THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929 The MERCIAD Vol. 78 No. 6 Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie, Pa. 16546 November 3, 2004 The Merciad is also available at merciad.mercyhurst.edu NEWS: ’Hurst celebrates Halloween PAGE 2 So close FEATURES: Learn communication skills by watching the Apprentice PAGE 4 OPINION: Voting in this election required patience PAGE 6 KRT photos ARTS & This composite photo illustration shows Senator John Kerry and President George W. Bush campaigning during the ENTERTAINMENT: Kerry and appeared on the verge of and blue for Democratic states. a state from the other’s 2000 victory Knight Ridder Newspapers securing enough electoral votes to win For his part, Kerry held Pennsylva- column as of midnight, EST. The Claremont Trio the presidency for a second term. nia, despite Bush’s persistent courting fi nal result was unclear and hinged on Americans surged to the polls Unusually long lines at precincts in 44 visits. a handful of closely divided states. performs at Tuesday in the fi rst wartime election across the country underscored the At 1:30 a.m. EST, it became clear Earlier, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft said it Mercyhurst in more than three decades, anxious intense interest in the outcome, with that Bush held the crucial battle- probably would be very late before to decide whether the country should the stakes high and the choice be- ground of Florida. Ohio hung in the results could be determined there. In PAGE 8 stay the course with President Bush or tween the two main candidates clear. balance; Kerry’s campaign would not New Mexico, nearly 200,000 absentee shift direction with Sen. John Kerry. As it was in 2000, the country was concede it. The Midwest states of ballots were outstanding in a state By early Wednesday, the numbers divided, and the two rivals carved up Michigan and Wisconsin remained that was decided four years ago by PORTS appeared to be in President Bush’s much of the country along the fa- in the balance, as were Nevada and 365 votes. S : favor. Bush had a lead nationwide of miliar red-blue lines of election night New Mexico. Other battleground states remained approximately 3 million votes over maps, with red for Republican states Neither side was able to win away too close to call by 2:00 a.m. EST. Women’s hockey wins pair Students played their part in election PAGE 12 The election year has provoked By Jonelle Davis and many Mercyhurst students to actively Joshua Wilwohl involve themselves in politics, and this political season gave them a reason to Upcoming Campus Events Students on campus sat on edge as spread their values and beliefs. The the countdown to election 2004 came Young Democrats, Young Republi- to a close. Most watched vigilantly cans, Phi Sigma Alpha and Campus Wednesday, Nov. 3 and patiently – either in their lounge Ministry were all active campus Film: Control Room, 2 p.m. and 8 or in the Student Union – awaiting groups that worked towards getting p.m., PAC. America’s decision. Mercyhurst students to the polls. Skating: Open Ice Skate, 9:30 p.m. Students who gathered to watch The groups held their fi nal elec- the election kept concerned issues in tion event, “The Main Event”, a until 10:45 p.m., MIC. mind-issues such as the war, abortion, student debate between the Young and terrorism. Democrats and Young Republicans Thursday, Nov. 4 Gabe Donajowski, who joined the on Oct. 27, which more than 130 viewing in the Union, believes that students attended. Job Fair: 13th Annual Career and Job neither candidate has a well-planned The Young Republicans were Fair, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., MAC. exit strategy for Iraq. “Bush is just represented by club president J.J. not clear on his views, and neither Mikulec, a senior political science, Speaker: John DeMado “In search candidate is making any feasible history and intelligence major, and Jo of Language: Mastery or Profi ciency,” conclusions about such an action Ellen Taylor, a junior citizen educa- either.” tion major. 8:00 p.m., Taylor Little Theatre. Jim Schuler, also present at the stu- The Young Democrats were repre- dent screening, shares Donajowski’s sented by club co-presidents, Albert Sunday, Nov. 7 view. “I feel Bush has his own agenda Veverka and Michael Foglio, both and is not benefiting America in seniors and political science majors. Skating: Open Ice Skate, 7:45 p.m. Katie McAdams/Photo editor general; we are not there for the right Veverka said he was pleased with until 9:15 p.m., MIC. reasons. And as for Kerry, he wants the results of the debate. “The stu- Students watch Tuesday’s election coverage at the Mercy Suites. to just gain presidency before devel- dent debate went as well as could be oping any concrete ideas [on the war expected. I thought both sides did an groups