Philadelphia, PA February 2014

THEThe Free Student NewspaperGRIFFIN of Chestnut Hill College Chestnut Chips Program Stirs Controversy Michael Bradley ’14 in a broader format. Thus the be better spent on more money editor-in-chief Chestnut Chips program was toward the club budgets.” born. The goal is to add a new Finlaw does not think the In an effort to recognize ex- and creative event that cel- program is necessary. ceptional behavior, work ethic ebrates the positive actions of “I think the idea is juvenile,” and service on campus, Chest- our students.” she said. “Students should not nut Hill College has launched “Chestnut chips are given need to be motivated by what the Chestnut Chips program. out to students who go above are essentially gold stars or even Before the launch of the and beyond, in the eyes of stu- the fancy prizes that come with program at the beginning of dents and staff within the col- them. We pay to go to school the spring semester, several lege community, without in- so our motivation should come Chips ambassadors were se- centive,” said Chelsey Patten, from us as individuals. In one lected around campus by Emily president of the class of 2014. of my classes we had a big dis- Schademan, director of student “There are various individu- cussion about this and most if activities. als and offices who have been not all of the students in the “Any interested faculty and designated as representatives class were confused by it.” staff member or department is for the program who are able to While students may be up- able to participate and give out give out chips.” set with the program, the Chips chips at their own discretion,” Chips are already being dis- will continue to be dispensed. Schademan said. “We were pensed on campus for various Once students begin to ac- very purposeful in keeping the behaviors. These range from cumulate Chips, they should be guidelines broad so that faculty random acts of kindness to saved for a prize auction at the and staff can have the freedom hard work in the classroom. end of the semester. At the auc- to use the chips as they see fit.” There is no set of guidelines, tion, students can bid on prizes Schademan said that the however, and the decision to ranging from movie tickets to program was inspired by similar pass on a chip is ultimately in a tablet PC to airline vouchers. programs at other institutions, the hands of the ambassador. Students are only permitted to such as The Ohio State Uni- “At the end of a recent club use Chips earned in the current versity and St. Joseph Univer- council meeting, each club of- semester at the auction, and sity. “At those institutions, the ficer in attendance was given a they will not roll over to next program primarily took place chip,” Amanda Finlaw ’15, said. following semester. in residence halls,” Schademan “This was really strange because The Chestnut Chips auction image: Andrea Wentzell ’15 said.. “A group of staff mem- we have to [attend these meet- will be held on Thurday, April Chestnut Hill College recently launched the Chestnut bers from various departments ings] in order to not lose part of 10 in Gruber Theater. Doors Chips program, which aims to reward students for good decided to explore the pos- our budget. I think the money will open at 8 p.m. and the auc- behavior on campus. Some students, however, do not sibility of bringing it to CHC spent on chips and prizes could tion will begin at 9 p.m. think the program is necessary. Football Coming to CHC? study abroad expansion Taylor Eben ’14 contact, intercollegiate, varsity recreation, makes it financially nicole carney ’16 institutions. “I learned [when Editor-in-chief sport and has the same rules as attractive. senior staff writer I started here] that we did not regular college football.” The Post University, a fellow Cen- have a formal agreement with Chestnut Hill College is cur- only difference is that sprint tral Atlantic Collegiate Confer- Chestnut Hill College has the outside sources we offered rently investigating a number of football requires all players to ence (CACC) member located taken the initiative to increase for study abroad,” Brown said. recruitment strategies to increase weight 172 pounds or less. Es- in Waterbury, Conn., began their the opportunities of global ed- “And because a lot of our stu- enrollment, and one of those tablished in 1934, the CSFL sprint football program four ucation for both students and dents may have families that strategies is the expansion of the currently includes teams from years ago. faculty through the creation of never travel abroad, and many athletics program. There have eight schools: Cornell Univer- “It has brought a lot to their the Global Education Office work to pay for their college been rumors floating around sity, Franklin Pierce University, school campus environment [re- (GEO), under the direction of education, the idea was to make about a slew of potential sports Mansfield University, the Naval garding] school spirit, enthusi- Trachanda Brown, MLA. a lower cost model to allow our that might eventually make it to Academy, Post University, Princ- asm, campus life,” Tubman said. With a new office comes students to study abroad.” campus, but there’s one very vi- eton University, the University “In talking to their staff, their many new partnerships, as well The GEO has already for- able option that has come out on of Pennsylvania and West Point. students, it’s been positive all as many new services avail- mally signed agreements with top: sprint football. Sprint football has a nine- around for their campus.” able to those looking to study eight international institutions By now, many students have week-long season that runs from Furthermore, the incorpora- abroad. Brown, who was for- that are as follows: Catholic heard about the possibility of a late August to late October with tion of a sprint football league merly director of international University of Oporto (Por- sprint football team, but they’re seven games. The roster size presents a unique opportunity student services at the College, tugal), Autònoma del Estado also curious about what makes would include between 40 and 65 for the College. “We looked at continues to oversee interna- de Hidgalo (Mexico), Univer- it different from “regular” foot- student athletes. Sprint football rowing and everyone in the Phil- tional admissions and is now sidad Católica de la Santísima ball. is not affiliated with the NCAA adelphia area has rowing. It’s ex- helping Chestnut Hill students Concepción (Chile), Groupe According to the Collegiate and it’s a non-scholarship sport, prepare to go abroad and is developing global programs “CHC Study Abroad Sprint Football League (CSFL) which, according to Lynn Tub- “Sprint Football” and partnerships with foreign Expands” Website, “sprint football is a full- man, director of athletics and Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 2 NEWS 2 Arts & Culture 5 Sports 10 2 The Griffin THE GRIFFIN John Ebersole Named Poetry Editor Vol. IV, Issue 4 Catherine dempsey ’15 says. “The minute I did that, and develop relationships with ary home, and I made that clear senior staff writer the narrow road became wide, the staff.“I had published al- to PRB. Since they trusted my ready in PRB and during those work, they trusted me, and it’s The Free Student and quite mysteriously, I flour- Writing Center Director at ished.” transactions I mentioned to the been great so far.” Newspaper of Chestnut Hill College, John Eb- He looks forward to this editor of PRB that I would be He says he is excited to help Chestnut Hill College ersole, MFA, has been named new position and says that he interested in helping out any- put more poetry and poetry re- poetry editor at the Philadel- wants to support the writers way I can,” Ebersole says. “Af- views into the world because it’s Michael Bradley ’14 phia Review of Books (PRB), a of the Philadelphia Review of ter moving around so much “good for civilization,” and he Editor-in-Chief Philadelphia-based webzine of Books. “I can do that by caring prior to moving to Pennsylva- feels blessed to have so many book reviews of all kinds, in- about their work and talking to nia, I was anxious to find a liter- doors opening for him in life. cluding art, media, science and them about it,” Ebersole says. Taylor Eben ’14 politics. “All a writer wants is a generous Editor-in-Chief Ebersole, who received his reader. I hope I can be that for Master of Fine Arts from Co- those writing.” Skyler Stillwaggon ’14 lumbia University and currently The city of Philadelphia is lives in Erdenheim, has had incredibly diverse, with an ar- Production Manager reviews and work published in ray of talented poets and writ- Layout Editor Octopus Magazine, Battersea ers. He says that reviewing this Review, and Southern Humani- poetry may not inspire his own Andrea Wentzell ’15 ties Review, among other out- writing, but it does help it in Business Manager lets. He is also the host of New different ways. “Considering Books In Poetry, a podcast other poets and writers forc- Senior Layout Staff about the work of today’s most es me to see merit in places I renowned poets. would otherwise ignore because Adele Giangiulio ’16 Ebersole has achieved of personal taste,” he says. “Yet News Editor great things within the last six my job as editor is to provide a months, being named director diversity of work to match the Kyle Mick ’15 of the Writing Center just last diversity of Philadelphia.” semester.“I had an awakening His best advice to those image: Elizabeth Bachmayer ’16 Entertainment Editor a little over a year ago and as a interested in editing poetry is Director of the Writing Center, John Ebersole, MFA, result I genuinely surrendered simple: offer to volunteer at a was named poetry editor at the Philadelphia Review of Megan Welch ’16 for the first time in my life,” he literary magazine that you like Books. Features Editor

