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(04/29/11 2:19am)
At the second-to-last Student Finance Board meeting of the semester, College Union Board requested a total of $72,000 for next semester’s fall concert. CUB plans to bid on piano-pop band Jack’s Mannequin as the headliner and Christina Perri as the opener. Jack’s Mannequin would cost an estimated $40,000 and Perri would cost $20,000, according to CUB representatives.
If those two acts are not available, CUB said, they would bid on acts such as Sara Bareilles, Dashboard Confessional, Regina Spektor or Ingrid Michaelson. The concert would take place in the Kendall Main Stage Theatre and those costs are included in the allotment. SFB voted unanimously to fund the bid.
“I like the concert because I don’t think we’ve had a soft and mellow concert in Kendall in three to four years … It’s been a lot of heavy stuff,” Warren Samlin, junior political science and finance double major and SFB administrative director, said.
SFB Executive Director Brad Van Arnum, senior economics major, expanded upon this in an e-mail interview: “The board felt that the fall concert artists would offer a different type of music than what has been offered at the fall concert in recent years. Whereas CUB has brought more punk and hard rock bands in the last two years, Jack’s Mannequin is a quieter artist that can make novel use of Kendall Hall (his performance, as well as that of the opener, would feature a piano for example).”
SFB denied funding to CUB’s fall comedy show by tabling the motion, which CUB proposed would include Bo Burnham as the headliner at $25,000 and Jo Koy as the opener for $15,000.
“We just wanted to make sure that for $15,000, the opener would perform for longer than 30 minutes, since the $25,000 headliner was performing for at least a full hour,” Van Arnum said. “Since last Wednesday, CUB has contacted the (opener) they had selected and has confirmed that this person would be willing to perform for longer for $15,000.”
Other names CUB suggested for the show were Mike Birbuglia, Donald Glover and Ralphie May.
Animal Rights New Jersey was allotted $379.75 for the rights to show the award-winning documentary “The Cove” today, in a venue that is yet to be announced.
SFB unanimously voted to fund CARIBSA, the Caribbean Student Association, in the future.
“I like this group a lot,” Garrett Hoffman, senior mathematics major and SFB equipment manager, said. “I really like the events these groups put on … This is a culture a lot of people will get excited about.”
“CARIBSA seems to be a group that has already proven itself as an organization by holding interesting and well-attended events,” Van Arnum said. “They also have an event planned for early next year that they will be requesting (today), a bus trip to New York City.”
Her Campus TCNJ was denied future funding because, according to the executive board, the group did not have any exact events or reasons for funding decided yet.
Caroline Russomano can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(04/20/11 10:11pm)
Rainy days mean a lot of things for College students, but for the men’s and women’s track and field teams, it meant an extra day to prepare for their meet, which was canceled on Saturday and moved to Sunday, April 17.
“The change in date should help with our performances,” head coach Philip Jennings said before the match in an e-mail interview, “as (Sunday) looks to be a much better day with higher temperatures, far less wind and partly sunny skies.”
It certainly did help as the Lions competed at the Greyhound Invitational held at Moravian College.
Senior Kyle Gilroy continued his impressive College career with two NCAA provisional qualifying times in his first-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 53.41 seconds. He also recorded a second-best overall 14.72 seconds in the preliminary heat of the 110-meter hurdles.
He did not compete in the finals because, according to Jennings, “Kyle did not compete in the 110 hurdle final so he could focus on the 400 hurdles … which paid off — we wanted him to get the 110 race in, but getting in the 400-hurdle qualifier was the biggest goal of the day.”
Gilroy added to his accolades by receiving the 2011 Dr. Harold W. Eickhoff Outstanding Senior Male Scholar-Athlete award, which is given to the senior student with the highest GPA each year, according to the Sports Information Desk.
“(Gilroy’s) drive to excel on the track is clearly matched by his focus and work ethic in the classroom,” Jennings said.
Another Lion with an impressive finish was senior Miriam Khan on the women’s side.
Khan took first in the 100 and 200-meter races. She set the meet record in the 200-meter with a time of 24.95. She won the 100-meter race with a time of 12.09. Both of these times were NCAA provisional qualifiers.
“Miriam was last year’s national champion in the 100-meter, so her contributions are not new this year,” Jennings said. “Her 100 time is the second fastest in Division III currently.”
The 4x400 relay team of freshman Micheaux Ferdinand, freshman Emily Kulcyk, sophomore Brielle Doremus and senior Alexandra Tomaselli took third place with 4:06.92, an ECAC qualifying time.
The men’s side produced similar results.
Freshman Dominic Tasco and senior Dennie Waite placed second and third respectively in the 800-meter race. Tasco ran a 1:54.34, and Waite recorded a 1:54.41. Both were ECAC qualifying times.
“We had a very good meet overall, particularly in the middle distance and distance events where the team is really starting to round into form,” Jennings said. “While the weather was good overall, the high winds made things difficult for some of the field events, particularly jumps, and the long sprints.”
The Lions continue their season on Friday and Saturday at the Larry Ellis Invitational hosted by Princeton University.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(04/20/11 9:01pm)
There are many recognizable things in The Signal’s basement lair. There are the pictures on the walls of people who are lost in the annals of Signal history (translation — we have no clue who they are), there’s messages from past editors telling us to get out while we still can and there’s more newspapers strewn about than you could shake a stick at. Then there’s the people and their quirks: Jeff and his dancing, Emily and her lion, Jamie and her word jumbles, Katie and her hats and Matt and his music. And then there’s me. Carrie and her Disney.
Not that I hate the brand of being the token Disney fan. I love Disney, and I’m proud of that. But too often, people who love Disney become a punch line. Why? People who love sports intensely are passionate. People who are obsessed with their hobby (painting, writing, sculpting) are committed. So why do I always get such weird looks when I start to wax poetic about Disney?
And then it hit me: Most young adults my age can’t see Disney the way I can. They reach a certain age and the magic is gone. Most can’t keep on loving the movies, parks and music as much as I do. Is it because of societal norms? Maybe. Or it could just be that they’ve “grown up” and don’t care anymore. Some like certain aspects (like the movies or music), but can’t embrace the entire package. Even I don’t like everything Disney does (the Disney Channel has really gone downhill in the last few years), but it’s close. But any company that has a character as fun-loving and loyal as Mickey Mouse can’t be bad.
Let me tell you why.
First, Disney movies. Many people like Disney movies when they’re little, but there’s so much more to enjoy when you’re older and watching these movies. You can appreciate the art more in the animated features, the sarcasm (I never would have understood the point of “Enchanted” and Disney poking fun at themselves as a child) and the storyline. There are the movies of our childhood, like “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Hercules” and my all-time favorite, “Aladdin.” There are the Walt Disney classics like “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty.”
