THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929 OPINION SPORTS MSG responds Men’s basketball to impeachment downs Edinboro issue in overtime Page 6 Page 11

Vol. 79 No. 9 Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie Pa. 16546 December 14, 2005

THE MERCIAD Secretary’s probation under way MSG reps pledge to strive for open communication

The probation, according to the By Joshua Wilwohl proposal, is a “…reasonable action, Editor-in-chief given that removal from offi ce did not take place.” In a 37-1 vote, the Mercyhurst Student The new deadlines and probationary Government passed the probation- conditions, according to the document, ary stipulations – as set by the judicial will be regulated by fi ve MSG represen- committee – for impeached Secretary tatives, MSG President Dan Schuler and Katie McAdams/Photo Editor Jennifer Ciccone. MSG advisor Darcey Kemp. Junior Melissa Vasquez spent a fun-fi lled day with her buddy engaging in various activities and crafts. The fi ve-page document outlines the According to Schuler, student govern- responsibilities that Ciccone neglected ment developed such a committee to and must complete so as to avoid regulate the probation period. “MSG, immediate removal from office, as through its ad-hoc Probation Com- Christmas on Campus success outlined in the probationary stipula- mittee (now the Judicial Committee), There was not one person without arts and crafts for the children to tions’ proposal. has set and agreed upon a probation By Sarah Sheehan a smile on their face. Everyone was design. The application states, “Because of system that we believe will help us work Contributing writer excited to be there and helping out. The activities let the children expand the severity of the action and the fact through this situation,” he said. This year’s planning committee was their creativity and imaginations to that the MSG body did not vote to Judicial Committee Representative Christmas on Campus took place in very organized and had the event details make homemade keepsakes to share relieve the offi cer of his/her duties Eric Squatrito wants to ensure even- the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union planned far ahead of time which made with their family. through a dismissal from offi ce, it is handedness during this process. “It was Saturday, Dec. 10, and it was a great the event run very smoothly. The dance program organized dances imperative that the committee assigned a reasonable and necessary probation,” success. About 30 of the 80 clubs on campus to perform and the choir sang Christ- to create an alternate consequence he said. “The MSG body voted to place Darcy Kemp, director of the stu- participated. mas carols while the children raced produces a system that fi ts a degree of us on this (probationary) committee dent union and advisor for this event There were a little fewer than 100 around from activity to activity. sternness that is in accordance with the and to make sure of fairness.” said that the event had more student children that attended the event from The children could also get their pic- severity of an impeachment.” Schuler wishes to make sure equality is involvement better organization, and different agencies such as the MLK and ture taken with Santa and later received The document also includes a judicial given, but hopes to move on from this club participation than in years past. the JFK centers. gifts that were donated by students, proposal and past due work, duties issue and help promote ways to reach The event went off without a hitch. Every child had a buddy that was either faculty and professors on campus. and responsibilities that Ciccone must more students around campus. The atmosphere in the student union a faculty or student body member. complete on new deadlines throughout on Saturday was amazing. Each club had an activity table with Please see Christmas on page 2 the rest of her term in offi ce. Please see Probation on page 3 College does its part for city fi nances, offi cials say and declare bankruptcy now.” ask surrounding colleges and other non- car worth $30,000 to the Erie Bureau Indirectly, the college has an impact By Amanda Harnocz Joe Sinnott, Erie’s mayor-elect, said profi t organizations for fi nancial help. of Police. on the region and state of over $84 Contributing writer the only solution might be to have the Mercyhurst College President Dr. The college also paid $133,040 in million. state government step in under Act 47, Michael McQuillen said, “We would property taxes during 2005 for houses Tom Billingsley, Mercyhurst’s execu- The city of Erie faces a $10 million the distressed cities act. be happy to help with the city and talk and other off-campus properties owned tive vice president for administration, budget crisis and Mercyhurst College Sinnott stressed that this is the last with Mayor Sinnott.” by the college. noted that while the college is happy may be able to help curb some of this possible option and that the city should He also added that the college is now Each year the college contributes to help the city, it poses the question debt. avoid it. Raising taxes and cutting back working on a pamphlet to show the around $75,000 to the Old-Fashioned of charitable versus educational on The current mayor of Erie paid for on salaries and personnel across the college’s fi nancial impact on the city. Forth of July Celebration in both Erie taxation. He said, “Wouldn’t that be many of the city’s needs with money city government was the most attrac- Sinnott said that Gannon and and North East. defeating the whole purpose?” from a reserve account. This is among tive option. Mercyhurst have done their part to Taxes paid to local municipal govern- If the city is considering asking the top reasons given for why the city Fire and police services have already help the community. He said, “Their ments from payroll accounts add up to colleges for help, some people fear is facing such a large defi cit. been cut back as much as possible. support is important to the city.” $209,000. churches will be asked next. While At Monday morning’s Erie City Coun- An Erie police offi cer’s average yearly While McQuillen is open to helping According to the Association of Mercyhurst has done its part fi nancially cil budget planning session, Council salary, including benefits, is around Erie, Mercyhurst College has already Independent Colleges and Universities for the city, the college also donates time President Jim Thompson said, “If we $70,000. done many things to help the city fi nan- of Pennsylvania (AICUP), Mercyhurst’s and service to the community. don’t fi gure this (budget crisis) out this Rumors circulated in early autumn cially and in other ways. direct impact on the regional and state year, we should walk across the street that the city offi cials were prepared to Last year the college donated a police economy is $60 million dollars. Please see ‘Hurst on page 2 Wilson Scholar educates and enriches Mercyhurst campus Egypt, Indonesia and Kuwait. or negative effect, Dr. Norton said, “We By Christina Ferranti The survey was in regards to what the have a big mess on our hands; the Bush Contributing writer people of these countries thought about administration has made a foolish and several subjects: American movies, tele- monumental mistake by intervening in Dr. Richard Norton visited Mercyhurst vision and products, American freedom Iraq’s affairs.” College last week to lecture and inform and democracy, and America ‘s invasion He went on to say that there seems students about Arabic nations and how into Iraq. to be a particular antagonism towards citizens, particularly Muslims, view In each category, except America the United States all over Europe as a Americans. invading Iraq, the multitude of people result of us going to Iraq. Last Tuesday, he spoke about his responded positively and energetically, When asked what he thought about experiences abroad as well as the highly emphasizing American culture American foreign policy he said that general feeling towards America and in their society. our country needed a “more realistic its policies especially in regard to the In regards to their feelings about approach to deal with foreign policy, situation in Iraq. America invading Iraq, all responded especially because federal offi cials are He displayed an interesting survey that negatively and seemed upset at the extremely puzzled on what to do about polled citizens from 10 different coun- present situation. Iraq. We have backed ourselves into a tries including Venezuela, France, Iran, When addressed with whether Ameri- Katie McAdmas/Photo editor Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, can presence in Iraq has had a positive Please see Scholar on page 2 Dr. Richard Norton lectured on America’s image in the world. PAGE 2 THE MERCIAD December 14, 2005

NEWS To contact: [email protected]

World Briefs Providing holiday cheer International news Ambassador Club donates gifts to needy families in Erie area Compiled by ambassadors are making a mon- Corrie Thearle By Jonelle Davis etary donation in Sr. Kathleen WTO talks Contributing writer Six days of world trade talks Marie Leap’s name. have begun in Hong Kong amid “We are collecting money violent clashes between police The Ambassador Club is from the ambassadors for this. and protesters. spreading Christmas cheer by However we also have asked World Trade Organization sponsoring children at the Mercy employees to get involved,” said (WTO) members were quickly at Center for Women this Holiday Wilson. loggerheads, with agriculture the Season. “We ask that they bring any main stumbling block. The 17 children currently stay- donations that they can to our of- Developing countries want ing at the Mercy Center of fi ce in Weber Hall before winter richer nations such as the U.S. Women, in Erie, will each receive break begins.” and European Union member four Christmas gifts thanks to the The ambassadors are doing the states to cut both subsidies for 72 ambassadors. project in the spirit of the season their farmers and tariffs on im- “We wanted to adopt a family and in the tradition of the Spirit ported foods. for the holiday season, so we of Mercy. U.N. Secretary General Kofi contacted Sr. Geri Rosinski in “As ambassadors we have a Annan said a failure to reform Campus Ministry to see if she responsibility to embody what trade would be a disappointment knew of families who could use Mercyhurst stands for. That is Katie McAdams/Photo editor to the world’s poor. our help,” said Ambassador Ad- why we feel it is important to do Ambassadors placed donated gifts under the Angel Tree. There is little optimism among viser Christie Wilson. service projects such as this one. negotiators that a new gen- Rosinski recommended that We want to keep the tradition of around campus, such as open Getting involved in outside eral free trade agreement can be the ambassadors contact the service that the sisters of mercy house, academic sports league, community service is still new reached. Some commentators say Mercy Center due to the large set forth alive,” said Wilson. the phonathon and more. for the ambassadors club, but negotiations on reform to the number of ambassadors. Wilson added that she feels “In addition we do a few ser- according to Wilson, they are global service sector may be put “We set up an angel tree in that service activities are great vice projects a year that we allow already making a mark. entirely on the back burner. our offi ce a little over a week for the ambassadors. “I think them to get some of their hours “Last year we volunteered at ago, with four angels for each events like this give them the op- for. For every gift of $15, they the Sara Reed Center for Chil- Afghanistan hit by earthquake child. This way, each child would portunity to do a service project receive one hour of service,” dren, painting their gym and receive four gifts from us,” said while accomplishing some of said Wilson. helping them clean up their A strong earthquake hit northeastern Afghanistan early Tuesday. Wilson. the responsibilities to the ambas- “In the past we have given grounds in the spring. The tremor of 6.7 magnitude struck the mountainous Hindu Kush The ambassadors jumped at sador club,” she said. money to the Mercy Center for “This year we wanted to do region bordering Pakistan, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. the chance to give to the children, The ambassadors are required Women, victims of Hurricane another service project and what Residents in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where 10’s of thou- leaving the angel tree bare within to do 30 hours of work to Katrina, the grandson of Art better time then the holidays sands died in October’s earthquake, fl ed their homes. a week. maintain their scholarships each Amman (head of the civic insti- when we can help children who The tremor was also felt in India’s capital, Delhi. There were no Along with giving gifts to the term. They gain hours by giving tute at Mercyhurst College) and are less fortunate than us have a immediate reports of casualties. children at the Mercy Center, the tours and working other events a few others,” said Wilson. wonderful Christmas,” she said.

Sydney riots Scholar speaks about American image Violence triggered by race ten- Continued from page 1 democratizing the world is. of great thinkers in these coun- and found what he had to say sions has hit Sydney, with youths Obviously, the world is west- tries that have speculated on how interesting and enlightening. damaging cars and shops. corner; we cannot afford to stay ernizing or globalizing including Islam should be interpreted and “I liked the constant return A reporter in the suburb of there nor can we leave.” the Arabic countries who are what impact the Muslim world to the central theme, that not a Cronulla, where dozens were Norton’s overall message in the involved with this evolution as has on a global spectrum. majority of those of Arabic na- arrested after riots on Sunday, lecture was that Muslim people well as the rest of the world. Gamal al-Banna, a great thinker tions hate the United States. He described scenes of “chaos.” do not hate Americans, but they Internet cafes exist throughout from Egypt, wrote a book titled interrelated all of his points in a Police said carloads of people do not share their values. Middle Eastern marketplaces, “Islam is not Religion and State, succinct manner,” said freshman had come into the area from Americans are so ignorant to which are designed to link people but Religion and Society.” Andrea Bennett. other parts of Sydney and com- Muslim culture and lifestyle that to the outside world of busi- According to al-Banna’s per- Senior Tim O’Connell ex- mitted violent acts. they formulate biased opinions ness, politics, e-mailing and chat spective, religion should not be plained that he thought the Australian Prime Minister based off of what society dis- rooms. influenced or incorporated in lecture was very interesting and John Howard condemned the plays via the media and propa- Even the view on women has the state or government, but by that Dr. Norton spoke in a very weekend’s attacks by thousands ganda. modernized, with more women each individual and their sur- down to earth manner. of young white men on people Several ideas were emphasized going into the work place and roundings. of Arabic and Mediterranean throughout the lecture. One was attending universities. Students who attended this background. The clashes follow how unsuccessful the attempt at Norton spoke about a variety lecture appreciated his presence an assault on two lifeguards last week, reportedly by youths of Middle Eastern origin. ‘Hurst helps with