Amanda Finlaw ’15 Student & dyslexia activist UNC Sports Scandal Culture Editor kerry o’brien ’14 Ortale also stressed the Adele Giangiulio ’16 education. This only further staff writer need to keep an open mind news editor fuels many people’s perception Tiffany Ureña ’16 towards programs offered for that student athletes are held at Working with the Penn- individuals with learning dis- Sports Editor The University of North a lower academic standard than sylvania Branch International abilities. Carolina has come under fire non-athletic students. Dyslexia Association (PBI- “When speaking to an au- yet again because of the Uni- Nikki Lockhart, Chestnut Elizabeth Bachmayer ’16 DA), Mary Katherine Ortale dience, I tell parents to con- versity’s own academic failure, Hill College’s assistant director Photography Editor ’16 delivers speeches around sider transferring their chil- a concession that was made of athletics and academic suc- the country to bring aware- dren from a public school to a by Chancellor Carol Folt. Ac- cess and community engage- ness about dyslexia, a learning school that is geared towards Layout Staff cording to a CNN investigation ment, begs to differ. “I think disability which makes reading learning disabilities,” Ortale Alex Ominiyi ’16 a number of UNC’s student academic standards are higher and writing challenging for said. “This makes the child a athletes can only read at an ele- for student athletes,” Lockhart millions of Americans. part of a majority rather than mentary school level. This scan- said. “Our student athletes per- Copy Editors Ortale has been working a minority, and gives them dal was exposed two years after form at a higher rate academi- Briana Charlton ’16 with PBIDA for the past four motivation to succeed.” the school was caught holding cally than non-student athletes.” years, going to various high While working with PBI- Sally Simmons ’15 fake classes in which students, Lockhart takes pride in the schools and colleges to talk DA is very time consuming, mostly athletes, were enrolled. athletic department because about dyslexia, a learning dis- Ortale still manages to stay The students either did not at- they put so much emphasis on Susan Magee, M.F.A. ability which, according to the involved at Chestnut Hill Col- tend class or were given a single academic success. Her position, Facilitator International Dyslexia Associ- lege. She is part of the Stu- assignment to complete for the which came from a grant given ation, makes it difficult to in- dent Government Associa- semester, as reported by CNN. to the school from the NCAA, Make your opinion heard terpret words, letters, or sym- tion, is a Resident Assistant, is A majority of the fake focuses on promoting the aca- and submit editorials to bols. As not only a speaker, involved in Campus Ministry, The Griffin. Submissions classes were held in the African demic success of student ath- but also a facilitator and panel and is also a member of the and African American Stud- letes. CHC is one of the few become property of The member for the organization, 1650 Society. Balancing all of Griffin and are subject ies Department. According Division II schools that have Ortale assists in organizing these activities proves to be to editing for style, clar- to Fox News the chair of the such a position. Her position ity and length. The views and executing simulation ac- difficult at times but Ortale department was fired this past calls for her to check up on ath- represented in submis- tivities. These activities allow “makes it work” because she December for defrauding the letes individually and teams as a sions do not represent participants to experience and is passionate about everything university after allegedly getting whole to ensure their academic Chestnut Hill College. understand how difficult it is she is involved with at CHC. paid for classes he never taught. needs and goals are being met. Submissions also do not for a person suffering from Ortale wishes to make peo- It was discovered that 173 of The athletic department even represent The Griffin’s po- dyslexia to read or write. ple more aware of learning the 384 students signed up for has an ranking system in which sition, or that of its facili- In her speeches, Ortale disability and aid in the de- the fake classes were student the teams compete against each tator. offers audience members velopment of programs that athletes and of those athletes other to reach the highest GPA various methods of showing encourage those with learning 109 were men’s football and at the end of the semester. The Griffin strives support for a dyslexic friend disabilities to pursue leader- for accuracy and fair basketball players. The NCAA “The perception of student or family member, always en- ship roles. held an investigation into the athletes from the outside is that representation in all couraging their loved one to “My dream is to one day of its publications and scandal but found that none of they are looking to get the easy work through their hardships. come up with a system or pro- factual correctness. If its rules were broken, since the way out, here at CHC that is not an error is found, email “I also tell students that gram of my own that teaches student-athletes met the GPA an option,” Lockhart said. “You the issue number, the dyslexia, or any learning dis- people about learning disabili- requirements set by the league. are a student first then an ath- error, and the correction ability, is not a Band-Aid ties and how they do not have This scandal is only one of lete. Athletics is a privilege that that needs to be made that can be removed,” Ortale to hinder achievement.” many schools with big athletic must be earned and kept.” to the.griffin.chc@gmail. said. “It is a fantastic freckle programs, such as Stanford and com. Corrections may be that should be embraced and Harvard, who have been caught printed in the next issue. shown off.” cheating their students of an The Griffin 3 Core-to-Core Simplifies transfer process Becky Stahl ’15 agreement, they will assess the College does not go out and contributing writer the other school’s curriculum. initiate agreements with schools If their curriculum is “similar that they haven’t had contact As a student, knowing your enough to what a CHC student with. “Based on the two crite- class status is a crucial piece would have to take… when you ria--giving the student a smooth of information. For example, transfer to CHC, you’ll be able transition and a quality experi- NEWS where you are permitted to live to essentially focus on your ma- ence--the program is as fair as it on campus and whether or not jor courses with a few excep- can be,” she said. you’re eligible for an internship tions,” Terranova said. If you don’t obtain an as- Griffins Abroad depends upon your class status, Core requirements almost sociate’s degree from one of as does credit load, financial aid, never get waived, but there is the community college’s with This semester The Griffin will be sharing the adventures of students and whether or not you need to the possibility of getting a less which CHC has an agreement, studying abroad. Colin Boyle ’15, a history and secondary education take summer classes. academically rigorous class, like only some of the core classes major, is spending the spring semester at Regents University in London. Knowing your current status an art class, waived. that you need to complete your will help you figure out when Another way the College degree would transfer in. Q: What made you want to study abroad? your graduation date is by let- has tried to make the transfer This makes it easier for the A: I wanted an adventure. I loved the idea of being able ting you know how many cred- process less complicated for student because it adds more of to live in a foreign country and experience a different culture. its you have already, and how incoming students is the recent “a balance among your classes.” Also, being able to travel on the weekends and breaks to dif- many more you need to get be- revision to the core require- In this way, students don’t have fore you can graduate. ments. to take all of their major courses ferent countries is awesome. I wanted to experience something However, for some trans- According to Merilyn Ryan, at once. Also, it balances out the new and different from what I am used to in America and fer students, obtaining this SSJ, Ph.D., acting dean for the course load and gives students studying abroad provides me with that opportunity. information and even just un- school of undergraduate stud- “a well rounded experience,” derstanding how and why the ies, the revision of the College’s Ryan said. “My dream is that College establishes this infor- curriculum was to benefit all we would be able to work even Q: How does Regents University compare to CHC? mation is much more complex students, not just transfers. more closely with community A: The school is about the same size as CHC. Like CHC, I than for non-transfer students. Administration made this colleges so that if they have stu- don’t have to go outside to attend my classes because it is all According to Mike Terrano- revision because many students dents who, early on, know what va, coordinator of transfer stu- said the core curriculum was their desired major is when they one building. The area around the school is very nice, much dent admissions, colleges such hard to understand and made transfer, we could work with like CHC. The school is located in the middle of a park in as Montgomery County Com- advising difficult for faculty them so that they would be able London so I am close to nature while being in the city. Unlike munity College, Philadelphia when helping students pick out to get the kind of courses that Community College and Dela- courses. For example, instead would allow them to be a junior CHC though, I am a short walk to the main city and am able ware County Community Col- of requiring two sciences and when they come here.” to go just about anywhere very easily because of the under- lege have transfer agreements two histories, the revision re- Marcus Harris ‘15, a stu- ground station [subway] located right outside of the park. with CHC that allow students quires one science and one dent who was eligible for core- to be considered core-to-core history, with the exception of to-core, thinks the program is students. The core-to-core pro- foreign languages, which is now “very good” and “allows the Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far? gram was created to encourage either two courses or one at the student to put their best foot A: The biggest challenge has been meeting new people. students to transfer into CHC intermediate level. forward.” He added, “Person- Coming into a new place all by myself certainly was challeng- from a two-year school with an Ryan said the revision made ally I like it. It eliminates all of associate’s degree. This makes things “more clear and easier the fluff classes and it allows ing, but it has turned out to be a great learning experience. for a faster transfer process. when advising and choosing me to focus solely on the class- “The student who starts courses and keeping track of es that I didn’t transfer in that Q: What classes are you taking? here as a freshman has different things.” were mandatory for graduation, A: Intro to cultural anthropology, history of Western art, requirements than a core-to- CHC has core-to-core and it allows me to have more core student,” Terranova said. agreements with a number of time to add in, say, a minor.” U.K. politics, world religions and social history of London. Once CHC receives the colleges, and Ryan explains that