But the new movies are excellent, as well. I don’t care what critics and movie-goers said about “The Princess and the Frog” — it was a great film with awesome music, fun characters and the strongest female role model Disney has ever produced. “Tangled” was equally awe-inspiring. First of all, it was hysterical. The music was enjoyable (though not up to the standards of “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and the plot was one of the best Disney has created in a while. Don’t be afraid to see these movies just because they have the social stigma of being Disney.
Disney has recently announced that they will be creating no more musicals or “fairytale” films. Many lauded this. I died a little inside. Disney is never better or more magical than when there’s a song in the characters’ hearts and “once upon a time,” no matter the year on the calendar. I can only hope this is remedied soon.
Music ties in with the movies. Disney, admittedly, has had some of the best musical minds collaborate on their songs (the Sherman brothers, Elton John, Alan Menken, Randy Newman), but that’s because these people wanted to produce music for one of the most influential companies in the world. Who doesn’t love classics like “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “Circle of Life,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Zero to Hero” and my personal favorite, “A Whole New World”?
It all comes together at the Disney theme parks. I will admit I’ve only been to Walt Disney World (but I’ve been about eight times and am going my ninth right after I graduate), but it is one of my life goals to visit every Disney park.
This is perhaps the element least appreciated by our generation. It’s all a marketing ploy. They just want to make money. It’s only perfect in every way because they want your money. Well, they are a company and thus need to make money. But no company provides the experience Disney does.
It is truly a one-of-a-kind trip, and if everything isn’t perfect, let a Cast Member know, and it will be before long. The people who work for Disney are only human, so there are occasional slip-ups (like the employee who yelled at me for trying to get in line with my parents during the holidays), but most Disney Cast Members are genuinely nice, friendly people who really enhance the experience. The rides are the best in the world, with the best themes in the world. It’s a totally immersive experience, and it’s so easy to forget real-life worries and problems while there. My heart swells the moment I pass under the “Welcome to Walt Disney World, the most magical place on Earth” sign and hear “Welcome Home” at our favorite resort, Wilderness Lodge, and it breaks the moment we have to check out.
If you don’t believe me that Disney is truly one of the best companies in the world, here’s my favorite Disney memory.
My favorite character is Hades (the villain from “Hercules”). When I was 10, all I wanted was any souvenir with Hades on it. After searching every store all over the “World,” I finally found one statue of the god of the underworld, but it was chipped! The employees of the store, who’d been helping me look for a good hour for Hades, assured me they would send a undamaged statue to our room.
When we returned to our room the next day, the statue was there and he was unharmed. But there was something among our bags we were pretty sure we hadn’t purchased. We opened the box and inside was an expensive Mickey frame with a certificate inside that read, “This moment was certifiably magical: Caroline for Searching for Hades.” All the Cast Members from the store and even Hades himself had signed the sticker-covered certificate. The frame was mysteriously absent from our bill, as well.
Another marketing ploy? Perhaps. But it filled a 10-year-old’s heart full to bursting and still brings tears to my eyes now at the memory of how it made me feel. And isn’t that all that really matters in the end?
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu
(04/14/11 2:57am)
The College is partnering with Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in Be’er-Sheva, Israel for a new study-abroad opportunity, to be offered starting in Fall 2011, said Jon Stauff, director of the Center for Global Engagement.
According to Stauff, all study-abroad programs are evaluated and approved by the International Education Program Council, a committee composed of faculty and students that is part of the College’s shared governance structure.
“We try to provide students with study-abroad choices that fit their academic degree programs,” Stauff said in an e-mail, “and we also try to identify opportunities for students to pursue career preparation goals (in internship placements as well as service-learning and volunteer programs).”
Luke K. Butler, assistant professor of biology, went with a small number of professors to BGU in January on an official College visit “to see their program and what it has to offer (College) students.”
“BGU appeared to me to be much like any medium-sized university here,” Butler said in an e-mail. “They have a large campus, a big library and student center, big academic buildings and labs, dorms, undergrads, graduate students, and an associated hospital which is involved in medical research and teaching as well as serving the local community.”
“Of course the people come from much different backgrounds than most people here in the U.S., but that’s probably your major purpose in going there — to be with them and learn about their lives and their cultures and perspectives,” Butler said. “The surrounding country is incredibly beautiful and obviously full of historical sites … I also spent a little bit of time in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and (College) students studying at BGU will have no problem visiting those cities as well.”
Stauff talked about some of the classes and programs that would be offered to College students at BGU.
“BGU offers (College) students a wide array of academic opportunities, and not just in Hebrew language and Jewish studies,” Stauff said. “There are great courses in history, international studies, political science, film studies, sociology and anthropology, plus there is a tremendous program in biology and sustainability studies that offers fascinating coursework as well as research opportunities.”
When asked why Israel was chosen for the College’s next study abroad program, Stauff said, “We had no approved programs in Israel, yet we had students with an interest in traveling there for study abroad. Quite a few of our students travel to Israel on Birthright programs, and their senses are awakened to the country’s culture and beauty — they want to see more and experience Israeli life.”
The College also has a Middle Eastern Studies minor program and provides study abroad opportunities in Egypt and Jordan.
“A program in Israel complements the programs in Egypt and Jordan,” Stauff said. “We sincerely hope that students will go to all three countries, gain insights and perspectives about the shared issues in the region and come back to share their knowledge with their peers and become informed global citizens in our communities.”
Students taking advantage of the program, according to Stauff, will be able to earn up to six units of credit in one semester and can fulfill their language requirement in Hebrew at BGU. The cost of the six units, plus housing, food and a plane ticket, will be about the same as the costs of tuition and room and board for an in-state College student, he said. The courses are taught in English.
“Clearly, the Middle East is an immensely important part of the world for people from the United States to be engaged with, and studying in Israel means being immersed in a diverse society in the heart of the Middle East,” Butler said.
“I can’t stress this enough — our office in Green Hall is here to help students find exciting international opportunities for students interested in both academics and a personal adventure,” Stauff said. “There is something for everyone, in all budget categories. Employers will look favorably at any international experience on a résumé — it shows that students have left their comfort zones and challenged themselves to learn new things, and that quality is something that every potential employer will value.”
There are two application deadlines each year for studying abroad — Sept. 25 and Feb. 25. There is also a study abroad fair every September. For more information on studying abroad in Israel or any of the other many destinations, visit tcnj.edu/~goglobal.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(04/14/11 12:50am)
The music, mannerisms and phraseology floating through the Kendall Hall Main Stage Theatre were anything but “thoroughly modern” during TCNJ Musical Theatre’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The show, which played from April 6 to April 10, was originally a movie released in 1967 starring the great Julie Andrews. It was soon turned into a play and is now a favorite to perform of high schools and colleges. It’s not hard to see why. There’s infectious music, a lot of dancing, a fun love story and some rather entertaining characters. But the show, set in the era of prohibition and flappers and released in the turbulent ’60s, shows its age occasionally, with racial jokes and outdated language.
But TMT made it work. They made it work well on Thursday, April 7.