Chilean election large city defi cit Michelle Bachelet has taken Continued from page 1 Erie police work with Mercy- a lead in the race to become hurst College to patrol the neigh- president of Chile and will face On Saturday, Dec. 10, the col- borhoods around the campus. a strong right-wing challenge in lege held Christmas on Campus Sinnott stressed that it is im- the Jan. 15 run-off. where students did Christmas ac- portant to continue to work with The candidate of the center- tivities with mostly city children surrounding colleges. “We will left governing coalition is hoping and gave them presents. continue to keep a level of con- to become Chile’s fi rst woman The college also donates more sideration for off-campus hous- president. than 14,000 hours of time and ing because it could become a She won nearly 46 percent of Katie McAdams/Photo editor service through the service learn- much greater problem,” he said. the vote, offi cials said. Sister Michele Schroeck enjoys the reception after mass. ing program. McQuillen said, In helping with the city’s po- Sebastian Pinera will be her “It’s not always a money contri- lice efforts, the college offers a rival in the run-off, after third- bution; it’s time as well.” scholarship of $75,000 for the placed Joaquin Lavin threw his Mass honors founder Students also pump a lot of Municipal Police Academy. Mer- support behind him. money into businesses in Erie. cyhurst contributes $25,000 to The government coalition also Dublin, Ireland. Mercyhurst junior Amy Carl- the scholarship and two other lo- posted solid gains in congress. By Lakyn Bianco “This day recalls the birth, the son said, “Without these colleges cal organizations donate $25,000 Contributing writer beginning of the Sisters of Mer- in Erie, the city would practically as well. cy as a formal religious order,” not exist. The students spend Another non-monetary con- Members of the Mercyhurst said Sister Geri Rosinski. Along money at CVS, the mall and the tribution the college participates Lebanon puts pressure on Syria College community gathered with members of the Sisters of bars. I don’t think people realize in is the Erie School District’s Tuesday Dec. 13 for Mass in Mercy and Mercyhurst College how much we spend while we are gifted program. The city doesn’t Syria is coming under increased international pressure over its role Christ the King Chapel in honor faculty and staff, several students at school.” pay for this and it gives students in Lebanon, following the murder in Beirut of leading anti-Syrian MP of the founding of the Sisters attended Mass. Another issue dealing with “the chance to be enriched by a Gibran Tueni. Lebanon’s cabinet asked the UN Security Council to of Mercy. “It was a wonderful opportu- students is the new off-campus college setting” Billingsley said. investigate the killing and other recent political murders. Mass began with founding Sis- nity to attend Mass to share in the living policies. In protest, some pro-Syrian ministers said they were suspending ter Catherine McAuley’s prayer. spirit of the Foundation Day of their participation in Lebanon’s government. Father Jim Piszker delivered the the Sisters of Mercy,” said Abby Meanwhile a UN report confi rmed Syrian offi cials were key suspects homily. Wayman. in the murder of ex-Lebanese PM Rafi k Hariri. The fi ndings back “The Sisters of Mercy were Although the celebration of Christmas cheer earlier conclusions by a UN investigator that Syrian collusion in the founded on an understanding the Foundation Day Mass was murder was highly probable. that life for those in need could the College’s way of honoring Continued from page 1 the best part of the event was be better,” Piszker said. Piszker the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Lisa seeing the students paired up Iraq vote explained that the Sisters are M. McCartney, Vice-President of The children from the agencies with the children and how much living reminders of what Mer- the Erie Region Community of look forward to this event every they get out of the experience!” Patients, prisoners and soldiers cyhurst College can be as an the Sisters of Mercy, explained year. It is a way to ensure that Camilla Lynch a current junior, have been casting their votes in institution. that the Sisters are always think- children from underprivileged who has participated in the event Iraq’s parliamentary elections, “The Sisters are a living re- ing of and praying for Mercy- homes receive presents from since her freshman year, explains, three days before the rest of the minder of what we can accom- hurst College. Santa and have fun during the “I just have so much fun. My population. plish. This institution’s future “This particular celebration Holiday Season. buddy is always such a pleasure to Many thousands of Iraqis were lies in the past traditions of the has given Sisters of Mercy an Not only do the children appre- be with and it is just a spectacular on the register to vote in hospi- Sisters of Mercy. We need to opportunity to pray for the col- ciate this event but the students enriching experience!” tals, jails and barracks across the protect and honor the traditions lege. The fact that so many of us from Mercyhurst look forward This event is done every year, country. of the Sisters as we move into the were able to come today shows to it in much the same manner. and every year it just seems to A fi ve-day public holiday will future. We celebrate all of what that we are keeping the school in Buddies really bond with their be getting better and better as begin on Tuesday as security the Sisters have done and we also our hearts and in our prayers,” child and everyone is always it becomes more organized and tightens ahead of Thursday’s anticipate what is to be,” Piszker McCarthney said. so excited to participate in the structured as a permanent fi xture election. said. The Sisters of Mercy were Following Mass a reception was event. of Mercyhurst College’s holiday founded on Dec. 12, 183, in held in the Chapel foyer. Darcy Kemp explained, “That season. December 14, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 3

To contact: [email protected] News

Security on campus in good hands Former Mercyhurst graduate is named deputy chief of Police & Safety

main concern for the moment. By Carly Wamboldt He hopes in the future the Contributing writer whole Police and Safety force will hold the power to arrest individu- The new deputy chief of als on campus. Mercyhurst Police and Safety Right now only a select few proves to be well qualifi ed for have that right. his new job. Copeland believes that the Alan Copeland, an alumni of most exhausting problem facing Mercyhurst and a Vietnam vet- America’s campus’s is alcohol. eran, has recently stepped into He stresses he knows, “That his position from a background there will be drinking on campus, more suited than most. and his job is to control that as After earning his undergradu- much as possible.” ate degree in law enforcement in “Students need to understand 1975, Copeland began working that Police and Safety are con- as a Baltimore police offi cer for cerned that no one gets hurt,” the next fi ve years. states Copeland. He then traveled back to Erie Entering college at the age of where he worked for the Erie 22 and fresh out of Vietnam, he County Prison as the deputy did not experience how most warden of security and safety college students view Police and and deputy warden of the pre- Safety today. release center. He was serious about coming During this time Copeland also to study at a college, because of earned his masters at Mercyhurst his experiences in the 14 months in criminal justice administra- he was at Vietnam. tion. Due to his time fi ghting in the He has also proved his skills in war, he became more mature and the classroom as he taught police handled his college experiences Contributed photo related courses at Mercyhurst respectfully, and never had false Northeast. ideas about the discipline on Luke Clemente President of GE Transportation Rail in China. Copeland started on Aug. 8, campus. Katie McAdams/Photo editor and engages in a variety of jobs at The primary function of Po- Alan Copeland is prepared to keep the campus secure. the Police and Safety Center. lice and Safety, he states, is their Speaker discusses Not only is he the deputy chief, “obligation to keep the parents’ In the future, Mercyhurst Col- campus will be a safe and fun but he also partakes in offi cer children safe,” and with a back- lege will see many improvements place for each and every stu- functions around campus. ground as impressive as Alan in Police and Safety under the dent. trade with China “Getting up to speed on the Copeland’s parents can rest as- watch of Copeland. reporting system,” he says is his sured. If his plan goes as follows, By Allison Moore of. Opinion editor Also in America, debate and challenges are expected and valued in negotiations, while MSG probation guidelines outlined On November 1, 2005, Gen- the Chinese offer disagreement eral Electric announced it signed through silence. Disrespect to Continued from page 1 the Dec. 12 meeting. “We will horst, the MSG offi ces are always body.” a $450 million contract with the those in charge is unacceptable. also continually work toward open for inquiries. “This year we Wallenhorst said, however, the Chinese Ministry of Railways for They are raised to either agree “From our standpoint, the pro- contacting students.” created a representative offi ce problem is with confl icting agen- the construction of 300 locomo- with those in power or say noth- bation system is in place and it is The judicial committee agreed where representatives must be das. “With everyone’s schedule in tives. General Electric’s plant ing at all. time for MSG to move forward,” with Schuler and hopes to rebuild present during certain times to college, it becomes hard to reach in Erie will benefit from this Industry in China mirrors the Schuler said. the bridge between students and answer any questions,” he said. all constituents,” he said. acquisition. United States 100 years ago, and “We are determined to refocus MSG. Squatrito added the stu- Schuler added, “The fi rst con- Luke Clemente, President of conditions are in a state of rapid our attention on the needs of our Judicial committee representa- dent government’s soon-to-be stituency of this term will feature GE Infrastructure-Rail, China, change. The engineering indus- students and carry on with an tive Aisha Jasper stated MSG launched Website will be able to questions to address the way stu- was instrumental in the signing try is booming in China, unlike attitude of teamwork and con- has many ways to reach con- collect student feedback. dents stay in touch with MSG’s of the contract and spoke to the United States, where it is in tinuous improvement that has stituents. “We are creating a website for activities and suggestions on the students in the Global Com- a decline. Clemente attributes already helped us accomplish so “We have a public relations the MSG body to inform stu- best way for MSG to keep in munications class, on Tuesday this to fl uctuations in the mar- much this year,” he said. committee to inform students,” dents,” he said. He also noted touch with students.” December 13. ket, claiming American students Schuler informed the represen- she said. “There is also the that all MSG meetings are open Wallenhorst noted that even Clemente, an Erie native, was gravitate toward the popular and tative body “this issue has been Stallstreet Journal and the future to the student body. though at times MSG may not chosen to run GE’s branch fi nancially rewarding careers as dealt with and we can come up Website.” “Every Monday night at 8:30 always inform students, “There is in China after becoming the illustrated by our culture. GE on top all unifi ed and working for According to judicial commit- p.m. is the MSG meetings that always a way students can reach regional expert on the region is currently looking to India, a the same goals,” he said during tee representative Martin Wallen- are opened to the entire student MSG.” while working with mergers and quickly developing country, for acquisitions with China while at their next business venture. GE in Erie. Globalization is current the General Electric’s dealings with movement, and Clemente feels Concussion expert clears injury myths China in relatively new. China it can benefit all parties in- has seven locomotive producers volved. For example, the boom- from the fi rst injury has healed. By Stephanie Williams This often occurs when play- compared to America’s two, but ing railroad industry in China Contributing writer desired GE’s assistance due to has resulted in a similar boom ers and coaches insist that they their quality, high-tech products. in the United States because of “only had their bell rung” and China’s industry is booming. increased trade. On Thursday, Dec. 9, Mercy- are fi t to play. According to Clemente, they Clemente touched on the diffi - hurst College had the privilege This view, however, is entirely have more sky-cranes in opera- culties of assimilating to the Chi- of hosting a lecture given by Dr. erroneous. Collins insisted that tion right now than the rest of nese business world, but enjoys Michael Collins. anyone with a concussion should the world combined. “China is the new experiences offered. Collins, an orthopedic surgeon abstain from any physically or trying to build-up what America Clemente offered advice to stu- at the University of Pittsburgh mentally strenuous activity for has now, but in a 20-year period, dents looking to pursue a career Medical Center, centered his at least a week. it’s a huge endeavor.” similar to his. He strongly sug- presentation on concussions During this time the brain will Clemente stressed the cultural gests students learn and master and the serious risks they pose heal and leave the player fully and physical challenges of doing a second language. Clemente is to athletes. recovered. business and living in a foreign currently learning Mandarin, but Severe consequences such as In addition, Collins also dis- country. wishes he was more fl uent. He permanent brain damage, partial cussed some new technologies The business world is affected also realizes his slow learning is blindness, lost control of some that are now used in association Katie McAdams/Photo Editor by China’s culture. For example, attributed to the ability of the motor skills and even death may with this problem. Dr. Michael Collins discussed concussions for athletes. the Chinese value form over Chinese to speak English, cater- result. One such development is the substance. When negotiating, it ing to his needs and reducing his These, however, are not caused Immediate Post Concussion visual and motor skills along with such as the NFL and NHL now is important to agree with the dependence on the Mandarin by a single concussion. Rather, Assessment Cognitive Test (IM- the player’s reaction speed. require their athletes to be tested customer’s idea and then offer language. the cause of these particular CACT). The benefi t to this program with IMCACT. restrictions. The American busi- Upon returning to the United consequences deviates from a With this program, the athlete is that it relies on scientifi c data An unnamed member of the ness world offers changes before States, Clemente is constantly condition known as Secondary takes a cognitive test before the rather than an athlete’s word to audience stated, “I never really a deal is even met. Contracts are amazed at the wealth of this na- Impact Syndrome. season starts and these results determine whether the athlete knew they [concussions] could also viewed very differently. The tion, comparing the numerous Secondary Impact Syndrome is are then used in comparison has a concussion or not. be so serious.” Chinese really begin to negoti- huts in China to the housing of caused by someone, such as an to results obtained after a head In response to the popular be- Collins’ appearance was funded ate after a contract is signed. In the United States. athlete, having a second concus- injury. lief that athletes should “toughen by a college academic enrichment America, this would be unheard sion before the initial damage IMCACT tests verbal, memory, it out” many sports organization grant. Education Department sponsors successful “Giving Tree”

a bit of holiday cheer through smile to a child during the holiday businesses. the children’s parents.” some holiday gifts. By Katie Walker their “Giving Tree.” season. Target, GE, Sam’s Club, Wal- The gifts that were collected Schafer concluded by saying, Contributing writer The Giving Tree is a project The information regarding Mart and Wegmans contributed were given to the Kids Café “The most rewarding part is sponsored by the Mercyhurst each child’s Christmas wants and monetary donations to purchase for distribution to those local seeing how caring and giving As this holiday season comes College Education Department needs were compiled and kept in gifts. families in need of some holiday Mercyhurst students and staff into view, many families in the that helps needy children in the education department offi ces According to Kristi Schafer, gifts. are by contributing to the “Giv- Erie community do not have the the Erie City community have for those wishing to participate. graduate assistant in the educa- The Giving Tree has been pro- ing Tree,” she said. resources to be able to provide a brighter holiday by donating Faculty, staff and students were tion department and chair of viding local families with holiday “Watching the donations ac- their children with gifts. presents. not the only ones this year to help the Giving Tree project, “With cheer for the last four years. cumulate and knowing that all of For the fourth year the Mercy- The tree, which is located in the give families a brighter holiday. the monetary donations from This year with help of the these donations will be used to hurst education department with lobby of the education depart- This year the education de- the local business we were able to Mercyhurst community and lo- help make at over 130 needy chil- the help of Kids Café are able to ment, gives students, faculty and partment was lucky enough to purchase personal hygiene items, cal businesses they were able to dren have a brighter holiday.” provide some local families with staff an opportunity to bring a have some help from some local school supplies and also gifts for provide 135 needy families with PAGE 4 THE MERCIAD December 14, 2005 FEATURES To contact: [email protected] A healthier column Unfortunately, in my house, well because I have to pick out that I would like to try while I’m the 12 days of Christmas are my own recipes and do my own at home. I’ll be doing my own With Jen synonymous with the 12 pounds shopping, and I end up with bags shopping, my own cooking, and substituting a half cup of carob of Christmas. My concerns for of healthy food when I return to then sharing my meals if they chips and a spoonful of unsweet- personal nutrition fade to a blur my apartment. turn out well. ened cocoa powder for the dried when I step into a room with my However, when I’m at home, There are so many ways to fruit if you need to have your grandpa’s pizzlles. my family likes to cook around prepare vegetables, fruits and the chocolate. Then, during the first week the clock and somehow various other foods I love that I bet I can back at school, I am kicking my- cookies and cakes make their spend this holiday season eat- self at the gym as I am chained way into the shopping cart when ing a new dish with every meal. to the treadmill with a cliché New my mom is at the grocery store. Doesn’t that sound better than Year’s resolution. I can’t even afford that sort of 12 days of leftover ham? This Christmas season, how- stuff if I want it when I’m at So here’s one of the recipes ever, I am making a last minute school. I found, I already tried it, and resolution to follow while I am So before I was too busy pack- it is wonderful. These me- at home: to eat like a college ing my clothes, I took some time ringues will give you some- student. yesterday to pick out recipes thing decent to chew on, and When at school, it is easy to eat from magazines and cookbooks they are very sweet. You can try Chewy Meringue Cookies

