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(01/19/12 10:29pm)
Two recently reported instances of suspicious activity at residences on Pennington Road resulted in Campus Police Services sending out a campus-wide alert on Thursday, Jan. 19, encouraging members of the College community to be aware of their surroundings.
An email from College Relations arrived in inboxes at approximately 2:50 p.m. and was shortly followed by an "emergency alert" text message at 2:55 p.m.
The first incident occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 18, according to Stacy Schuster, executive director of college relations.
As explained in the email alert, an unknown male entered a Trenton State College Corporation residence, and when encountered by someone who lived there, he asked about the need for lawn-care services. After being asked if he was affiliated with TSCC, the man left.
According to the College's website, TSCC "offers rental housing to eligible full-time faculty and staff members of The College of New Jersey. Both single-family homes and apartments are available within the housing program."
Property was reported missing at a residence, also belonging to TSCC, where the side-door had been unlocked, the email said. Schuster confirmed in an email that the property was reported missing on Jan. 19.
"It was the combination of a suspicious entry and the later report of missing property that made us want to alert the community," Schuster said.
Police are unsure whether the two incidents are related, but concluded the email alert by reminding everyone to lock the doors and windows of vehicles and homes.
Anyone who has further information or becomes aware of any suspicious activity should immediately contact Campus Police at 609-771-2345.
(01/17/12 5:44am)
As a Christmas gift, my older sister surprised me with “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” by Mindy Kaling, better known as Kelly Kapoor on “The Office.”
I didn’t know whether I should be offended by the title (how’d she know that thought has crossed my mind on several occasions?), but I must admit it’s the best book I’ve read all year.
Considering 2012 just started, this may not be saying much. However, the fact that it frequently made me laugh out loud does say a lot, and I would suggest it to everyone looking for a good-hearted read.
Kaling’s tone makes you feel like she’s a charming, chatty friend speaking to you directly. Three words to describe this author are humble, humorous and honest — sometimes verging on TMI in certain stories.
The book is a series of essays and lists, complete with some semi-embarrassing, old photos scattered throughout. It’s broken up into categories, which include reflections on her adolescence, time in New York, Hollywood adventures and romance.
Kaling is not quiet about her quirks, which include having twisted revenge fantasies run through her head as she exercises and what makes her cry.
Familiar with her boy-crazy, ditzy character Kelly, I wasn’t surprised that Kaling is funny in real life.
What I didn’t know beforehand is that she’s an Emmy-nominated writer for the show, and she graduated from Dartmouth College.
Her big break came when she created a comedic sketch with her friend where they dressed and acted like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, appropriately called “Matt & Ben.”
Not only does she share her journey to fame, but also her experience of learning to embrace her inner dork and love her flaws.
She focuses on the futility of trying to mold one’s self to fit society’s standards — sharing anecdotes of a chubby childhood and difficulty fitting into designer dresses.
Kaling emphasizes the importance of friendship, offering rules like: “I will take care of your kids if you die” and “I must be 100 percent honest about how you look, but gentle,” explaining “I owe it to you to give feedback like a cattle prod: painful but quick.”
She doesn’t claim to be anything she’s not — with a chapter straightforwardly titled “I Am Not an Athlete,” which may just be the most relatable thing I’ve ever read.
In the first chapter she provides alternative titles to her book: “Harry Potter Secret Book #8” and “So You’ve Just Finished Chelsea Handler’s Book, Now What?”
Even if she had chosen one of these deceptively clever titles, a person wouldn’t be disappointed. The heartfelt humor within the pages makes it a must-read.
(12/07/11 8:49pm)
Sniffles and sore throats aren’t the only things currently circulating campus.
While the common cold spreads rapidly when people are packed together, there’s an equally contagious issue afflicting the student body — otherwise known as end-of-the-semester stress.
Over the past week I’ve noticed that almost everyone is on-edge as they attempt to juggle numerous assignments.
Last weekend though I realized that while it may seem like every exam is of utmost importance, it’s also necessary to put things into perspective. Thinking of the big picture can really help ease assignment-related anxiety.
In the bookstore I ran into several alumni who visited campus and decided to pick up some school-spirited gear.
Then on Sunday, I encountered a slew of former students at a Signal staff reunion.
Approximately 30 alums reunited to talk about where they are now, while offering advice to current students
Reflecting on their college experiences, none of them said, “Oh, wow. I’m so mad about that time I got a B- on my bio exam.”
If anything, the recurring regret I’ve heard from graduates is: “I wish I enjoyed myself more.”
