r i e n c e , Press. talent, and well as Natalie Kaye, the program di- expertise. rector for Student Life, has If you Pava- arranged for Smitherman to per- have a love form here. She feels that concert- for musical rotti” goers will really enjoy his theater, and versatile vocal style. if you’re “I have seen John perform for interested the past two years at the Bristol in this amazing talent, then come Riverside Theater, and was really support the arts at Bucks! impressed by his talent and musi- cal ability. I told him that I wanted to bring him to the col- INFORMATION lege.” Tickets: During a recent survey for the Available at the Student Life college, Kaye discovered that the office for $10 kind of program people would be Further information: most interested in attending was Call or email Natalie Kaye musical theater, so she tried for 215-968-8015 more than a year to bring Smither- [email protected] man to Bucks. It wasn’t until a

TV MOVIES MUSIC

Tuesday 11/3 90210 - CW - 8.00 Melrose Place - CW - 9.00 Wednesday 11/4 Mercy - NBC - 8.00 So You Think You Can Dance - FOX - 8.00 America’s Next Top Model - CW - 8.00 The Fourth Kind (PG-13) Ghost Hunters - SyFy - 9.00 An investigator (Jovovich) is dispatched to Nome, CSI:NY - CBS - 10.00 Alaska to puzzle out a 40-year-long mystery involving an extraordinary number of unexplained disappear- Thursday 11/5 ances in the town. Her videotaped evidence looks to Survivor Samoa - CBS - 8.00 present the most convincing evidence of alien abduc- Greys Anatomy - ABC - 9.00 tion ever documented. The Office - NBC - 9.00 Directed by: Olatunde Osunsanmi Fringe - FOX - 9.00 Project Runway - Lifetime - 10.00 Starring: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton Friday 11/6 Release Date: 6 November Smallville - CW - 8.00 Dollhouse - FOX - 9.00 Psych - USA - 10.00 Carrie Underwood The Soup - E! - 10.00 New album “Play On” 3 November Sunday 11/7 The Simpsons - FOX - 8.00 Family Guy - FOX - 9.00 Cold Case - CBS - 10.00 The Box (PG-13) Andrea Bocelli Mad Men - AMC - 10.00 A young couple is gifted with a mysterious box that New album “My Christmas” promises them a handsome windfall with deadly con- 3 November Monday 11/8 sequences. Heroes - NBC - 8.00 Directed by: Richard Kelly Morrissey House - FOX - 8.00 Starring: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, One Tree Hill - CW - 8.00 New album “Swords” Gossip Girl - CW - 9.00 Frank Langella 3 November Greek - ABC Family - 9.00 Release Date: 6 November The week of November 3, 2009 ENTERTAINMENT 9 “Couples Retreat” is marriage counseling made funny Vince Vaughn’s character tries to save his marriage by traveling to a couples therapy retreat