Melissa Jack/Features editor Ingredients Tom Hubert sits in his studio offi ce in front of a collection of his smaller clay creations. 3 large egg whites, at room temperature 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 cup dried peaches, apricots or other dried fruit, chopped into Hubert’s sculptures 1/4-inch pieces 1 cup sliced almonds or other chopped nuts embody a myriad of 1 Tbs. cornstarch 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, optional artistic themes

Directions ending possibilities. He decided By Andrew Lapiska to study ceramics and sculpture Contributing writer • Preheat oven to 300 F. With electric mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites until and, with inspiration from his foamy. Gradually beat in sugar until meringue forms stiff, yet billowy, glossy peaks. instructor, chose to minor in Set aside. When you equate “Mercy- photography. • Mix dried fruit, nuts, cornstarch and cinnamon, if using, in separate bowl. Gently fold meringue into nut hurst” with “home” for nine Although they seem like two mixture. months out of the year, it often unrelated fields of art, while • Spoon heaping tablespoon-sized dollops onto greased baking sheet. becomes impossible to imagine attaining his master’s degree • Bake 40 minutes, or until meringues are lightly browned. They should be set on the outside and spring a world other than that which Hubert found a way to combine back when gently pressed in centers. exists within the bubble that has the disciplines by creating ce- • Let them cool, and store them between sheets of waxed paper in a sealed container. earned itself many resounding ramic pieces and then printing titles, including the all-too-popu- photographs directly onto their • Have a healthy holiday! lar surname of “Mercyworld.” surface via advanced darkroom Unfortunately, it is for the rea- techniques. Recipe taken from Vegetariantimes.com son and pursuit of the utopian In his current work, there are bubble society, that many who undeniable nuances of this ex- reside at Mercyhurst will never perience in photography and his experience the diverse society, previous experiences in graphic This season’s coats keep you toasty and trendy distinct culture and individual- design and painting. The ceramic ized experiences that await just pieces Hubert creates today are cheer you on gray days. runway presentations. Michael have been winners, she said. outside the iron gates for the based on the traditional form of By Jackie White If you can buy only one coat to Kors piped a great black fi tted In the same vein, the lean duration of their tenure in Erie. bowls, pots and kettles. However, Knight Ridder Newspapers keep you cozy warm around the coat with red and added a red topper cropped at or above the This cultural faux pas is un- his pottery designs have gone clock, the bathrobe style gets the belt. Ralph Lauren anchored a knees is a presence in the same avoidable in many situations but beyond the traditional aesthetics As the dark, gray days of nod for staying in fashion. gray bathrobe coat with a hefty category. is inexcusable in an institution and functionality into the explor- another winter move in, the “It can be dressed up or dressed brown belt. It is seen as a continuation of based in the liberal arts. Luckily, atory and decorative. challenges of looking good in down,” says Gregg Andrews, re- A new belt may be your choice the spring coat often shown over every so often we fi nd ourselves Elongated necks, obtuse angles the cold take on oversized pro- gional fashion director for Nord- to update an old coat, but be sure light soft dresses early in the year. fortunate enough to have a and fl owing curvature replace the portions. strom. “And it’s very chic” it’s the right belt, Andrews says. The coat may be worn as part of faculty member who’s outside platonic ideals of these forms. Many of us want to pile on The trench coat is another Although some designers used a sportswear outfi t, but it isn’t experiences and work transcend Following their sculpting, Hubert everything but the puppy’s blan- constant that will look current self belts, many others chose the necessarily coordinated with the normally encapsulated, and further intensifi es their decora- ket and toddle around like a `60s next year and beyond. chunky looks. It should be a wide what’s underneath. hermetically sealed, cultural void tive nature with layer upon layer astronaut. Goodbye style. Hello, “Everyone should have at least leather appropriate for heavy And the next important ques- in which our daily mundane exis- of airbrushed glaze. fuzzy knit set Aunt Betty sent for one classic style in a dark color wool and in a color that enhances tion: What do you wear for real tence takes place. This time consuming process the holidays two years ago. that works for day or night,” says the overall look. “You don’t want warmth? Called to this purpose most involves multiple sessions of That doesn’t have to be. Cindy Weber-Cleary, fashion di- to put a narrow trouser belt on a The news is in the puffy parka, recently, the ceramic work of Art masking and spraying offset by You have a wide range of styl- rector for In Style. “A bathrobe coat,” he said. which isn’t so puffy anymore. Department Director, Thomas frequent fi rings to harden and ish options for warm cover-ups. coat and menswear styles are Fitting with the military theme, “It’s thinner,” Andrews said. “It Hubert, has been featured as solidify the layers. This practice “One day a woman will wear a good examples.” Cashmere is the pea jacket is enjoying strong may have more insulation. But the cover story in the nationally- adds a juxtaposing textured and topper, the next a short puffy or also considered a good invest- popularity this year. It is a best it’s not as bulky.” It can also be known magazine for sculptors three-dimensional look to some- fake fur shearling jacket,” says ment. And for budgets, cashmere seller in metropolitan areas, says as long as the knees; all the better and those interested in art; Clay thing that is otherwise smooth Kathy Deane, president of Tobe blends are less expensive. Gary Fritschi, a merchandise to keep you warm. Times. and fl awless to the touch. Report, a New York-based retail The military-inspired offi cer’s executive with retail consultants The storm coat with fur or Hubert has been working pri- While teaching and serving as consulting service. coat or a coat with a belt is a Doneger Group. It’s flexible faux fur lining is also on the rise, marily in—and pushing the Chair of the Art Department Because few people can have priority. Andrews calls it the big- enough to be worn as outerwear Doneger’s Fritschi said. And limits of—pottery, ceramics has reduced his output to two or it all, we asked industry observ- gest trend in coats. Susan Cernek, or sportswear. The length is con- shearling or faux shearling coats and sculpture since he attended three dozen pieces a year from ers for priorities. We got back associate fashion news editor for venient for getting in and out of are considered extremely warm Mercyhurst for his undergradu- the two or three hundred pieces a variety of answers including Elle magazine, says it fi ts in both cars and running down steps. and elegant. And fur and faux ate studies in Art Education. that the freedom of his post- double-breasted military coats, the trend to nautical infl uences It can be short or long to the fur trims are still popular. While a student at Mercyhurst, graduate part time jobs once did, knee-clearing lean toppers, the and the current fondness for thighs and often comes in sur- The coat is a significant in- he studied under Sister Angelica Hubert still fi nds time—mostly calf-length fi tted coat with a belt, Russian looks. prising colors such as off white. vestment that you want to last Cummings, Joe Pizatt, Sue Ke- during the summer—to create pea coats, bathrobe styles, trench Lucky shopping magazine In luxury angora blends, it is do- for several seasons. How do menyffy, Ed Higgins and current for the sake of creating. coats, faux shearling and fur- or featured an entire page of mili- ing very well with Kansas City’s you make the best decision on faculty member and practicing The resounding uniqueness, faux fur-lined storm coats. tary styles with double-breast- Jones Store Co., says Tina Hodak, quality? artist, Dan Burke. quality, and craftsmanship allow The chore is to look beyond ed buttons and over-the-knee creative merchandising manager Feel the fabric. If it feels hard While perusing his BFA, Hu- this minute volume of work to the fashion trends and consider lengths priced from $228 from with the St. Louis offi ce. or fl imsy to the touch, it will not bert found himself attracted to be enough to be exhibited on a what you already have in your the Limited to $1,035 from See The short, 24-inch style from wear well. Elle’s Cernek says to many forms of artistic expres- regular basis and create suffi cient closet and how much versatility by Chloe. Calvin Klein in soft colors and look at the lining. If it isn’t lined sion and imaginative styles. This buzz to be featured in a national you need for your lifestyle. As for American designers were espe- Forecaster’s traditional 36-inch- or is lined with insubstantial variety in his technique led him publication. color, it’s the year for red. It will cially fond of belted coats in fall long coat in chocolate brown material, pass. to explore an abundance of disci- Currently, some of Hubert’s plines that is evident in the work work can be viewed as part of that he creates to this day. the Annual Facility and Alumni Do you have tough dilemmas right here on campus? After earning his degree from exhibition in the Cummings In your dorm … In a class … On a team… Or… Mercyhurst, Hubert became in- Gallery running though Jan. 2. volved in a small graphic design More examples can be found on Do you have big questions about world events? and advertising fi rm while on a the cover of, and throughout, one-year educational hiatus be- the article “When Pots Become Ask the Ethicist! fore attending graduate school. Palettes” in the Nov./Dec. 2005 The work that he designed while issue of Clay Times. The purpose of “Ask the Ethicist” is to at the fi rm allowed him to ex- As instructor of Sculpture, Ce- provide insight and refl ection on ethical pand his portfolio even more and ramics and Three-Dimensional dilemmas facing individuals on campus. enhanced his options regarding Design, Hubert frequently shares graduate school. his techniques and artistic mani- The “Mercyhurst Ethicist” is not one With a comprehensive port- festo with his students. person, but a group of Mercyhurst faculty, folio backing him, Hubert was The Mercyhurst community, administrators, and staff who will take turns accepted into the graduate stud- along with the Art Department, responding to submitted questions. ies program in the School of is fortunate to have someone Design at the Richmond Institute such as Tom Hubert to exem- To submit a question, e-mail of Technology. Here, he found plify such exquisite and beautiful [email protected] himself unsure of which artistic culture and diversity from within path to follow. and cause the art community to Your e-mail address will be removed to The competitive nature of the look at us rather than us search- ensure anonymity. program encouraged Hubert ing for them. to push his art to the limit and always explore new and never- December 14, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 5 FEATURES To contact: [email protected] Hot gifts for this holiday season sales up, new movies make a ments stores rush to fill their By Natalie Vindivich great – and more cost effi cient shelves with the latest fashions. Contributing writer – Christmas gift. Some of the Brands like Adidas, Nike and new releases for the holidays U.S. Polo boast some of the It’s that time of year again; time include Mr. and Mrs. Smith and highest holiday sales. For men for joy, cheer, and...shopping. the Fox animated series Family and women alike, the hot de- With Christmas two weeks away, Guy Vol. 3. partment store item this season the clock is ticking for holiday Giving the XBox a run for the is the leather jacket, and dozens shoppers. While we all know that money in popularity for gifts is of styles revitalizing the classic the season is a time to recognize Apple’s iPod. Prices range from exist this year. Jewelry sales also Jesus’ birth and this signifi cance $99-399. The top of the line increased noticeably this season, in our lives, it also appears to version, new this holiday, offers such as the popular selling items be a time for retailers to come videos as well as music. A line in the holiday Zales collection for out with the latest eye-catching of iPod accessories including a under $200. products. base sound dock, an iPod clock And as always, online shopping We live in a technology-ori- radio and the new Tivoli Audio is becoming a convenient and ented nation, and many of this iSongBook portable iPod music favorable way to beat the mall year’s hottest gifts reflect the system are great ideas to go with rush. Sites like eBay and Ama- trend to keep up with the new- one of the top-selling Christmas zon.com are great places to look est, most exciting advances. As a gifts. for gift ideas. consumer-savvy student will tell Also driving the technology Although the holidays may be you, the Christmas buy of 2005 craze are items like cell phones hectic, and there may appear to is the XBox 360. and digital cameras. Despite the be a time shortage between now Besides video games, the XBox fact that digital cameras can be and Dec. 25; there is certainly no plays music, DVDs and even found in nearly half of Ameri- shortage of new and interesting displays digital photos. There can households, consumers are gifts this season. are two versions, a $300 core moving up to newer designs with Although far from the true system, which does not include more pixels for higher quality im- meaning of Christmas, one must peripheral gear such as hard ages this season. admit: Christmas wouldn’t be drive; or a $400 version that plays Laptop computers have never the same without the quest to the original XBox games. Buyers, offered such a high quality at fi nd your loved ones the perfect beware, though: this gift is be- competitive prices as right now, present. No matter who you are coming nearly impossible to fi nd, putting PCs on many Christmas shopping for, the perfect gift can and currently selling on eBay for lists. The sleekest new style is be found for them. Hopefully around 1,000 dollars. a full featured lightweight Sony this Christmas will bring you and Another hot selling item this Vaio TX laptop. your family good tidings, and season is the 37-inch plasma Not everything this season maybe... a new Xbox! TV. With LCD and plasma TV plays music or plugs in; depart- Cross-cultural experience Student studies in Switzerland and sees Europe “If you ever go to Europe, ride a train, because you will see so many interesting things. We were taking a train between countries, but our tickets were not good for the Czech Republic as we were passing through, so we got kicked off of the train.” “We had to go into the station, and tried to talk to the attendant, but she only spoke German and Czech. Unfortunately, with the languages that we knew, we couldn’t communicate with her. We had to end up waiting for someone to translate for us,” Katie McAdams/Photo editor Ramos said. Junior Brent Klimow sautés potatoes in the Grotto She said that the trip taught kitchen. her a few things about herself through her experience and the academic courses that she took. Students cook up Photo courtesy of Ramona Ramos “I have found a focus on what Ramona Ramos relaxed from studies and traveled to Paris, France. I am interested in doing, which is humanitarian aid and sustain- delicious fare in the able development,” Ramos said. language course,” Ramos said. politics, but that they talk about “I would recommend studying ‘Hurst’s Grotto By Jen Helbig Not only was her location new, it more. abroad to any student who might Contributing writer but Ramos said that she had “People are more open about be interested. I also think that I taurant, only we get to take it in teachers from various parts of it there,” she said. “At bars, will live abroad, or at least travel By Chelsea Boothe baby steps.” Natale completed Copy editor While most of us are itching the world. they would be talking about intensely, for a little while after her meal last fall. to get out of Erie for the break, “Two courses were taught by political issues, which seemed a graduation,” she added. There is only one catch to this senior Ramona Ramos returned a professor from Germany, the bit strange.” “At the end of the trip, though, When was the last time you seemingly perfect setup…seats a few weeks ago from a much Swiss politics course was taught Ramos also was able to travel I was ready to come home,” Ra- went out to dinner and pur- go fast! Reservations open longer break. by someone from Switzerland, a bit out of Switzerland while mos said. “It’s hard to be away at chased an amazing four-course up two weeks before each Ramos, a political science ma- my business course was taught there. the holidays.” meal for only $10? Probably, dinner and they typically go jor and Spanish minor from by an American, and a native never. Fortunately, there is an that day. The Grotto is open Euclid, Ohio spent 15 weeks in French speaker taught the French opportunity right on Mercy- to everyone, which is why if Geneva, Switzerland, studying at course,” she said. hurst campus for you to eat out you’re considering trying it, a program through Kent State Kent State has had the pro- at incredibly low prices. you should plan ahead. University of Kent, Ohio. gram for around 30 years, giving Many of you might not The meal costs anywhere “I have always wanted to study Ramos connections for a few know the HRIM department between $9.50-$12.50 depend- abroad,” Ramos said. “I looked at unique experiences while she operates the Grotto, which ing on what is served, and the Kent State when I was a senior in was there. is located at the south end of dinner starts each night at 5:00 high school, and I remembered “Kent has connections with Sullivan hall. You have prob- p.m. Tips are not required; that they offered this program various NGOs and IGOs (non- ably seen it while passing by, or however, if you do choose to when I was thinking about study- governmental organizations and picked up a survival kit there. tip, it all goes to a scholarship ing abroad.” Inter-governmental organiza- However, what you might not fund that is given out each Ramos explained that Kent tions), and I was able to sit in on realize is that every Monday, spring. All money from the State University has a satellite certain discussions,” Ramos said. Wednesday and Friday during meal goes towards paying for branch in Switzerland where “I was fortunate enough to have six weeks out of each trimes- the meal. American students can study. She the opportunity to see the Swiss ter, the Grotto becomes a Each meal is different and said that it wasn’t too diffi cult to ambassador to the UN speak, fabulous dining experience. unique depending on what get acclimated to, because Ge- and also the Assistant Director One of the most impressive the student/manager of the neva is an international city with of the United Nations Human aspects of the Grotto is that evening wants. However, they people from all over. Rights Comission.” Mercyhurst students plan, are typically geared to the pref- “We were living in the French Ramos was able to apply her cook and serve the entire meal. erences of the Erie market so speaking part of Switzerland, but academic learning to cultural Foods three are the managers, you will probably not fi nd a lot a lot of people spoke English, experiences. Foods two and Dietetic majors of spicy Cajun or sushi. so it wasn’t too diffi cult to get “I studied Swiss government, work the kitchen and the Ap- However, don’t let that dis- around.” and learned that it is totally dif- plied Service classes are the suade you from trying the Ramos stayed in a conference ferent from what we have here. servers. fantastic, nearly divine cre- center with 24 other students They have a direct democracy, Pete Zohos is the faculty ations that do come from who were in Kent State’s pro- which means that the govern- advisor and a teacher in the the Grotto’s kitchen. The gram. No other Mercyhurst stu- ment cannot do anything without major. He helps to guide the cuisine usually covers a broad dents made the trip with her. the people’s consent,” Ramos students during the class on sprectrum from fi sh to beef. During her stay from Aug. explained. “About 40 percent of how to manage a restaurant You will get more than your 8 until Dec. 3, she took five voters turn out for votes, but you and is there during the meals money’s worth, and you will classes. also have to realize that they vote in case of emergency. leave feeling both satisfied “I took a Human Rights course, on every single issue.” Photo courtesy of Ramona Ramos As senior Jill Natale said, and wondering what’s on next Swiss Politics, Problems with In- Ramos said that Swiss people During her many wonderings Ramos traveled to locations “It is a real life crash course week’s menu. ternational Organizations, Inter- were just about as aware over around Europe such as Budapest, where she visited Castle experience in managing a res- national Business and a French there as people are in America of Hill. PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD December 14, 2005