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned while studying abroad thus far? CHC Study Abroad Expands A: The most important thing I have learned is to go after Continued from Page 1 looking at the possibility of network meant to aid and en- sending our students abroad, courage international students what you want and to chase your dreams. Don’t let other peo- IBS (France), Cesine Business but also hosting international to study in the United States. ple dictate what you do or be afraid to do things alone. Don’t School (Spain), Business Acade- students. In an effort to in- Since the study abroad pro- let anything get in between your dreams and you doing them. my Aarhus (Denmark), Pyeong- crease international attendance gram began at CHC interest taek University (South Korea), the college has recently part- reached an all time high. “I and Howest University College nered with Main Line Chinese cannot keep applications ready, West Flanders (Belgium). Sev- Cultural Center and ABD In- which is great.” Brown said. eral other agreements are in the ternational, a business develop- “It is also great to allow our works with institutions in Peru ment consultation service, to student to study abroad across and the United Kingdom. help Chinese students smoothly disciplines such as minoring in Three Chestnut Hill stu- transition into becoming fellow Global Studies or International dents have taken advantage of Griffins. To ensure the interna- Business. [This allows] our stu- this new office and instead of tional admissions process goes dents to not only have the study spending this semester in Phila- smoothly, the College is in col- abroad experience, but some- delphia, they have taken their laboration with Foreign Lan- thing they can add to their re- studies overseas. Dave King guage Schools International, an sume as well. ‘15 is studying in Denmark and English as a Second Language Tayler Bitzer ‘15 and Morgan Maguire ‘15 are spending their spring semester in Belgium. “I chose Denmark because A Night at the it seemed cool and I know they spoke English,” King said. “I like it, but it is very different. It Movies takes time getting used to ev- erything, but the school and the Come and See Your Favorite Movies Reenacted contributed by: Colin Boyle ’15 classes are really cool because RENT, Mean Girls, Grease, Dodgeball, Titanic, Dirty Dancing, Ferris Studying abroad has allowed Colin many new op- they are taught differently than Bueller’s Day off, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and more portunities, such as visiting Stonehenge, a prehis- they are in the U.S.” toric monument in Wiltshire, England. Chestnut Hill is not only Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. in Gruber Theatre 4 The Griffin Sprint Football Continued from Page 1 man said. Sprint Football at CHC: Students Respond The College’s Board of pensive and it’s harder to recruit Trustees will make the decision those student athletes, where sometime this semester, so there there’s only one league in the isn’t a definitive answer as to country of sprint football and how soon students can expect to the market’s wide open. There see a team on campus. However, are a lot of young men that want if the Board approves the deci- to continue their football careers; sion and everything goes accord- they just aren’t big enough.” ing to schedule, the team’s inau- There are a number of ways gural season would be in the fall the College can recruit new stu- of 2015. For now, the Athletics dents, whether they’re athletes or Department has been gathering not, but why athletics? feedback from a diverse group “We’re always exploring po- of students, student athletes, and tential opportunities [for athlet- faculty and staff members. ics expansion],” Tubman said. “So far there’s been a mixed “If we’re looking at growing our response,” Tubman said. Posi- enrollment, certainly bringing in tive responses include how the additional teams would help sup- team could benefit campus cul- becca sheetz ’15 Mark pascetta ’17 port increased enrollment.” ture and attract more students, images: Taylor Eben ’14 Student athletes are an en- but there are some health and “I think it’s a really cool idea. I think it “It’s pretty cool, but it’s a 172 pound gaged, successful population on safety concerns related specifi- campus, Tubman said, and in cally to concussions, and there would help enrollment a lot, but then sprint football team, so it’s going to addition to receiving academic has also been some expressed again the whole sprint thing, that it’s be hard for a lot of people to make support, student athletes also concern about how a team of not like a real college football league, weight, especially me if I want to play. have coaches and an athletics de- 65 men could negatively impact might be off in a way to some people. It’s good though, because we can get partment that advocate for their campus culture. I think it’s an awesome idea, but they a football team from it. [It might make success academically, socially and Tubman believes it’s impor- just need to try it out. It’s a trial and campus] a more violent culture, but in service. Tubman added that tant to have what she describes error type of thing.” still an athletic culture.” athletics has had success recruit- as a “healthy balance” between ing new student athletes, where students and student athletes. recruitment in other areas may “Our responsibility is to “I think once the campus expands, have been more difficult. make sure [student athletes] inte- then yes, in theory it would be a good According to an athletics de- grate into the student population idea to start this football team, but partment presentation, CHC’s and understand the mission and right now I think campus is so limited 266 student athletes currently are a part of the community,” in size that bringing a team of sixty have a cumulative GPA of 3.06 she said. “The [athletics] depart- kids is unfair to the rest of us who are and had an 80% retention rate ment and our coaches and staff trying to use the facilities equally with during the 2012-2013 academic currently understand the culture the athletes. Once the Master Plan year. In comparison, non-ath- of Chestnut Hill and if we were is set and we have a lot of space and letes carry a cumulative GPA of to add any additional sports it more dorms, I think it’s a great idea, 2.88 and a 69% retention rate. would be a priority to make sure Given the successful track re- we find a coach who has the but until then I just don’t think it’s ap- cord, the student athlete popu- same values and recruit the stu- Brandon rotondo ’16 propriate.” lation is worth expanding, Tub- dent athletes that fit.” Students Learn Inside Prison Catholic Social Thought, Black Karlaane klouda ’14 students and eight incarcer- the program was implemented. contributing writer ated “inside” students met “The goal of the course was to Theology, and the Struggle once a week at Philadelphia’s provide a safe learning oppor- In the fall semester, some of Curran-Fromhold Correction- tunity within an unsafe environ- for Civil Rights in America Chestnut Hill College’s criminal al Facility (CFCF) for 13-14 ment and to the extent that the justice students participated in weeks throughout the semester. students engaged with one an- the department’s recently-res- When the class went to CFCF, other, learned about compara- Dr. Lawrence S. Little, Ph.D. urrected Inside-Out course. they stayed for about two to tive justice systems, and saw the Associate Professor of African American The Inside-Out Prison Ex- three hours each time. All the injustice of labeling,” Barrow. History, Villanova University change is a unique experien- “inside” students who went said. “I believe my achieved tial education program where through the course earned le- outcomes exceeded my expec- Feb 26 at 7:00 p.m. students deepen their under- gitimate college credits. Each tation. We all had much to learn East Parlor, St. Joseph’s Hall standing and experience of the week, the class learned about about what life in a institution criminal justice system through comparative legal systems. is like, but overall, we did very Sponsored By: the History Program, Phi Alpha Theta, a real-world partnership be- Many students felt the well.” the National History Honor Society, and the History Club tween two key social institu- course was beneficial because tions--higher learning and cor- they didn’t just learn textbook rections.. material; they learned from TheCHCGriffin.com According to the National sharing experiences and stories Headquarters of the Inside with real people. Deli Nights Out Prison Exchange Program, “We gave our interpretation Thursdays, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. their mission is to create op- of the law as college students The Perk portunities for people inside and they [the inside students] and outside the prison to have gave their interpretations from “transformative learning ex- life experiences or beliefs,” said periences.” The participants Greg Kotchi ’14. “It gives you Deli Diner Deli Day explore profound social issues a different perspective of indi- Live Music & Dinner Stop in for Lunch! together, building a classroom viduals behind bars.” Thursday, Mar 13 Friday, Feb. 21 community based in collabora- Lauren Barrow, Ph.D., assis- Visit us for up-to- 8pm - 1am 11am-2pm tive learning and problem solv- tant professor of criminal jus- The Perk The Perk ing. tice, led the Inside-Out course, date news and events Thirteen CHC “outside” and was very pleased with how around campus! Text 267 - 536 - 5808 For Delivery ArtS & CulThe Griffin ture5 Crashcourse Going Out Guide: Amanda Finlaw ’15 their first project, Brotherhood eos, thoughtful commentary March 2014 Culture Editor 2.0, on the vlogbrothers chan- and questions can actually be nel, in which they communi- found, on YouTube (although Catherine Dempsey ’15 Do you celebrate intellec- cated with one another only Google+ is making flowing Senior Staff Writer tualism and crave knowledge? through video blog format. conversation and debate a bit Did you ever want to learn the Since then, they have grown more difficult as of late…). The Steve Call Band & The Adornment as Art: Create basics about a course you have a huge online following in the People become seriously en- Twisted Tail: Rock Your Own Jewelry never taken or do not have time form of a community called gaged in what John and Hank The Twisted Tail Free Library of Philadelphia to take? Or maybe you just like Nerdfighers, mostly young peo- are putting out onto the inter- 509 S. 2nd St., Phila., PA Parkway Central Library to watch informative, stimulat- ple who value intellectualism, net; some use these videos as Feb. 28, 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. Mar. 12, 7 p.m. ing, and visually pleasing online fandom, reading, and all things study aids for AP exams in high Price: Free Price: Free video in your spare time? If so, nerdy. They are endlessly dedi- school, some fans are 20-some- Crashcourse, an educational cated online entrepreneurs and thing Nerdfighters who cannot Father Greg Boyle of Home- Film Screening: Saving YouTube channel spanning John Green is a New York Times soak up enough knowledge, boy Industries Lecture Private Ryan topics in both the humani- bestselling author. Who better and some like to refresh their Chestnut Hill College Free Library