Millie Dillmount, the show’s namesake, played by junior English major Katy Widmer, moves from Kansas to New York City with the sole intention of getting a job with a wealthy boss whom she can marry. This idea of love and marriage as a transaction is new and Millie is proud of it.
But then she meets Jimmy Smith, played by freshman computer science major Graham Mazie, a seemingly poor guy who flits from job to job and doesn’t stay anywhere long. They hate each other, they snip at each other and then, oh, they’re in love with each other. It’s predictable but equally adorable.
Along the way, Millie meets some very interesting characters, including the boss she has designs on, Trevor Graydon, played by senior Spanish major Raymond McCue, and a wealthy girl overly interested in the poor lifestyle, Miss Dorothy, played by sophomore digital arts major Liz Gerger.
Perhaps the most interesting is Mrs. Meers, played by senior music major Tracy Witko, a human trafficker posing as an Asian hotel owner. And thus the blatant racial stereotypes begin. Her cronies, Ching Ho (junior special education major Mark Accardi) and Bun Foo (senior art education major Zach Mazouat) don’t speak English, and while the subtitles provided on a screen over the stage were a nice effect, it was at times hard to watch the two brothers get taken in by Mrs. Meers over and over again, just because they couldn’t speak English.
This show was full of music, and some of the highlights were “The Speed Test,” which featured McCue reciting a letter as fast as humanly possible to test Millie’s stenographer skills, “They Don’t Know,” Mrs. Meers’ tribute to the fact that no one, well, knows about her plans, and “What Do I Need With Love,” Jimmy’s realization and immediate rejection of his love for Millie.
Perhaps the best moments were “Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life/I’m Falling in Love with Someone,” performed by the two most overdramatic and hysterical characters in the show, McCue and Gerger, and “Gimme Gimme,” where Widmer got to show off her impressive vocal talent and Millie makes some major decisions.
All of the cast members were great, but some performances stood out. Widmer was engaging as Millie, and her transition from innocent to “modern girl” was acted very well. Gerger was funny as Miss Dorothy, adding overblown drama and fun to every scene she was in. Mazie stood out as Jimmy, with clear vocals and sincere yearning flowing nicely with the character’s more sarcastic side.
Witko, Accardi and Mazouat were hysterical as the bumbling villains, and even if the racial stereotyping was a little uncomfortable, nothing got a bigger laugh than Witko’s continued utterance of “Sad to be all alone in the world!” when meeting new orphans to kidnap for her “white slavery” ring.
And Accardi and Mazouat played off each other well, with exaggerated movement and well-done accents to add to their performance (which was almost entirely in Chinese).
But McCue perhaps stole the show as Mr. Graydon, with his woe-is-me attitude, great body movement and pitch perfect voice, both in speech and song. He was extremely funny as the wealthy but clueless boss.
All in all, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” was a winner, and even if it was hampered by outdated content at times, the fact that it was still enjoyable and fun is a testament to TMT’s talent.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(04/07/11 12:28am)
I wish I could say the album I was most excited for this year was “The King of Limbs” or something else equally impressive. And while I was excited for the elusive Radiohead to give us something more, I have to admit that I was much more excited for another album that came out less than a month later. Much, MUCH more excited.
One of my favorite bands of all time is Panic! At the Disco. I know. I’ve heard it before and I’m sure I’ll hear it again: Aren’t they emo? Are they even any good? Doesn’t Pete Wentz write everything for them?
The answers are maybe, hell yes and god no.
If we’re saying “emo” means emotional (the original definition of the overused and underappreciated term), then yes, they are rather emotional (as all good music should be). They are excellent, especially live, and Pete Wentz is too busy getting divorced to have anything to do with their new album.
And oh, how I both anticipated and feared this new album. When “Vices and Virtues” dropped on March 22, I listened with trepidation. A lot has changed since Panic!’s last album, “Pretty. Odd.” They’re down two band members. Former guitarist Ryan Ross and former bassist Jon Walker left the band in the summer of 2009 due to “creative differences.” Translation: Ross and Walker wanted to make another Beatles rip-off a la “Pretty. Odd.” and singer/guitarist Brendon Urie and drummer Spencer Smith didn’t want to.
Well, Ross and Walker walked (no pun intended) and formed the Young Veins and recorded “Take a Vacation” almost instantly. It was ’60s beach pop. Fine. Whatever floats your boat. But that was never supposed to be P!ATD.
Urie and Smith took a lot longer. They made us wait. They made us sweat. They drove us absolutely insane (so, OK, maybe that was just me). They released 30-second song clips just to make us cry a little when it stopped. And then they finally released their 10-song album (mine also has four bonus songs — I highly recommend this version).
And it’s AWESOME. This is the album that should have followed 2006’s “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out.” Unlike “Pretty. Odd.,” which sounds like the band got high and listened to a bunch of Beatles records, “Vices and Virtues” picks up where “Fever” left off. A slightly vaudevillian strain permeates the album, and it definitely speaks to the 2006 double platinum hit, especially the MTV VMA Video of the Year winner, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” The first single’s video off the new release, “The Ballad of Mona Lisa,” is filmed in the same church as the “Sins” video and seems to be a continuation. Urie makes his usual faces and shows his fearlessness when it comes to “acting.” He’s one of the most talented singers in music right now, and he plays practically every instrument.
“Ballad” is a good song. All of the songs on this album are good. Really good. But there are two that you should stop reading this article to go download right now: “Let’s Kill Tonight” and “Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met).” “Let’s Kill Tonight” is a rollicking good time with a hard rock center and an awesome horror movie throwback.
And “Nearly Witches” has that vaudevillian charm with an irresistible chorus (that will get stuck in your head). Other winners are “Sarah Smiles” and “Ready to Go (Get Me Out of My Mind).
Panic! is awesome live (definitely one of the best live shows I’ve seen, and I’ve seen MANY). I can see this album being pretty kickass live, too. They’re on tour this summer. I’m unfortunately going to miss them, but that doesn’t mean you have to! Go! Buy this album and see their concert! You won’t be sorry! Panic! may have become a pop culture punch line, but after you give them a chance, you’ll be the one laughing at everyone who hasn’t.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu
(03/30/11 9:37pm)
The world is clearly ending. Beginning in 2005, the natural disasters in the world seem to be building — an erecter set of doom, if you will.
First, there was Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which is one of, if not the, worst natural disaster in U.S. history. Death count: 1,836. Then there is a large earthquake in Pakistan in the same year. Death count: 75,000. A few years later, 2008 brought a Myanmar (formerly Burma) cyclone and a Chinese earthquake. Death count: 146,000 and 70,000. Swine flu was the epidemic of 2009, killing 11,800 in the process. Perhaps the biggest disaster in recent history, the earthquake in Haiti took over 316,000 lives. In the same year, two more earthquakes in Chile and Yushu killed a combined 2,970. Pakistani flooding killed 1,800.
Of course, the earthquake (a 9.0 on the Richter scale, the second largest in recorded history) and tsunami in Japan this past month have created a disaster on the grandest of scales, with over 10,000 reported dead and reports of radiation in the Pacific Ocean and plutonium in soil samples pouring in every day.
