In a past life Bliss Hall was a male dormitory. (AP Photo)

Today, Bliss Hall houses the English, journalism/professional writing, languages, religious studies, philosophy and women’s and gender studies departments.

Filled with classrooms, offices, basement computer labs and bookshelves, it’s hard to imagine this building actually being considered a home.

Although it has changed significantly since, Bliss Hall was originally a male dormitory.

The late William Hausdoerffer, professor emeritus of mathematics, was designated as dean of men and lived in an apartment, in what now is the English department’s office.

Several former students and professors recall Hausdoerffer creating his apartment and

residing with wife Rosemary,

and late son William ‘Billy’

Hausdoerffer.

If you’ve ever wandered around in the backrooms of the English department’s office to see the book collections, there is one room that has a fireplace.

Personally, I always questioned its purpose, but through conversation with Pete Manetas, associate vice president of Development and Alumni Affairs, I learned that the fireplace was a part of the Hausdoerffer’s home.

This also explains why the English office area appears so spacious.

As dean of men, Hausdoerffer was in charge of overseeing the male student population.

Len Tharney, professor emeritus and alumnus, said, “(Hausdoerffer) selected me to become the assistant dean of men, in a building right next to Bliss Hall that used to be called ‘New House.’”

While Centennial Hall is still structured with gender separate floors, it can be hard to imagine female and male students residing in entirely different buildings.

Sure, students sometimes take a snooze in class — although this is not advisable — but it’s interesting to think that about 50 years ago, those at the College actually did sleep and dorm in those very classrooms.

Any campus legends you’ve always want to explore? Just send an e-mail, and maybe you can become the column’s next detective!

Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.

By Lauren Rittenbach

Jennifer Aniston should have clung to John Mayer to save their relationship. (AP Photo)

I’ve always considered myself to be above the gender differences. I like math, I try not to wear pink, and I’m not even afraid to kill spiders. Yeah, I’m a pretty independent woman with one exception: I can only talk to guys when I’m at parties.

When I’m at parties I’m hotter than Victoria Beckham. Never mind the slight muffin top that society tells me I should hate; it just can’t be disguised in those spandex styles that fashion magazines tell me I should wear. You would think that my women’s and gender studies minor would mold, nay, transform me into this cool, nonchalant, mistress with all this feminine mystique who could have non-committal sex and leave men crying in their beds alone at night.

Thus, my alter ego has devised a plan that will help women land an ideal guy and keep him around. For the good of women everywhere I will transcribe my most successful behaviors at parties and apply them to real-life situations.

1. Guys love it when you can’t stand up by yourself, so ask them for piggyback rides. This is an ideal way to get close quick and relieve some pressure off of your feet from those stripper heels you should be wearing.

2. Ask to drive his car. Better yet — don’t even ask, just take the keys and climb into the front seat. Lock the doors. When he yells at you to open up, cry and lay across the seats. Guys love it when girls are difficult; you know how they love a challenge and a woman who takes charge.

3. When you feel sick, make him hold back your hair while you puke. If his hands are currently occupied with a beer or his cell phone, puke on his shoes. Make sure you say, “I never actually do this,” while you are actually doing it. This will remind him of how classy you are. Try to kiss him immediately after puking. If he won’t kiss you, yell in his face or something.

4. Moments in public are most appropriate to reprimand him for looking at another girl, hitting on other girls, or not paying enough attention to you. Surely this will mask all insecurities and will bring your relationship closer than ever.

5. Like in beer pong, when you miss most of the shots and then make your partner drink all of the cups, make your partner do all of the work in your relationship and take all of the heat for any problems. You should then complain when things are less than perfect. Life is a one way street.

6. Finally, always be clingy. Be more than clingy; be his second shadow. How else will he remember that you exist? If you can’t actually be there, text him constantly. Text him again. You should be texting him right now. Tell him your deepest secrets via text and make sure you spell everything incorrectly.

Congratulations! You are now on your way to roping — and groping — your own college Prince Charming, and you are the Blacked Out Beauty. Fuck guy time, it’s you time — all the time.

Graffiti marks the walls of a men’s bathroom stall in the student center. (Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor)

Campus bathrooms are shared by scores of people on a daily basis — staff, faculty, students, visitors and potential enrollees — and the College is responsible for cleaning many of these facilities.

According to Edward Gruber, who recently assumed the position of interim supervisor for buildings and grounds, “Restrooms have the biggest priority because you’re dealing with sanitation issues.”

Yet recent student interviews and a poll reveal significant complaints about the conditions in some of these public and communal bathrooms on campus.

Much of the blame is placed on neighboring residents, but there also appears to be some discrepancy between the College’s reported cleanup regimen and what is actually observed. Community Advisors in Centennial Hall, where bathrooms are shared by as many as 50 students, have indicated that bathrooms there are not cleaned, and garbage is not removed, as frequently as is stated by the College’s housekeeping organization.

The Office of Building Services, the College organization in charge of cleaning, maintenance and other support services, employed 89 full-time cleaning personnel as of late December. These Building Attendants are responsible for cleaning and removing trash from the College’s public and communal bathrooms and cleaning floors, elevators, stairs and other spaces. Another set of College staff, including plumbers, painters and other technical personnel, is tasked with physical maintenance and repairs.

According to the Building Services website, a number of tasks are performed regularly by Building Attendants, including the daily cleaning of bathrooms and emptying of trash bins and the weekly removal of graffiti.

“Cleaning services are provided on a daily basis to all areas of the campus, including weekends,” the site states. Building Attendants’ purview includes the bathrooms in most of the freshman and sophomore residence halls, the academic buildings and the Brower Student Center.

In The Signal’s online poll of 72 students, a majority — 58 percent — said that they used a public or communal bathroom during the fall semester that they considered consistently unclean. Respondents complained of toilet paper and paper towels left on the floor; overflowing trash containers; a lack of soap, paper towels and toilet paper; graffiti; odor and vomit.

Gruber said that unfavorable conditions typically result after attendants have finished their daily cleaning.

“It gets trashed and the building assistant may or may not know that,” he said.

Sophomore slump

Christina Codispoti, sophomore English and women’s and gender studies double major, was a CA last semester in Centennial Hall, a sophomore residence that opened in 1955. Her section included about 50 girls who shared the same bathroom. The conditions there, she said, are “very gross.”

“Unlike the freshman dorms, (Centennial is) a sophomore building, so no one has sinks in their rooms,” she said. “So instead of brushing your teeth in your room and doing dishes in your room, you have to wash your hands, brush your teeth and do your dishes in the same sink.”

Two or three Building Attendants are assigned each day to the three-floors residence hall. In addition to a daily, comprehensive bathroom cleaning, Gruber said, attendants are charged with checking the state of the bathrooms once or twice throughout the day. Their supervisors — there were four for the campus as of the end of the fall semester — check up on them “periodically,” he said. He also said that trash is “supposed to be” emptied every day “from pretty much every area on campus.”

Codispoti does not believe that Centennial’s bathrooms are cleaned daily. “I would like to think that they are, but I doubt it,” she said. “I would say probably around three times a week, maybe.”

She also estimates that trash is taken out, on average, once a week. This can be a problem, she said, when one of her residents has too much to drink and vomits in the bathroom. She said that this happened three or four times during the fall semester and that the response from Building Services was less than satisfactory.

“In my experience, when I’ve called Building Services and I’ve told them that there was puke, it’s taken up to 24 hours for them to respond,” she said. “But the problem with that is, when they throw things out, such as vomit, it goes into the trash room on the floor … that’s removed maybe once a week, so the garbage room smells really bad.”

When she made her cleanup request, Codispoti said, Building Services staff did not give her an indication of when the bathroom would be cleaned. “They said they’d get to it, which didn’t give me a time frame,” she said. “And they always sound annoyed when I called. It’s like I’m doing them a disservice by calling them.”

Despite her dissatisfaction with cleaning efforts, Codispoti said — and other students agreed — that a large part of the blame falls on the people using the bathrooms.

“I think Building Services, although they do not respond in a timely fashion to phone calls, they do their jobs,” she said. “A lot of the problem is the way students handle the bathrooms … the bathroom is a place where … you do not have to clean (your mess) up, because someone else will do it.”

Eman Hassan, a junior English major who is also a CA in Centennial, said in an e-mail that the bathrooms are cleaned every other day and reported a more positive experience with Building Services.