BY ANDREW LAUFER the other fun activities on the is- ridiculous, especially when com- reunite. Centurion Staff land. bined with the clumsy slapstick Jason and Cynthia grab a seat at During their first therapy ses- comedy tools. a nearby bar, share drinks and “Couple’s Retreat” begins much sions, all three couples realize “Couple’s Retreat” never really admit their problems. And Shane like any other romantic comedy of their relationships may be worse solidifies as simply a pure com- encounters his ex-wife, who con- the last decade or so; a couple, than Jason and Cynthia’s mar- edy, like Vaughn’s “Wedding fesses she still loves him. who are having marital issues and riage. Even Dave and Ronnie, Crashers,” or as a romance movie Once the couples seem to work close to a divorce, are looking for who seem to be the most stable with funny parts. all their differences out, they head something to rekindle that spark couple, realize they have prob- Following the argument, the back to the couples resort. Marcel, they once had. lems with their relationship. These girls, predictably, go to the overly- the lead therapist and resort In “Couple’s Retreat,” the problems involve intimacy, trust, f r i e n d l y owner, meets the couples at their viewer is taken through the mar- and work. Resort owner Marcel yoga instruc- rooms and, noticing that they riage of Jason and Cynthia, who (Jean Reno) makes improving tor Sal- seem truly happy, frees them from have tried and failed to have a Dave and Ronnie’s relationship vadore and therapy. baby. his personal mission. he takes Finally free, the newly invigor- With tension growing, they’re Marcel unleashes his rather un- them to Eden ated couples are able to enjoy jet- COUPLES RETREAT close to getting a divorce. How- usual methods of relationship “The East, the sin- skiing and swimming. INFO ever, in a last-ditch effort to save building, like having them swim movie“ gles resort Like many comedies, “Couples their marriage, they book a vaca- with sharks and practice yoga coast. The Retreat” all-too quickly and con- Director: tion to a couples therapy retreat: with instructor Salvadore (Carlos was still four guys veniently wraps up everyone’s Peter Billingsley Eden. Ponce) who is rather “hands-on.” then, also problems into a big happy ending. Starring: The key points of the movie are hilarious rather pre- Some deep and complex life is- The theme of marriage crisis in Vince Vaughn, Jason movies has nearly been overdone, poorly structured plotwise and and had d i c t a b l e , sues are quickly fixed by a 45- Bateman, Faizon Love, but adding the therapeutic vaca- often rely on simple slapstick come across second “life” conversation, five Jon Favreau, Kristin tion element brings a new dimen- comedy. Lead therapist Marcel’s every- the staff minutes before the end of the Davis sion to an otherwise bland movie. actions are clearly out of the blue, body in lounge look- movie. It feels cheap and forced, Jason and Cynthia, to save and no true explanation is given ing for the as if the filmmakers just had no Filmed in: money, encourage their other mar- for his odd behavior, other than the the- girls. They idea how to the movie. Bora-Bora, Tahiti, ried friends and their spouses, that he’s crazy. This lack of infor- receive di- Although some parts of the French Polynesia who have perfectly happy mar- mation regarding the strange be- ater rections to movie leave you puzzled, and the Los Angeles, USA riages, to join them. The other havior of Marcel left me and Eden East. end lacks a true, strong finish, rolling in Estimated budget: ‘happy’ couples are lured in by the many other moviegoers dazed and Upon ar- “Couples Retreat” is still hilarious $70,000,000 belief that they can simply enjoy confused. laughter” rival at Eden and had everybody in the theater the party activities and beautiful After an argument between East, Dave rolling in laughter. Release date: weather, while not having to par- Jason and Cynthia, whose mar- finally real- “Couple’s Retreat” is a great 9 October take in the therapy sessions. riage continues to get drastically izes how great a marriage he has movie to see with your girlfriend Reluctantly, their friends, Dave worse, the men and women split with Ronnie and takes her to a pri- or boyfriend so you can see if you Rated PG-13 by the (Vince Vaughn) and Ronnie up, heading in opposite directions vate waterfall. Joey knocks Sal- will encounter any of these prob- MPAA (Malin Akerman), Joey (Jon on the island of Eden. vadore out, after seeing him lems in your relationship in the fu- Favreau) and Lucy (Kristen It seems that at times the movie getting cozy with Lucy; she then ture. Davis), and Shane (Faizon Love) tries to make deeper and more in- realizes her husband will fight for I don’t regret taking the time out and his girlfriend Trudy (Kali sightful observations her and they to see it. Hawk) all agree. about real marriage Once they arrive, they’re imme- and relationship diately sent to the couples resort problems, on the west side of the island and but these cut off entirely from the fun a t - amenities. During the very first tempts night, the island’s resort host Sc- c o m e tanley (Peter Serafiowicz) tells all off as four couples that they must re- ceive couples therapy or leave the resort immediately. The strongest performance in the film by far is by Vaughn, who showcases hi- larious timing and comedic genius yet again. Despite a lack of enthu- siasm, the other three cou- ples agree to the therapy so that they can enjoy

Andrew Laufer’s movie rating:  (7 out of 10) 10 ENTERTAINMENT The week of November 3, 2009

TOP TEN Best local restaurants Bucks County is home to a lot of restaurants, both corporate and family owned Which are the best?