Five years from now — and probably even in five months — chances are you won’t remember the grades you got on the majority of the assignments you’re stressing over now.
Thinking long-term can make you realize that you will survive college, and one exam is not the end of the world.
I’m not trying to downplay the importance of grades — they do matter, of course. I just think people’s sanity ranks superior in the big scheme of things. Try your best, but don’t beat yourself up over it.
When worrying about how I would do in one of my classes, and practically panicking at the thought of getting below a B, a friend shared some rhyming advice: “C’s get degrees.”
As bad as it sounds, she had a point.
Not doing your best in once class really isn’t the end of the world, especially if it’s because you’re focusing on things that you’re more passionate about. Spending a little extra time to make a great project for your major or a subject you really enjoy is sometimes more important.
While you should study as much as you can, you also shouldn’t spread yourself too thin. I’m not condoning failing your finals, but here are some suggestions if you’re feeling overwhelmed:
1. Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” Though I hope none of you are homicidal, “Legally Blonde” had a point — hitting the gym or going for a jog around the loop can really clear your head.
2. Take a study break to catch up with friends. Everyone’s so focused on their own work that time with friends takes the backburner. Venting and laughing can do wonders.
3. Get in the holiday spirit. I’ve heard so many people say, “It doesn’t feel like Christmastime.” Believe it or not, the holidays are only a few weeks away. Why not take the opportunity to do some shopping or decorate your dorm room?
4. Add “make a to-do list” to your to-do list. Knowing what you have to do can help you stay on track and increase your odds of actually accomplishing tasks.
5. While you may turn to energy drinks, or something slightly stronger, to ease exam anxiety, I’ve found another beneficial beverage: chocolate milk. Unless you're lactose intolerant, this elementary school throwback always manages to make me happy. Plus, some extra calcium in your system can’t hurt.
(11/08/11 10:19pm)
In late September, I was sitting on the 601 bus, en route to campus from the Trenton Transit Center, when my phone buzzed, indicating a new text message.
It was an emergency alert, informing students of a sexual assault that had occurred off-campus and directing us to check our emails for more details.
This past Thursday, we received another emergency alert, telling students about a luring attempt at Rider, which barely said much besides that fact that more information could be found in our Gmail inboxes.
Admittedly, whenever I see that random five-digit combination of numbers denoting a text alert from the College, I hold my breath for a second as I scroll down to see what it’s about this time.
Though sometimes a relief (indicating class cancellations) and sometimes terrifying (men with dreadlocks and knives), there’s really no telling what these messages will say. Sometimes they even warn about a bear on campus (which, though it may be a threat, I can’t help but find it adorable).
This sense of uncertainty increases tenfold when an emergency alert provides minimal details and concludes with “See TCNJ e-mail for details.”
I understand there’s not much space to tell an entire story via text message, but a bit more vital information could be included.
For example, with the invention of Twitter, we’ve become capable of constraining comments to 140 characters — that’s 20 less letters than a typical 160-character text message. I’m sure there’s someone adept enough to condense important info into a text message without being so vague.
Thinking back to the initial text message alert I referenced, how does a “timely warning” that gives minimal details about a sexual assault “off-campus” help at all?
If we’re being literal, “off-campus” could literally encompass any location beyond our campus circumscribed by Metzger Drive. Especially since I was in Trenton, sans computer at the time when I received this message, I felt slightly uncomfortable.
When these warnings are in fact “timely,” it only adds extra time to the delivery of information to us as we find a computer and log in to our email.
I think that if emergency alerts are going to serve their purpose, they should tell you things you can read on the go. Not all of us are equipped with smart phones.
The luring attempt email informed us to keep an eye out for a bright blue car and provided a description of the subject — a perfectly useful message, but not many cars pass by one’s dorm room window, or the Library (locations where individuals would go to check their email). This is the kind of situation where a text that someone reads while out and about could be beneficial.
I do understand and appreciate how emergency alerts are advantageous, and something previous generations didn’t have to transmit urgent information. It is a great technological advance.
However, a little less ambiguity could go a long way.
(11/01/11 8:11pm)
Last year, it snowed on Thanksgiving.
This anomaly was adored for a cornucopia of reasons: It made the holiday seem more special, brought us closer to Christmas and was pretty to look at.
Same goes for White Christmases — people love the idea so much that they’ll watch movies and sing songs about it.
But a snowy Halloween? Forget it.
Fury about the flurries overtook topics of conversation and Facebook newsfeeds, as individuals ranted about how this ruined their “Halloweekend” plans.