“Usually on Mondays, the staff thoroughly cleans the showers, sinks and toilets,” she said. “They truly are very responsive when we ask for soap or toilet paper refills.”

Hassan said that Building Services is doing a “wonderful job,” and noted, “It also depends on who is using the bathroom. They, too, need to keep it clean for everyone.”

According to an e-mail from Kerry Ryan, a sophomore open options science major and Centennial resident, the bathrooms get progressively worse throughout the day, which supports Gruber’s statement regarding what happens after initial cleanings.

“If you use the bathroom in the morning, the conditions are as pleasant as Centennial will allow,” she said. “The sinks, showers, toilets, and floors are all cleaned. The drains are not clogged. And there are enough paper towels, toilet paper, and soap. If you use the bathroom later in the day, which is essentially inevitable, you will find the conditions are drastically different.” She described chunks of food, toothpaste and hair in the sinks, strewn paper towels, and blood on the toilet seats.

“These disgusting conditions do not result from poor cleaning on the staff’s part but because the girls on our floor take no responsibility in cleaning up after themselves,” the e-mail said.

With regard to bathroom fixtures, Gruber cited the problem of “abuse where more care could be taken by any member (of the campus community) … faculty, staff, students.” In addition to deterioration over

A handful of students have voiced complaints about conditions in Centennial Hall’s women’s bathrooms. Community Advisors say they are cleaned a few times a week. (Abby Hocking / Photo Assistant)

time, he said, urinals and toilets are commonly damaged because bathroom users kick the flush handles, which can cause leaking and even breaking-off. In that case, he said, “water can come flying out.”

Codispoti said that she would like to see a stronger relationship between students and the Building Services staff.

“A lot of my residents did not know that they could themselves contact Building Services,” she said.

Of the 41 polled students that said they had used consistently unclean bathrooms, only one said he had reported the conditions to College staff. Just two of the 21 who indicated that they had seen a broken toilet or urinal said they reported it.

Codispoti also said Centennial would benefit from more staff.

“Perfect-day scenario”

According to Gruber, recent major cuts in state funding have not forced a decrease in staff size: “The budgets have not impacted the numbers at all,” he said. “We still need to clean the facilities.”

At the same time, he said, “the campus keeps getting bigger.” Though Building Services was funded to staff the new Art & Interactive Multimedia Building and the new apartment buildings, Phelps Hall and Hausdoerffer Hall, he said, there have been no increases in the number of plumbers, electricians, grounds workers, or supplies necessary for upkeep.

The supposition is that because the structures are new, this shouldn’t be a problem.

“Theoretically, nothing should go wrong with them,” Gruber said.

Currently, the College employs five full-time plumbers and a supervisor. “They’re responsible for basically the plumbing of the whole campus,” Gruber said.

A staff distribution list acquired before winter break shows that of the approximately 89 Building Attendants on campus during the day, about 45 are stationed in academic buildings, about 32 in housing, two in Brower Student Center and eight on two “project teams.”

In a “perfect-day scenario,” Gruber said, the 500-resident freshman towers, Travers Hall and Wolfe Hall, are staffed one attendant per two floors. However, on a typical day, he said, as many as 10 percent of Building Attendants may be off work on required vacation time or due to illness. If there is a gap in coverage, a project team is assigned to cover the basics.

Three attendants work night shifts. “We’re not staffed to run a 24-hour operation,” Gruber said. On weekends, he said, “a small percentage” of attendants remain on campus to clean up messes if necessary.

The College is careful about the number of attendants it employs. Each time a position is vacated, Gruber said, a supervisor must assess the position to determine whether or not a new attendant should be hired.

“It makes us, as managers, be responsible,” he said. “I think it’s a good exercise.”

One could rationalize keeping a Building Attendant position on the ground floors of the towers where freshmen live, he explained, because those buildings are particularly important to potential students’ parents — the cleanliness of the Travers Hall lobby might leave an impression on visiting families.

It doesn’t happen very often, he said, that positions are not refilled.

Each year, a “customer satisfaction survey” is sent campus-wide via e-mail. Gruber said the College had been seeing “constant improvement … We’ve been getting more positive feedback.”

Still, the College faces aesthetic challenges that appear to be lower on its list of priorites.

The protocol for graffiti removal is to use cleaning products first and painting as a last resort. Gruber said that the College’s two painters “do the best they can do to provide for the very basic of needs.”

Getting rid of graffiti is part of ongoing cleaning, he said. Keeping toilets flushing is considered more important: “Sometimes it’s the aesthetic improvements that are always the last to get funded … in a climate where the budgets are tight.”

In contrast to the aging bathrooms in the student center and in old dorms like Centennial, those in the Administration Services Building and the new Art & IMM Building come equipped with fresh hardware, including a two-flush toilet system designed to conserve water. Decker Hall, opened in 1963, was renovated in 1992 and again this year.

It is unclear if or when the other aging residence halls — and their bathrooms — will follow suit.

“Are there a lot of things I would like to see done?” Gruber asked rhetorically. “Sure.”

Matt Huston can be reached at huston4@tcnj.edu. Read the full article online at tcnjsignal.net.

POLL RESULTS:

Of 72 student respondents:

58 percent said that they used a public or communal bathroom during the fall semester that they considered consistently unclean.

29 percent said they had seen a broken urinal or toilet.

29 percent answered that they were “dissatisfied” or “very dissatisfied” with conditions in public and communal bathrooms; 29 percent were “neutral” and the remaining 42 percent said that they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with conditions.

Of the 41 polled students that said they had used consistently unclean bathrooms, only one said he had reported the conditions to College staff, and just two of the 21 who indicated that they had seen a broken toilet or urinal said they reported it.

SFB

The Student Finance Board allocated Inter-Greek Council $4,500 to host a dating abuse program titled “No-Yes,” featuring a date rape victim who will share her experience with the College.

According to IGC, the speaker, identified only as Katie, will speak about her ordeal and educate students on abuse and rape on campus and how to identify signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship.

“It’s a speaker who doesn’t pertain to Greek issues, so I like it,” said Garrett Hoffman, senior mathematics major and SFB equipment center manager.

Katie will speak on Wednesday, Nov. 10 in Kendall Hall.

SFB also allocated $2,381.50 to the Order of the Golden Lion for their annual Feast of the Travellor after cutting expenses for prizes, which is against SFB policy to fund, and fighting equipment. SFB also decided to mandate that all non-students be charged an admission fee of $2 because food will be served.

According to the Order of the Golden Lion, the purpose of the event is to expose students to medieval culture through traditional meals of the time. This year’s feast will include honey butter rolls, nut bread, venison, cabbage soup and apple cobbler among other dishes. The event will also feature crafts, games and medieval fighting demonstrations.

This year’s feast will take place 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13.

SFB approved Black Student Union’s request for $390 to host Box City as part of Hunger/Homelessness Awareness Month.

The event is meant to enlighten and raise awareness to students about hunger and homelessness in today’s society.

Student volunteers will spend the night of Nov. 16 sleeping outside in a cardboard box. The night will include decorating the boxes as well as discussions and reflections. A grill will provide light and warmth to the participants while Sodexo, the College’s food provider, will be donating hot chocolate, bread and soup for the event.

SFB also voted to pick up Canterbury House, an Episcopal Church group, for future Student Activities Fee funding.

Canterbury House meets weekly for church dinners and ceremonies. They co-sponsor events with various organizations and focus on educating students about local poverty.

The board also unanimously voted to pick up Central Eurasia and Middle Eastern Studies Society (CESMES) for future SAF funding.

CESMES was created to facilitate curriculum which promotes cultural awareness about Central Eurasia and the Middle East and has about 40 current members, 15 of whom regularly attend meetings.

“There’s no reason not to pick them up, but we’ll just have to be careful of what we fund,” said Alexa Kaminsky, junior accounting major and SFB operations director.

After some discussion, SFB decided to “table” National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)’s request for a speaker of feminism in hip hop culture; the Board “tables” when it’s unable or uncomfortable with making a decision at the time. SFB asked NCNW to return with their request at a different date.

NCNW requested $5,453.68 to bring Joan Morgan to the College to speak about sexism in hip hop culture. Although the general consensus of the board was pleased with the speaker, most were uncomfortable with it being in such a small room as the Library Auditorium.

“I really like the event, but it’s really expensive for the number of people who could attend,” Hoffman said.