So, were the Mayans right? Is the world ending in 2012?
It sure seems like it on the surface. Every time we turn on the TV, another disaster smacks us in the face. So, should I make sure to make a bucket list for December 21, 2012?
Nope.
When talking to an expert on the subject (so, OK, it was my mother), she pointed out something that I had never thought about. The reason it seems like natural disasters are building up and coming more rapidly and close together every day is not because the Mayan calendar is winding down, but because of another equally foolish idea: the 24-hour news channel.
There are no more natural disasters now than there ever have been, as a little research yields. Last century and this past decade weren’t even the worst in recorded history. But news coverage of these events has never been as extensive and intensive as it is right now in this moment.
Back before Chernobyl, the media would report on a disaster, newspapers would write a story for the following day’s front page and maybe some follow-up would come. But when Chernobyl melted down in 1986, the media covered it extensively (read: beat the dead horse while it was down) and thus bore a new way of covering natural disasters. The launch of CNN, the first 24-hour news network, six years earlier aided the media greatly in this over-coverage.
Since CNN’s launch, channels like Fox News and MSNBC have followed in the 24-hour news formula. And each disaster has received more news coverage than the one before it. No wonder it feels like the end of the world as we know it.
Don’t get me wrong. Coverage of these disasters is crucial and the fact that there is so much of it could be considered a good thing. It seems like every day, worse news is coming from Japan (the latest being the lack of treatment for radiation available in the country). And we should know about it. But it can also be said that this constant influx of news creates panic and overemphasizes each occurrence, making them seem more dramatic and vital than they may actually be. The constant barrage of bad news on 24-hour news networks definitely flirts with being too much. While it’s important to know, other things are happening in the world, and constantly focusing on a bad situation is one of the reasons people tend not to like journalists.
I think extensive coverage of natural disasters is important, but the media focus can help a bad situation seem a lot worse.
No wonder it feels like the world is ending in 2012.
(03/23/11 10:11pm)
Some sports analysts are saying that the Boston Red Sox are the new team to beat in Major League Baseball. With the additions of Carl Crawford (arguably one of the best and fastest outfielders in the league) and all-star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (who will ease Kevin Youkilis’ transition to third) their lineup is definitely a threat. With this in mind, I figured someone should compare them position-to-position against the previous team-to-beat, the New York Yankees, and see whether the analysts are right.
First Base
Adrian Gonzalez is one of two shiny new playthings for Red Sox fans this season. He’s an all-star and has a career batting average of .284. Mark Teixeira is one of the few Yankee acquisitions in recent years to actually live up to his hype. He is the best fielding first baseman in MLB with a career batting average of .286. Since they’re similar in hitting, the fielding makes this decision. Advantage: Yankees
Second Base
Dustin Pedroia has been injury-prone lately and sat out over half of last season. But there’s no denying that he lights a fire under the Sox when he’s healthy and playing to his full potential. Robinson Cano has quickly become one of the Yankees most-reliable clutch hitters, along with having a lot of power. Pedroia is a slightly better fielder. But, the injury and missing most of last season makes this Cano’s spot to lose. Advantage: Yankees
Short Stop
Future Hall of Famer/one of the best players in history v. Marco Scutaro? Please. He may be getting older, but Derek Jeter is still one of the most valuable players that any team in the league could have. Advantage: Yankees
Third Base
Thank god Alex Rodriguez is finally able to hit in clutch moments. And not just hit. Huge hits. Like walk-off home runs and go-ahead RBIs. Of course, Kevin Youkilis is one of Boston’s most reliable postseason guys as well. Purely on a “who’s been playing the position longer?” basis, A-Rod wins fielding. And A-Rod will be breaking Hank Aaron’s (oops, I mean “Barry Bonds”) all-time home run record before he retires. Oh yes. Advantage: Yankees
Right Field
I have to admit that Nick Swisher is one of my favorite players. His enthusiasm and love-of-the-game is infectious. He is definitely a fan favorite, whereas fans are still warming up to J.D. Drew. After all, Swisher got American League fans to vote him into the 2010 All-Star Game. However, though Swisher has definitely come into his own as a Yankee (and is one of their best clutch hitters), Drew’s overall stats are better. Swisher’s a way better pitcher, though. Advantage: Red Sox
Center Field
Jacoby Ellsbury is a better hitter, and will most likely be the Sox lead-off man. Then again, he was also out of commission all of last season, while Curtis Granderson came into his own as a Yankee. They’re about even when it comes to FPCT. But if Ellsbury can remain healthy this season, he’ll have a bigger impact for the Sox than Granderson will for the Yanks. Advantage: Red Sox
Left Field
Am I the only one that wants Brett Gardner and Carl Crawford to have a foot race right now? Both left fields boast one of the speediest men in MLB. Gardner had one of the highest OBP in the league last year, but Crawford has more experience and a better career batting average. In a pinch, I’d want Crawford right now and Gardner in a year or two when he’s had even more time to grow. Advantage: Red Sox
Catcher
I’ve got to give this one to the Sox, considering Francisco Cervelli is out of comission and Russell Martin and Jarrod Saltalamacchia are pretty evenly matched. A veteran leader like Jason Varitek is of more use than an injuried youth. Advantage: Red Sox
Designated Hitter
The biggest disadvantage for Jorge Posada in this match-up is that this is his first year as a DH and David Ortiz practically reinvented the position. Posada was one of the best-hitting catchers in the game for his career, but now that he’s gotten older he’s going to have to prove himself at the plate while not being behind it. For now, Advantage: Red Sox
Rotation
This is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever said — this is totally A.J. Burnett’s year! Ever since I met the Yankee pitcher in Disney World, I’ve wanted him to prove himself, and this is his year. With a new pitching coach helping him hit his spots and repeat his motion, I think he’ll be one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. Factoring in C.C. Sabathia and Phil Hughes, I think the Yankees have Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz beat. Both teams have iffy four and five spots, but the top three? Advantage: Yankees
Bullpen
The Yankees have Mariano Rivera, Joba Chamberlain, Damaso Marte, Rafael Soriano and David Robertson. The Red Sox bullpen is full of a bunch of guys that I’ve never heard of, except Jonathan Papelbon. Plus, did I mention the Yankees have Mariano Rivera? Advantage: Yankees
So, that’s six for the Yankees and five for the Red Sox. The Yanks are still better (was there ever any doubt?). But, this is just on paper. The real test will be when these teams face each other — rekindling one of the greatest sports rivalries of all time.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(02/10/11 1:46am)
What is it about a British accent that not only makes me feel smarter when I watch TV, but also makes me laugh harder at jokes? I’m not sure, but it’s definitely the case.
Over the years, I’ve gotten a little frustrated with American TV (though there are still some gems like “Chuck,” “30 Rock,” “Eureka,” “How I Met Your Mother,” etc.), and have flocked to the holy grail of comedy, science fiction and mystery — BBC America.