BY JOSH ROSEBORO Centurion Staff

Bucks County is home to a lot of restaurants, both corporate-owned and mom-and-pop establishments. Considering one can have a meal from McDonald's literally anywhere Place One King Long Bensalem in the world, the focus here will be on Bucks County's local flavor. Bensalem Here we present an assortment of restaurants, ranging from a simple diner food to pizza and even Chinese cuisine. Bucks County is also the closest thing one can get to get- A great Chinese restaurant is Place King Long, located across from the Ne- ting an authentic “Philly Cheesesteak” without actually having to take a drive down- 10One in Bensalem. It can be found on 9 shaminy Mall is home to quality Chi- Bristol Pike (Route 13). They offer town nese food. They have a unique Thai food as well. The people who atmosphere inside the restaurant. As work there are also very friendly. A soon as you enter, there is a large Bud- very interesting thing about Place One dha statue ready to greet you, with a is they have a vegetarian menu. The Casablanca The Clubhouse huge smile on his face. The employ- food found on the vegetarian menu is Warrington ees are always friendly as well. The Diner the same as on the regular menu, food is really good, and definitely Bensalem there is sesame chicken on both worth a try. For some reason it is menus but one is made out of soy in- never busy there, which is nice if Casablanca is one of the most interest- The Clubhouse Diner on Street Road is stead of chicken. It is nice to know 7 someone is looking for a quiet meal. 8ing restaurants in Bucks County. It is owned by the same people who own Place One tries to cater to everyone. located in Warrington on Easton Road. the Pub. The Clubhouse is different This restaurant is dedicated to Moroc- from the Pub in a lot of ways. The can food, and you better come hungry food at the Clubhouse is phenomenal, and with friends because their serving and they have very large portions. sizes are massive. The food at They know how to give a customer Casablanca is something that needs to their money's worth. Some of the ta- be experienced. One meal consists of bles in the restaurant have machines All Star Pizza eight courses and it is served family- that allow people to play games. They Bensalem style. The eating experience is unique are touchscreen computers that have Apollo’s because everyone in a party eats from card games like Blackjack and Solitaire, Bensalem one, giant platter. Casablanca offers but they also have games like bowling different foods, like lamb and rabbit. It and Puck Shot, which is similar to All Star Pizza is a pizzeria located on is definitely a restaurant for peo- 5 Shuffleboard. Knights Road in Bensalem. The pizza ple who are not afraid of 6Apollo's on Route 13 in Bensalem has is some of the best in Bucks County. broadening their horizons. some of the best cheesesteaks and An assortment of pastas, such as This restaurant makes one hoagies in the area. Their cheeses- spaghetti, penne, manicotti, ziti and feel like they are in “Al- teaks are huge and are famous for lasagna grace the menu, because All addin.” There are male being half a pound. The amount of Star is owned by an Italian family. and female dancers meat on the sandwich is plentiful and that travel around the for the price, they could compete with restaurant accepting an authentic “Philly tips from customers. cheesesteak” as being The dancers only the best around. come out once and awhile, and they start playing finger bells to announce that they The Great American are coming out; it is Diner and Pub definitely something Bensalem to experience as well. Catherine’s 1The Great American Diner and Pub is a very well known place in Bucks County. Bensalem It has two locations, one in Bensalem off of Street Road and another in Langhorne off of Old Lincoln Highway. Catherine's in Bensalem on Bristol The “Pub,” as many locals call it is Golden Eagle 3Road is another diner. It caters to old- unique in that offers both a pub a Croydon school American cinema with their Tony’s King of diner experience. The Bensalem breakfast specials, named after celebri- Pizza restaurant is almost like two different ties: the Rodney Dangerfield, Bensalem restaurants in one. There is a section Golden Eagle is a classic in Croydon. Humphrey Bogart and the Elvis Presley that is set up like a diner and an area 4It's located on Route 13 and like the are just a few of them. On their kid's set up as a bar. The diner area has big Tony's King of Pizza in Bensalem has a menu they have the Mickey Mouse open windows with a nice view of Pub, it has a room with huge windows, 2bold name, and it certainly lives up to waffle, so even younger kid's have a Street Road allowing customers to and it looks really neat from the out- it. Tony's offers the usual recognizable icon to see. Another cool view traffic while they eat. The bar side. The food at the Golden Eagle is “pizza place” foods: hoa- thing about Catherine's is the movie side of the restaurant has a more sub- respectable, but one of the things that gies, burgers, wings fries, posters that line the walls. dued look. It is darker because of the separates it from other diners is the etc. While the King may “Casablanca” and “Gone with the lack of big windows and it has dimmer bakery case. It is lo- lack a unique menu, it is Wind” are a couple of notable films lighting. There is a jukebox in this cated in the easily made up for by the represented. There is also the classic room which has a wide front of the quality of their food. diner so that picture of Marilyn Monroe standing range of music al- customers over the grate trying to keep her dress lowing anybody to cannot miss down. enjoy a song or it. The case two of their is full of lot of choice. The good-looking menu has a vast sweets, such array of flavors. as pies and Burgers, boneless cannoli. buffalo wings, pasta, salads, steak, fish; there is so much to choose from that it can be overwhelm- ing. The week of November 3, 2009 OP/ED 11