SFB advised the group to reconsider the venue before coming back with the request.

Also tabled was the Steel Lions Fencing Club’s request to be picked up for SAF funding. This decision came after it was revealed the club is not yet recognized by the Student Government Association, and would therefore be against SFB policy to fund.

SFB voted to deny College Union Board’s request for $7,280 for their CUB STUD Game Show Week, in which a different game show would be featured in the Brower Student Center every day for a week and students would be eligible to participate.

“I’m worried about the cost effectiveness of this event,” said Hoffman.

Kaminsky expressed concern that five game shows in a week would be too excessive, and others rejected the idea entirely.

SFB also voted to deny PRISM’s request for $3,050 to bring speaker and activist Robyn Ochs to the College to address issues on bisexuality.

According to PRISM, they recently realized that bisexuality was not adequately addressed during Queer Awareness Month.

The Board determined PRISM has received a lot of funding for speakers that have not had much of a draw, and that the lack of bisexuality education during the awareness month is poor planning on PRISM’s part and not SFB’s responsibility to make up for it, the Board said.

“I want to certainly support them, but they’re beginning to stretch it,” Samlin said. “It’s very limited attendance at some of their events.”

PRISM members plan to appeal the decision.

SFB also denied funding for Chinese Culture Club’s request for $749.55 for their Dim Sum Experience, a traditional brunch as part of Experience Asia Month. Because the event had already been included on the campus calendar, it would be against SFB policy to fund events that have already been advertised.

Also because of policy, SFB denied the Debate Team’s request for $900 to compete in Botswana, Africa with other prestigious universities across the world.

According to Hoffman, this event would not be possible to fund because it violates several policies; it is not a conference, only two students would be going and whether or not they would bring anything of value back to the College is questionable. As Hoffman said, “It is very off-campus.”

PRISM sponsored an Oct. 11 candlelight vigil in memory of Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi and other LGBT youths who died in the past month after being harassed. (Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor)

On Sept. 22, Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi ended his life by jumping off the George Washington Bridge, just days after his roommate and an acquaintance broadcast a video of him in an intimate situation with another man. Although Rutgers is about 45 minutes north from the College, Clementi’s death hit some close to home.

“Personally, when I found out, I was devastated,” said Elizabeth Ehret, senior music performance and women’s and gender studies major and president of PRISM, the College’s support/activism group for LGBT students.

Clementi was not openly gay and although his exact motivations for suicide are still unclear because no note was left (save for a Facebook post saying “jumping off gw bridge sorry”), many are saying it was “cyberbullying” that pushed him.

Clementi was not alone. Ehret noted that there have been “at least six” other recent deaths among LGBT youth as a result of bullying or others’ intolerance. Included in this string are Raymond Chase, an openly gay Johnson and Wales University student who reportedly hung himself, Asher Brown, a teenager in Texas who shot himself after being harassed at school, Seth Walsh, a California youth who hung himself, and another in Illinois who died after being brutally beaten.

“There are so many LGBT youth who commit suicide on a regular basis,” she said. “But you don’t hear about them because, I don’t want to say it, but there are more typical ways (than jumping off the George Washington Bridge) to go.”

In addition to a vigil for Clementi held Monday in the Alumni Grove and the Spiritual Center, PRISM recently held a meeting about Clementi’s suicide in order to help students cope. Ehret said she knows of several cases in which the same thing almost happened at the College.

Students who face such issues need not go through them alone. In addition to the support offered by PRISM, the College’s Counseling and Psychological Services has employees who are specially trained to help students deal with crises. CAPS workers highly encourage students to seek help.

“I hope this sad turn of events will spark extended discussion of all the issues involved so that no other family need go through what the families of all these students, and the two students who survive, now face,” Larry Gage, a licensed psychologist, clinical coordinator and associate director of CAPS, said.

Counseling sessions are held by trained staff and kept confidential, but students can also take an online mental health screening through the CAPS website for self-evaluation. More information can be found at www.tcnj.edu/~sa/counseling/index.html.

As of now Dharun Ravi, Clementi’s roommate, and Molly Wei, who allegedly helped Ravi, have not been charged with any sort of hate crime but nevertheless face up to five years behind bars for invasion of privacy and creating pornography without the participants’ permission. Other charges are involved, but none are as serious as those many across the nation are asking for.

While acknowledging that she is not a lawyer, Ehret said the evidence she can see points to bias.

“To see that what they did, a lot of it was getting a laugh out of the gay boy,” she said. “I don’t think they would have necessarily gotten the same enjoyment out of it or would have necessarily gone to those lengths to publicize it had (Clementi’s partner) been a girl.”

She went on to say that PRISM members often hear homophobic and anti-gay comments at the College on a regular basis, and that she personally hears them a few times a week. October is LGBT history awareness month and PRISM accordingly has a series of events planned, including film showings, visits from writers and even speakers from MTV’s “The Real World.” Most recently was the “Coming Out Monologues,” held in the Library Auditorium last week.

Although such events are designed to help bring about awareness and improve campus tolerance, they have brought out some prejudice, according to Ehret. She said she heard negative comments regarding the “Coming Out Monologues” advertisement in front of the library.

Although she doesn’t think anyone should be forced to come out (Clementi reportedly said prior to his death that he would probably never come out), Ehret also said she adheres to the “Harvey Milk philosophy.”

“People aren’t going to learn to accept gay people unless gay people out themselves and show we’re really just the same as everyone else,” she said.

When asked what can be done to prevent cases like Tyler Clementi’s, Ehret said that she is a firm believer in education.

“People need to be more accepting and it comes down to education,” she said. “People need to be taught about culture differences as being nothing but differences, not something that makes one better than another.”

Day 3 – June 12

The Postelles Rock The Sonic Stage

I went into Centeroo early this morning to get a good spot for The Postelles noon-time Sonic Stage set.  Luckily for me this New York quartet’s talent for playing a contemporary fusion of crude and powerful 1970s punk rock and mellifluous 1960s Motown was still somewhat concealed from the Roo-Fest masses.

The Postelles is a band on the rise and in a musical era where the weirder get work and many new musicians choose to occupy an electronic palette, with synths, turn tables, and computer generated drums and/or bass beats, this New York foursome has “stripped down” to an archetypal rock format, and in turn produced some of the catchiest garage-punk tunes I’ve heard in years.

“New York City is sort of the birth place of Punk Rock and growing up there, it was what we lived with and were exposed to,” said lead guitarist David Dargahi of the band’s sound, “as well as a lot of other 60’s rock and Motown music.”

“Our first show was at the old CBGB’s,” Dargahi continued, “so we were led in that direction from the beginning.”

I made it to the rail with ease standing no more than ten feet from the band’s fedora sporting guitar maestro who strums his six-string with a similar sound to that of Strokes axe-man Albert Hammond Jr. who helped produce The Postelles recently completed debut studio album.

“Albert’s an awesome guy and was a huge help,” said bassist John Speyer.  “He taught us how to use guitar tones and how to really record an album.”

The self-titled record contains 11 tracks and is due out on July 27th.

“We’re really excited about the album,” said Speyer.  “It’s the ultimate example of what we’ve been doing for the past two years and we’re really proud of it and all the work that went into making it.”

The most exciting time for a band is right before it blows up, and The Postelles exhibited that excitement running through a collection songs that included a super charged cover of The Ramones’ “Beat On The Brat,” two new cuts off the upcoming album and three tracks off the “White Night EP,” and they did it all within the 30-minute parameters of the performance.

All three of the songs on the EP are undeniably satisfying with catchy choruses and guitar play that sinks its hooks too deep within the listeners mind to be removed.  “Looking glass” is simplistic, poppy, garage rock excellence.  Daniel Balk’s intoxicating vocals on “Sleep On The Dance Floor” will have you pressing replay for a long time. “White Night” showcased several tempo changes spurred on by drum cues from Billy Cadden and the bass play of Speyer.

“ ’White Night’ is one of the first songs we ever wrote,” Cadden said.  “It was that song that really steered us in the direction we’re headed now.”

“It’s about us going out into New York City as 16 and 17 year olds,” said Dargahi who throws down a distortion laden solo on the track, “living a fast paced life and growing up really fast, and the song captures what that was like.”