of Philadelphia ties and the sciences, is worth to start a channel of entertain- memories of the ghost of edu- Sorgenti Arena Parkway Central Library checking out. ing educational videos than cation’s past. Mar. 11, 7 p.m. Mar. 5, 7 p.m. Price: Free Price: Free John and Hank Green have these two brothers? According to Subbable, been making YouTube videos In the comments sec- their website that allows fans of since 2007 when they began tion of the Crashcourse vid- YouTubers to contribute mon- cause people want it to,” their do. This class-like structure, ey to support their favorite con- Subbable page reads. along with the hosts who are tent creators, “in 2011, when While 10 minutes is quite very comfortable in front of YouTube asked the brothers longer than the average You- a camera, are what sets Crash- what they'd do with a grant Tube video, the time is worth course apart from the many from Google, they decided to it because John, Hank, and the other wonderful educational go with their strengths and cre- rest of the Crashcourse team channels on YouTube. ate a series of videos teaching pack at least an hour’s worth The content creators’ inten- high school and college-level of information into each video tions are to facilitate a place for courses for free on YouTube.” along with visual aids and plen- significant knowledge and dis- Now that Google’s funding ty of interesting anecdotes. cussion in the online commu- has run out, they support them- The overall structure of the nity. They want free education selves through the generosity Crashcourse playlists are very to be widely available to any of those who crave their engag- concise. Each subject (World who wish to learn. If you are ing educational content. The History, US History, Ecology, a Nerdfighter or anyone who Green brothers do not want to Biology, Chemistry, Literature, values free, online education, screencap: youtube.com/crashcourse and Psychology) is in a playlist give John and Hank Green a try YouTube’s channel Crashcourse is a free online education have to resort to using ads to source that creates segmants on topics such as the Middle Ages, fund this channel like so many of its own and each video cov- on Crashcourse. The Psychol- The Periodic Table, Animal Cells, and The Great Gatsby. To other YouTubers. “Our hope is ers a specific topic while some- ogy segment has just begun, view these videos and more visit youtube.com/crashcourse. that there’s another model, and times relating back to previous and Literature, in full, will com- that Crash Course can exist be- videos, just as real life classes mence soon. Album Review: Augustine’s – Augustine’s Kyle Mick ’15 ines self-titled album, starts off This beautiful classical mel- entertainment editor with an orchestral synth-pop ody of violins and somber pi- opening, which flows gradu- ano work adds dimension and Augustines, formed in ally into their hit single, “Cruel an unpredictable intensity that Brooklyn, N.Y., in early 2010, City”. This track just does not feels lacking on this album. Billy is a relatively new band to enter do it for me. Everything about McCarthy’s unique voice sounds the music industry. Offering lis- it feels sterile, predictable, and much more at home in this mu- teners with what they have come radio friendly. It does not offer sical setting, which allows him to expect from the alternative anything new or exciting to lis- to add much more emotion than rock genre, such as pounding ten to, and the guitar licks and on other tracks where he sounds drums, overdubbed vocals, and drum beats feel like they have drowned out among the chaotic the occasional power ballad, this been cut and pasted from other electric guitars, drums, and vo- three man group seems to be yet successful musical groups and cal overdubs. Nevertheless, one another example of a band play- turned into something that just song cannot make up for an en- ing it safe. feels boring. tire album that bleeds confor- Taking absolutely no chanc- As the song comes to a close, mity and an overwhelming lack es from the creation of their another track called “Nothing of creativity and passion. name, which has been used by To Lose But Your Head”, of- Augustines self-titled new countless other musical groups, fers the same repetitive power album is a catchy well-made re- to the creation of their new al- ballad that sounds roughly the cord that offers nothing new to bum titled, Augustine’s, this band same as their last track, “Cruel the alternative rock music genre adds little passion, creative in- City”. Even though many of or the music industry as whole. spiration, and hardly stands out Augustines songs sound similar, If you are looking for a new al- among the sea of countless oth- with the same formulaic alt-rock bum that provides good back- Key Tracks er alternative rock bands in this style, one song that may save ground music and not a whole monotonous music scene. this album from complete ruin lot of substance, buy it; if not, I “Cruel City” • ”Nothing To Lose The first track of August- is called, “WalkAbout”. would look somewhere else. But Your Head” • ”WalkAbout” 6 The Griffin Top 5 Playlist From the Editors Amanda Finlaw ’15 Culture editor

“No Children” The Mountain Goats

“A World Alone” Lorde Megan Welch ’16 “Ghosts That We Features editor Knew” Mumford & Sons “Carry Me” Bombay Bicycle “Shake a Booty” Club Hank Green “News To Me” “I Like Giants” Grouplove Kimya Dawson “Tessellate” Ellie Goulding (Cover of alt-J)

“Knee Socks” Arctic Monkeys

“Hannah Hunt” Vampire Weekend SuperWhoLock: Popular Fandoms Julissa Salcedo ’16 fully, the fandom will not be ghosts, demons and plenty Contributing Writer kept waiting long. of other supernatural beings Another impressive fandom throughout the world. The se- Who are ‘Whovians?’ that is quickly becoming more ries has had nine seasons filled For those who may ask, popular, is for the TV series with action, intrigue, and a they are the self-labeled fans Sherlock—an adaptation of Sir weekly changing storyline that of the British Broadcasting Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sher- draws in fans, while still giving Channel’s (BBC) popular TV lock Holmes detective stories. them some recurring elements Series, Doctor Who. The show These fans go by the name of in the show. tells the tale of a time-traveling “Sherlockians.” People of the fandom love alien who ventures off to dis- Sherlock centers on Sher- to discuss potential roman- tant planets and times, accom- lock Holmes, a detective assist- tic pairings that are hinted at panied by many different hu- ing in solving various crimes throughout the series. Execu- man companions. Doctor Who in the Metropolitan Police tive producers of Supernatural has been airing since 1963 and Service, along with the help have thought of giving their has had about 26 seasons. of his friend, Dr. John Wat- fans a spin-off series, which The series has had 12 actors son. “Sherlockians” seem to be will surely excite old fans and take the role of the Doctor drawn towards actors Benedict attract new ones. himself, and each portrays the Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and The possibilities for TV- character differently. “Who- Martin Freeman's (Dr. John show fandoms to grow seems vians” like to choose their fa- Watson) sarcastic and witty endless, and while they may vorite Doctor and debate with banter. The growing love for not all have a particular name, other fans on who is the best both actors, along with the they still have a huge following version of the character. intriguing mystery-based plot, that allows these shows to con- In June, the search for the seems to attract more and tinue and grow. Many members twelfth Doctor began and by more fans every day. The series of each fandom interact with August the announcement was has had three long-awaited sea- one another in person at con- made to the fans that the new sons and a fourth is surely on ventions based on the fandom. Doctor would be Peter Capal- its way soon. Sherlock is a hit On social media sites, they cre- di, causing much excitement. amongst many fans in the U.K., ate fan art and music, and cel- The show’s attention-grabbing but the fan base does not end ebrate the creativity, skill, and approach to time travel, alien there; it continues around the dedication that they respect life-forms, science fiction and world, making Sherlock one of from their favorite shows. morality has its fans waiting the biggest fandoms out there. Doctor Who, Sherlock, and for the next big thing, as well A fandom that seems to be Supernatural are three of the as new fans excited to see all more well-known in America most popular fandoms—but it has to offer. Filming for the is the CW TV's hit show Su- there are definitely many more next season of Doctor Who pernatural. It centers on two that can appease each individu- began in January 2014—hope- brothers as they hunt down al’s personal interest. The Griffin 7 A Fight for Equal A Random Act of Kindness Briana Charlton’16 of how to behave in the world.” "We just got a woman, who Senior Staff Writer One event that seeks to was the victim of domestic vio- Primary Education spread kindness is the Random lence, a new car...” Collins told Actor Misha Collins is best Acts Annual Melee of Kindness the Huffington Post. “That was Andrea Wentzell ’15 known for his role as the an- (AMOK), which will be held something she really needed for Senior Staff Writer gel Castiel on the CW televi- on March 1. This is an entire her work and she just needed a sion show Supernatural; how- day devoted to kindness, and leg up. I delivered that car per- In the November 2013 issue The ever, what some people may not people are encouraged to spend sonally with a friend, and it was Griffin published a preview for the know is that he is the co-found- it striving to make a difference incredibly gratifying…I think book I am Malala. Since then, the er of the non-profit organiza- in peoples’ lives by doing good we’re going to be helping to buy book has been released. tion Random Acts. deeds, such as cooking a meal a bus for a free school in Nica- The venture began on Twit- for an elderly neighbor or put- ragua as well, so we're spreading When a Taliban solider ter when Collins asked his fans, ting on a puppet show for a lo- out a bit.” boarded the school bus of Ma- a.k.a. his “Misha Minions,” to cal children’s hospital. Any act Random Acts is unique in lala Yousafzai on Oct. 9, 2012, come up with ideas for a “min- that demonstrates compassion the fact that is does not seek her life was forever changed. ion stimulus” project. Accord- for another person will work to create change solely through Shots rang with intent to kill ing to the Random Acts web- and it will foster positive change collecting money for a given and pierced Malala above her site, “The goal was to obtain US wherever kindness spreads. cause. Yes, the whole point of left eye, ruining her dream of government stimulus money Another event sponsored a charity