This channel culminates the best British television for American audiences. God bless BBC America.
America has always had an odd relationship with British TV. Starting back in the ’60s with “Doctor Who” and “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” British TV became more and more available to us. Since then, Hollywood has remade quite a few British shows for American consumption, for better or worse.
We’ve adapted well, as in the case of “The Office” (the American version features a nicer boss) and “Queer as Folk” (the groundbreaking series about gay life in Pittsburgh). We’ve copied verbatim (as in the case of SyFy’s newest show, “Being Human”) and we’ve completely rewritten and ruined (like the semi-illegal “Skins”).
HBO even has a new show about adapting British TV for the U.S. called “Episodes,” a farce with Matt LeBlanc playing himself.
But nothing is quite like the real thing. For some reason, the British have a knack for good science fiction (what would you expect from the culture that brought us the religion that is “Doctor Who”?).
Speaking of the blue police box and Timelords, “Doctor Who” is one of the best TV shows on right now. It’s funny, adventurous, exciting and extremely well-written. It also has one of the best sci-fi concepts of all time. Matt Smith as the Doctor has excellent comedic timing, and he has settled into his role nicely (I didn’t think anyone could top David Tennant, of Harry Potter 4 fame, and he hasn’t, but he’s close). So if you want a show about a sarcastic time-and-space traveling alien, this one’s for you.
Another excellent choice is “Primeval.” This show has an incredibly distinctive
plot, about the ARC (Anomaly Research Center) team. Anomalies are rifts in time that open randomly in modern day London. A ragtag group of scientists and
adventurers fight the dinosaurs, medieval creatures and terrifying monsters of the future in every episode. Be warned with
this one, however: British TV writers have no problem killing off main
characters. Four have already died in this four-season show.
Next is “Merlin.” While not entirely sci-fi in nature, it is about the famous wizard and his legendary friendship with King Arthur.
In this show, Arthur’s only the prince of Camelot (yeah, they messed with the legend quite a bit — get over it) and Merlin’s his servant. Together they fight monsters, sorcerers and rival countries. But no one can know Merlin is a warlock because magic is outlawed in Camelot. It’s definitely a fun show, and they’re making a fourth season now.
Finally, there’s the mini-series “Sherlock.” This one’s not sci-fi, but it’s still awesome.
It’s about, yes, Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion, Dr. John Watson. But it’s set in modern times and Holmes and Watson call each other by their first names (for anyone who’s read the stories, you’ll know that’s crazy). Holmes texts and gets high using nicotine patches. It’s fast-paced, funny and incredibly intriguing. Plus, the actor who plays Watson starred in “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Cool, huh?
In the end, British television is smart, funny and refreshing. And those accents?
Yeah, they don’t hurt.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(01/21/11 10:42pm)
“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”
Is a fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie necessary? I say yes. Why? Because as far as I can tell, this
one is just about Jack Sparrow — a prequel if you will. No sob story about Will and Elizabeth, just the adventures of the cantankerous Captain. He was always the best part of the movies, so an entire movie about just him should be good. Caution: too much swishing and not enough action is a danger.
“Vices and Virtues” by Panic! at the Disco
It’s been a long time since Panic! at the Disco put out an album. The last time it happened, they no longer had the exclamation mark and were four members instead of two. But finally, Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith are releasing a new record, minus the members that were the main perpetrators of the inconsistent at best “Pretty. Odd.” The boys are going back to their dance rock “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” roots, so this one is definitely worth checking out.
“Thor”
Do we really need more superhero comic book movies? Yes, yes we do. Most of the movies in this genre made in the last 10 years have been pretty darn good. Or they’ve been bad enough to be entertaining (like “Superman Returns”). Thor is a lesser known Marvel hero, but he’s necessary to the Avengers franchise Marvel is building (all those little snippets in the Iron Man and Hulk movies with Nick Fury? Avengers references). The Avengers are the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America. So we know another movie we have to look forward to soon.
“The Autobiography of Mark Twain Vol. 1”
Even though this came out last November, this is something everyone should read in the New Year. It’s Twain writing from the grave, literally, as he wouldn’t let the book be published until 100 years after his death. But it’s not a real autobiography — it’s short stories and essays and witticisms in Twain’s distinctive style. It’s not often (let’s face it, it’s practically never) that we get new material from long deceased masters, so this is a treat everyone should partake in.
My Chemical Romance’s First Tour Since 2008
My Chemical Romance is one of the best live bands in the world right now, so the fact that they not only have a new album (which is kickass, by the way), but are going to tour with it is cause for celebration. I expect the new show to either be an extreme production (a la the first “Black Parade” tour) or stripped down and raw (like the last “Black Parade” tour). Either way, it will be a feast for the ears and eyes and a definitely worthwhile experience.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(01/21/11 9:43pm)
The fact that Walt Disney Studios has announced that it will no longer be making fairy tales or musicals in the foreseeable future made “Tangled” all the more bittersweet.
The film itself was excellent. Powered by a funny, heart-warming plot, “Tangled” features exceptional voice work by Mandy Moore and Zach Levi, cutting edge CGI and old-world Disney charm.
The fact that it could be the last like it for a while is sad. Maybe Disney will change its mind since this movie was such a hit. One can only hope.
(12/09/10 3:44am)
It was a night jam-packed with mayhem as All College Theatre (ACT) put on its original murder mystery production of “Death Comes at Midnight.” The show ran Dec. 3 and 4 in the Brower Student Center Food Court. With catering from Mama Flora’s Trattoria, the dinner and a show was an interactive experience with “Twilight” puns and excellent acting.
The food court was transformed into a bookstore eagerly anticipating the midnight release of the fourth book in the “Midnight” series. This was the first of many “Twilight” jokes. Eight lucky winners got to ask the author of the book, Sherry Dwyer, played hilariously by freshman history and secondary education double major Devin Dimmig, any question they wanted to about the series. Many prejudices were revealed here. But the innocent event went horribly wrong when Dwyer was murdered.
The first act of the show, while enjoyable, ran on too long. While the introduction and questions segment had the potential to be very funny, it dragged and some of the jokes were geared heavily toward “Twilight” readers.
The second act was more enjoyable than the first but was still lengthy. The famous detective Wendell Scherer, played by senior English major Steven Avigliano, tried to discover who killed Dwyer and the audience interaction question and answer session that accompanied this was occasionally funny, but also included a laundry list of questions and inside jokes. The ending was hysterical and included possible orgies, a male vampire not interested in his female fans and the funniest quip of the show by junior English major Justin Mancini: “I’m still not sure why nobody thought to call the police.”
If ACT had cut half of each act and left the ending exactly as it was, this show could have been great. As it was presented, however, it felt like there was so much potential not reached. But none of this was the fault of the actors.
Each actor completely embodied the role they’d been assigned, including the actors not actually participating in the stage action, but simply serving the food and roaming the floor, interacting with guests. This was a fun addition to the ambiance of the play.