“Stella” is a song that will be on the bands upcoming album and saying it was Strokes-esque is a legitimate claim.   However, these days, whenever a new band with a raw sound and a “less is more” dynamic hits the scene they undoubtedly will be compared to The Strokes.  The Postelles is another act that has not been able to escape that label, yet feels honored to have it.

“We grew up on The Strokes,” Dargahi said.  “I was 14 years old when “Is This It” came out and I was blown away.  We take it as compliment, maybe some people think it isn’t, be we do.”

“That’s the highest compliment we can get,” added Cadden.  “We love The Strokes.”

“I think it’s because we’re a straight forward rock band, and no matter what, you’re going to be compared to the other straight forward rock bands like The Strokes,” continued Dargahi.  “And there aren’t that many bands now that are straight up rock, a lot of bands use synths and other electronics, but we’ll take it.”

Today’s performance was a little more intimate than the opening night show.  The stage and audience was smaller and compared to video I saw of their first set, the band appeared more at ease this afternoon.  I’m not saying they have trouble playing to the larger crowds, I’m saying on the smaller Sonic Stage the guys seemed more in their element.

The tiny, fenced in compound’s dimensions resembled those of a New York City night club, a surrounding The Postelles are comfortable in, and the show had that feel.  They performed with an swagger and appeared to feed off the energy of specific faces rocking out in the crowd.  The majority of spectators appeared well versed in The Postelles’ music, a big difference from the opening evening.  Calling out to friends and dedicating songs to others, the band played loose and the musicians felt free to show off their personalities to the audience, both parties exchanging smiles after well struck drum beats and precisely performed guitar solos.  Daniel Balk even felt good enough to jump down off the stage, shake hands with us in the front row and even share his singing duties with surprised female turned vocalist.

This was the band’s second trip to the farm, The Postelles made their Bonnaroo debut in 2008, and have enough experience touring clubs and festivals to give an opinion on their preference.  I asked John Speyer about it and he gave me a genuine, although predictable, answer.

“I like it all,” said Speyer.  “That’s why I do this, I love playing music for everybody.  It’s all about the crowd.  If the crowd is receptive and into it, then I’m having a good time.”

After spending time with The Postelles, talking with them, and watching one of their shows, I can honestly say that this band is the epitome of everything that is great about music.  These guys are humble and hungry, they crank out awesome tunes, and they embrace where they come from and who supports them.  The Postelles have the potential to do big things.

Skanking In The Pit With Jimmy Cliff

I can’t dance in most settings.  In fact, I am extremely awkward dancing anywhere that skanking is not accepted as official dance currency.  However, somewhere around senior year of high school I developed the ability to have very little shame and made it my goal to skank at least once during any music event I attended.  I’ve skanked at Giant Stadium while Bruce Springsteen sang “Rosalita,” at The Arts Center during STP’s “Sex Type Thing,” and even as recently as an extensive session during Matt and Kim’s performance at the College.

Thankfully, Jimmy Cliff provided me with appropriate platform to do such a dance.  I was in my glory, King for an hour in the bloodshot eyes of the surrounding hippie/Rastas.

Cliff played an inspiring set that included such hits as “Blessed Love,” “Many Rivers To Cross,” and “I Can See Clearly Now,” to name a few of the fan favorites.

He spoke his views on the environment, the war, and entertained the crowd with various forms of Jamaican style dancing, it resembled the skank, that no 62-year old man should be able to do without spraining a hip.

Cliff even played a kick-ass Cat Stevens cover of “Wild World.”

This show was a lot of fun, and I’m glad I got to see it.

The Dead Weather Bring The Rain

On a day that was by far the muggiest since my arrival, The Dead Weather, with self-inflicted feedback emitting from Jack Lawrence’s bass amp, a howling single guitar note from Dean Fertita’s grandiose white six-string, the heart stopping thump bred from the loins of Jack White’s drum set, and banshee-like shrieks reverberating from somewhere deep inside Allison Mosshart, offered the rock and roll rain gods their opening salvo of noise as a ritualistic sacrifice.  “So it was played, so it shall be done,” this hypothetical deity seemed to say, answering the wishes of the crowd by casting a beautifully gray rain cloud over the field and dumping the chilled precipitation on us.  A faint sizzling could be heard when the first drops landed.

“Let it be known that we brought the rain,” White said from atop his drum throne before drilling the first notes of Pentagram’s “Forever My Queen,” the band’s official opening number, and it was a cover?

Photo by Chris Rotolo, The Dead Weather opened with “Hang You Up From The Heavens,” from its 2009 debut, "Horehound."

When The Dead Weather broke into “Hang You Up From The Heavens,” the first single off its 2009 debut “Horehound,” the transitions from sludgy to fast and whimpering to raucous literally blew me away.  The sound was so intense that it physically moved me backward. The Dead Weather is the most powerful live act I have ever seen.  Having been born in 1989, I never got to see Led Zeppelin but the comparison is evident. I can only imagine that the experience was similar.  Both bands play that  hard-rock with blues undertones with repetitive distorted guitar riffs, controlled chaos on the drums and howling feminine vocals.  What does it say about the state of music when a band so similar to the legendary Zeppelin still plays in a state of virtual anonymity?  Ask around, not enough people know who The Dead Weather are.

“Cut Like a Buffalo” was another highlight of the show.  The song has developed into a fan favorite and the audience erupted for it.

My personal favorite was the performance of “I’m Mad,” where Mosshart actually lost her mind on stage.  This song was written for her.  Mosshart may sing the songs, but she by no means acts as the band leader.  It’s a tough position to be in because White still controls too much star power.  He may have shoved himself behind a bulky drum kit, but all eyes still remain on him and his black fedora.  However, during this angry number she walks hard, strutting from wing to wing, cackling at the audience.  She leaps atop speakers and White’s drum platform, releasing her beautiful wailing vocals.  Her charismatic movements, long jet black hair swinging frantically in the wind, and shrieks of madness command your attention.  And you’ll give it.  Allison Mosshart is a rock goddess and should be treated as such.

I stayed for one more song, “Hustle and Cuss,” and it was time to leave.  Weezer was taking the Which Stage.

Weezer Opens With The Hits

I don’t know about you, but Weezer’s latest album bugged me a little bit. I’m all for a band expanding its musical horizons, but “Raditude” just was not Rivers and the crew.  The band is an imposter of itself if that is possible.  The album is good for what it is, a poppy, made for dance halls record, but it isn’t Weezer.  Thankfully, Weezer only sprinkled a few of the new tacks into their hit laden set.

Weezer opened with the crunchy guitar number “Hash Pipe” and the place exploded.  I thought this song was overplayed on the radio, I thought the joy it used to bring me had died, but the surrounding energy revived it and forced me to scream every word.

“Trouble Maker” followed that, piggy backed by “Undone (The Sweater Song).”  I love this song.  I don’t know what the world record is for largest sing along, but we had to come pretty close.

I couldn’t believe they played “Surf Wax America” next.  Do you want to know why this song is great?  Because it’s full-fledged rocking from start to finish.  I still stand that this track has one of the most rocking outros in the history of song.  The last 13 seconds are harder than the first three minutes.  “Oh,  I’m sorry, your personal rock quota wasn’t filled yet,  here’s a super charged ending for you to linger on,” the band seemed to say.

Next, Weezer ran through “Trippin Down The Freeway,” one of the more tolerable “Raditude” tracks.  I tuned out a little bit because it took way too long to set up.  Cuomo brought out some solo artist named Julia Nunes to assist the band on ukulele, but she tuned the damned thing wrong.  So she sang, and it wasn’t very good.

However, the show was revived when Brian Bell squeezed out the first few notes of “Perfect Situation.”  Cuomo climbed up atop Pat Wilson’s severely raised drum platform and belted out the vocals, emphatically notifying the audience that, contrary to their looks, these guys are rock stars.

“Dope Nose,” “Say It Ain’t So” and “Why Bother” in succession blew my mind.  Unfortunately we had to leave.  Rivers cued up “Can’t Stop Partying” and the consensus was that the band was going to begin playing “Raditude” songs, and nobody in my group wanted to hear that.

They wanted to see Jeff Beck.  I’m not the biggest fan, but, when is the next time I’m going to have such a convenient opportunity to see one of the greatest guitar players to ever pluck a six-string.

I later learned that Weezer played “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To,” My Name Is Jonas,” “Beverly Hills,” “Hot For Teacher,” “Kids,” “Poker Face,” “Island In The Sun” and “Buddy Holly” in a row.  It was a terrible miscalculation, but such is life.