is to raise money, but placing first in exams at her all- (funding aid endeavors to stop by Random Acts is Endure- not only does Random Acts girls school. tion. Consequently, threats from an economic recession) for non- 4Kindess (E4K), which is an en- succeed in doing that, it has at Captured within the book I the Taliban began, and bounties profit initiatives.” However, this durance event encouraging peo- its heart the idea that change Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood were put out for Malala and Zi- project was abandoned and ple to engage in any continuous comes not only through money Up for Education and Was Shot by auddin’s deaths. instead the charity known for- act that they do not normally do but through kindness. the Taliban is Malala Yousafzai’s On Oct. 9, 2012, the shoot- merly as MinionStimulus was for as long as they can, such as Someone’s life can indeed story – her fight to survive and ing of a young girl broke major formed. running, climbing trees, jump- be improved by money or her fight for equal education. headlines across the globe, and The idea behind Random ing rope, knitting. Also, for ex- by whatever money can buy, Currently ranked third on Malala became a global news Acts is to “conquer the world ample, it does not count if you however, that life can be com- the New York Times Best Seller list, story overnight. She, along with one random act of kindness at run for three hours one day and pletely changed by one simple I am Malala is an inspiration for two friends, were shot (both had a time.” However slowly it may four the next—you have to run act of kindness—a smile, a hot any reader no matter their age, minor injuries). Malala faced take, this group is dedicated to for all seven hours in one sitting. meal cooked by a neighbor, or gender, or religion. The book, brain swelling and risked major making a difference by means of Once you have chosen your ac- even a car purchased by a ran- written with the help of Chris- infection due to her injuries, and various events and activities that tina Lamb, is the story of Ma- was deteriorating fast. Her par- tivity, you must get family and dom stranger who only sought lala’s life from birth until her ents were terrified that their only encourage people all around the friends to pledge money and the to help someone without the sixteenth birthday. daughter would not survive and world to be kinder to one an- more money that is made, the means to reach their destina- I am Malala has five parts, entrusted her care onto God. other. In an interview with the more acts of kindness Random tion. “Getting people to care is a which chronicle Malala’s life and Thanks to the help of the Huffington Post Collins said, “I Acts can fund. first step to changing anything,” the evolution of Pakistan as a government and caring doc- actually think that the most effi- Since the non-profit was Collins tweeted. Anyone can country and culture. tors, Malala was transported to cacious way of making a differ- founded in mid-2010, Random make a difference in someone’s Part One, titled “Before the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in ence is to lead by example, and Acts has succeeded in making life and it can all be done one act Taliban,” speaks of the tradi- Birmingham, England. There doing random acts of kindness a difference in the lives of hun- of random kindness at a time. tions and beginnings of Paki- she was without her parents and is setting a very good example dreds of people. stan as a country. Within this family for more than ten days, part, Malala writes with passion alone and trying to face a long about her heritage, how she recuperation. grew up, and about her father’s The last three parts, (“Three work as an educator of both Girls, Three Bullets,” “God, I Style Spotter girls and boys and founder of a Entrust Her to You,” and “A school system within Mingora, Second Life”) informs readers Pakistan. of Malala’s struggle to both sur- Kairi Suswell’14 Because of her father, Ziaud- vive and recuperate. din’s, educational activism, Ma- The last five chapters alone lala became an education activist within I am Malala are insightful Describe your style. I believe at a young age. She began pub- and encompass the true fight style is a form of self-ex- licly speaking out, had television Malala went through and how pression. I express myself appearances, and in early 2009, she has embraced, thanks to by way of my clothing, at the age of twelve, Malala be- God, a second life. who I am and what I stand gan writing a diary blog under On her sixteenth birthday for -- its all in the way I on July 12, 2013, Malala stood the pseudonym Gul Makai for dress. BBC, protesting the closings of in front of hundreds at the schools under Taliban rule. United Nations calling for free, Who are your style influences? “The Valley of Death,” the equal education. She has made second part of I am Malala, de- this her mission in life. In do- First and foremost, John- tails how the Taliban’s rule began ing so, she has set up the Malala ny Suswell, my grandfa- and flourished within the SWAT Fund (MalalaFund.org), where ther. He was the most styl- Valley (a district in North-cen- she hopes to invest in and to ish man I knew. I also get tral Pakistan) and, specifically, empower local communities to my inspiration from old Mingora. Malala informs read- build educational programs. She photos. I like retro. ers of how growing up in these believes that through education, conditions affected many, in- each girl and boy has the ability What is your favorite article to change the world, with just cluding her younger brothers; of clothing? I like shoes and how the deaths and whippings one chance. Malala’s activism and abil- accessories, and I love my occurred almost daily; and how collection of vests. she was forced with her family ity to fight against the rulings in May of 2009 to flee her home of her culture has led her to image: Michael Bradley ’14 in Mingora, becoming an Inter- becoming the youngest Noble nally Displaced Person (IDP). Peace Prize nominee. After her family’s return to I am Malala, can be pur- a ruined Mingora in July 2009, chased digitally, or at your local Malala and her father continued book retailer. to campaign for equal educa- 8 The Griffin Alumna Publishes Romance Novel Alexander Omoniyi ’16 February - March Senior Staff Writer Concert Corner For most undergraduate stu- Elizabeth Bachmayer ’16 dents, the prospect of life after Photography Editor college can be daunting. Apply- ing the skills gained throughout Wells Fargo Center: your years at any college can be • Justin Timberlake: Feb. 25, 2014, 8:00 p.m. somewhat difficult to achieve, • Kings of Leon: Feb. 19, 2014, 7:30 p.m. and allowing your passion to coincide with those skills can be Theater of Living Arts: even more of a challenge. How- • The Unlikely Candidates: Feb. 20, 2014, 8:00 p.m. ever, for Mary Frances Caval- • Savoy – Get Lazer’s Tour: Feb. 22, 2014, 8:30 p.m. laro, class of 2013 graduate of • The Sing Off Live Tour: March 01, 2014, 4:00 p.m. Chestnut Hill College, the com- • Juicy J – The Never Sober Tour: March 13, 2014, 7:00 p.m. bination of both these qualities became a stepping stone for her The Electric Factory: • Flogging Molly: Feb. 24, 2014, 7:30 p.m. career during her undergraduate • The American Dream Tour – Bring Me The Horizon: studies. image: Jess Veazey ’13 March 3, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Cavallaro started writing her said. “Admittedly, when there ing – another hobby and love of • Ellie Goulding: March 14, 2014, 8:00 PM novel More Than Love in Rita was the added pressure of writ- mine – writing is one of my great Michael Scully’s, SSJ, creative ing a novel, while balancing the relievers of stress.” Union Transfer: writing class during the spring Now that the book is pub- • RJD2: Feb. 21, 2014, 9:00 p.m. semester of 2012. In its infancy, demands that senior year of- lished in ebook and paperback • Mike Gordon: March 2, 2014, 8:00 p.m. it began as a short story, but she fered, the fun of writing was format, Cavallaro has begun was compelled to continue writ- nearly lost.” marketing herself, by reaching First Unitarian Church: ing past the required seven pages. However, she did not lose her out to other creative writers to • We Are the In Crowd : Feb. 21, 2014, 7:00 p.m. The urge to keep writing lingered passion for writing, and with the help increase her presence on the all through the spring semes- combination of hard work and internet. She has also reached out ter into the summer, and by the dedication, she succeeded in her Advertise With to indie bookstores in order to time the fall semester of 2012 studies as well as in completing sell her book in brick and mortar came around, four chapters of her book. For Cavallaro, finish- establishments. the book were written. She con- ing the book was not only some- thing to check off her to-do list, To learn more about Caval- The Griffin tinued with her personal project, laro and her book, visit www. and in October 2012, she was of- but something that gave her a maryfcallavaro.com. For More Information Go to TheCHCGriffin.com fered a contract by Kellan Pub- sense of extreme gratification. Contact Andrea Wentzell, Business Manager, at [email protected] With Any Questions lishing. “I worked so hard for so “Even though I knew senior many months and it was easily year would be a tough one, con- the longest work I’ve ever writ- sidering the course load I had, ten,” she said. “It was so reward- I was not going to pass up an ing. Writing has always been an Preview: Beck’s Morning Phase opportunity like this,” Cavallaro escape for me. Aside from danc- Kyle Mick ‘15 Entertainment Editor