Surviving that dreaded first date

girls usually have a difficult do? Here are some suggestions: time eating in front of guys. This Go rollerblading, ice skating, is because they don’t want to laser tagging, or if you both like look like a pig or have stuff all to read, the library or bookstore ap- over their face. Eventually a girl are great. Also, you could play preci- will get used to eating in front of video games. ate me? you, but it will take some time. Or, you could go old-school Well if they do, My boyfriend and I have been and take turns showing each then change that. Do dating for 13 months and I still other tapes of you when you it today. When you see feel weird eating near him. were little. It will be a good way your other, hug them. Let A nice first date idea is going to open yourself up, if you really them know how much you bowling. This way there is want to get to know one another. care about them. something to distract you if it However, this might not be the Hugs are always nice to give gets awkward. Bowling is fun best idea for a first date. or receive. They are especially because there’s no pressure. You I would like everyone to think good when you are having a bad will enjoy each other’s com- about this: Do you appreciate day. It makes things so much pany. After this, if it’s not dark your other? You should always better. out, you can take a walk in the make sure to hold them, because I would like to get some feed- park and watch the sunset. The you never know what tomorrow back from you guys. What do reason I say make sure it’s not brings. Also, be sure to tell them you think about these subjects I dark is because the first time I how much you love them. A bring up? Let me know what hung out with my boyfriend, we simple “I love spending time you think through an e-mail. went to the park after dark and with you,” would be a nice thing Also, if I haven’t talked about didn’t know we weren’t sup- to say. If you don’t say this now, something you wish to know posed to be there. Each of us al- when will you? What happens if more about, e-mail me. Don’t be most got a $600 fine! I know it’s too late? Then you will live shy. everyone knows parks close with regret. Appreciating your I hope you will read my arti- after the sun sets. other consists of taking a mo- cles and stick with me. H♥pe It is actually cute to see a guy ment out of each day to say “2” Help. BY HOPE KUMOR help you. nervous on a first date. Both of something like something like, Centurion Staff Dinner and movie sounds like you will be this way; just don’t “Thank you for everything you QUESTIONS a good date idea, but it’s not. lock your keys in the car, or lose do for me.” First dates are difficult. They You can’t talk during the movie, them. Let’s just say I’ve had ex- Let’s say your other is the Send your questions for can be awkward, unfamiliar and and he doesn’t know whether he perience with that. only one who understands you Hope Kumor to make your heart beat a mile a should put his arm around you, Here’s a scenario: It’s raining and then all of a sudden they are hopeandlove89 minute. If this is the stage hold your hand or do nothing at and everything you have gone. What will you do? Do @gmail.com you’re in right now, I’m here to all. As far as the dinner goes, planned is outside. What do you they ever say, I don’t think you

Phillies phan phever at Bucks

With the World Series playing out this week against the New York Yankees, the support for our Phillies can be seen all over campus. The week of November 3, 2009 SPORTS End of the road for Bucks men’s soccer The men’s soccer team fought in heavy rain against Harrisburg but fell short, ending the season