Here Is What I Know About Jeff Beck…

The consensus is he is one of the greatest guitar players of all time, his inability to work with others is partly responsible for the creations of Led Zeppelin and Cream (thanks for being a dick), he likes to wear scarves on stage, he has a group, I don’t know any of its music, and I like Weezer better.

I watched Jeff Beck perform three musical pieces (What Beck plays are not songs because the word “song” implies singing, thus, they are musical pieces.  “YYZ” is not a song, but a wonderful musical composition.) each one a longer guitar solo than the last.  How conceited is that?  There is no singer, the other band mates are huddled off in a corner, Beck is center stage, and the spotlight never moves.

A Beck-type performance is not my cup of tea.

I recognized one of the pieces he played.  It was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”  No, words, just Beck’s wailing, bluesy, guitar play.  It gets old, quick.

Stevie Wonder…Metal God?

As 8:30 hour neared Conan O’Brien returned to the What Stage to introduce one of the greatest performers in the history of music, the legend, Mr. Steveland Hardaway Judkins, better known as Stevie Wonder.

Conan ran awkwardly off stage to “go and get him (Wonder),” and did not return.  The audience feared the worst.  Had Stevie Wonder bought the farm (pun intended)?

NAY!  Wonder strolled on stage, opening his show with a nasty, face melting Roland AX-synth shoulder synthesizer solo (glorified key-tar) that sounded metal as shit.  I threw up my horns thinking Slash was taking the stage.

Wonder carried the synth solo into “Did I Hear You Say You Love Me,” his funky 1980 hit.  Next up was Wonder’s “Master Blaster” followed by his Motown hit “Uptight (Everyhing’s Alright)” which made the 60,000 people in attendance get up and groove.

After that, things got strange.  Wonder was Peyton Manning checking down his setlist at the line of scrimmage, confusing his band and the audience who received a long look at the original playlist that was posted on the jumbotron a few minutes earlier.

Not that we were going to argue when he began playing hit after hit.  “For Once In My Life,” “Higher Ground,” and “Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing,” all in a row, it was like a best of compilation.

Wonder followed with a cover of Parliament’s “Give Up The Funk,” and transitioned into “Heard It Through The Grapevine,” my favorite highlight of the performance.

Then it was sing along time.  Wonder led us through a call and answer session where he taught us how to sing because Wonder didn’t “want us screwing up his words.”  The men had their part, the women another, put it together and we were singing the instrumental part of “Living For the City.”

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours,” “Sir Duke,” and “Give Peace A Chance” surrounded our sing along.

Wonder closed with “My Cherie Amour,” “Do I Do,” and funkified, rocked out rendition of “Superstition.”  It was a performance of epic proportions.

Jay-Z Is The Greatest Living Musical Artist

The title is a bold statement indeed, but an undeniable truth.  Name another artist/group that has the ability to bring so many different people together in song.  The Beatles?  I saw a sea of Caucasians in the video of the fab four’s Shea Stadium concert, not much cultural diversity there.   Michael Jackson?  Maybe, but the amount of hatred and ill will his off-stage antics brought about overshadow his musical superiority.  Bono maybe?  But too many people despise his music.  Jay-Z appeals to everyone.  He is the epitome of the American dream, a rags to riches story played out in front of our eyes, one that anybody can get behind no matter what the color your skin may be.  The diversity of his fan base shown through tonight in the mass of patrons exiting the performance.

I witnessed a pair of inebriated good ol’ boys from Alabama embrace two African American men from Atlanta in celebration of what they just saw.  Women were kissing men, women kissed women, men kissed men.  I witnessed adults high fiving teenagers, there were cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria played out before my eyes.  But a Jay-Z party made it okay.  Laws of intolerance are non-existent inside the Bonnarooniverse.  The world can learn a lesson.

Jay-Z also takes home the award for Best Set.  During “Empire State of Mind” his composition of several giant computer screens morphed into a living, breathing, New York City Skyline, before transforming the audience perspective into that of a bird’s, flying in low above Times Square, The Empire State Building, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the rest of the big apple.  People walked the streets and traffic sped along Broadway.  The detail was mind boggling, as was Jay’s performance.

The Man spit nothing but the hits.  It’s amazing how many tracks you don’t realize are his work until you see him on stage owning them.

The guy turned out 29 songs so I won’t go through all of them.  Here is the setlist :(http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/jay-z/2010/bonnaroo-festival-manchester-tn-5bd427f0.html).

For as good as it was, there remained a feeling of disappointment.  With a chance for so many different collaborations, I can’t figure out why Jay-Z kept it a solo act.  Bonnaroo would have been the perfect setting to show what he and Jack White have been working on.  Why not perform as Jay-Zeezer for a couple of songs (look up the Black And Blue Album if you don’t understand this).  And when will he and Stevie Wonder be within 100 feet of one another again?

The Student Government Association discussed possible cuts in College programs such as tutoring. (Tim Lee / Photo Editor)

Concerns about the future of some of the College’s programs took center stage at last Wednesday’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting.

Billy Plastine, executive president of the SGA and senior political science and marketing double major, and Jen Hill, vice president of student services and senior women and gender studies major, attended the most recent meeting of the Committee on Planning and Priorities (CPP) and relayed a summary to members of the SGA general body.

“(The College) is going to have to start cutting programs as a result of the budget cuts,” Plastine said. “For example, it might become a reality that (the College) is going to take out the entire entity of Career Services, or an overarching group of programs. That might be reality, that we have to close an entire program, but we are also talking about levels underneath.”

No cuts will occur until after the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

The College may make cuts from the tutoring center or athletics, Hill said. “We’re trying to figure out what the criteria are for what’s worth it and what’s not.”

“CPP is not charged with making the decision of what programs stay and what go,” he said. “We’re in charge of coming up with theprinciples for program closure, looking at the current ones that we have and seeing if they’re still relevant. Year after year after year of budget cuts make us say that we are going to investigate and recognize program closures as a viable opportunity.”

Despite the possibilities of program cuts from CPP, Brian Skwarek, SGA’s speaker of the general assembly and senior accounting major, recounted the results of the Committee on Academic Programs (CAP) meeting he attended, saying a new minor, Holocaust and genocide studies, may be instated.

“That is still under consideration,” he said.

He also advised students to check their final exam schedules and grading systems, as finals regulations were a topic of discussion at the CAP meeting.

“Final exams cannot be worth more than 50 percent of your grade,” he said, reminding students to discuss this with their professors if the final exam was marked as such on syllabi.

Gina Lauterio, junior political science major, who also attended the CAP meeting, urged students with more than three exams scheduled per day to take advantage of the College’s policy against this and reschedule.

“If you have three exams in one day, you are allowed to move one,” said Lauterio. “It’s school policy.”

IT security manager defends NAC

This letter is in response to The Signal article  written last week about the College’s Network Access Control (NAC) system. NAC provides electronic enforcement of computing policies that have been in place for a very long time.

The policies include keeping your computer up-to-date with operating system patches, not using peer-to-peer file sharing applications on the Internet, with the exception of DC++, using appropriate and up-to-date antivirus software and not disrupting the work of others.

By enforcing these policies, Information Technology (IT) hopes to protect the community from malware, hacking, loss of information, identity theft and denial of service for students, an entire dorm or for all of ResNet, to name a few computing security risks.

The NAC system helps IT identify the owner of a computer or device that connects to the College network, and checks for basic security requirements. This information is only stored on campus, and IT plans to purge the information every year. No other personally identifiable information is gathered.

Regarding the question of whether IT communicated to students, communication regarding the NAC included an e-mail message to all students on Aug. 6, which included a link to the IT Security Web page and NAC installation time line, as well as a specific e-mail message about wired and wireless routers on Sept. 14.

Warnings are issued immediately to students who connect using a router, and electronic warnings were generated from the NAC every 12 hours for the seven day period from Sept. 14 through Sept. 21. These messages, notices and the Web site contain links and contact information to the ResNet helpdesk and the College’s helpdesk. This is the avenue for questions or concerns. We are happy to speak with anyone.

The College provides antivirus software free for all members of the College community. A list of allowed antivirus software is available on the IT Security NAC webpage and continues to be posted on the NAC antivirus warning webpage.