As the early nineties raged on with head-stomping grun- TheAmand aFault Finlaw ‘15 In Our Stars ge bands, such as Candlebox, Culture Editor Soundgarden and Nirvana, no one could have imagined that The Fault in our Stars is a New a lanky guy from Los Angeles, York Times Best-Selling novel by with his acoustic guitar in tow, John Green, which illustrates a would be able to carve out an beautiful romance between two existence in the music industry teens who meet at a cancer sup- and remain relevant amid the Key Tracks port group, stars the witty Hazel electric guitar gods of Kurt Grace Lancaster, and the hand- Cobain, Sean Hennesy, and “Blue Moon” • ”Don’t Let It Go” • some and passionate Augustus Chris Cornell. I guess no one ”Morning” Waters. The novel will soon be- met Beck. The moment you look at the to keep you interested; and come a major motion picture, Coming onto the scene cover of Beck’s new album, a “Morning”, a refreshingly feel hitting theaters June 6, 2014. that oblivion is inevitable. And I in 1993 with his hit single, multi-colored self-portrait that good song that has minimal The trailer was released on am in love with you.” If you are “Loser,” a rap infused grunge Jan. 29, leading fans of the book not a fan of romance, The Fault odyssey with a hint of acous- is eerily similar to the cover of frills other than Beck’s vocals, to both tears and squeals of ex- in our Stars also has clever and tic blues, was considered to be Jimi Hendrix’s posthumous al- acoustic guitar, and a heavenly citement. It depicts a few ro- thoughtful conversation, as Gus nothing more than a joke that bum titled, Valleys of Neptune, piano that adds much needed mantic and heartwarming scenes and Hazel are two unconven- Beck created in a friend’s base- you can assume what musical depth and intrigue through- shared between the couple, as tionally likable lovers. ment. Nevertheless, this sadis- direction that Beck is going to out. While the audio quality of well as fun scenes between Ha- Something special about this tic satire about Beck’s less than take. The official preview track these bootlegged songs are not zel, Augustus, and their friend movie is that it is the first to perfect life eventually lit the that was recently released called great, they do offer a insight Isaac, another cancer survivor. openly depict a female protago- spark to his enduring twenty “Blue Moon”, is a mesmerizing into what you might expect on Everything looks beautiful and nist with a physical sign of illness year reign within the music melodic trip mixed with plenty Beck’s newest studio album. accurate to the book. Also, for on its movie poster. Hazel is industry that continues to this of background vocal satura- If you have been a Beck fan anyone who is familiar with the staring lovingly at Augustus, her day. While the kings of grunge tion, heart pounding drums, and all your life or have never expe- book, the trailer is careful not nasal cannula in full view, with a imploded near the end of the vamping acoustic rhythms that rience any of his music before, spoil the very emotional turn tagline reading, “One sick love nineties, such as the disintegra- add plenty of dimension to this Morning Phase is a great place and ending of the novel, which story.” While some fans see this tion of Nirvana with the death impressive psychedelic song. to start. Definitely check out will likely turn theater-goers into as insensitive, it seems to capture of Kurt Cobain, and the fall- Bootleg renditions of other Beck’s newest studio album formless puddles of emotion. the slightly cynical and snarky ing out of members from both songs on Morning Phase that when it hits iTunes and record One stand-out line from the sense of humor of both Hazel Candlebox and Soundgarden, Beck has played live in-concert stores on Feb. 25, or pre-order trailer, when Augustus ardently and Augustus. Beck survived and continues can also be found on YouTube, now on his official website to declares his love for Hazel, is, June is fast approaching, so to remain relevant with his up- such as “Don’t Let It Go”, a get early ticket access to up- “I am in love with you, Hazel be prepared with tissue box in coming album titled, Morning soft-sounding folk ballad with coming Beck concerts around Grace. And I know that love is hand, to fall in love (slowly, and Phase. plenty of jangling guitar licks your area. just a shout into the void and then all at once). The Griffin 9 CHC Students Take on Pop Culture We have all seen it before. The reality TV star we keep up with long after the season is over. The small-town Internet sensa- Intro. tion thrust into stardom. The rogue child celebrity trying to break from their wholesome image. Though these celebrities’ antics are often controversial, we still celebrate them. But when is crossing the line, well, crossing the line? And as consumers of pop culture who cannot get enough of the ridiculous, should we even be allowed to make that Megan Welch ’16 call? Features Editor Take, for example, Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus’ hit “Blurred Lines.” Though some were outraged by the song’s sexual themes that included some not-so-subtle hints at rape, it became a Billboard hit almost instantly, and held the number one spot for 12 weeks – the record for 2013. Or look at Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson. After making a slew of anti-gay and racist comments in an interview with GQ, A&E suspended him, only to change their mind nine days later after receiving backlash from the Robertson family and fans. And as a main fixture of a show following a family who has harped on everything from 9/11 to women’s rights, are the LGBT and black communities really such a stretch? Or have we as a culture come to idolize reality TV stars so much that the example Robertson sets is truly harmful? And then there is Justin Bieber. The pop sensation has a legion of young female followers, some of whom have defended his drunk driving, staged attacks on critics via social media and even self-injured in the name of the star. But nobody seems very concerned, or even surprised, by this. Why is that? Below and on page 10, four students offer some answers. Rape Culture Entertainment? Christen Dixon ‘17 repeatedly say "I know you it: "Baby it's in your nature/ Contributing Writer want it" and offer references Just let me liberate you." to them wanting to “give” the The prevalence of this Rape culture is defined as women sex. The entire prem- conciliatory attitude towards the concept of normalizing, ise of the song is that two po- rape in pop culture is some- excusing, and tolerating rape tential sex partners are inebri- thing that has a direct impact and sexual violence within ated and the male can't tell if on the way sex, rape, and sex- a society. When victims are the female actually wants to ual violence are perceived as blamed for the heinous acts have sex, nor can he properly a whole. If we don’t want to done to them, when they are judge whether or not she's so- promote rape culture, we need told that they were asking for ber enough for sex, hence the to stop promoting songs that it by dressing provocatively, "blurred lines" he so detests. condone it. screencap: youtube.com/watch?v=E0CazRHB0so and when rapists get more It is essentially a predatory Blurred Lines isn’t just a sympathy and understanding song telling listeners that the song. It’s a statement. from others than their victims, object of their desires needs Allen Offends Black Women that's rape culture rearing its Kaila Kane ‘16 ugly head. Staff Writer This backwards way of thinking is only perpetuated British pop singer Lily Allen’s new single “Hard Out Here” by pop culture icons who of- was meant to critique the portrayal of women in pop culture ten skyrocket to fame because today. While the song and music video that accompanied it were of their degrading and offen- supposed to point fingers at other artists in the music industry, sive lyrics. One recent song Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus specifically, the video fell flat in is particularly celebratory of making a statement any different from the ones it was meant to rape culture: Robin Thicke's critique. Here’s how: hit "Blurred Lines." The video The “Hard Out Here” music video does nothing but shame features scantily clad women, and objectify the body of the black woman while Lily Allen or completely nude in the un- remains painfully empowered. In the video, Allen is featured censored version, being ogled fully clothed and surrounded by six backup dancers, four of and objectified by Thicke, whom are black and are wearing the least amount of cloth- Pharrell, and T.I. while they screencap: youtube.com/watch?v=yyDUC1LUXSU ing. Allen’s video highlights white superiority by having a white dancer stick money down a black dancer’s shirt and by show- ing herself laughing and smacking a black dancer’s behind in Blurred Lines Stirs False Controversy encouragement. Frances Ellison ’14 One of the biggest criti- references like this through- Allen sings the lyrics “Don’t need to shake my ass for you Staff Writer cisms of the song was its mi- out the song. The consent of cuz I’ve got a brain,” yet has no problem allowing her black sogynistic lyrics that seem to the female couldn’t possibly dancers to be captured in the most obscene shots that feature Pop culture is always good promote and almost celebrate be more clear if they had add- them twerking and touching themselves. for made-up controversy, rape culture, some people go- ed a third verse with a female The message that I received watching this as a young black and Robin Thicke’s single ing as far as to call it the “date singer agreeing that she does woman was, “White women don’t have to twerk because they “Blurred Lines” is a perfect rape anthem.” After listening in fact want this particular are intelligent but black women can go ahead and twerk be- example. Thicke has become to the song again, I still have encounter. At no point dur- cause they are clearly stupid.” The differences between Lily Al- a social justice dartboard, no clue how anyone could ing the song does the roman- len’s video and Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop” video are hard hated for everything from have come to this conclusion. tic encounter between Thicke to notice. How can Allen try to criticize Cyrus for using black copyright infringement to mi- Many claim that the song’s and his female counterpart women as props when she does the same thing? If Cyrus’ video sogyny. People are so angry at constant insistence that the feel forced or unwanted. And was criticized for containing racist elements, why would Allen this song that it’s even been girl “knows she wants it” is as far as the date rape claim, include the same elements and expect a different reaction? banned from 21 college cam- clear proof that consent is not I’m still baffled as to how that Allen’s heart may have been in the right place, but ultimately puses, but I happen to find the an issue with the gentleman in even came about, because at she failed. She tried to show her thoughts on sexism through song incredibly catchy. So nat- this story. no point in the song is alcohol a satirical video, but she shouldn’t have done so at the expense urally, I was shocked when the I challenge those who hold or it’s consumption even men- of black women. Her video was yet another project that dehu- Internet exploded over both that opinion to take a second tioned. manized the black woman, and for that she can join the same the song and it’s accompany- look. During the song, Thicke Are they lyrics of “Blurred cultural appropriation club that Cyrus is in. ing unrated music video. So exclaims “I feel so lucky/You Lines” explicit? Yes, definitely. I tried to figure out once and wanna hug me,” and “The way But does the song promote rape? No, not in the slightest. See Taking on Pop Culture on for all how a seemingly harm- you grab me...” implying that less summer jam became one the female in question is more Page 10 for another Take of the most misinterpreted than a willing participant. songs of the year. Thicke makes many other 10 The Griffin This Star Won’t Go Out Taking on Pop Culture (Continued): Andrea Wentzell ’15 Senior Staff Writer the New Face of Twerk?