Every actor on the stage was funny, but a few stood out. Junior women’s and gender studies major Liz So commanded attention as the bookstore’s owner and, after the final revelation, played a believable psychopathic murderer. Senior finance major Jeffrey Mondoro probably had the fewest lines in the play as the slightly slow bodyguard of Dwyer, but his stereotypical dumb he-man voice and blank expressions were spot on and definitely got the biggest laughs from the crowd.
Junior psychology major John Eldis played a great vamp bounty hunter, and apparently referenced last year’s murder mystery in Saturday night’s performance with his tale of how he got his eye patch.
Freshman biology major Chris Tippet had the hard task of playing the broody but irresistible vampire Dante Varney (he even looked a little like Robert Pattinson — no offense intended), but he pulled it off, even if his anger seemed a little forced at times.
It was Avigliano, however, that stole the show as Wendell. His pompous British accent and exaggerated movements (and flipping of his Doctor Who-esque trench coat) were perfect, and he, having to interact with the audience the most, thought well on his feet.
The show was enjoyable, even if long and slightly tedious at times, because the actors all took on their roles with gusto, and the plot was still very funny, if not completely played out.
(12/09/10 3:21am)
I’m really pissed off at Hal Steinbrenner. Who does he think he is? Well, one thing’s for sure: he is definitely not his father.
Some may say that is a good thing, as the late New York Yankees owner was one part ruthless and one part surprisingly sentimental. But if George isn’t rolling in his grave right now, then I’m a Red Sox fan.
Derek Jeter is one of the greatest Yankees in history. In my opinion, he is only surpassed in both popularity and team impact by the great Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig. And he is going to get a three year, $51 million contract? That’s what A.J. “Hasn’t Done Anything Right Yet” Burnett makes. Really?
So Jeter had an off year last year — he had his worst offensive season, and I’ll be the first to admit that his range in the field is not what it used to be. But he also had his best offensive season the year before, when he was only a year younger. And as sappy as it sounds, Jeter’s worth can’t be measured in dollar signs or contract years.
Derek Jeter is the Yankees. He embodies their winning spirit, their drive to be the best every time and their All-American persona. It’s cliché but true: you don’t hear anything bad about Derek Jeter.
The Yankees players are getting younger, and they need a guy like Jeter to lead by example. He’s not the Yankee captain, a coveted and honored position, for nothing. I think that he definitely has some good years left in him. I think, personally, if he stays in shape and hits like he did two years ago, he has a shot at breaking Pete Rose’s all-time hits record.
When it comes down to it, $51 million over three years is an insult to someone with Jeter’s history, star power and leadership qualities. Clearly, Jeter is going to be involved in the Yankee organization for a long time, but I think he still has playing years left. Jeter obviously thinks so, and I feel he’s the type who will bow out gracefully when he feels he can no longer contribute. Baseball is a gentlemen’s game, after all, and there is no one more gentlemanly than Derek Jeter. I think it’s awful that the new Yankee order didn’t treat him as such.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(12/02/10 2:28am)
It’s hard to watch a movie when the theater is stuffed with extraordinarily enthusiastic “Pottheads” and actually be objective about it (especially when you’re a Potthead yourself), but I tried my best when I saw
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.”
It was a pretty fantastic movie. The pacing didn’t falter, even though Harry, Ron and Hermione were camping in the woods most of the movie. One odd section was the destruction of the locket Horcrux and some of the liberties it took (people who read the book will know what I mean).
Other than that, it was a good mix of remaining faithful enough to the novels to please the Pottheads and cinematic enough to please the movies-only crowd. It was one of the best representations of the source material so far, and the actors have really come into their own and upped their game, especially Rupert Grint. Seven down, one to go…
(12/02/10 2:24am)
The strains of Disney classics such as “Strangers Like Me,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Go the Distance” drifted through the Don Evans Black Box Theatre as audience members filtered in to watch TCNJ Musical Theatre’s production of “Once On This Island” on Wednesday, Nov. 17.
The show, which played from Nov. 17-Nov. 21, weaved the tale of island peasant Timoune, played by freshman communication studies major Monica Blumstein, and her forbidden but passionate love for the wealthy Daniel, played by senior English and education major Matthew Persico.
As always, the music and voices and dancing overwhelmed the smallish Black Box, and it was nearly impossible to see action that was happening on the floor of the theatre from many of the upper rows. It took away slightly from the performance.
Beyond that, though, the production was well done. Blumstein was very good in her first TMT performance. Her earnestness and innocence conveyed Timoune’s naiveté and thirst for love and adventure, while also making the unfolding events all the harder to watch with dry eyes.
It doesn’t work out between Timoune and Daniel. Daniel’s obvious love of Timoune but forced commitment to another, wealthier woman of his class were portrayed well by Persico — the obvious tension in his body during certain scenes was a great addition to his performance. He also sang and danced beautifully.
One song highlight was “We Dance,” in which the whole cast sang such lines as “If the gods decide to send a hurricane, we dance” and “We dance while we’re fighting to survive.” The jubilatory music and dancing counteracted well with the depressing circumstances consistently referenced throughout the song. It really gave a great sense of the struggle of the peasants and set the forbidden romance of Timoune and Daniel up well.
Other showstoppers were “Mama Will Provide” sung by Asaka, played by junior health and exercise science major Gabrielle Crespo, “Rain,” where a rainstorm was synthesized by blue streamers on wire and some great lighting effects, “The Sad Tale of the Beauxhommes,” a funny history of the wealthy people of the island, and “The Human Heart,” which featured great choreography between Blumstein and Persico.
Freshman mathematics and secondary education major Jim Bloss, Crespo, sophomore digital arts major Liz Gerger and freshman Graham Mazie were very entertaining as the gods of the island. Mazie especially embodied his character of Papa Ge, or death, and his haunting duet of “Promises/Forever Yours (Reprise)” with Blumstein was a highlight of the show.
The show ends on a sad, but bittersweet note. “Why We Tell the Story” was a great ender (if a little odd since Timoune dies and turns into a tree), especially when the audience is shown that even if Timoune and Daniel couldn’t work out, love will find a way, and thus their story unfolds again in others, including Daniel’s son, and this time they really are “forever yours.”
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(11/17/10 7:27pm)
Back when I was in fifth grade, I really enjoyed reading. It was one of my favorite things to do. So, I looked forward to my teacher’s twice weekly readings from a novel with great excitement. Little did I know how much that practice would change my life.
That year, I was introduced to a boy who was my age, but who was experiencing extraordinary things. The boy had evil relatives, but he persevered. He got to go away to a fantastical school. He made great friends — the best a child could have — and he found many role models. He stuck up for what he believed in. He was my inspiration.
He is Harry Potter.
Now, with the release of the first part of the final chapter in the institution and religion that is the Harry Potter phenomenon, I find myself wanting to say “thank you” to the boy wizard. I want to thank him for growing up with me and for inspiring me. I sincerely believe that my life would be different if it hadn’t included the raven-haired, spindly-legged, scar-stricken boy from Number 4 Privet Drive.