OPINIONTo contact: [email protected] Letters to the Editor: MSG responds to impeachment

Editor’s Note: Dear Josh, On behalf of The Merciad staff, we feel it necessary to respond to the complaints about our reporting In regards to the impeachment and probation of Jen Ciccone, I think it is important to note a couple on the Jennifer Ciccone impeachment issue. of things. MSG, through its ad-hoc Probation Committee (now Judicial Committee per Monday’s meet- There have been several claims that the quotes from people at the meeting and in interviews were ing), has set and agreed upon a probation system that we believe will help us work through this situation. incorrect. However, in defense of The Merciad, we wholeheartedly stand by each and every one of our From our standpoint, the probation system is in place and it is time for MSG to move forward. We quotes. Three Merciad staff members were at the meeting and each agreed to the accuracy of the quotes are determined to refocus our attention on the needs of our students and carry on with an attitude of as reported in the articles. teamwork and continuous improvement that has already helped us accomplish so much this year. We also feel obligated to refute the accusation that we “pressured” anyone to compare the impeach- It has become clear to us, in part because of some of the information in last week’s edition of The ment to the Garvey circumstances. People were asked if they saw any possible comparisons, but they Merciad that we need to continue to improve the effectiveness of our communication with students. were not “pressured” to do so. While we already have added the Stallstreet Journal, table tents in the dining facilities, and an MSG The Merciad, under no circumstances, tries to force controversies or drama. The goal of this newspaper, Newsletter this year to aid us in reaching the students, we are also working on our new Website, which and incidentally all newspapers, is to report news. The staff of The Merciad deemed the impeachment of may be up and running as early as January. the student-elected secretary newsworthy. We will also be working harder in our constituencies to communicate with students. The MSG Rep- Our goal is to be as neutral as possible, which is why we included comments and quotes from both resentatives have taken on many new responsibilities this year and have been doing a great job. It is sides of the issue. We stand by last week’s issue, and believe we were professional and held up to our now up to the Executive Board to fi nd ways to increase the effectiveness of the Constituency Service. usual quality, despite the comments of some of the letters to the editor. Three times per term, the Representatives go out into their areas and are encouraged to meet students and gather information. The fi rst constituency of this term will feature questions to address the way The Merciad Editorial Board students stay in touch with MSG’s activities and suggestions on the best way for MSG to keep in touch with students. I encourage interested students to attend our MSG meetings, which are Mondays at 8:30 p.m. in the Dear Editor: Student Government Chambers on the second fl oor of the student union, visit us in our offi ces on the This letter is in response to the recent issue regarding the level of communication with MSG and the second fl oor of the Student Union, or give us a call at extension 2428. rest of the student population as it has been discussed in last week’s edition of the Merciad. Last week’s paper was extremely biased against the MSG representatives. Dan Schuler I do agree that the level of communication may not be up to par with the expectations of the students; President however, lack of communication is a problem throughout the entire campus. Transmitting messages and Mercyhurst Student Government generating responses between departments and from the departments to the students is challenging to (814)-824-2563 say the least. There is not a uniting thread throughout Mercyhurst College, but it seems as if each administrative department is detached from one another and in some cases, the students. I have seen this problem sustain itself over my four years at the college and my extensive work with various departments. I only hope that the communication problem of the college is corrected in the near future, so the college can better operate. The War on Christmas? Like the U.S. Congress, the MSG representatives are the voice of the student population. We elect them to represent us in MSG affairs. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that they do have a responsibility of communicating to us what is occurring within MSG. The snow is falling, the Christmas trees are twin- reached across the nation from every-day-average- The representatives have made great strides this year to better improve their communication with their kling, cookies are baking and . . . people are fi ghting? Joes to the highest positions of government. No constituents. Ah yes, another holiday season must be upon us in one is safe, not even our born-again Commander- Such efforts include the “Tuesday Afternoon” and the “Constituencies” that the representatives do the United States. in-Chief. three times a term. These constituencies are used for each representative to reach out to their constituents. This time of year is fi lled with family, friends and President Bush is being criticized by Christian The dedication of each representative to these constituencies depends on each representative. Thus, holiday cheer, but for many unhappy Christians in groups because this year’s White House Christmas one cannot generalize and say, “Representatives failed in their own duties of faithfully representing the the United States, the word ‘holiday’ is enough to card wishes its recipients a Happy Holiday Season, student body by not maintaining close contact with their constituents.” turn that cheer into anger. not a Merry Christmas. Each representative conducts his or her business differently. If you watch Additionally, a video found on the White House Moreover, it is important to remember that these representatives only have themselves to do their Fox News, which Website, featuring the fi rst-dogs Barney and Mrs. jobs. The same person that takes classes, may hold off-campus jobs, and/or is involved in other extra- I hope you do not, Beasley frolicking throughout the White House with curricular activities. you have proba- a jolly President Bush explaining the importance of Coming from a person who knows what it is like to have myriad responsibilities throughout the year, bly heard pundits Allison ‘getting-along,’ is being accused as a weapon of war like Bill O’Reilly it is diffi cult to balance these responsibilities with school, work, a social life and trying to live a healthy with one target: Christmas. complaining daily Moore The video ends with the First Lady wishing the life style. Until one experiences what it is like to have such responsibilities one cannot criticize others about the ‘War nation “a very happy holiday.” Clearly that is un- who do. on Christmas.’ called for. Finally, MSG, like any form of democratic government is a two-way street. O’Reilly, and Opinion editor How dare the First Lady not single out Chris- It is our duty as college students of Mercyhurst College to have an interest in the happenings of the many others like tians?! college, especially with MSG. It is just as easy for us students to contact our representatives and ask him, are accusing the United States of attempting While the nation is predominantly Christian, there them what issues or events are occurring in MSG. Therefore, what Corrie Thearle stated, “However, to take the ‘Christ’ out of Christmas. To them, are other religions and traditions that contribute to in the situation regarding the important decision of impeachment, there was no possible option for the wishing someone Happy Holidays is equivalent to the vast melting-pot that is America. student body to obtain information independently from the representatives,” is unfounded. heresy and is corrupting the very foundation of this President Bush is the President of the United Each representative is required to give out their contact information to their constituents. “Christian country.” States, not the president of the Christian church. How many of you have attempted to contact your representative to ask about the issues or events oc- The movement to save Christmas has gained To exclude sections of this nation would be disre- curring in MSG? Furthermore, how many of you know who your representatives are? momentum in recent years, with many of the cries spectful, and while the video is lame, the message It is very challenging to get students to participate in events on campus, or involved in clubs and orga- of discontent stemming from western Pennsyl- is not. nizations. Therefore, the representatives must be given some form of respect and credit. vania. For most people, the holiday season encom- Like the offi cers of all the clubs and organizations on campus who spend a lot of time and dedicate If you are from Pittsburgh, you may remem- passes Thanksgiving, Christmas and New themselves to creating activities to spread awareness to you students, the representatives also give up ber several years ago when the Christmas Years. Therefore, the phrase Happy their time and energy to making Mercyhurst College a better place to be. shopping season was renamed Holidays accounts for each Many students like to talk the talk, but rarely do they walk the walk. If you are so concerned about the “Sparkle Season” to include all one of these events, as well as job of your representatives, think to yourselves what steps have you taken to inform yourselves about consumers. others such as Chanukah and issues. Needless to say, this sparked Kwanzaa. JoEllen Taylor an outcry against the city, accusing To many, wishing someone Happy Senior them of disrespecting the meaning of Holidays is an act of inclusion, not Christmas. exclusion. Most opposition was civil, but Admittedly some controver- Mr. Wilwohl, as always, some groups took it too sies surrounding Christmas are I am truly pleased with the Merciad and believe your staff does a professional job, but as a senior repre- far, accusing Jewish-owned depart- more substantial than others, sentative, I am outraged at the coverage given to MSG concerning Jennifer Ciccone’s impeachment. ment stores of trying such as the allowance of a nativity An MSG survey last term suggested students who don’t read the Merciad were more likely to do so if to eliminate Christ scene only if a secular fi gure, more articles were personally relevant. It is the responsibility of MSG to represent the student body, from Christmas. such as Santa Claus is pres- and the chief purpose of the Merciad to keep students informed of current events. Every year it’s the ent. The Merciad was able to send multiple staff members and a photographer to the impeachment proceed- same thing: Someone re- However, several ing; however, I have never seen a single Merciad reporter cover a MSG meeting any other time during my frains from using the phrase Supreme Court deci- term in offi ce. What issues could possibly be more relevant to all Mercyhurst students than the work Merry Christmas and sions continue to up- of the government which represents them? all hell breaks loose. hold such separations The extensive staff presence at this meeting implies the Merciad intended this publication to be sen- This year, the fi ght of church and state, and sationalistic. It failed to print in full allegations brought against Ciccone, misrepresented statements to win back Christ- Supreme Court nominee from representatives at the meeting and in interviews, and some even pressured representatives to draw mas has extended to the Samuel Alito shows no comparisons to the Garvey circumstances in questioning. boycotting of such retail signs of ruling any dif- There is dissatisfaction with informing the student body of governmental issues. Representatives are giants as Wal-Mart ferently. responsible for contacting their constituents three times per term -- this term consisted of a survey, and Target. Christians in this distributing contact information and directory information. Any additional work representatives do Some Christians are country need to stop is at their discretion. If a representative is not doing their job, he can be recalled by constituents. My refusing to shop in and evaluate the situ- constituents have my contact information from e-mail to apartment address, and I can’t think of a single any store that uses ation. representative who wouldn’t take fi ve minutes to answer a phone call or e-mail. the phrase “Happy As a nation, it is Democratic participation requires effort. Just as American citizens are responsible for researching Holidays.” apparent that our candidates and issues to make an informed vote, so are Mercyhurst students responsible for taking an As Stephen focus on Christmas active role in their government by voting and bringing concerns to the body. Representatives are elected Colbert sarcasti- has shifted from its by the students, and all students have eligibility to participate in elections and run for offi ce. Students are cally put it on an original meaning to not only welcomed but encouraged to attend weekly government meetings and speak, and their concerns episode of The one of consumer- are moved to the appropriate committee for review. Colbert Report, ism and greed. “When I go to In the future, I would like to see the Merciad take an interest in covering MSG meetings in an accurate Somehow, I don’t Target, yes, I want think Jesus would manner. I trust your staff to return to the professional, high-quality coverage you provide in every issue a dozen tube socks be comfortable of the Merciad. for $1.99. But knowing his birth what I really want spawns fist fights Thank you for your time. is to see the words over who gets the ‘Merry Christmas.’ last Xbox 360 . . . Jeannie Jyurovat Regardless of the an act even Chris- Mercyhurst Student Government, senior representative time of year, if I tians are most likely don’t see those words, I would walk right out of guilty of. that store . . . except that is a fantastic price for Instead of focusing on what words are said and Dear Editor: tube socks.” how, maybe Christians should focus on other I think MSG really blew this out of proportion. Yeah, she (Jen Ciccone) made some mistakes The point is, corporations are in the business of problems facing this nation, like poverty, and work and wasn’t doing her job. But plastering her face on the school newspaper and sending e-mails out to profi t making, not Christian pleasing. If display- instead to help others. Better yet, maybe they the entire student body is way overboard. Way to destroy someone’s repuation. If it was me I wouldn’t ing the should turn their attention to a real war, like the want to step on this campus ever again. Th ere are more subversive ways you could have gone about phrase “Happy Holidays” will increase the cus- one in Iraq. this. I’m not just speaking for myself, many people I know feel the same way about this. Just letting you tomer base by including all religions, then guess Now, that’s what Jesus would do. know. what phrase will greet consumers? Hint: It’s not Happy Holidays. “Merry Christmas.” Zachary Walters Retaliation against the war on Christmas has December 14, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 7

To contact: [email protected] OPINION Ask the Malarkys I don’t have much money to spend this Christmas season. Can you give me some ideas for what I can buy my signifi cant other?