In 2010, Esther “Star” Liz Yohannes ’16 in my twenties, I’d be looking taken within a cultural context, Grace Earl, passed away from Contributing Writer for a way to look cool, too. Yet because no one is giving it the thyroid cancer – she was 16. while she does this deep-rooted platform to be taken seriously. Esther’s story is one of In Cote d’Ivoire, there is a dance to boost her image, there Granted, it is a very sexual compassion and her fight to dance called “Mapouka” that is no evidence to show that she dance, but so was the Tango, keep living. She never stopped focuses mainly on the rotation realizes the depth of the tradi- the Charleston, and even at shining and lived a life full of of the hips and butt that goes tion that she is participating in. one point in time, the Waltz, all adventure; she loved to take amazingly with Kwassa Kwas- If she did, I doubt she would dances we now see as “tame.” photos, design web pages, and sa music. There was a similar continue on her “urban” jour- As for Miley, I don’t care laugh. Esther was also a pas- dance craze in Jamaica known ney to unearth her true self. that she wants to twerk, but I sionate Harry Potter fan and a as the “Dutty Wine.” And it While this dance has been hope that she sees history of Nerdfighter. made its way to New Orleans in around for longer than most this dance, and how she and On Jan. 28, 2014, her fam- the ‘90’s with the “Bounce Mu- of us have been alive, Miley is her fabled rump are effecting ily and friends, in memory of sic” scene. credited with the conception it. Perhaps she would change their star, released This Star Recently, this dance has of the widespread trend -- and her execution, but then again, Won’t Go Out: The Life and Words Grace Lancaster. manifested itself again under she’s giving it a bad name. as twerking is only a trend for of Esther Grace Earl. This book This Star Won’t Go Out de- the name “twerk,” and has had But the point is that twerk- now, Miley may have found a is filled with never-before-seen buted at the number seven a mixed welcome by our gen- ing, if taken within a cultural new boundary-pushing plat- journal entries, fiction, letters, spot on The New York Times eration. But everyone seems to context, is not the abomination form to show she’s a big girl by it is portrayed to be. And that that time. photos, essays, and sketches all Bestseller List on Feb. 16. agree with the Urban Diction- is the problem – it isn’t being by Esther keeping the memory In addition, Esther’s mem- ary definition: “The rhythmic of the spunky, creative, en- ory is further honored through gyrating of the lower fleshy ergetic young woman in the the work of the charity This extremities in a lascivious man- thoughts of millions. Star Won’t Go Out (tswgo. ner…to elicit sexual arousal or Esther touched the lives org). The organization, also laughter…” of many, including bestsell- created by her family and Miley Cyrus’ infamous per- ing novelist John Green, who friends, is making a difference formance at the VMA’s has wrote the Introduction to This in providing help to families done nothing to help this as- Star Won’t Go Out. His book that have children living with sumption, and in fact, has The Fault in Our Stars is dedicat- cancer. only been used to perpetuate ed to Esther. She was a major the dance as vulgar. But that influence in his life and many is hardly my issue with Cyrus. believe she was the inspiration If I were known around the for the main character Hazel globe as “Hannah Montana” screen shot: http://vevo.com/artist/miley-cyrus

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Chestnut Hill Business Association 8426 Germantown Avenue • Philadelphia, PA 19118 215-247-6695 • chestnuthillpa.com The Griffin 11 Sports courtesy of: Atos Int’l, Flickr.com/atosorigin The Outdoor Obsession Olympics Debuts New Sports Tiffany Ureña ’16 new events, the games will fea- ican snowboarders. His “peo- adele Giangiulio ’16 lockout that wiped out nearly sports editor ture a total of 15 sports and 98 ple” shut down halfpipes at ski news editor half the season and the Win- medal events. The games will resorts so that he could practice, ter Classic along with it, the Remembered for events that also run a day longer than previ- and his success on the snow was In 2008 the NHL brought NHL needed to continue the occurred in the past but now a ous competitions. making him a diva. Fast forward ice hockey back to its roots momentum of the playoffs prominent area of the world, Although the Winter Olym- to day five of the Olympics and and played its first game out- that concluded the wild 48- Sochi, Russia, welcomed the pics are debuting many new all eyes were on the Flying To- side on U.S. soil. The Buffalo game season. best athletes around for the 2014 sports, the United States did not mato, as he is commonly known. Sabres faced off against the The NHL also wanted to Winter Olympics. fare too well in their early com- In the qualifying round for the Pittsburgh Penguins on New benefit from the Super Bowl Not only were these games petitions. In the first two weeks men’s halfpipe, White scored a Year’s Day in the NHL’s in- being held in the New York plagued by political controversy, of action, America won a total 95.75, putting him at the lead augural Winter Classic game area by holding two games but it was the first time the world of 12 medals, four of which and making everyone believe he and brought in what was then in Yankee Stadium right be- would see new sports added to were gold. would win his third gold medal the highest game attendance fore the game. The outdoor the list of competitions at the The games started on the in a row. However, when it was at 71,217, according to Yahoo games were also scheduled Winter Olympics. In order to rink with the figure skating com- time for him to ride the pipe for Sports. In following years the strategically around the Sochi make the games “cooler,” the petitions. Germany, Russia and glory, he failed to impress the numbers have only gone up. Olympics. No other league International Olympic Commit- the United States were pegged judges and couldn’t complete his What was once a rejected idea has to put the regular sea- tee (IOC) added 12 new games as favorites and that is what they run. He ended his Sochi Olym- became one of the biggest son on hold for an Olympic including eight that are com- turned out to be. Russia took pics run in fourth place and the sporting events in the U.S., break, throwing every team’s monly seen during the X Games. back the spotlight and won three Swiss-Russian boarder, Iouri generating millions of dollars momentum off. The Chi- The new events include medals in this category, while Podladtchikov, took home the in revenue for the NHL. cago Blackhawks will face men’s and women’s ski half- America and Germany only won gold. In the seven years the off against the Pittsburgh pipe, men’s and women’s ski two. The Olympics have a way of NHL has been holding its Penguins on March 1, and slopestyle, men’s and women’s As for the sports that mir- bringing spectators together to outdoor games, this year the Vancouver Canucks will snowboard slopestyle, men’s and ror those in the X Games, one enjoy athletic competition, re- broke records and marked host the Ottawa Senators on women’s snowboard parallel sla- American recieved all the atten- gardless of what is going on in the start of a new NHL tra- March 2. This gives NBC and lom, women’s ski jumping, a bi- tion. Shaun White was making the world politically. For a few dition. The 2014 Winter CBC something extra to pro- athlon mixed relay, a luge team headlines even before heading weeks, the world comes together Classic, in which the Detroit mote during the games. relay, and a figure skating team to Sochi. The media said that he just to have fun. Red Wings faced the To- However popular the se- event. With the addition of the was not liked by any other Amer- ronto Maple Leafs, was held ries proves to be, the NHL at Michigan Stadium in Ann does not plan to host six Arbor, Mich. and smashed at- outdoor games next year, as tendance records with more John Collins, the NHL’s chief New MLB Concussion Caps than 105,000 fans present. operation officer, told Yahoo taylor steen ’15 posed to absorb the blow and the right direction, but are not According to Sports Business Sports. However, the NHL contributing writer spread it out as much as pos- yet game ready.” Daily it generated $30 million has sold more tickets for sible upon impact, thus decreas- For now, it’s a matter of in revenue and also marked these games than they would Issues concerning concus- ing pressure to one spot on the whether pitchers can get com- the first year of the NHL Sta- have had these been regular sions have been gaining a lot head. fortable with a different feel on dium Series. season games. Additionally, of attention in all professional The prototype helmet, which their heads. Even isoBLOX of- The Stadium Series in- due to the engineering suc- sports. There is nothing leagues can be individually fitted, cre- ficials admitted the growth of cluded five outdoor games cess of maintaining NHL- want to do more than protect ates a “crumple zone” for the pitchers’ headgear will be evolu- in major stadiums around quality ice in a 65-degree cli- their players, so in turn, rules ball. Testing showed the caps tionary from the youth leagues the country including Yankee mate at Dodger Stadium, the have been put into effect that absorbed impact up to 90 mph up rather than a sudden change Field, Soldier Field, Dodger league can look at expanding have attempted to put profes- in the front and 85 mph on the at the professional level. Stadium, and B.C. Place. With the outdoor spectacle to the sional sports on the safe track. sides. The MLB required the “It will look different until it the tremendous success of West Coast. The sky is the For the MLB, pitcher safe- caps to handle at least 83 mph doesn’t look different anymore,” the Winter Classic, the NHL limit for the league. ty is increasingly becoming a impact, which is the average said Bruce Foster, CEO of 4Li- wanted to take advantage of “If there’s anything to more significant issue, in which speed of balls hit past major censing, the parent company of the popularity of these out- prove, it’s to prove that hock- case, they can potentially make league pitchers without incur- isoBLOX, in an interview with door games. According to ey can be a lot bigger,” Col- important