It seems as though we are fans of the fluffy stuff only when it works in our favor.
Students savor snow days yet classify it as a waste when weekend snowstorms don’t affect class cancellations.
Instead of making the most of Mother Nature’s miracle and building Snow Frankensteins last Saturday, the majority complained — “Why couldn’t this have happened Monday?”
This mindset seems slightly selfish to me.
While we tend to relish any chance to have a day off, there are children in other countries who aren’t as fortunate and actually wish for the very opposite — the opportunity to go to class.
No need to cue Sarah McLachlan music or show pictures of crying kids to tug at your heart strings: This isn’t a moral lesson meant to vilify those of us who would rather sip hot chocolate in our PJs than listen to lectures.
Rather, I think pretty highly of the human population — specifically the College community — and believe we have potential to do good in the world, particularly right here on campus or in the local community.
For instance, College alum and former NBA player Greg Grant’s afterschool program at the Hedgepeth-Williams School in Trenton (mentioned on page 15) could always use more volunteers.
A few hours spent helping the Bonners could make a big difference in encouraging these kids and emphasizing the importance of education.
Another College graduate to advocate for academics is Tammy Tibbetts, a former Signal staffer who was inspired after traveling to Liberia and spending time with the country’s schoolchildren. She founded She’s The First, a nonprofit organization that sponsors girls’ education in developing nations to help them be the first in their families to graduate.
Since one in four girls in the developing world is not in school and 70 percent of the 130 million uneducated youth worldwide are female, Tibbetts’ belief is that giving a girl an education is the first step in allowing her to pursue her dreams.
On this note, I might as well say that in support of this cause, members of Her Campus TCNJ, Theta Phi Alpha sorority, ED@TCNJ and W.I.L.L. are hosting a cupcake sale in the Student Center during Meal Equiv on Nov. 8, where all funds will go to She’s The First. As an organizer of the sale, this may seem like a shameless plug, but it’s for a selfless cause.
Speaking of selflessness, though most of us have jam-packed schedules, the time we spend on our computers (updating our Facebook statuses to complain about the weather) could instead be used to help worthwhile causes.
So go ahead and sprinkle some positivity in the lives of others — it’s sure to warm your spirit, despite the cold weather.
(11/01/11 6:35pm)
Glancing in the mirror can be a casual way to check one’s appearance, but for some it is a much more daunting task.
When Jena Morrow looks into reflective surfaces, she struggles to see a positive image of herself as an “evil twin” makes quips about her weight, goads her guilt and urges her to purge.
This personification of an eating disorder is how Morrow explained her incessant, internal battle at “Lovin’ The Body Your In” on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Hosted by the Center for Student Wellness and Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, the evening featured Morrow’s recovery story, a panel of counseling experts and a glow-stick vigil for victims.
The event was part of sorority Delta Phi Epsilon’s week-long effort to promote positive body image and raise awareness about their philanthropy with the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, INC.
According to ANAD, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate out of any mental illness, including alcoholism and substance abuse.
After attending D Phi E’s national conference and speaking to other chapters, senior communication studies major Jessica Virga decided to bring ANAD Week to campus.
According to Virga, the week included a screening of the documentary “America the Beautiful,” about modeling and eating disorders, a jeans drive with Student Government and “Pie A Deepher,” where students paid to pie the sisters. All proceeds were donated to ANAD.
“We’re such an image-obsessed country, so it’s important to learn to accept yourself and others for who you are,” Virga said. “You don’t have to conform to a certain body image, and you really don’t have to push the limits with food and exercise.”
The event began somberly as Morrow, author and behavioral health specialist at Timberline Knolls, spoke to the crowd.
She read the introduction of her book “Hollow,” which was given to all attendees.
Categorizing college as a “hotbed for eating disorders,” Morrow said it was “when things really intensified for me as far as my eating disorder symptoms and really could’ve been the end of me. I have a personal interest and passion for speaking to people your age.”
Upon entering college, she skipped signing up for a meal plan to avoid eating. Within two and a half months, she lost 40 pounds.
“I couldn’t understand why everyone was being so melodramatic,” she said. “I didn’t realize the little kids at my church were scared to come up and give me a hug because they thought I looked like a monster.”
In 1996, Morrow was sent to an inpatient treatment center in Arizona for seven months, where she “fought (treatment) every step of the way” and pulled out her feeding tubes.
She deemed recovery a “slow process of deciding one day at a time, one meal at a time, one moment at a time to choose life rather than choose the counterfeit lies an eating disorder will try to sell you.”