Harry Potter is one of the best book series of all time. Argue with me all you want, but there is no denying what J.K. Rowling has created — a character who is relatable to most everyone on a certain level. Most can find a quality in Harry to identify with. And if not Harry, then definitely in his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. I have never encountered more fully-developed, well-rounded characters. And I’ve read quite a bit.
Harry is a great role model. He teaches young people to rely on themselves and their friends, but to not be afraid to ask for help from others (like adults) if one needs it. He teaches bravery and strength of character. He teaches perseverance in the face of certain defeat. He helped shape me to be who I am today.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but it was the Harry Potter books that convinced me that if I had a big enough imagination and I tried hard enough, anything could happen. After all, how many people turned Rowling down before one (and that’s all that is needed) said yes? Rowling had created a wonderful world, full of magic and creatures and heroes and villains and it took one lucky publishing lackey to see that.
Harry Potter helped me to broaden my horizons. I imagined places and situations I never had before. He helped cultivate my ideas and my dreams.
I have never been so emotionally attached to another literary character. Nothing has ever made me laugh, cry and think like Harry Potter. I knew, when I started reading the seventh book (which I put off for a full three days for fear of the end), that if Harry died, a little piece of me would die as well. As it is, I’m still convinced I left a little of myself within the pages when I closed that last book.
As excited as I am for “Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Part 1” (I had my tickets purchased almost a month ago for the midnight showing tomorrow), I’m also terrified for a two-fold reason. One, I know, knowing what happens, that it’s going to be a hard film to watch. I’ve already planned out my survival pack of tissues and extra contact lenses.
But, more importantly, this is the beginning of the end. The movies have never been as important to me as the books (while some have been well done, don’t get me started on the ones I’ve hated, like “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”), but they were part of the experience and the culture. Once the credits roll tomorrow night, there will only be one more Harry Potter experience to be had. I think it’s beautifully ironic that “Part 2” comes out about a month after my graduation — Harry has truly grown up with me.
No one will ever experience Harry Potter the way our generation has. Sure, they’ll read the books and watch the movies and enjoy them. But we grew up with him. We were there every step of the way. We stood in the cold waiting for the midnight book releases. We dressed up in ridiculous costumes for the midnight showings (well, I haven’t, but I plan to for “Part 2”). We talked each others’ ears off about what was going to happen next. We lived through the books with Harry. Wow. We sure have been lucky.
Thank you, Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling, for giving me a childhood full of wonder, and for making me the person I am today.
P.S.- I’m still waiting for my Hogwarts letter. Send it at your leisure.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(10/06/10 6:49pm)
It’s that time of year again — the weather is getting chilly, the leaves are turning and people are worrying about getting the flu.
But according to Janice Vermeychuk, director of Student Health Services, students at least don’t have H1N1, or the swine flu, to worry about this year.
“We have not confirmed a case of H1N1 in Student Health Services since January 2010,” she said. “Scientists anticipate, however, that H1N1 will be one of the flu strains circulating in the area this flu season. It has therefore been incorporated into this year’s flu vaccine.”
Vermeychuk provided the following statement from the World Health Organization: “As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.”
So H1N1 is no longer the threat it was last semester. But that doesn’t mean students shouldn’t be cautious and still get a flu shot.
“The single best chance at protection against the flu is annual vaccination,” Vermeychuk said. “I cannot stress that enough. In the close living and learning environment of a college campus, it is paramount that students get vaccinated.”
Vermeychuk also recommended ways students can protect themselves after they get the vaccination, “Always practice good health habits to maintain your body’s resistance to infection. Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, exercise and sleep. To stop the spread of germs, wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid or minimize contact with people who are sick (a minimum of three feet distancing is recommended by the Center for Disease Control), avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose, cover your cough and stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick. These measures are difficult to maintain in college and that’s why flu vaccination is so important.”
As mentioned above, the H1N1 vaccine has been incorporated in this year’s flu shot so students don’t have to worry about getting more than one shot like last year.
Vermeychuk explained this process, “Flu vaccine always consists of three components — three different strains of flu that scientists expect will circulate in the Northern Hemisphere in the upcoming flu season. These components consist of 2 type A flu strains and 1 type B flu strain. One of the type A flu strains is H1N1 this year. It is not a more powerful flu shot — there are always three strains in the flu vaccine because more than one strain of influenza circulates in the community.”
If students find themselves getting sick, even after getting the flu shot, Vermeychuk recommended students, faculty and staff stay home in order to not put others at risk, and then immediately call Student Health Services or a health care provider.
She described flu-like symptoms to be “rapid onset of high fever and body aches, cough, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose (and) chills.”
Student Health Services has already held two flu-vaccination clinics, on Sept 29 and Oct 5. One more clinic will be provided by an outside company and is scheduled for Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m. in room 202 in the Brower Student Center. Flu shots will be $25 (cash or credit cards). FluMist (FluMist is thimerosal-free) will cost $30. This clinic is open to students, staff, and faculty and their friends and family too. Students with the Student Health Insurance Plan will have to pay upfront. They can then submit a claim for reimbursement (max of $20) to Bollinger at www.bollingerinsurance.com/tcnj. A receipt of payment is needed to do this.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(09/29/10 5:13pm)
I’d only been to one Yankee game in the new stadium. I’d only been to one Yankee game, period. It was on August 20, when the Bombers were shut out by the Seattle Mariners, six to zip. So, that was disappointing.
I was ready for the sports team I’ve supported since the basinet to redeem themselves. I was really hoping I wasn’t a jinx, since they were playing their arch-nemesis, the Boston Red Sox. And even though my friend and I had seats in the second to last row — aka the nose bleed section — I had hope. Andy Pettitte threw
a one-two-three inning in the first and I breathed a sigh of relief. Then he gave up three runs in the bottom of the second. But it was OK, I told myself — that was totally surmountable. Curtis Granderson even blasted one in the third to make it 3-1.
But then things slowly unraveled … to the tune of 10-1, Red Sox. Yeah. Things were starting to echo my last less than exciting experience. At least they scored this time, I reasoned with myself.
And then something amazing happened. The Yankees came back. They came back to within three runs before the ninth inning. They blasted homerun after homerun. When Nick Swisher hit his two-run homer in the seventh, my fellow grandstanders and I were screaming like it was the bottom of the ninth in the seventh game of the World Series. Kerry Wood pitched two no-chance innings and things were looking pretty positive going into the ninth.
Mark Teixeira made it 10-8 with one swing of the bat. A-Rod worked a walk. It was all up to Robinson “Doncha Know” Cano. Most of the sell-out crowd was on their feet. I held my breath, crossed my fingers
and …
Cano struck out.