changes as early as ring traumatic brain injury. MLB.com. “Nobody wanted Yahoo Sports this series was lins told Yahoo Sports. “The this year’s spring training. Ma- The hats are about one helmets in hockey. Nobody meticulously planned to ben- business of hockey and the jor league pitchers will have the inch wider than regular ones, wanted face masks in football.” efit the league in a number of brand of hockey can be a lot opportunity to wear protective but they’re about seven ounces If hitters are protected, then ways. Following last season’s bigger.” headgear this season, but even heavier than the normal three to there is no reason why pitchers those who have been the victims four ounce cap. This new hitch is shouldn’t be as well. Perhaps of frightening line drives to the the reason why pitchers such as this is the first step in ensuring head will have to be won over Arizona Diamondback Brandon that that is the case. If there is in the delicate balance between McCarthy refuse to give them a a logical, operative way to pro- safety and comfort. try. McCarthy was struck by a tect players, then Major League There are many different line drive in the head in 2012 and Baseball has to take every step companies competing to have had to receive emergency brain necessary to do so. their version of protective head- surgery. He took to social media The new headgear is available gear worn during the 2014 MLB to tweet, “the caps are headed in for testing this Spring Training. season. These same companies tried without success to make a product that would be approved. The Upcoming Game Calendar While isoBLOX was the first to get clearance, other firms still Can Be Found At have the chance to submit pro- posals. These new caps have screenshot: http://mlb.mlb.com/ energy-diffusing plates are sup- thechcgriffin.com 12 The Griffin image: Liana Florez ’15 Sports Dennis Nominated for Award Leagues Address safety Tiffany Ureña ’16 dent athletes at a higher level,” victims of Joseph Kony’s po- joe golding ’17 son starts, there will no longer sports editor Dennis added. litical mayhem and the Lord’s staff writer be home plate collisions. In any The legacy of Coach Wood- Resistance Army in North- given home plate collision both A Dean’s list student, com- en is not the only factor that ern Uganda. Dennis is also a Throughout the years, sev- the base runner and catcher are munity service activist, and makes this award prestigious: member of Chestnut Hill Col- eral sports leagues have made both at risk of getting a serious record-setting athlete, women’s the professional recipient of lege’s Student Athletic Adviso- changes in order to improve injury, such as a concussion. tennis senior captain Kelly the award is one to talk about ry Committee, the Serving and their game and show fans that The catcher is at a greater risk Dennis personifies what it as well. This year, NFL quarter- Learning Together program, they are willing to improve. because he is idly preparing means to be an NCAA Division back Drew Brees will be receiv- the College’s Campus Ministry In addition, they have also re- himself for the hit while the II athlete. ing the award. Dennis has noth- program, and has participated vamped their efforts to create runner with a great amount Dennis is one of five colle- ing but admiration for Brees. in countless retreats and service a safer environment for their of momentum comes barrel- giate athletes nominated for the “It feels unbelievable. Drew opportunities with the Shriners, players. ing in doing whatever he can 10th Annual Coach Wooden Brees is not only an incredible the Chestnut Hill College Emp- The NFL has almost com- do knock the ball out of the Citizenship Cup Award, named athlete on the field, but more ty Bowl Dinner and TOMS pletely rewritten the way the catcher’s mitt. in honor of John Wooden, importantly he is an incredible “One Day without Shoes”. game is played. Due to the me- This upcoming MLB sea- former basketball coach at the role model,” Dennis said. “This Although this is Dennis’ last dia’s increased attention to con- son will now have a brand new University of California, Los is how every professional ath- year at CHC, she does not plan cussions, the league has banned video review process. Manag- Angeles, who embodied the lete should conduct themselves, to stop her charitable work af- all helmet-to-helmet collisions ers will be unable to challenge characteristics of an excellent creating positive role models ter college. “After graduation and if a player doesn’t comply, certain plays more than twice athlete. According to the Ath- for student athletes.” I’m excited to be more involved they have to pay a hefty fine. per game, including force plays letes for a Better World Web- Dennis’ success regarding with the board of directors for The NBA, NHL, and MLB and fair or foul balls, among site, this “award is given for the her community service and ath- U4U as well as being a chaper- also have similar concussion others. If a manager exhausts most outstanding role model leticism will prove to any non- one on the yearly trip to Ugan- protocols to promote player his ability to challenge plays among athletes.” believers that she is more than da when my schedule will allow safety. When a player is taken during the game and after “When I think and read qualified to win this award. it,” she said. out of a game, they must un- the beginning of the seventh about the legacy of John Wood- She is Chestnut Hill Col- She will also be working with dergo a series of tests to check inning, the crew chief may en and not only his success, but lege tennis’ all-time leader in an auditing firm for non-profit for a concussion. If they don’t choose to invoke instant replay his character, I am so honored wins and is responsible for 58 organizations, mentoring a girl have one, they are allowed to on any reviewable call. Calls to be a finalist for an award with overall singles victories. She scout troop in Philadelphia, and continue playing; however, if a that are challenged will be re- his name on it,” Dennis said. was also the third Griffin to volunteering with Sister Jean player’s concussion test comes viewed at MLB headquarters Not only is Dennis one of reach the 1,000 career win mark Faustman at a shelter for wom- back positive, he will have to go in New York City, which will the five finalists, she is also the during the 2012-2013 season. en who have been rescued from through certain steps to con- make the final ruling. only non-Division I, non-Ivy This made her rank as high as slave and sex trades. firm that he is healthy enough The game will be a little dif- League athlete in the list of number 13 in the Intercollegiate The 10th Annual Coach for competition. Once he is ferent now. It has taken away nominees. Tennis Association Individual Wooden Citizenship Cup award free of symptoms, the player the old school feature of mak- “I am proud to represent Regional Rankings. recipient will be announced on must make it through increas- ing calls with the naked eye and our college as the only DII stu- Dennis is also the founder April 22 during a ceremony ing stages of exertion tests. this new feature could sway dent athlete and I am excited to and president of CHC’s Unified held at the Atlanta History Cen- These range from exercises on the outcome of future games. be able to share my experience for Uganda, a service club that ter in Atlanta. a stationary bike, jogging, agil- Making this change is a big step as an athlete compared to stu- brings aid and awareness to the ity work, or non-contact team for the MLB; they finally seem drills. to be catching up with other winter Track & Field Inaugural Season Once the 2014 MLB sea- professional sports. Chelsea Maguire ’15 high and far,” Reilly said. “Our 10 inches. At the Frank Colden Senior Staff writer goal is to eventually be one of invitational at Ursinus College the premier programs not just on Feb. 8, junior Emmanuel While students were getting in the area, but anywhere for Egbosimbah placed fourth in back into their daily routines at track and field.” the men’s 60 meter dash, sec- the start of a new semester, the Since the beginning of ond in the men’s long jump Chestnut Hill College men and the academic year, track team final, and ran lead-off for the women’s Track and Field teams members have used their par- seventh place men’s 4 by 200 began their inaugural winter ticipation in cross country meter relay. season. as their preparation for track For women, Courteney Both teams are guided by and field. Such members in- Glennan cleared the bar at 1.37 head coach Phillip Reilly, as clude seniors Allison Eberly, meters in the high jump, while well as by assistant coach Mike Dana Klepadlo and Trevor freshman shot putter Morghan Gentile. Reilly started coaching Phelps; juniors Lauren Sitler Green tossed the shot 7.65 me- cross country at CHC in 2012, and Adam Drabinski; sopho- ters in the competition. with the overall goal of estab- mores Thomas Snider, Rachel In addition to the many lishing a track and field team. Barnett, and Samantha Mc- indoor and outdoor competi- Men and women’s Track Carthy; and freshmen Paige tions, both teams will compete image contributed by Greg Gornick and Field compete in events Antall, Courteney Glennan, in the CACC Outdoor Cham- The men and women’s Track and Field teams begin such as the 200 and 400 meter Susan Abraham, Eric Barton, pionship Meet for the first their inaugural winter season under the guidance of runs, high jump, long jump, and Adrian Adams. So far both time this season. coach Mike Gentile. shot put, and a 5K race. These teams have competed in meets With up to 20 other schools teams hope to use their indoor including the Albright College as their competition for every Current Record (Current as of 2/16) season as preparation for their Indoor Invitational. meet, both teams have a lot outdoor meets that begin in According to griffinathlet- of work ahead of them. Hard Men’s Basketball 8-15 Women’s Tennis 13-2 the spring ics.com, Adrian Adams earned work and motivation will be Women’s Basketball 7-16 Men’s Track & Field 16 points (8 of 9) “We’re just really getting Chestnut Hill College’s first necessary for them to fulfill Men’s Tennis 3-1 Women’s Track & Field 14 points (9 of 12) ready to run fast in the spring victory, finishing with a high their sprint towards victory. season, throw far and jump jump height of five feet and For more information, visit: griffinathletics.com