Alan Bowen
Manager of IT security

Internet security measures vital to network health

In response to Tim Lee’s Opinion piece last week, the College Information Technology (IT) department’s Computing Access Agreement is nothing new. Before you are allowed to connect any personal computer to the network, you agree to all its terms. These terms include the prohibition of routers, access points and computers without antivirus protection (terms that have been in the Computing Access Agreement since before you were in high school).  The Network Access Control (NAC) is a non-invasive way for the IT department to make sure that you aren’t violating any of those terms.  It was put in place for the safety and security of the College network — not just your personal computer.  The client protects the campus network, as well as everything connected to the network, from computers deemed hazardous to the health of the network.  Its exact purpose is explained in the Access Agreement to which you have already agreed to.

The client is small and unobtrusive. It has been tested on Windows, Mac and Linux.  Many campuses and organizations use this kind of NAC.

My sister goes to Coastal Carolina Community College, and she requires a Client to be installed on her computer to connect, while Penn State keeps track of each student’s individual bandwidth consumption and cuts off access completely when you exceed quota without warning.

Unless you’re intentionally violating the access agreements, it will not have any effect on your daily computer usage.

Computers with out-of-date operating systems or no antivirus software are serious security threats that compromise the integrity of everything connected to our network, including services such as Zimbra, SOCS and PAWS. It only takes one compromised computer to create a security risk for everyone on campus.  Compromised computers affect your fellow classmates, the College’s computer labs and the College’s servers.  No one wants to get computer viruses.  They happen accidently and computers without protection are the computers that spread the viruses to others.  Your “need” to operate a computer without any virus protection has the potential to do serious damage.  The College is well within its means to ensure the safety and integrity of every computer and server on the network.

You can get antivirus software from the “Student” section of the IT Web site. Just enter your e-mail credentials and you can download Sophos Anti-Virus, a $200-plus value, for free.

Routers also pose a serious threat to the health of a network, especially those such as Lee’s that broadcast wireless access to everyone within a 300 feet radius of your room.  Just because your router doesn’t broadcast its SSID publically, doesn’t mean it somehow magically stops broadcasting anything. It’s wireless — you’re still broadcasting an easy-in Internet connection to anyone who wants it. Additionally, your 128-bit security is sort of the laughing stock of the wireless security world. It’s the reason that TCNJ-Wireless still makes you log-in with your College login even though you know the long password. It’s not your responsibility to modify the campus network to grant wireless Internet to the community.

As I’ve said, the NAC is an unobtrusive way to keep your computer and every computer, lab, and server on campus safe.  Compromised computers sending spam e-mails have crippled the residential network. Misconfigured student routers have taken down Internet access to entire buildings. I worked for IT for four years — I’ve seen it.  I’m glad to hear that Lee’s computer has not been a victim of any of these problems. However, I would not be so quick to assume that other students have been so fortunate. Lee’s harsh opinion of the NAC is unfortunate and, as I’ve shown, baseless.  The “Man” isn’t out to get you. The College is trying to provide a safe and secure network for Lee’s fellow classmates and I hope that he’ll come to realize this.

Christopher Neylan

Editorial ignored Corzine’s education efforts

Like The Signal’s editorial staff, I am disappointed that there will not be a League of Women Voters debate at the College. I am also disappointed that last week’s editorial ignored Gov. Jon S. Corzine’s higher education accomplishments.

Over the past four years, the governor has proven his dedication to public education by acting as an advocate for all students, including those at public colleges and universities.

Many of us struggle to pay for our education, especially in this economy. As our governor, Corzine has worked hard to ensure that no one is held back from getting an education because of his or her financial situation.

Yes, it is true that tuition has increased at the College just as it has at public and private colleges across the country. However, did you know that Corzine placed a three percent cap on tuition increases at New Jersey’s public colleges and universities? This will help ensure that we are not overburdened by tuition increases if they do occur.

Additionally, Corzine has significantly increased funding for Tuition Aid Grants. Since 2006, New Jersey has provided students from low and middle income families with almost $800 million in grants to help pay for college.

If reelected, Corzine will continue to support college students by making higher education more accessible and affordable for everybody.
Republican candidate Chris Christie has said that he would refuse the $5 billion in federal stimulus money intended to help New Jersey through the economic crisis. His rejected stimulus funds include $2 billion for all of New Jersey’s schools and $74 million in federal student aid.

Christie’s stance clearly shows that he is not willing to fight for college students in the way Corzine will.

While Corzine will work with New Jersey’s scarce resources to make college more affordable for everyone, Christie will put partisan politics above the well-being of every student.

Although the candidates will not be attending a debate hosted at the College, I would like to point out that Corzine was nearby at Rider University on Sept. 22.

At the event, he provided an open dialogue with questions from the audience, most of whom were Rider students. Every College student was welcomed to attend and interact with the governor, and a handful did.

I encourage College students to attend the open forum with Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Loretta Weinberg tonight to learn more about the issues and ask her any questions they may have.

Sources: politickernj.com, joncorzine09.com, nytimes.com.

Allison Fitzgerald

Signal editing angers writer

Let’s try this again. In the Sept. 23 issue of The Signal, you semi-published a Letter to the Editor that I wrote regarding the commuter parking situation.

How can you edit to the point of near non-recognition a Letter to the Editor that is appearing in the “Opinions” section of your paper? What gives you the authority to alter my opinions so that they suit your printing needs? I have one more question for you — what happened to freedom of speech? Ever hear of the First Amendment?

I sent in a letter that I thought was witty, with just a hint of biting sarcasm, yet the editors removed all of my witty comments, leaving behind a bland, cut-and-dry letter that I am embarrassed to have my name attached to. If I had known you were going to change my words, and by default change the entire tone of my letter, I would have simply said, “No, thank you.”

Nothing in my letter should have been considered too controversial to publish in the newspaper. After all, I merely made a joke about saying the Rosary to get a parking spot, a real knee-slapping statement according to several students, who I asked to read my original letter.

I find it humorous that a newspaper that publishes a series entitled “Let’s talk about sex” finds the need to remove portions of an article on parking. I didn’t write a sexually charged article, nor did I write a politically biased article (and even if I had, you should publish it anyway courtesy of that grand old First Amendment).

Maybe you can try and publish this without butchering my message and tone — then again, maybe you can’t.

Kristen Casabona

Football

Last season’s home opener victory for the Lions after then Junior defensive back Ryan Flannery blocked a fourth-quarter field goal. (Tim Lee / Photo Editor)

Following a lackluster 2008 season, the Lions look to bounce back and reclaim a spot near the top of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).

Preseason rankings have the College, far removed from their 2007 NJAC crown, sitting sixth after a 4-6 campaign last year. The Lions finished last season with three consecutive home losses, the lowlight being a 42-3 routing by the rival Profs of Rowan University in their final game.

The College opens the season at home for their first three meetings, hosting Buffalo State University (1-9 in 2008), Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham (1-6 in 2008) and Morrisville State College (0-9 in 2008).

Look for seniors wide receiver Cameron Richardson, defensive back Ryan Flannery and punter Marc Zucconi —  returning All-NJAC stars — to take advantage of the less competitive early schedule.

With more than three decades of experience coaching the Lions, head coach Eric Hamilton returns to the helm, hoping that senior quarterback Chris James can continue to produce, following his 2008 season which garnered 18 total touchdowns, and lead the Lions to a successful season.

— Bobby Olivier

Field Hockey

The field hockey team hopes to remain atop the NJAC this season. (Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk)

Following a heartbreaking defeat in the final minutes of the NCAA quarter-finals last season to Tufts University, the field hockey team looks to improve upon its winning ways in the 2009 season. The College has sat on top of the NJAC the past three seasons, and is still hunting for that elusive NCAA Division III Championship title. Last year they finished the season 16-3, including a dominant 6-0 showing in conference games.

Junior forward and midfielder Leigh Mitchell returns to the team after being named to the Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III All-America First Team last season. She led the team in scoring with 19 goals for 45 points, including
two game-winners.

Sophomore midfielder and defender Alexandria Okuniewicz will return to the team after her incredible rookie season. She was second on the team in scoring with 15 goals and 34 points. Most impressive were her timely goals as she led the team with five game-winning goals. She was named the 2008 Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Rookie of the year, and looks forward to earning more honors this season.