Which just goes to show that you really don’t always get what you want. Even though the Yankees disappointed me that night, I still love them. And therein lies my point. The Yankees could lose every game to finish the season (even though they won’t), and I would still love them. They could blow their playoff run and I would still love them. Derek Jeter has had the worst season of his big league career, but I still think he contributes to the Yankees every day by his mere presence. I can come up with every excuse imaginable to defend my team. Even though they blow an important game and I should be mad, I can’t.
Because they’re my team. And Americans always stick to their sports teams. Even though I hate the Red Sox as much (if not more) than I love the Yankees, I admire that fans stuck with the team for 86 years during their (very pathetic) drought. Cubs fans are equally awesome, even if they still haven’t been rewarded for their faith. And Yankee fans, even though the Bronx Bombers hit a low point in ’08, stuck with the storied franchise and were rewarded in last year’s incredible postseason.
Sports is special in that it can make a grown man cry, can inspire an entire city — and sometimes, even a country — and can unite people from the east coast with those of the west coast. What I guess I’m trying to say is … keep watching, America. Keep supporting and keep getting over-excited. It’s one of the only things we seem to care about as a nation anymore, so let’s keep it up and watch when the Yankees win the World Series for the second year in a row …
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(09/22/10 5:50pm)
For anyone who has ever watched any sort of improvisational comedy, whether it be the TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” or a live show, they know it’s essential for the troupe to draw on current events that will matter to the audience.
“In this game, they’ll be kissing for 34 hours straight hours,” Jeffrey Mondoro, senior finance major and member of the Mixed Signals, quipped right at the beginning of the improv troupe’s first show of the semester on Sunday Sept. 19 in the Library Auditorium.
He was of course referencing the world record that had been broken less than an hour before by Matty Daley, senior English major, and Bobby Canciello, sophomore interactive multimedia major, for longest kiss. The kiss was referenced several more times throughout the performance.
“We are (the College’s) premier and only improv comedy troupe,” Mondoro said. “That’s for everyone who didn’t know why you are here.”
Mondoro acted as MC for the evening, and the rest of the troupe got down to business, playing such games as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Party Quirks, Time Warp, Rewind, Half Life, World’s Worst and Ding and Sing.
Highlights of the show included Party Quirks, where Mondoro, while collecting suggestions from the crowd, got a little baffled by some of the words the audience was throwing out. After hearing “narcoleptic reptile” and “hypochondriac” in a row, Mondoro admitted to a roar of laughter, “I don’t know what these words mean.”
Luckily, the guys who got stuck with the quirks, Steven Avigliano, senior English major, and John Eldis, junior psychology major, did. It took Dan Loverro, sophomore biology major, a little while to figure out the quirks, which also included junior women and gender studies major Liz So’s quirk of her teeth falling out, but he eventually guessed all three.
Another game, Rewind, had the whole group jumping in and out of scenes that followed the same plot thread, but kept introducing new characters to advance the story. The best part of this game was when Mondoro, playing junior women and gender studies major Liz So’s father, talked about what he found in his 25-year-old daughter’s drawer — Teletubbies.
“You are too old for Po and you’re too old for … the other three,” Mondoro exclaimed in a great “dad voice.” Things only got funnier when Avigliano stepped in as Mondoro’s strained wife.
Another success was Half Life, played by Loverro, Mondoro and Jillian Hernandez, senior philosophy major. They had first two minutes, then one, then 30 seconds, then 15 seconds and finally, just one second to act out the same scene about cement drying in unfortunate places.
Ding and Sing saw Avigliano and Hernandez acting in a scene about the Mexican-American border where they had to burst into song any time a fellow Mixed Signal said “ding.”
“Are you speaking Spanish in America?” Avigliano sang.
“No,” Hernandez responded. “And that’s a ‘no’ in English, not a ‘no’ in Spanish!”
Finally, the Drunk Game, which featured So and Mondoro, was the most memorable of the evening. So was a Catholic priest training new priest Mondoro. But the twist was that every time someone said “ding,” So had to act one drink drunker. By the end, So was staggering around, having had at least 20 metaphorical drinks, and gazing into the distance while saying breathlessly, “Sometimes, if I concentrate hard enough, I can feel God turning the world on his finger…”
The Library Auditorium was very near capacity with people (with many having to sit on the floor in front).
“We always love seeing that many people in the audience,” So said. “We all had such a wonderful, wonderful time … It's a really great feeling to know that people enjoy coming out to see our shows, especially when we have such a happy and receptive audience … It might sound cliché to point out this cliché, but the more we know our audience is enjoying the show, the more fun we have on stage!”
“What's great about being in the Mixed Signals, and all improv in general, is that it gives you an opportunity to play the way you used to when you were a kid,” Avigliano said. “Just imagining situations and being silly. There's nothing else I can find yet in the ‘adult world’ that offers anything like that.”
The Mixed Signals are holding open auditions for new members on Oct. 2. If you’re interested, contact them at HYPERLINK "mailto:mixed@tcnj.edu"mixed@tcnj.edu.
“We urge anyone who is even faintly interested in potentially doing improv comedy to come out and audition,” So said. “I was on the fence about auditioning, but auditioning was easily the best choice I have made since coming to college!”
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russoma4@tcnj.edu.
(09/01/10 4:19pm)
The “Southern Vampire” book series is the series on which that “True Blood” is based. I know that doesn’t raise the integrity level, but the two are nothing alike. While I am a guilty watcher of the HBO paranormal melodrama, Charlaine Harris’ mystery book series is the real treasure.
Unfortunately, the TV show left out the mystery, but invented and expanded quite a few characters. In the books, Sookie Stackhouse is a Louisiana cocktail waitress with high moral values, spunk and the ability to read minds. Vampires “came out of the coffin” two years prior and are fighting for equal rights with humans. Sookie meets Bill Compton, a vampire who was “made” in the Civil War era fighting on the side of the South. Bill and Sookie start dating, leading to all sorts of trouble — 10 books worth, so far — for her and mysteries to solve.
That’s the basic plot of the TV show too, but this is also where they diverge. In the books, Sookie is brave and charismatic. She’s clever, witty and a pure delight to read about. The show has become more about the other characters (like Eric, though portrayed differently from the books, still extremely well done by Alex Skaarsgard) because Sookie is kind of bland.
The “Southern Vampire” series doesn’t stop at vampires — it also has werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies, demons and a plethora of other supernatural beings. However, Harris integrates these creatures into the world she’s created more seamlessly than any of the other current vampire stories. The books are smart — they’ll keep you guessing and cause the reader to care for the characters they’re reading about. Harris also blends politics and the human race’s tendency to hate what it doesn’t understand into the mix, making the series intriguing and timely — the vampires’ fight for the right to have “mixed marriages” with humans draws a parallel to the present-day gay rights movement.
If you like “Twilight” or any of the other recent vampire stories to hit the shelves, you may not enjoy the “Southern Vampire” books. However, if you’re looking for an ambitious series that will help you heal from reading that difficult Russian literature for your 499, make you think and make you laugh, this series is for you.
Caroline Russomanno can be reached at russamo4@tcnj.edu.