Christmas is the time of year when we get to- order Chinese takeout. As sappy as this sounds, Everyone with half a brain knows that you should At some point I would deem that one of those gether with friends and family and are thankful for make a homemade Christmas card and put some dump your signifi cant other before the holidays items was appropriate for a gift and buy it for what life has given us the past year. heartfelt endearments or at least some funny stuff for the sole purpose of avoiding the dilemma of her. It is fi lled with carol singers, jolly Santas and iced in the card. Another cheap idea is to make a deciding what to get them and then I would then cookies. However, it is also comprised of long burned CD of their favorite songs. rekindle the buy her something lines, packed park- Now the important element is to fl ames when that I thought she ing lots, scream- keep your boyfriend or girlfriend in you are drunk would like that ing children and the dark about your evening. The on New Year’s she had never Mr. empty wallets. Ms. element of surprise is combined Eve. mentioned. Malarky As much as I Malarky with the effort you put into However, since Finally, I would love to give people the organization of the night some of you love- buy or make a I care about pres- and makes a perfect gift that birds are sticking it out card and take ents, I absolutely is cheap as hell. for Kwanzaa some time to hate Christmas If you have some money this year, I’ll make a write some heart- shopping. Not in your bank account, here are a few suggestions. felt words that truly expressed my feelings toward only am I poor but I also have no idea what to get couple ideas for gifts that are uni- First and foremost this person. many people. As much as people are supposed to versally accepted by women: the most important I feel taking these steps will ensure she is happy be fi lled with cheer, when it comes to venturing 1. A bouquet of fl owers thing to realize is that for a few reasons. to the mall this year, people turn into absolute (roses are a bit played out) it is not the amount of The fi rst gift demonstrates that you really listen monsters. I have bruises on my ankles from be- always brightens any girl’s money you spend that to even the little things she says and fi nd them ing rammed with a stroller this past weekend, and day. Hide it some place makes a good holi- important to remember. I’m pretty sure the kid gave me the fi nger as I was that she will find it - at day gift. Effort and The second gift shows that you don’t need to be pushed aside. work, on her car, etc. thought coupled with coached on what to get her and have the capacity As to your question about what to get someone 2. Anything CHOCO- a moderate amount to do more than shop at Spencer gifts. you’re involved with this season, it really doesn’t LATE! The possibilites are of spending make Third, and most important, is the card that you matter what the present turns out to be. Every- basically endless here. Any for the best gifts. Sure compose. thing hinges on how it’s given to your boyfriend or girl that refuses chocolate your girlfriend would Anyone who has been in a relationship knows girlfriend. It’s all about presentation. must be transvestite, in that like an iPOD nano for how valuable these kinds of words, little inside For women, we love nothing better than to be case you should run away. the sixth night of Ha- jokes and whatever else you decide to write, can be. surprised by our boyfriends. It doesn’t matter if 3. An 80’s infomercial CD - Girls just nukkah but that’s not Mostly people just want to know you care about you buy your girl a cheesy fake gold necklace that want to have fun! fi nancially realistic. them enough to take the time and effort to put this turns her neck green, if you put thought into how 4. Chick fl icks on DVD - “Love Actually,” “The Since I am clearly a connoisseur in this regard, kind of stuff together for them. you give it to her, it instantly becomes valuable. Notebook,” “When Harry Met Sally,” etc. I’ll tell you what I would do. If all else fails as far as my suggestions are con- For an extremely low budget plan out an evening 5. A framed photo of you and your girlfriend...... First, in the month or so before the holiday cerned I can honestly say I’ve never met a woman for your partner. Find out what their favorite movie priceless season I would tune into what my girlfriend was who couldn’t be bought with expensive chocolate is and rent it. Make their favorite dinner or simply saying she needs/likes/wants. and spiked eggnog.

All I want for Christmas The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly By Katie Tillman is to keep the trimester system Contributing writer With our Christmas holiday falling conveniently I feel I speak for a majority of the student body just at about midterm, it gives us students ample when I say, I like the trimester system. It is one of time to rest at home before coming back for the the unique qualities of the college, and it attracts The Good last seven weeks of the term. students. With the trimester system in place, we have the Instead of dealing with a course overload, stu- The beloved Christmas break is almost here. Two weeks of glorious fun that includes neglect- unfortunate timing of midterms as soon as we dents are permitted to limit their studies to three ing assignments, papers and the drama of school. Perhaps some students will take advantage of return. or four classes and thus accomplish more and the break and get ahead in their studies and assignments, but let’s face it: most will not. A part Within my fi rst two weeks of classes a couple produce better work. of the holiday season is New Years. This is the chance to start on a clean slate. Remember to say of my professors have mentioned switching Mer- Another issue is subject matter. The fact is some goodbye to last year’s troubles and welcome 2006 with open arms. Lastly, don’t make resolutions; cyhurst to subjects I cannot fathom having for more than 10 sooner or later you will break them. So why disappoint yourself? the semester weeks. system. It would just be too painful. Whenever In terms of Christmas break, 10 days is plenty of The Bad I hear this I Ellen time to enjoy the family, the food and the merriness Koenig Sad news for those who enjoy the taste of Vanilla Coke. The big bad Coke company has decided feel my stom- of the holiday season. While some may spend the to discontinue it for Black Cherry Vanilla Coke. Of course this may be old news, but I just recently ach start to holidays on skis or drunk off eggnog and bourbon found out about it on Conan O’Brien. Savor it while you can. It shall be missed. churn. balls, we cherish the time we are not restricted to There has campus and our studies. been discus- Some schools are given an entire month off; sion of a calendar change in several classrooms and that amount of time can skew a students psyche The Ugly among groups of students and faculty. Although and throw off the academic mindset. Ten days is This is a serious concern among some students. The ladies’ restroom in the Laker is freezing. there has not been any offi cial talk of a change since enough time to relax, but not to the point to forget That means it is without heat, while the men’s room is reportedly toasty warm. This is not fair February 2004, this is often a hot topic of discus- about school. for the women who have to venture into the restroom . . . remember, we actually have to sit on sion, especially with the interruption of winter term With midterms right around the corner from the seat. due to Christmas vacation. Christmas break, exams are the death trap waiting Another “ugly” facing students is the lack of sleep. This can be due to stress, homework, pa- I can picture the faculty senate and other faculty for us when we return to school. pers or a roommate who snores every night. Sleeping pills can be a solution. However, I do not members pushing for a term change, especially with Enjoy the time off to its complete potential. recommend its use in the long term. A side effect of sleeping pills is a feeling of tiredness lasting President Michael McQuillen currently in charge. Throw back some eggnog with the relatives and throughout the day. Another known side effect is becoming addicted to them. McQuillen has experienced teaching in the drown yourself in champagne whenever possible. trimester system and knows the inconveinces it This is a time for celebration. School will be here I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Try to remember the nice weather of causes, a term change may seem more appealing when we get back, as well as midterms, papers, as- May, compared to this current frozen tundra. Lastly, don’t get too caught up with drama of life, to him. signments and the usual grind of college life. it’s not good for anyone. All I can say is please leave the trimester system Take care. alone. TheMERCIAD Joshua Wilwohl Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Corrie Thearle News Editor [email protected] Melissa Jack Features Editor [email protected] Allison Moore Opinion Editor [email protected] Ryan Palm Sports Editor [email protected] Melissa Brandt A&E Editor [email protected] Katie McAdams Photo & Production Editor [email protected] Melissa Brandt Advertising Manager [email protected] Chelsea Boothe Copy Editor [email protected] Emily Crofoot Graduate Assistant [email protected]

The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms week and fi nals week. Our offi ce is in the Old Main, room 314. Our telephone number is 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fi t. Letters are due the Thursday before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485. KRT PAGE 8 THE MERCIAD December 14, 2005 ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENTTo contact: [email protected] tHe BuZz Holiday events at the ’Hurst accompaniment (Rockage). season,” said club-founder By Melissa Brandt “It’s going to be a cool mix- Amanda Pakutz. DEC. 15. Kissmas Bash A&E Editor ture of contemporary and clas- “We’re going to talk about with Click Five, Lifehouse, sic,” said Myers. how the holiday evolved, and Pussycat Dolls, Gavin De- Songs to be performed in- people are even making some Graw, Ryan Cabrera, HSBC Indulge your holiday spirit and clude, “All I want for Christ- medieval dishes.” Arena, Buffalo. attend a few holiday activities this week. mas Is You,” by Mariah Carey, The event will feature special “Have Yourself a Merry Little guest speaker, Derek Mulder, DEC. 16. Q92 Live in The music department and Christmas,” “Santa Baby” and a medieval heavy weapons 0’5 Finale Concert with the Medieval Guild have sched- more. expert. Bowlign for Soup, Javing uled events worth attending. Although admission is free, “He will explain the art, how Jane, Wakefield. Canton The Walker Recital Hall will donations will benefi t the music to get started in it, how to do Palace Theater, Canton, be fi lled with choir voices this department’s trip to Poland. it as a hobby, and some of the Ohio. Thursday, as the music depart- ment hosts their annual holiday The performance is open to history behind it. He’ll also talk everyone and will be at 7:30 about his personal experience DEC. 17. Dark Star Or- cabaret. p.m. in the Walker Recital Hall with it,” said Pakutz. chestra. Odeon, Cleve- The performance will include this Thursday. The event will also include im- land. classic and contemporary music, as well as two original medleys After the choir enlivens your provisational games. If shows Christmas spirit, head over like “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” DEC. 17. Bravery, Story of composed by producer Richard to the Student Union Great tickle you, then you might the Year, Between Home Rockage. Room. want to try your hand at it on Photo courtesy of Amanda Pakutz and Serenity. Agora The- “Richard Rockage is in charge The Holiday Celebration by Thursday. Mercyhurst Medieval Guild donnes their period clothing. atre, Cleveland. because he’s a musical genius like that. He wrote both the the Medieval Guild will in- Of course, no Medieval Guild corporate time period specifi c event would be complete with- periences,“ said Pakutz,” with take place in the Student union DEC. 18. Trans-Siberian opening and closing numbers,” activities. out medieval dancing, a favorite improvisational games and Great Room at 8:30 p.m. this Orchestra. Mellon Arena, said Junior Rachel Myers. “We wanted to do something of the guild founder. dancing, it should be a good Thursday. Pittsburgh. The cabaret will consist of several solo performances from where we could share the me- “We’re going to have, dif- time!” dieval tradition of the holiday ferent and unique cultural ex- The Holiday Celebration will DEC. 21. Martha’s Trouble. a 20-member choir with piano Moonsense Cafe, Erie. DEC. 23. Red Wanting New Scrooge: Blue. House of Blues, ‘Rent’ pays its due to fi lm Cleveland. By Christina Ferranti DEC. 27. Trippin’ Billies. Contributing writer Mrs. Cratchit House of Blues, Cleve- wife, along with their some 100 land. “Rent” is the fi lm production By Melissa Brandt children, two of which have A & E Editor of the 1996 Pulitzer and Tony names. DEC. 28. School of Rock Award winning musical all about The play’s sarcastic and witty All Stars. House of Blues, the lives of “Bohemians” living Having a drink with family dialogue will keep you giggling in Cleveland. in East Village of New York members is one of the charms your seat well into Mrs. Cratchit’s City. of the holiday season. second attempt to drown herself DEC. 29. David Allan The actual musical is based off Having a drink because of family in the Thames. Coe. Denny’s Bar, Fairview. of Puccini’s classic opera “La members is sometimes an affect Dickens’s tale is not the only $20. Boheme,” though the revolution- of the season, but certainly not one to be delightfully perverted, ized music comes from Jonathan charming. either. DEC. 29, 30. Wayne New- Larson. Gladys Cratchit’s alcohol toler- “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The ton. Avalon Ballroom, Ni- The story tells of a group of ance is a victim of the latter in Gift of the Magi,” “Oliver Twist” agara Fallsview Casino Re- younger people over the period the Roadhouse Theater produc- and “Touched by an Angel” are sort, Niagara Falls, Ont. of a year struggling to make tion of “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s also preyed upon throughout the Photo courtesy of www.siteforrent.com ends meet. Wild Christmas Binge.” production, and regardless of DEC. 29. Holiday Bling The themes range as these ‘Rent’ is currently in theaters and defi nitely worth $6.75. This hilarious comedy is based how much loyalty you may have with Pretty Ricky, Trey starving artists overcoming hur- on the beloved Dickens Christ- for any of them, you won’t want Songz. Carnegie Music stage to the screen. The tension that each charac- tles of poverty, drug addiction, mas classic, “A Christmas Carol,” the play’s venomous wit to end. Hall, Pittsburgh. The music in this fi lm is phe- ter faces at particular points is AIDS and just an overall love- nomenal, the lyrics are powerfully basely human and thus brings about Scrooge discovering the With statements to the power hate relationship with life. true meaning of Christmas of feminism and money, this play DEC. 31. Average White truthful and the choreography is understanding and compassion. The director/producer, Chris through the visitation of three adds a welcomed sprinkle of salt Band. House of Blues, well done. Revealing even more poi- Columbus, almost perfectly ghosts. into the normal sweetness of the Cleveland. Even the two characters that gnancy, as the initial fi nal scene adapts this musical to the movie are not from the original cast was shot, the camera depicts the However, the humanizing ef- season. scene. fect of the season is not exactly Take a break from the spirit JANUARY CONCERTS were excellent in their roles. true life of the homeless and Plus, most of the actors in the Rosario Dawson, who plays drug addicts on a real New York the main idea behind this ver- of the holidays and view “Mrs. fi lm are the original characters sion, written by Christopher Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas JAN. 1. Whispers, S.O.S. the role of Mimi, combines her City street. from the musical; Taye Diggs Durang. Binge.” Band. Hilton Gateway acting talents with her incred- I would recommend this fi lm to (Benny), Wilson Jermaine He- Instead of three prophetic ap- Performances are Fridays and Center, Pittsburgh. ible voice that is revealed in this anyone who appreciates unique redia (Angel), Jesse L. Martin must-see movie. and great music and to those paritions, the audience is treated Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. through (Collins), Idina Menzel (Mau- to one very mouthy, attitudinal, Dec. 17 at the Roadhouse The- JAN. 4-8. Disney on Ice: The plot is instrumental to who are curious, because it is reen), Adam Pascal (Roger) and matter of fact specter–with a atre. Admission; $5 student $8 100 Years of Magic. Tullio bringing attention to strug- entertaining as well as down to Anthony Rapp (Mark) are all heart of gold, of course. regular, $10 riser, VIP $12. Arena, Erie. gles that are not typically given earth. from the original broadway cast enough attention, such as dis- If you are a devoted fan of Mr. Bob Cratchit is trans- For more information contact of “Rent” in 1996, this provides formed from the object of the Roadhouse Theatre box of- JAN. 6. Train of Love -- a ease, poverty, and homosexual the musical, you will not be dis- for an excellent transfer from the pity to the source of it for his fi ce at 456-5656. Tribute to Johnny Cash. acceptance. appointed. House of Blues, Cleve- land. Best CDs released in 2005 - Part two JAN. 7. Capitol Steps. probably helps too. Wall’s “The People’s Champ” Grammy’s. $42.50, $30, $25. Warner By Joe Fidago Coldplay, “X&Y” and Slim Thug’s “Already Plati- I never appreciated Coldplay Theatre, Erie. Contributing writer Brad Paisley, “Time Well ALTERNATIVE Wasted” num.” Try Mike Jones’ “Who is Dave Matthews Band until I sat down and listened to A typical Brad Paisley album… Mike Jones?” as well, if you can “A Rush of Blood to the Head” JAN. 13. 38 Special. Pepsi- “Stand Up” COUNTRY that is, a must have. stomach hearing his name nearly It’s DMB…need I say more? the entire way through. I real- Cola Roadhouse, Burgett- For the Country genre, I have 100 times. For those that say yes, know ized then that I was missing out stown. Carrie Underwood, “Some decided not to describe all of the Hearts” Game, “The Documen- that this album isn’t as focused on one of the best things to CDs and instead list the ones I Proving that Kelly Clarkson on the brass section as say, “Be- ever come across the Atlantic JAN. 15. The Syn with tary” feel are the top releases of the isn’t the only worthy female win- Ex G-Unit member made one fore These Crowded Streets.” Ocean. “X&Y” doesn’t diminish Chris Squire of Yes. Beach- year. ner from “Amercian Idol,” Carrie of the best debut CDs in a long At the same time, know that it’s this feeling at all, especially with land Ballroom, Cleveland. I’m doing this because while Underwood’s debut CD went time with this February release. still DMB, so even with a slight songs like the fi rst two singles rock can have many different above and beyond most expec- While 50 Cent bashed “Game” change in sound, it still blows “Speed of Sound” and “Fix JAN. 18. Camper Van sounds, let’s face it – when it tations. No William Hung jokes and claimed to have written most other albums out of the You.” Beethoven. Beachland Ball- really comes down to it, country here – she’s the real deal. most of the material, his latest water. room, Cleveland. is country. album couldn’t hold a candle to Dierks Bentley, “Modern this, so you make your own deci- JAN. 19. Derek Trucks Day Drifter” sion. Regardless of who won the Band. Odeon, Cleveland. Sure to be Kenny Chesney, “Be As slandering battle, this is the best You Are/The Road and the G-Unit release since 50 Cent’s JAN. 20. Bon Jovi. HSBC Radio” debut album. Arena, Buffalo. On sale at labeled 2005’s The fi rst has a more Jack John- www.tickets.com, by phone Notorious B.I.G., “Duets” son-like, mellow vibe to it, the Unlike 2Pac, the people in at (888) 223-6000, and at second is the Kenny we know charge of releasing post-huma- Tops Markets. Party CD... and love. nous releases for Christopher What one you enjoy more de- Wallace have made sure they’ve JAN. 20. Detroit Cobras. pends on your personal tastes. been few and far between, gen- Beachland Ballroom, RAP Billy Currington, “Doin’ erating a lot of buzz whenever Cleveland. Black Eyed Peas, “Monkey Somethin’ Right” Business” one is released. This production Sara Evans, “Real Fine Sure to be labeled 2005’s is so good you’d swear that Big- JAN. 22. Cake, Tegan Place” “Party CD,” BEP’s latest efforts gie was in the studio with his and Sara, Gogol Bordello. Faith Hill, “Firefl ies” blend enough styles that every- 35+ guests. House of Blues, Cleve- Toby Keith, “Honkytonk one can fi nd at least one song land. Kanye West, “Late Registra- University” they enjoy. tion” Miranda Lambert, “Kero- Rap album of the year? I think JAN. 22. Yellowcard, Mae. Chamillionaire, “The Sound sene” so. Kanye is one of a handful of Odeo, Cleveland.. of Revenge” Another country star discov- Southern rap from the Texas rappers who makes music that’s ered through a TV show, this area made an impressive entrance worth listening to for something “Nashville Star” fi nalist wrote or this year into the mainstream. If more than just a beat. This is Courtesy of GoErie.com co-wrote 11 out of 12 songs on you’re a fan of this style/sound, going to be one man you’ll see Photo Courtesy of coldplay.com this debut CD. Being really cute be sure to also check out Paul everywhere come time for the Check out Coldplay by buying their new album, “X & Y.” December 14, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 9 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT To contact: [email protected] ‘Magnifi cent Seven’ open fi re at the PAC