— Garrett Rasko-Martinis

Women’s Soccer

The Lions will look to go deep into the NCAA Division III Tournament this year. (Tim Lee / Photo Editor)

After advancing to the sectional round of the NCAA tournament last season and the semi-finals the previous season, the Lions are looking to build on that momentum in this upcoming campaign.

Head Coach Joe Russo is returning for his 20th year at the helm, and with eight returning seniors ready to lead the charge, including ultra-talented forward Jamie Kunkel, the team seems to be confident.

Kunkel scored a team-high 31 points last season, comprised of 11 goals and 9 assists.

Midfielder Erin Cunliffe, another senior who produced high-octane offense, was the only other Lion to score 20-plus points in 2008.

Cunliffe notched 10 goals and two assists for the squad last season. The defense should be sturdy again this season, as junior Jessica Clarke returns for her third season in net. Clarke recorded a respectable .779 save percentage, averaging less than one goal against per match.

The College’s first contest of the 2009 campaign will take place at the team Soccer Complex on Tuesday, where the team will play host to New York University in a 5 p.m. start.

— Michael O’Donnell

Men’s Soccer

The men’s soccer team’s previous season was mired down by inconsistencies that they will look to correct this year. The No. 5 seeded Lions ended last season with a 9-9-2 record, and were eliminated in the first round of the NJAC playoffs after a disappointing 1-5 loss to the No. 11 seeded William Paterson University. This postseason appearance was the third for the College in the past four years, including the 2005 season when the Lions were the NJAC champions.

Instrumental to the Lions’ hope of returning to glory in the NJAC standings is the play of returning senior forward Kevin Luber. He finished last season as the Lions’ lead scorer with 26 points on nine goals, two of which were game winners, and eight assists. Luber was named to the 2008 National Soccer Coaches Association of America-adidas All-Metro Region Second Team and the NJAC All-Star First Team. The College hopes he can build upon this success and lead the team back to glory in the postseason.

— Garrett Rasko-Martinis

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – The head of the U.N.’s atomic watchdog expressed confidence Monday that President Barack Obama’s approach to North Korea and Iran will eventually help resolve international disputes over their nuclear programs.

“While I am distressed because, of course, what has happened in North Korea is a setback, I am optimistic about the new environment,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei said in Beijing.

ElBaradei spoke after Pyongyang last week vowed to quit six-nation nuclear negotiations and restart its atomic program in anger over the U.N. Security Council’s criticism of its April 5 rocket launch. It also kicked out all international monitors of its nuclear facilities.

His remarks also came a day before North Korea and South Korea were set to hold talks on a troubled inter-Korean industrial complex amid an overall worsening trend in relations.

Tuesday’s meeting was to be their first government-to-government dialogue since conservative South Korean President Lee Myung-bak took office in February last year with a pledge to get tough with Pyongyang and its nuclear ambitions. The nuclear issue, however, was not on the agenda for the meeting and it was unclear what attitude Pyongyang would take.

The U.S. and North Korea have yet to achieve any breakthroughs under Obama and he has publicly criticized the rocket launch, saying it threatened the security of countries “near and far.”

Relations have been further complicated by the North’s apprehension last month of two U.S. journalists. Pyongyang says it will try the two women on charges of entering the country illegally and engaging in “hostile acts.”

Still, ElBaradei mentioned what he saw as Washington’s new openness to dialogue with countries like North Korea and Iran, in contrast to the previous administration of George W. Bush.

“I am extremely pleased that there is a reversal in the policy of the United States from one of confrontation to one of dialogue and mutual respect,” he said of overtures to Iran.

U.S. openness to Teheran could provide an opportunity “to resolve the Iranian issue, not just the nuclear issue but the whole regularization of relations between Iran and the international community,” he said.

North Korea has reacted angrily over the U.N. Security Council’s condemnation of the rocket launch. It says the rebuke is unfair because the rocket fired a satellite it says is allowed under a U.N. space treaty.

VINELAND, N.J. (AP) – A 2008 College graduate who works as a teacher’s aid at a southern New Jersey middle school faces charges for allegedly sending nude photos to a 14-year-old student.

Cumberland County authorities say 23-year-old Lauren Breslin, a women and gender studies major, sent the racy, suggestive pictures to the male student’s cell phone.

Police told the Gloucester County Times that the boy said Breslin had kissed him multiple times and had called him after school hours.

Breslin, of Vineland, was taken into custody Friday and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, and was being held on $25,000 bail.

She has been suspended from her job at Veterans Memorial Middle School without pay.

Jim Swift, an attorney representing Breslin, told the newspaper his client has no past criminal record.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) – The man accused of overseeing the torture and execution of enemies of Cambodia’s former Khmer Rouge rulers faced scores of his victims Monday, as the first trial for one of the communist group’s leaders opened at a genocide tribunal.

Victims of the 1975-79 regime, some missing limbs, mixed with earnest law students in a modern courtroom to watch the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, who ran the main prison where every inmate “was destined for execution,” according to the indictment.

The 66-year-old defendant, widely known as Duch, betrayed no emotion as court officials read the litany of horrors that took several hours and was broadcast live nationwide.

“Several witnesses said that prisoners were killed using steel clubs, cart axles and water pipes to hit the base of their necks,” the indictment said. “Prisoners were then kicked into the pits, where their handcuffs were removed. Finally the guards either cut open their bellies or their throats. After the executions were complete, the guards covered the pits.”

Despite the emotional weight of the moment, a polite calm prevailed among the 500 spectators and the robed judges and lawyers, who conducted the proceedings on a stage behind a glass wall.

The U.N.-backed tribunal on the outskirts of the capital, Phnom Penh, is seeking to establish responsibility for the reign of terror under Pol Pot, the group’s leader who died in 1998. An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died of starvation, medical neglect, slave-like working conditions and execution under the Khmer Rouge, which ruled from 1975 to 1979.

Duch is charged with committing crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as torture and homicide. He ran the group’s main prison, the notorious torture center known as S-21, or Tuol Sleng, in Phnom Penh. As many as 16,000 men, women and children were brutally tortured there before being sent to their deaths.

Duch holds the distinction of being not only the first member of the Khmer Rouge to face trial for the regime’s atrocities, but also the only one of five set to be tried to express remorse or take responsibility for his actions.

Five hundred seats are allotted for the public in the auditorium-like courtroom, and scores of survivors traveled from around the country to witness the trial.

After all the politics and procedural wrangling that delayed a trial for years, it was a dramatic moment when the five crimson-robed judges took their seats on the top tier of a podium to launch the proceedings.

“Cambodians have been waiting 30 years for the Khmer Rouge to be tried for the violence and suffering they inflicted upon the population,” said Alex Hinton, director of Rutgers University’s Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights. “That day has arrived.”

Duch’s job was to extract confessions of counterrevolutionary activity, but “every prisoner who arrived at S-21 was destined for execution,” said the indictment, which was issued last year when Duch was formally charged.

“Interrogators used several forms of torture in order to extract confessions from prisoners. According to Duch, only four methods of torture were allowed: beating, electrocution, placing a plastic bag over the head and pouring water into the nose.” It says he also acknowledged that he knew about the practice of puncturing or removing finger and toenails, and that there was evidence that “at least one prisoner was force-fed excrement.”

Execution inevitably followed torture and was equally gruesome. The indictment alleges that “some prisoners were killed by having large quantities of blood withdrawn by medics,” leaving them unconscious and gasping.

Duch’s French lawyer, Francois Roux, said last month that his client wished “to ask forgiveness from the victims, but also from the Cambodian people. He will do so publicly. This is the very least he owes the victims.”

Duch disappeared after the group fell from power, living under two other names. He returned to teaching and converted to Christianity before he was discovered by chance by a British journalist in the Cambodian countryside in 1999.

Since then he has been in detention awaiting trial. Only now, after years of political and procedural wrangling, is his case ready to be heard.

Human rights groups want the number of defendants increased beyond Duch and the four senior Khmer Rouge leaders being held for trial in the next year or so.

Critics of the tribunal also charge that Cambodia’s government has sought to limit its scope because other suspects are now loyal to Prime Minister Hun Sen, and to arrest them could be politically awkward.

Cambodian state television and radio were broadcasting Monday’s proceedings live, and 70 percent of the country’s 14.3 million people were expected to tune in, Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said. The verdict at the end of the trial is also expected to be broadcast live.

The trial resumes Tuesday.

Campus Police were dispatched to the tennis courts on report of assault at 6:20 p.m. on March 17.