Photo by Marites Mangonon

BY LIAM MCKENNA mistakes early, maybe due to During the season, of the 22 taken in,” Burroughs said. “We boto, both sophomores. Op/Ed Editor overconfidence, and fell behind players on the roster, roughly 20 give our players an opportunity to “Samuel was an all-league early. We never really came would be at the practices. Bur- be scouted. After that, it’s the stu- player, but he and Patrick The men’s soccer team is con- back.” roughs looks forward to having dent’s responsibility to execute DiLiegro got injured during the sidered to be one of the best sports Despite the loss, the team can the same amount of interest next moving to that school.” season,” Burroughs said. “How- programs at Bucks. This season, look back on the season and con- year. Among the top players receiv- ever, we had a freshman, George the team fell one game short of sider it a success. They had an “Our players have off ‘till the ing interest from colleges this year Doenlen, step in and play really being in the championship game overall record of 11-6. spring. While some will transfer is midfielder Timothy Drabyak. well on defense.” and winning their second straight The first quarter of the season to another school for whatever He was the only player who was a “Our captains really did well in title. went well with a 3-1 record, in- reason, others do stay. So I take captain as a freshman this year. just keeping the team together,” “The team was very talented cluding a big win against Philadel- that and look towards next year in “Tim is our centerpiece; he is Burroughs said. “There were and knowledgeable again this phia. a positive manner,” Burroughs very important to our future,” freshmen nerves from the goalie year,” Coach Justin Burroughs Through the first half of the said. Burroughs said. to the forwards. In the end, the said. “The issue this year was year, the team was 4-4. They ex- As the team forms year after The other captains on the team team was very levelheaded, and I mental mistakes.” perienced their only consecutive year, there is one key to success were goalie Christopher Shaffer knew they could dominate the “These mistakes kept showing losses of the season to Mercer and and interest: Scouting. and defenseman Samuel Fahn- other teams in the league.” up all year, both on defense and Reading. “After some success, other col- offense. Unfortunately, our In the second half of the season, leges begin strongest point was the midfield the team went 7-2. They had to scout this season,” Burroughs said. blowout games against Lehigh your play- Burroughs said the majority of Carbon, Philadelphia, Reading, ers. That  bucks.edu/life/athletics these mistakes were made on de- and Northampton. In those games i n t e r e s t “The oppos- fense, and other teams would use they outscored their opponents keeps tal- ing team this to their advantage by creating 28-2. ent coming MEN’S BASKETBALL turnovers that led to goals. Winning has become a regular in,” Bur- “ Date: Tue Nov 10 Date: Sat Nov 14 always “The opposing team always occurrence for the men’s soccer roughs said Time: 8.00 p.m. Time: 3.00 p.m. seemed to Opponent: Stevens Opponent: Reading seemed to capitalize on our mis- team; this is a huge feat for any R i d e r Where: Home Where: Away takes. Yet we never really capital- community college athletic pro- University capitalize ized on theirs,” Burroughs said. gram. and Temple Date: Tue Nov 17 Date: Thu Nov 19 “When we took the field, 99 per- Many of Bucks’ athletic pro- University on our Time: 8.00 p.m. Time: 8.00 p.m. cent of the time, I felt we had the grams struggle due to lack of in- are among Opponent: Central Penn Opponent: Montgomery Where: Home Where: Away better of the other team.” terest and team chemistry. This the Divi- mistakes” “I don’t know why we made a happens partly due to community sion One lot of mistakes,” Burroughs said. college students not having athlet- colleges scouting Bucks players. “At times we were outworked ics high on their priority list. Bur- There have also been many scouts WOMEN’S BASKETBALL maybe because we overestimated roughs has coached soccer here from Divisions Two and Three. ourselves.” for the last five years. He has “Since we’ve started having our Date: Tue Nov 3 Date: Thu Nov 5 Time: 7.00 p.m. Time: 6.00 p.m. These errors were evident in the many reasons why there has been players scouted, we’ve been able Opponent: PBU Opponent: Northampton team’s final game, a 2-3 playoff so much success over that time. to not only push our players Where: Home Where: Away loss to Harrisburg on Oct. 24. The “You start by having a strong harder to improve on the field, but game was also marked by poor season, that gains more interest in school as well,” Burroughs Date: Tue Nov 17 Date: Thu Nov 19 weather, although Burroughs felt from students. Once there is said. “We’re now trying to show Time: 6.00 p.m. Time: 6.00 p.m. that made no difference. strong interest, you can have more our players what it will be like in Opponent: Philadelphia Opponent: Montgomery Where: Away Where: Away “The rain played no role in our mandatory practices and shape a major school.” loss to Harrisburg,” Burroughs your team around those who at- “Over my time as coach, we’ve said. “We made some tend,” Burroughs said. had four players recruited and

WEATHER Forecast by NWS for 18940

TUE NOV 3 WED NOV 4 THU NOV 5 FRI NOV 6 SAT NOV 7 SUN NOV 8 MON NOV 9 60° | 33° 51° | 36° 51° | 33° 49° | 31° 51° | 39° 58° | 41° 56° | 40° Mostly sunny Mostly sunny Showers Mostly sunny Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Mostly sunny