included different, Americanized By Christina Ferranti roles as well. Contributing writer This fi lm was so successful in that it quickly churned out two Abbie Bernstein of Audio succeeding films, a television Video Revolution has reviewed series and a parody, “The Three “The Magnificent Seven” and Amigos.” provides a solid feature for which The fi lm takes place in an old most people can recognize and Mexican village where a few relate to one way or another. families reside. “One of the more interesting The traditional western plot qualities of ‘The Magnificent formulates upon the impending Seven’ is that it will likely seem threat that the murderous and familiar even to a first-time thieving adversary, Calvera, poses viewer. to this village. “This is at least in part because Every so often, Calvera enters composer Elmer Bernstein’s the village and pillages all of the theme has become the quintes- people’s food and belongings. sential western introduction. The Mexican people are unable “TV stations have used the mu- to defend themselves against sic for what seems like eternity to Calvera and his bandits, so they promote their sagebrush sagas. seek the assistance of gunsling- “And why not? Bernstein’s ers, Chris and Vin. composition seems to sonically The villagers found these lone- embody those traits of all good ly outlaws in a Texas city again westerns – brisk, exciting bursts defying the law by burying an interspersed with more contem- Indian. plative, wistful stretches.” This act, viewed as respectable

“The Magnificent Seven” by them ended up causing a riot Photo courtesy of the PAC (1960) is labeled as one of the and an excellent display of the Yul Brenner, Steve McQueen, Horst Buchholz, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter, and James Coburn. most notable western fi lms of gun skills of the two men. the century. The villagers recruited these say these guys do not have a good no for an answer (he wants to Defeating the bad guy was the ket established a massive media This fi lm signifi es the incep- men, and Chris rounds up fi ve time with this job? gain some experience in being ultimate challenge, and it was campaign that profi ted by the tion of western classics and more to make the “Magnifi cent Britt (James Coburn) brings a a man plus the ladies will come accomplished successfully with millions considering the nominal how western movies are viewed Seven” each with their own forte knife to a gunfi ght… and wins. fl ocking if he can prove he is a the help of the “Magnificent fee in which it was obtained. today. and unique character traits. Lee (Robert Vaughn) takes the tough guy). Seven.” All in all, anyone interested in Ironically, this fi lm was adapted Vin is on the verge of taking job so he can at least get a little Evidentally, the studio wanted This fi lm provided a perfect Western classics will not want to from a Japanese fi lm directed by a job at a grocery store in hopes cash while showing off his gun to attract a teenage audience. setting for up-and-coming west- miss this excellent production. Akira Kurosawa known as “The of making some money when he expertise. Throughout the process, the ern films and even the music This fi lm is playing at the Mary Seven Samurai” (1954). joins Chris in this venture. O’Reilly (Charles Bronson) seven begin to break up, but al- hit the big screen when Elmer D’Angelo Performing Arts Cen- John Sturges, the producer and An old friend, Harry Luck is a pro henchman, facing hard together they teach the villagers Bernstein sold the copyrights ter on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and again director of “The Magnificent (Brad Dexter), joins up solely times. a valuable lesson in defending to his score to R.J. Reynolds for at 8 p.m. Seven” based his eight main because he believes money or Chico (Horst Bucholz) gets themselves and working as a $5,000. Mercyhurst student admission characters off of leading roles some kind of booty has to be added because he will not take community. The Marlboro cigarette mar- is free with with ID. in the Japanese film, but also involved (it isn’t), but who is to Artist You Should Know: The Fall of Troy releases ‘Doppelganger’

fi ll their songs with the energy starts with the painfully emo way that a horror movie is. By Eric Haak that comes from their youth line “All alone, and now it feels Even though the lyrics may Contributing writer while still creating music that is so helpless.” deal with disturbing subjects, it surprisingly mature. Of course, this may just be is apparent that the band has a The Fall of Troy is probably Like many prog-rock acts, a result of the band being so sense of humor. one of the youngest bands The Fall of Troy may take mul- young. This can be seen in song titles worth listening to today. tiple listens to fully appreciate. In other songs, the lyrics are like “We Better Learn to Hot- Having released their self- At fi rst, the sheer chaos of more interesting. wire a Uterus” and “Laces Out, titled debut before they turned poly-rhythms and frantic guitar “Tom Waits” contains an in- Dan!” 17 in 2003, the Washington riffs make it hard to appreciate teresting juxtaposition of young Humor also makes an occa- based power trio returns with or even know what’s going on. sexual tension and nostalgia that sional appearance in the songs their first release for Equal Slowly though, individual seems to contradict the bands themselves. Vision records titled “Dop- guitar parts leap out at the age, even if the vocals show a An example of this can be pelganger.” listener. Blood Brothers infl uence of the found in the way that the line Like their new label-mates, By the third listen, it becomes worst kind. “I just want your attention Coheed and Cambria, The Fall more apparent how each part Overall, though, the vocals baby” is soulfully crooned in of Troy is heavily infl uenced by fi ts into the song as a whole. seem to show a band that is still “Scene One, Act One,” a song prog-rock acts like Yes. The simple verse/chorus/ developing. Eventually it seems about meaningless sex which However, the closest com- verse structure is missing, but like the clichéd vocals will give also contains the lyrics “lock parison would probably be to the album still has plenty of way to more mature and unique the doors, turn out the lights . Blood Brothers, with their cha- parts that will have you singing imagery. . .” and you can imagine where otic music and dual vocals. along. In fact, the album itself gen- it goes from there. The Fall of Troy will prove to The only real fault with the erally becomes more lyrically All things considered, “Dop- be easier listening than Blood band is that the lyrics tend to fall mature towards the end. pelganger” is not a perfect Brothers for most as they don’t into clichés or slightly modifi ed The end track “Macaulay Mc- album. suffer from the shrill cries that (angrier) “you left me all alone” Culkin” is from the point of However, it is a good enough can make the “Blood Brothers” complaints. view of a spurned lover turned album to be enjoyable and to Courtesy of www.thefalloftroy.com diffi cult to take. In fact, the intro track “I Just stalker and kidnapper, frighten- mark The Fall of Troy as a band Check out album “Doppelganger,” by The Fall of Troy. The Fall of Troy manages to Got This Symphony Going” ing but enthralling in the same to be watched.

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SPORTS To contact: [email protected] Wrestlers split with foes The Lakers did have a chance onships.” By Matt Jackson for the win going into the heavy- The Lakers had little time to Co-Sports editor weight match, but needed a pin dwell on their heartbreaking from an undersized Paul Berg- loss to Gannon. They were back The Mercyhurst wrestling team man over Joe Dipre, a football on the mat just two days later at found out Friday that the out- player at Gannon who just re- the Mercyhurst Athletic Center come of a match can be shaped cently joined the team. where they hosted three Division instantly. Bergman, who only wrestled I teams. With the No. 12 Lakers trailing heavyweight due to a lack of Tedder returned to the mat No. 16 Gannon 7-6 after the 149 numbers at the spot, was able determined to put Friday’s loss bout, it looked as if the match to get the 4-2 win but could not behind him. may be won or lost in the highly turn the Golden Knight wrestler The senior went 3-0 on the day, anticipated rubber match at 165 to his back. leaving little to doubt with an 11- between No. 3 Zach Schafer and The Lakers also came up short 5 win over his East Stroudsburg No. 7 A.J. Sayles. in a way in the 125 bout. opponent and a 40 second pin in But with just 14 seconds left in Freshman John Fleming beat the Kent State match. the fi rst period of the match at Andrew Jones 7-2 in the night’s Tedder’s third win came via 157, Gannon’s Brandon Monin opening match to get three team forfeit in the Delaware State made the most of his time in the points. However, just last week- match. spotlight by pinning nationally end at the Ashland Invitational The Lakers fi nished 2-1 on the ranked Will Tedder. Fleming defeated Jones 13-0 for day, defeating Delaware State Schafer did his part in the next a major decision. 52-4 and East Stroudsburg 19-14 match with a pin over Sayles, but This doesn’t take anything away before falling to Kent State 26-13 Monin’s big win proved to be the from Fleming’s successful fresh- in the day’s fi nal match. turning point in a 19-18 Golden man campaign. He still won his Freshman Jason Weslager had Katie McAdams/Photo editor Knights’ victory. match under pressure circum- the surprise win Sunday with Junior Zach Schafer won by fall at the “War at the Shore.” “The two teams were pretty stances, but it shows just how an 8-4 win over senior Drew much even,” said Mercyhurst close the two teams are. Opfer, an NCAA qualifi er and coach Tony Cippolone. “I told Overall Cipollone was pleased a three-time state champion in 3-0 with major decisions against the Mercyhurst Duals. to wrestle at our best just to stay my kids that it would probably with the event. high school. Kent and East Stroudsburg and The Lakers will travel to Buffa- in the match with them.” come down to heavyweight and “It was nice,” said Cipollone, Sophomore Hudson Harrions forfeit win against Delaware lo Tuesday for a tri-meet with the The meet will open with Mer- it did. If we wrestled 10 times, “Hopefully it helped prepare our bumped up two weight classes to State. Bulls and Appalachian State. cyhurst vs. Appalachian State at each team would probably win guys for wrestling on the stage 174 and went 2-1. Fleming and Frank Zatta each “Buffalo is real good,” said 11 a.m. fi ve.” just like at the national champi- Freshman Brian Pogel was added two wins for the Lakers at Cipollone. “We’re going to have Bush in a landslide, but Young is motivated