held many other activities candidates. We were happy, as politi- Index in Iraq],” he said. outstanding job and worked tirelessly on campus to push students into cal science students, to be able to give Briefl y mentioned was the subject to make sure the students were well following the election. These events something back to the Mercyhurst News..................................................1 of abortion, which most believed educated. I was really proud to see included registering students to vote community.” on campus and a viewing party for the Hudak hopes that their hard work News..................................................2 was a weak issue in the election. the Republicans do such a fantastic Marie Blum, who was also present job. I was proud to share the stage fi rst Presidential Debate on Sept. 30, paid off and they made a difference in News..................................................3 during the public viewing said, “The with them and I was so happy with where 180 people attended. the election. “I certainly hope we’ve A political science Ad Hoc titled made a difference. The joint effort Features............................................4 biggest issue is the war in Iraq, not their performance,” said Veverka. abortion.” Veverka gave credit to Phi Sigma “Red States, Blue States and Battle- by Young Democrats and Young Features............................................5 Another topic discussed as the polls Alpha and the President of the group ground States 2004” with guest Republicans has been amazing. The speaker Dr. Speel from Penn State two groups worked together all term Opinion.............................................6 closed was that of America’s future. Kristen Hudak, for the success of the Mike Cilladi said, “If Kerry comes debate. “All the credit really goes to Behrend and a political T-shirt sale, to help students learn more about Opinion.............................................7 in, it will hurt small businesses and Kristen Hudak and Pi Sigma Alpha was held during the entire month of the election and candidates, and also October, selling over 200 shirts. to get students registered to vote,” A & E.................................................8 ultimately taxes. If Bush stays, it gives for putting on a spectacular show,” his policies time to work out.” Veverka said. “I had some students Looking back on the events Hudak Hudak said. A & E.................................................9 Other views included that of Chris come up to me in the days follow- was happy with the results of their “Both groups did outstanding hard work. “I was impressed with work throughout the term. I hope Sports..............................................10 Spinelli’s, who said, “If Bush con- ing the debate telling me that I had tinues in offi ce, he will take care of convinced them to vote for Kerry or the turnout for each election-related the activities we provided have left Sports..............................................11 things in due time. If Kerry would that the Republicans convinced them event throughout the term,” said Hu- the student body a bit more educated dak. “We are glad to see that students about the process and candidates, and Sports..............................................12 be elected, he would be weak and to vote for Bush. So I do believe it have no mandate or good call to be made a difference.” were excited about the election and perhaps excited to be involved and to President.” According to Kristen Hudak, the interested in learning more about the vote,” said Hudak. PAGE 2 THE MERCIAD November 3, 2004 NEWS To contact: [email protected] ’Hurst celebrates Halloween the scariest dressed as a ghostly of the year and let us share our By Jenny Allen gentleman and funniest for Chris experiences.” Contributing writer Kelly as an Irishman. McNierney added, “I am very Others included best group or interested in the paranormal and There were many chances to couple, Stephanie and Nicholas think it would be interesting to dress up and get scared at Mer- for their costumes as Cruella have an investigator come and cyhurst this year for Halloween Devil and her Dalmatian, and see what they would fi nd in Egan weekend and many students best overall for the cast of The Hall.” jumped at the fun. Wizard of OZ; Kelly Dombrows- McNierney said on the tour First, students came out to the ki as Dorothy, Jill Natale as the they told the four main ghost women’s hockey game vs. Clark- Wicked Witch, Nicole and Lau- stories of the college. These are son on Friday night and showed ren Vaccariello as Munchkins, the ring story, the dancer story, off their costumes for a chance and Katie Reed as Glinda. the story of the nun ghost by Old to win a $50 cash prize. “The costume party went Main and the story of the girl Students came in variety of great,” Williams said.