Upon arrival, the officer was informed by the victim that a fight occurred when the suspect confronted him on the tennis courts, then grabbed his neck and “head butted” him.

He told the officer that the suspect then punched him in the head and wrestled him to the ground. The officer observed that the victim’s neck and forehead were swollen and he had scratches on each side of his neck and on the bridge of his nose.

The officer then asked the victim if he required medical assistance, to which he replied he did not.

At 7:20 p.m., the officer questioned the suspect in Wolfe Hall. The suspect said the incident was a “mutual physical fight,” resulting from comments exchanged between the two on the tennis courts. He also informed the officer that after they had wrestled for a few seconds, surrounding individuals broke up the fight.

The officer observed that the suspect had a bump in the center of his forehead.

According to the police report, the victim reported to Campus Police headquarters at 8:45 p.m. and requested a medical evaluation. Lions’ EMS members arrived at 8:50 p.m. and assumed medical care of the victim.

The victim later sought further medical attention and was transported to the hospital by his father. The victim and his father later arrived at headquarters and informed officers that the victim had been diagnosed with a fractured nose, a superficial head injury and abrasions on his face.

At this time, a Residential Education professional staff member arrived at Campus Police headquarters and spoke to the victim and his father. She said the office of Residential Education and Housing would issue a “Letter of No Contact.”

Campus Police said court action is pending.

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On March 18 at 3:30 a.m., Campus Police were dispatched to Wolfe Hall on report of a fight.

Upon arrival, a community advisor (CA) informed the officer that there was a fight between two males in the ninth floor lobby.

At that time, the officer asked one of the involved individuals what had happened. The individual responded that while walking into the lobby from the elevator, he exchanged words with the another individual and was then punched a few times before being knocked to the floor. He added that the fight had lasted a few minutes before a CA arrived.

The officer then questioned the other individual, who said upon exiting the elevator, the other accused party had attacked him and had punched him numerous times in the face, causing injury.

According to the police report, while questioning the two accused parties, the officer detected the odor of alcohol on their breath.

The two individuals were charged with consumption of alcohol while under the legal age requirement. No assault charges have been filed yet.

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Campus police were dispatched to Brewster Hall at 11:25 p.m. on March 4 on report of an alleged offensive drawing in the men’s bathroom.

Upon arrival, the officer was informed that students on the second floor reported that there was an inappropriate drawing in the men’s bathroom.

With further investigation, the officer discovered the drawing above the toilet in the main stall. According to Campus Police report, the drawing consisted of the word “I” followed by a 6 inch heart and a 6 inch penis drawn in permanent marker.

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On March 6 at 9:15 a.m., an individual arrived at Campus Police headquarters to report a theft.

The individual informed Campus Police that she had accidentally left her wallet unattended in the upstairs women’s bathroom in the Social Science Building on March 5.

She further informed the officer that she had last seen the wallet at 2 p.m. the afternoon she had placed it on the toilet paper dispenser. When she discovered it was missing, she immediately returned to the bathroom but was unable to find it.

She said she had asked numerous offices if the wallet had been found but was informed that no one had turned in the wallet.

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Campus Police were dispatched to Centennial Hall on March 15 at 3:45 p.m. on report of a theft.

Upon arrival, the officer was met by an individual who said her front bike tire and rim had been stolen. According to the police report, the bike was still locked to the bike rack at this time.

No further information is available at this time.

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On March 5 at 11:15 a.m. Campus police were dispatched to Carlton Ave. on a call of criminal mischief.

The victim of the mischief informed the officer that she had parked her car in Lot 3 on March 4 and removed the vehicle at 11 p.m. to drive to her house on Carlton Avenue. When she came out to her vehicle on March 5 at 8:30 a.m., she noticed a 10 inch long deep scratch mark on the center of the driver’s door.

No further information is available at this time.

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At 9:50 a.m. on March 18, Campus Police received a report of theft.

Campus Police were informed that a batting “T” was taken from the batting cages and the stem to a batting “T” was stolen from behind the bleachers between 7 p.m. on March 17 and 8 a.m. on March 18. The stolen property is valued at $50.00.

Katie Brenzel can be reached at brenzel2@tcnj.edu.

The Student Finance Board (SFB) unanimously approved the College Democrats’ request for $20,439 for “Howard Dean @ TCNJ” to take place on April 9 in Kendall Hall.

Governor Howard Dean’s lecture will focus on American healthcare and its future, or the “50 State Strategy,” one of his ideas during the 2008 Presidential Campaign.

SFB also unanimously allotted $23,053 for Protestant Bible Fellowship’s (PBF) “The Origins of Life,” featuring speakers Christopher Htchens, renowned author, journalist and critic, and Frank Turek, vice president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, speaker and award winning author.

“Both are big names in this topic and we’re organizing an event to bring this topic out in the open,” Martin Kendall, speaking on behalf of PBF, said. “People are afraid of talking about these things and we want to facilitate that.”

The costs would cover two meals per speaker, accommodations at a local hotel and $9,500 for Kendall Hall.

SGA requested $3,407 for its presentation “Just Because I am, Doesn’t Mean That I’m” to take place on April 8 in the Business Building Lounge. The event features Stan Pearson, who does interactive and entertaining workshops. The funding would cover speaker fees for travel from Chicago, hospitality and money for photocopies.

The event aims to open up discussion about stereotypes, discrimination and otherwise taboo topics.

“I think this is a good event and will be interesting,” SFB Financial Director Micele Velluzzi said.

Unión Latina presented a request for $2,800 for “Keynote Speaker Junot Diaz” to take place April 8 in the Music Building.

Junot Diaz is a Pulitzer Prize winning author, whose presentation will show the campus community about Latinos in the literary field.

“They are having two speakers in the same month,” Velluzzi said. “I would rather see them do different events.” The speakers are scheduled two days apart.

In a 10-1 motion, the request for $2,800 was approved with a stipulation that they try to move one or the other speakers to another day.

The Japanese Club, cosponsored by the Asian American Association and Japanese Department, requested $3,609.50 for their annual “Sakura, Cherry Blossom Festival Trip to Washington D.C.”

The event will take place April 4 in Washington D.C. and buses will depart at approximately 5 a.m.

Tickets will be sold in the Brower Student Center on a first-come first-served basis.

SFB fully funded the events with the stipulation that a $5 deposit per ticket is required.

VOX requested $2,499 for its event “Sex 101″ featuring River Huston, an interactive performer. The event is co-sponsored by the Inter-Greek Council, Bod Squad and Women’s Center.

The event aims to send a message about sexual assault and how alcohol affects sexual decisions and is scheduled for April 14.

SFB stipulated that Greek life not be required to come to the event.

SFB unanimously funded $782.50 for the second annual “Latino Awareness Celebration Month Opening Ceremony” organized by Unión Latina and co-sponsored with SGA, the Indian Student Association (ISA) and Lambda Theta Alpha (LTA). The event is scheduled for April 1.

The event will introduce Latino Awareness celebration month to the College community, featuring performances, cultural music, multicultural desserts and a parade through campus.

SFB also approved $750 for Unión Latina’s request for “Somos Indios! We are Indian!: The Native American Heritage of Latinos.”

The event aims to educate the campus community about the Latino and indigenous cultural ties. It is scheduled for April 9.

SFB unanimously approved Barkada’s request for $541 for their event “P.S. Mahal Kita” to take place on March 20.

“The name means P.S. I Love You, we put it in Filipino to attract curiosity from the campus,” Barkada treasurer Gerald Ngo said.

The event features skits, dances and traditional foods in order to encourage students to become aware of Filipino customs.

Food will be provided by a local Filipino caterer, Golden Bread. Expenses will cover decorations, food costs and photocopies.

PRISM requested $267 for “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes with Guest Speaker and Film Creator Byron Hurt.”

Byron Hurt is an accomplished anti-sexism and anti-violence activist who offers insight into hip hop as the film’s visionary creator. The event is scheduled for April 6.

The College Democrats requested $107.50 for their event “The Soprano State” featuring author and radio personality Bob Ingle and co-author Sandy McClure.

The event will be co-sponsored with the College Republicans, English and Sociology Departments and the College Debate Club. It will take place March 25.

The lecture will cover politics and inside deals in New Jersey, including the government, mafia and more. Since the speakers will be attending free of charge, the money will cover a half page Signal ad, 250 photocopies and chalk.