mates,” Young said. “I feel like I urday. yards and led the nation with 8.9 eligibility “changed my life so threw up. It changed how I work By Chip Brown let some people down. Overall, “This will give me a little edge,” yards per carry, became the sec- much.” and really opened my eyes about KRT writer it’s an exciting moment, and I Young said. ond straight USC player to win Bush also said he learned some- what it takes to make it at the enjoyed myself. But I put a lot Bush received the highest the Heisman. His quarterback, thing about work ethic from a highest level. That helped me NEW YORK – As excited as of pressure on myself. That’s percentage of fi rst-place votes Matt Leinart, won it last year. workout he had in San Diego going into the season.” Southern Cal running back Reg- just me. Reggie deserved it, so ever (84.9 percent) and fi nished Leinart fi nished third this year. this summer with Chargers run- Young said he hopes to be back gie Bush was to hoist the 71st I’m happy for him.” with 2,541 points compared with “It’s special that me and Matt ning back LaDainian Tomlinson. in New York next year. Heisman Trophy over his head Young said last week if he Young’s second-place total of could do something like that,” Bush hails from San Diego (he “It’s all about my teammates, Saturday night, Texas quarter- didn’t win the Heisman, he would 1,608. Bush’s 933-point margin Bush said of the back-to-back wears 619, the San Diego area so if it’s up to them, I’m pretty back Vince Young was equally be motivated “to show the world of victory was the second-larg- wins. “It will mean even more if code, in his eye black as a tribute sure I should be back up there on let down by his second-place they made a wrong decision” est ever behind O.J. Simpson’s we can win the next game.” to his hometown) and has known that stage next year,” Young said. fi nish. against USC in the Rose Bowl 1,750-point landslide over Leroy During his acceptance speech, Tomlinson since he was a senior “All I can say is the University of “I’m just disappointed for my Jan. 4 for the national title. Keyes in 1968. Bush said Leinart’s decision to in high school. Texas will be there on January 4th fans, my family and my team- Young reiterated that on Sat- Bush, who rushed for 1,658 come back for his fi nal year of “We worked out so hard, I ready to go.” Coaches Bowden and Paterno are granddaddys of them all Laker Inn Dooley. Wilkinson and Switzer. at Penn State, and his approach Winter Term By Dave Hyde Devaney and Osborne. Now it’s was different from a lot of other KRT writer just Bowden and Paterno, Mr. coaches I’d seen in that he stayed New Night Owl SPECIALS: Florida State and Mr. Penn State, on the academic part of it. He Galley Grill HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A few everything about them outdated was good with his kids. He was Cinnamon sugar pretzel rooms from the slot machines, except their upbeat outlook and one of the fi rst coaches I’d ever NEW SPECIALS: bites w/ vanilla icing down the hall from the rock- recent conference titles. hear tell them, `Boys, go on out Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Team suggested “hockey band exhibits, looking as square “When I go to a convention and have a good time.’” in the Seminole Hard Rock Cafe or a Nike gathering, I look out Paterno: “There’s a dignity Mexican dinner nachos” as spaces on a checkers board, there and see all these young about Bob. You see it when Breakfast for dinner! one slowly led the other up fi ve guys around and wonder what you’ve known him as long as I Chicken Cordon Bleu stairs Thursday morning to some (my wife and I) are doing there,” have. Competed against him. Hours of Operation: microphones. Bowden said. “Then I look at Joe Beat him and lost to him and Check out the new Monday-Friday 8:00am-1:00 a.m. There they were, college foot- and remember.” recruited with him. There’s a suggestion box-inspired ball’s grandpa and Joe Pa, 76 “We’re the only guys that go to respect there.” Saturday 1:00pm-1:00 a.m. specials!!! years old and 78, the No. 1 coach bed at 8 o’clock,” Paterno said. What did the old coach, Woody Sunday 5:00pm-1:00 a.m. in wins and the No. 1A, soon “Ain’t that the truth,” Bowden Allen, say about life? That 90 per- two-timing everyone in a FedEx said. cent of it was showing up? Some- Look for new candy cane and mint Oreo cappuccinos! Orange Bowl news conference Here’s the rejoinder: Paterno how these two have kept showing with a clear view, self-effacing hu- wakes to work at 3 a.m. Bowden up, season after season, era after mor and hopelessly out-of-date does at 4 a.m. Every day still era, to have undefeated teams, OLD FAVORITES: perspective on loyalty, longevity seems a race to them that way. On win national championships, be- and especially friendship. Thursday, for instance, Bowden come football icons, grow out of Laker Express Peanut Butter & Jelly “Was it the `70s when we fi rst woke at home in Tallahassee, fashion of late, thankfully grow NEW ITEMS: Turkey Bagel met and ... ?” Paterno asked, gave a breakfast talk in Georgia, back in fashion Chef’s Salad staring behind foggy glasses at changed back in Tallahassee, Paterno more than Bowden so Bowden for help. flew to Fort Lauderdale for far and win a record 359 games in Anti-Pasta Salad Ham and Turkey Subs “1990,” Bowden said straight- the news conference and had a Bowden’s case and on-the-heels Wraps faced. video projector waiting in his 353 in Paterno’s. Wraps “No-o-o-o,” Paterno said. hotel room for some homework “I never talk to him about that Hours of Operation: “I could go back further than afterward. Whew. What’d you do record,” Paterno said. What’s the Buffalo Chicken Monday-Thursday 11:30-8:00 p.m. that, but then you’re talking about Thursday? difference? I could care less. I Honey Mustard Chicken losses,” Bowden said. “1990 was But in a sports world that can couldn’t care if Bob got 450 wins. Friday 11:30-3:30 p.m. the fi rst time I beat you.” be too much this hour-long semi- I like Bob. I like what he’s done. Board Equivalency Available: Saturday & Sunday Closed They fi rst met in 1962 when nar on coaching and life from My wife likes his wife. Come on, 11:30-8:00pm Paterno was a Penn State assis- Bowden and Paterno had to offer what’s it matter?” tant and Bowden was the coach the best seat in sports. at Howard College in Birming- Paterno: “The most important 824-3000 FOR MORE INFO ham, Ala. Bowden admired Penn part of coaching is making your Looking for a work-study? FEATURES: State’s style and wanted to visit its kids believe in you.” Check out this week’s Brand coaches. But the football budget Bowden: “You don’t remember Want to see your Subconnection was so small at Howard he re- every win. You remember the work in print? Promotions ceived just $55 for expenses. That people who helped get you the Other favorites: Ham & Cheese Enjoy working on got him as far as Lewiston, Pa. wins.” 6” Sub $3.50 Chicken Salad, Fajita Chicken “I thumbed the rest of the Paterno: “Here’s how I recruit: different projects? way,” he said. “I think I stayed at Get `em up to the school. Let Hours of Operation: a fraternity house.” `em see if they like the place. Is This is the place for you. 12”Sub $5.50 Monday-Friday 11:30-9 p.m. Bowden and Paterno are the it a place they want to go? Do we Saturday 1 p.m.-9 p.m. last football coaches whose have what they want to study? Do PAC Make it a combo for $1.00! Sunday 5 p.m.-9 p.m. good names defi ne a university. they like the coaches? That’s it.” Once such legends dotted the Bowden: “I was at West Virgin- MARKETING countryside. Woody. Bo. Bear. ia when Joe became head coach December 14, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 11 LAKER

To contact: [email protected] SPORTS Men’s basketball downs Edinboro Lakers defeat Fighting Scots in OT but fall to Grand Valley on the road

of the fi rst. By Brady Hunter The second period began just Contributing writer as dubiously, with a 15-1 run against our Lakers. The Mercyhurst Lakers men’s Mercyhurst saw three players basketball team continued their reach double digits, with Fogel, strong opening home-stretch by Smith and Brennan all recording defeating Edinboro in an exciting 11 points. overtime game on Wednesday. Fogel was 5 of 5 from the free The contest began with an 11- throw line, and fi nished with a 1 Mercyhurst run, which lead to team-high fi ve assists. a comfortable lead of 34-22 at Leading the team with four half-time. rebounds was Field, while fresh- In the second period, Edinboro man Kerry Wilkinson grabbed made a remarkable resurgence, three steals. and it took a jumper from junior Overall, the team lost both the Avi Fogel to tie the game at 59 battle of the boards at 27-12 and with just 46 seconds to play. the turnover skirmish, 20-19. Forty-two seconds later, the Also, Mercyhurst came up Lakers were forced to even up with zero blocks, as compared to the score again, this time at 61 Grand Valley State’s three. with some help from sophomore The most lethal weapon in Terry Smith. Grand Valley State’s arsenal was Overtime saw fi ve lead changes undoubtedly sophomore center and an eventful conclusion. With Callistus Esiukwu. 2:28 left Edinboro lead by two The 6’10” Michigan native points (70-68). schooled the Lakers with 19 Another Fogel jumper and points coming on 7/7 shots from Smith’s free throw at 1:19 put the the fi eld and 5 of 6 from the Katie McAdams/Photo editor Lakers up by two, which became Junior point guard Avi Fogel scored 26 points against Edinboro, including 12 in the overtime period. line, three boards, six assists, two a four-point lead when Smith blocks and seven steals. then stole the ball and drained overtime, while going 4/4 from tributed ten points and three the third best in Mercyhurst The good news is that Grand The men are off this week until a layup. the fi eld, 2/2 from the line, and blocks. Senior Andy Kubinski history, but that momentum Valley State is no pushover, their 3:00 p.m. match against Fogel fi nished the game with draining two three-pointers. pitched in 10 points and three would be halted on Saturday in ranked No. 19 with a 6-2 record, Slippery Rock in the Mercyhurst two free throws in the fi nal fi ve He also earned the Mercyhurst steals made solid contributions Michigan. 3-1 in the GLIAC North. Athletic Center. seconds to give the Lakers a 76- College Male Athlete of the on both sides of the ball. In the team’s road opener the The game was fairly close until After that, the team will play 72 win. Week Award. Junior Mitch Brennan led the Mercyhurst Lakers lost 77-52, a 20-0 run late in the fi rst half one more game in West Virginia, For the game, he ended up Smith racked up 18 points, team with nine boards. dropping them to 7-2 overall and which brought Grand Valley then a two-day tournament in with 26 points, including 12 in while junior Richard Field con- The 7-1 start for the team was 2-2 in the GLIAC South. State a 35-24 lead at the close Vermont over Christmas Break. Women’s hockey destroys CHA rival Robert Morris

On Friday, Mercyhurst got goalie Brianne McLaughlin. By Ryan Palm started early when junior de- The Lakers pounded McLaugh- Sports editor fender Ashley Pendleton scored lin with shot attempts, tallying 51 her sixth goal of the season just on the night. The Mercyhurst women’s hock- three minutes into the contest. Colizza scored three goals in ey team made quick work of the Six minutes later red-hot junior her second hat trick in as many Robert Morris Colonials this past forward Julia Colizza scored a weeks, raising her season tally weekend, Dec. 9-10. short-handed goal, also her sixth to 12. The Lakers, in their second of the season. Honors were abundant for weekend of College Hockey Robert Morris responded with Colizza this week, as she was America (CHA) play, downed the a goal of their own with four named the Mercyhurst College fi rst-year conference member by minutes to play the period, but Female Athlete of the Week on scores of 5-1 and 9-1. sophomore Kristen Erickson Monday, the CHA Offensive With the wins Mercyhurst scored her third goal of the year Player of the Week soared ahead of Princeton in just a minute later to put the Lak- Sophomore forward Stephanie the USCHO.com poll, whereas ers back up three. Jones scored a pair of goals and for the previous two weeks only Mercyhurst received a goal in added an assist in earning the a few points separated the two each of the final two periods game’s second star. teams. from Stefanie Bourbeau and the Freshman forward Valerie Ch- With the poll released Dec. fi rst collegiate goal from junior ouinard added three assists on

12, Mercyhurst is now 26 points Lesley McArthur. the night, increasing her team- File Photo ahead of Princeton, and only For the game Mercyhurst out- lead to 18. Mercyhurst defense allowed only 13 shots on goal this weekend against Robert Morris. nine shy of Harvard University shot the Colonials by a tally of RMU again struggled offen- which is currently No. 5. 42-6, with sophomore goaltender sively scoring once on six shots. With the win Mercyhurst ly this season, with Quinnipiac weekend Jan. 6-7. The Lakers also shot ahead of Laura Hosier making fi ve saves Freshman Courtney Drennan has now won 17 straight CHA leaving the conference and RMU The team returns home the fol- the Tigers in the USA Today poll, in net. picked up her third win of the games, including three straight joining. The weekend fi nished up lowing weekend when they host which had featured the Tigers as In Saturday nights’ contest the season, and freshman Nicole conference and post-season the Lakers’ schedule for 2005. CHA rival Wayne State Univer- No. 6 with Mercyhurst at No. 7 Lakers really turned on the jets, Nelson logged 20 minutes in championships. They will travel to UConn and sity for a pair of games. for the past two weeks. scoring nine goals on Colonials’ between the pipes as well. The CHA was shaken up slight- Providence for a non-conference Five stories you might not remember from the year 2005 3. Roger Federer - To tennis combined with Lewis’s quiet By Matt Jackson fans Federer is considered one of nature creates almost no cover- Co-sports editor COMMENTARY the top athletes in the world and age for the coach outside of his they can’t get enough of him. weekly press conference. With the holidays right around Vlad Guerrero, David Ortiz, and Outside of the tennis world, For more proof that Lewis is the corner, 2005 is winding down Manny Ramirez. Federer gets a complimentary a great coach, take a look at the and taking an exciting year of That’s some pretty good com- 30 seconds on Sportscenter after inept Brian Billick and his Balti- sports with it. pany for a player whose skill is winning almost every tourna- more Ravens since Lewis left the We saw the Patriots put the relatively unknown outside of ment he played in. team in 2003. fi nishing touches on a dynasty, the state of Ohio. It’s probably safe to say that 1. Chicago White Sox win the watched as Terrell Owens created More importantly he helped the if American Andy Roddick was World Series - I know it’s hard turmoil in the city of Broth- Indians contend in the Central playing at the level Federer is he to believe that a World Series erly Love, and witnessed Reggie Division, something they hadn’t would get a lot more media at- champion could somehow slip Bush become a college football done the past three seasons. tention than the German. past the media’s attention, but legend. Hafner and the Indians will be 2. Marvin Lewis - The Cincin- for the most part the White Sox The Spurs established domi- a team to watch for in the 2006 natti Bengals are almost a lock did just that. nance, Roger Clemens defi ed the season. for the playoffs. Ozzie Guillen made headlines laws of aging and Tiger Woods 4. Dwyane Wade - Wade gets I understand if you have to for his off the wall comments, returned to imortal stature. credit but not the amount of reread that last sentence a few but the players could never win We remember these stories credit he deserves. times. I’m having a hard time the media over and by next year because they were covered and He carried the Shaqless Miami believing it myself. will most likely be considered talked about nonstop in the Heat on his back all the way to What happened to the good Chicago’s other team. sports world during their respec- the seventh game of the Eastern old days of Akili Smith, KiJana All the White Sox did was tive season. Conference fi nals. Carter and every other Bengals cruise through the American Here are fi ve more stories that For some reason Wade is still player that never reached even league playoffs before handily should be remembered even sometimes viewed as the third half of their potential? defeating the Cardinals in the though they didn’t receive the best player in the 2003 NBA Instead Lewis has turned the World Series. same amount of media atten- draft. “Bungles” into the ferocious Chicago is not the Red Sox or tion as some of the other sports He has easily surpassed Car- Bengals in just two seasons at the Yankees, so for some reason superstars. melo Anthony and, although, he the helm. nobody cares. KRT Photo 5. Travis Hafner in MVP may not have the physical ability Chad Johnson is probably to Hopefully one day fans will race - Hafner quietly fi nished Lebron James, his results are blame for Lewis not receiving see that there is baseball outside The White Sox winning the World Series tops our list of storys from the sports world in 2005 tthat you might not remember. fifth in baseball’s American easily better than those of James more credit for the turnaround. of the New York and Boston League MVP race behind A-Rod, and the Cavs. Johnson’s affi nity for the camera areas. PAGE 12 THE MERCIAD December 14, 2005 LAKER

SPORTS To contact: [email protected] Laker Sports “Quick Hits” Men’s hockey wins pair This Weeks Results... By Chris Van Horn Women’s hockey...... Dec. 9, W 5-1, Robert Morris Contributing writer Dec. 10, W 4-3, Robert Morris Men’s hockey...... Dec. 9, W 5-4 (OT) Canisius Lakers hockey is on a roll head- Dec. 10 W 4-3, Canisius ing into the second half of the Women’s basketball...... Dec. 10, L 78-41, Grand Valley season. Mercyhurst concluded their Dec. 12, W 68-65, West Liberty calendar year on Dec. 9 and 10 Men’s basketball...... Dec. 7, W 76-72 (OT), Edinboro with a home-and-home sweep Dec. 10, L 77-52, Grand Valley over conference rival Canisius. Wrestling...... Dec. 9, L 18-19, Gannon The Lakers defeated the Gold- en Griffi ns 5-4 in overtime on Dec. 11 W 19-14 East Strousburg Dec. 9 at the Mercyhurst Ice Dec. 11 W 52-4 Deleware St. Center and then again in Buf- Dec. 11 W 26-13, Kent St. falo the following day by a score ______of 4-3. Mercyhurst led 4-2 in the fi rst of the two weekend contests heading into the fi nal period. In the news... Canisius fought back to tie the score at 4-4 to force the extra Athletes of the Week period. The overtime frame did not last Katie McAdams/Photo editor long as sophomore forward Ben Sophomore forward Ben Cottreau scored the game-winner Friday against Canisius The decision makers in the Cottreau scored the game winner Mercyhurst Athletic Department just 39 seconds into overtime to fi rst three Mercyhurst goals, but West Point. Mercyhurst will play each team had an easy going this weekend give the Lakers the 5-4 victory. Canisius had an answer for each Even though the Lakers have twice more before the end of the in the selection of their Athlete The goal was Cottreau’s sev- as the score was tied at 3-3 head- won four straight, Coach Rick regular season. of the Week Awards. enth goal of the year. ing into the fi nal period. Gotkin feels that the upcoming Gotkin knows that to keep On the men’s side it went to Juniors Kyle Gourgan, Jamie The fi nal period was scoreless rest is well-needed. their lead and win their confer- basketball’s Avi Fogel, with Hunt and senior Dave Borrelli for the fi rst 15 minutes of action “The college hockey season is ence, the Lakers will have to hockey’s Julia Colizza picking each scored goals in the victory. before Reynolds notched his defi nitely a grind, and we need continue to improve. up the Female Athlete of the Junior Scott Champagne added second goal of the game to give the rest at this point of the sea- “I’m pleased with how the fi rst Week Award. two assists to give him 18 on the Mercyhurst a 4-3 advantage. son. We still have more than half half of the season has gone. season, which leads the Lakers. The Lakers held on to the lead a season left to go and you can We’ve played well despite having Fogel was lights-out from the File Photo Champagne is the third lead- for the fi nal fi ve minutes to seal always use rest both mentally and some key injuries, and it’s always fi eld in the Lakers two games Junior Julia Colizza ing scorer in the country with the victory, the teams fourth in physically,” Gotkin stated. nice to be in first place, but this week, most notably on 28 points. a row. Mercyhurst will enter the sec- there’s always room for improve- Wednesday when he scored 26 points to lead the Lakers to Laker goalie Mike Ella stopped Ella was busy in goal again as ond half of Atlantic Hockey ment,” Gotkin said. an overtime victory over local rival Edinboro. Fogel, a junior 28 shots between the pipes for he stopped 33 shots to pick up play in fi rst place. The Lakers Among those injured who will transfer from San Diego University, poured in 12 points in the the victory. his seventh win of the season. are 10-2 in the conference, and be back in the lineup by the end extra session to leave no doubt, scoring 12 of the teams 15 The Saturday contest in Buffalo Mercyhurst now has a little less 11-6 overall. of December are freshman cen- points in the overtime. was back and forth for the fi rst than a month off before their The Lakers 20 points in Atlan- ter Matt Pierce, who has been out two periods. next game. tic Hockey puts them fi ve points since Nov. 5 with a broken thumb Colizza scored her second hat-trick in as many weekends, this Erik Johnson, Scott Reynolds The Lakers don’t return to the up on second place Holy Cross and senior defenseman Conrad one coming Sunday against Robert Morris. She also tallied and Borrelli, who leads the Lak- ice until 2006 when on Jan. 6-7 and seven points up on third Martin, arguably the team’s best a goal on Saturday, raising her season total to 13 goals. In ers with 11 goals, contributed the they face Army on the road at place Sacred Heart. defender. addition she also is second on the team 22 points.

She scored both game-winners on the weekend, and was also named to the College Hockey America (CHA) Offensive Player of the Week. Women’s basketball beats Wesleyan

Cottreau earns honors from Atlantic Hockey “We went into their gym and career, along with Jena Schafer. “Everyone is so supportive and By Andy Tait let them have the win,” said Seth. Prischak has surprisingly seen thoughtful and I really couldn’t Contributing writer Mercyhurst men’s hockey It has been a tough start to the the most playing time given her have asked for better team- sophomore forward Ben season, but the teams self belief youth. mates,” added Prischak. The Cottreau was named the A disappointing start for Mercy- still remains. But she has defi ed expectations team’s togetherness could be conference’s Player of the hurst women’s basketball has left “We just aren’t putting all the and currently leads the team in the difference over the holiday Week on Monday, Dec. 12. them with a 1-7 overall record. pieces together right now and it’s average points per game with period, with pressure seemingly Cottreau scored his seventh Despite the fact that the team tough because we are capable of 11.3 and also in steals with 15. off the team as they get ready goal of the season when he has struggled so far, they are only so much more,” said Seth. Despite her impressive stats, Pri- for a number of non-conference lit the lamp in the overtime a quarter of the way through Seth is one of three captains schak says, “It’s a team sport and games. period against Canisius. their schedule. on the team this year and she we are all in it together, we don’t The Lakers will try to After the close GLI- remains confi dent that the team worry about individual stats.” use these games to gain On Saturday he assisted AC victory over Wayne can turn the corner. Prischak’s work has im- some momentum before on two Laker goals, and State at home, the Lakers Seth refuses to shift the blame pressed her teammates given the the conference games resume moved up for fourth on the headed to nationally ranked for the team’s poor start and situation and her inexperience at after the Christmas break. File Photo team in points with 21. The Sophomore Ben Cottreau Grand Valley State. believes that success reflects the college level. Mercyhurst played host to conference also honored The ninth ranked team in the leadership. “Stephanie comes ready to play West Virginia Wesleyan this past junior goaltender Mike Ella country found little diffi culty in “There is defi nitely some added day-in, day-out and is someone that Monday night, another team off and freshman forward Chris Trafford by naming them to the picking up their eighth win of the pressure but it is something the you can count on to get the job done a shaky start. conference Honor Roll. Ella made 61 saves in the weekend season, 78-41. three of us can handle and since ,” said Seth. Prischak came up big Mercyhurst will hope- series, picking up two wins. The Lakers turned in their the season is still young, we have in the team’s lone win this sea- fully use home court ad- worst shooting performance a lot of time to turn it around,” son, making the winning shot in vantage this Friday at 7 Trafford had three assists which extended his scoring streak to of the season, in recording just explained Seth. overtime. p.m. when they go head to head eight straight games. Mercyhurst also moved ahead of fellow 22 percent (11 of 49) in the It is the senior leadership that “Stephanie has had a lot weight with Mansfi eld. AHA member Holy Cross in the USCHO.com rankings where contest. has allowed this year’s freshman to on her shoulders and has handled it Before trying to end the year they currently stand at No. 27. Senior guard, Cassie Seth, was settle in and become integral tremendously,” said Seth. on a high with trips down the the only Mercyhurst player to parts of the team’s efforts. The opinion of Prischak’s road to Gannon University to Stay in the Loop with Laker Sports over break reach double fi gures. She regis- Freshman guard Stephanie teammates is that there is still a face Daemen and NYIT, on tered 14 points and pulled down Prischak, has made an impres- lot more to come from the Erie Dec. 19-20. a game high 10 rebounds. A new feature not known to many on the new Mercyhurst sive start to her Mercyhurst native. Athletics website is the ability to view live stats as they are inputted at most Mercyhurst home events. The feature is available for men’s and women’s basketball and hockey during the winter months. Playoffs just around the corner for NFL

To check out the available contests, head to http:// cago as the class of the NFC, divisional dominance with a 35-7 By Brady Hunter the Vikings are now just one stomping of wildly inconsistent hurstathletics.collegesports.com/ot/mery-livestats.html. Contributing writer COMMENTARY game back, with a season-fi - Buffalo. Happy Holidays! nale matchup against the Bears The Patriots certainly needed Playoffs? Playoffs? More than to an 8-5 mark and have a very that promises to be laced with to come through on Sunday, The sports desk at the Merciad wishes you a very happy one of us had to be mimicking real chance to regain the lead be- implications. considering Miami’s upset vic- holidays! We encourage you to keep up with the sports over Jim Mora this weekend, as pos- fore the season ends, both Tampa Predictably, the AFC also has tory over San Diego and their break, here is a brief listing of games ahead: sibilities drifted in and out of Bay and Carolina remain on the its share of drama. two remaining AFC East games, sight for so many post-season Falcons’ schedule. With the aforementioned win one against the Pats, makes them Women’s basketball hopefuls in the NFL. Also, there’s the NFC East. over Chicago, the Steelers man- technically able to overtake New For anyone wondering, nine Although the Giants’ nail-biter aged to keep their heads above England in the race for the AFC Dec. 19 & 20 at Avalon Classic (Erie, Pa.) teams have been eliminated turned out in the Giants’ favor, water in an ultra-competitive East. As for the AFC South and thanks to four redemptive fi eld Jan. 2 vs. Edinboro from the playoffs entering this wild-card race. NFC West, why even bother? weekend; that’s about par for goals from Jay Feely, Dallas’ last Cincinnati has obviously run The Colts are unlike anything minute heroics kept the division Wrestling the league since the realignment away with the AFC North, but that our generation has seen, a few years back. lead within one game. looked a bit suspect in their and Seattle is having a great time Dec. 20 at Buffalo (NY) But it’s been a while since so Meanwhile, the Redskins con- narrow 23-20 victory over the beating up on the decade’s weak- many divisional titles were up for tinued to beg for a playoff spot sad-sop Browns. est division. Men’s basketball grabs after week 15. by defeating Arizona. Denver also showed some Somehow, the season’s final For instance, take the NFC Moving to the North, the weakness, surviving a knee- three weeks holds 20 matchups Dec. 20 at Shepard South, where the Panthers’ loss Bears’ loss to Pittsburgh and knocking game against Balti- between division rivals in which to the Bucs on Sunday muddled another consecutive Minnesota more, despite the Broncos best at least one team has a playoff Dec. 29 at Teikyo Post things up. win, stretching Brad Johnson’s effort to give the game away spot on the line. geriatric Cinderella Story to 6-0, Dec. 30 at Concordia The Buccaneers are now on with a missed extra point, the Half of those could affect the top, but share a 9-4 record with created a potential quagmire in underachieving Ravens bested playoff hopes of both teams yet another NFC division. Quick hits are compiled by sports editor Ryan Palm. Any- Carolina. them in futility. involved. So strap yourselves in; And then there’s Atlanta, who While an eight-game winning Another division leader, New that annual month of mayhem in thing worthy of being a “quick hit” should be e-mailed to streak seemed to be touting Chi- [email protected]. won Monday night’s contest go England, demonstrated its intra- the NFL is just getting started.