These lies, she said, are pseudo promises of acceptance and love.
She offered a message to anyone thinking losing weight will fix their problems: “You can’t have both an eating disorder and a life. There’s no way. I tried for a long time to try to decide which one I wanted.”
After Morrow spoke, she joined a panel with Kimberly Dennis, Timberline Knolls medical director, Hue-Sun Ahn, psychologist for the College’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Holly Heller, family nurse practitioner at Student Health Services.
The panel explained that on-campus resources available at CAPS and Student Health Services are free of charge and confidential. There is also a “friends helping friends” program.
The experts urged students to approach friends of concern in an open, heartfelt way.
According to Dennis, “An angry friend is better than a dead one. The worst thing to do is stay silent about it.”
Mark Celentana, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and director of CAPS, moderated the panel.
Celentana said this event is part of an “ongoing effort on campus” to raise awareness and support for student wellness, especially with eating disorders.
“We care about students here at (the College) and are just trying to provide as many resources and have as many options available as possible,” he said.
After the event, Morrow signed books and spoke to The Signal.
“I want to have a message of realistic hope, which is that it’s hard work — recovery is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my whole life — but it’s absolutely worth it,” she said.
(10/05/11 4:59pm)
By Jamie Primeau
Features Editor
Dresses made from trash bags and bras attached to whipped cream canisters aren’t exactly the epitome of elegance.
No offense to the crew at the top of pop in America, but some singers overseas surpass them in classiness.
In light of my adoration of Adele and recent obsession with Ellie Goulding, I felt the need to reflect on why these Brits are more than a gimmick.
Their music is actually empowering and has that feel-good, “girl power” punch behind it.
There’s no need for them to refer to themselves as “monsters” or “Barbie” to capture attention, and they don’t encourage the general public to “get sleazy.”
Sure, I like Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha as much as the next 20-year-old, but when someone has a voice as strong as Adele’s, simplicity is key.
I entirely understand the hesitation to hop on the “Rolling in the Deep” bandwagon — to say the song was overplayed this summer would be an understatement.
However, there’s a reason everyone seems to love her — the girl is good.
Adele is essentially the Taylor Swift of 2011, in the sense that her lyrics frequently appear on females’ Facebook statuses, where each swears the words were written just to describe her love life.
Not only is she relatable — she has an admirable attitude as well.
She speaks out against society’s obsession with weight in the October issue of British Vogue, saying, “I’ve seen people where it rules their lives, who want to be thinner or have bigger boobs, and how it wears them down. And I don’t want that in my life. I have insecurities, of course, but I don’t hang out with anyone who points them out to me.”
Though a majority of Adele’s songs are about men, she doesn’t necessarily need one in her life to be happy. In the same Vogue issue, she said, “I do get massively distracted when I’ve got someone in my life, which I can’t afford to do right now. Besides, no one treats me as well as I do.”
Voicing her vexations at an ex in the song “I Found a Boy,” she sings: “Look how you want me now that I don’t need you / I ain’t yours for no taking / You must be mistaken.”
Just like Adele, Goulding has no filter when it comes to letting loose her feelings and inspiring other women to do the same.
In her song “Little Dreams,” she sings, “You can break everything / but so what? / I can take anything.”
On elliegoulding.com, she says, “I wear my heart on my sleeve and am aware of how I’m feeling all the time, so it’s impossible for me to write words that are contrived or meaningless.”
Though Adele and Goulding are finally receiving recognition in America, they’ve been champions of the charts overseas for a while now, and rightfully so.
Another strong songstress deserving acknowledgment passed away this August.
Say what you will about her personal life, but Amy Winehouse’s talent was unforgettable, and it’d be a shame to exclude her from a list of England’s elite. She knew how to say “no” (even when it may have not been the best decision), and her sassiness made for memorable music.
Speaking of memories, certain infectious songs from the U.K. were my favorite even as a child.
Thanks to S Club 7 and the Spice Girls, I was convinced “there ain’t no party like an S Club party” as I pondered whether I really did “wanna zig-ah-zig-ah.”
Plus, the Spice Girls played a major role in popularizing the phrase “Girl Power” during the ’90s — so who cares if they classified all females into five categories?
In a way, these personas — Baby, Sporty, Posh, Scary and Ginger — shattered stereotypes, showing that there is no cookie-cutter image of a woman.
Whether a girl is athletic, adorable or slightly spooky, she can still be a superstar.
(09/08/11 3:29am)
President R. Barbara Gitenstein shared statistics and recounted some of the College’s recent good news, including over $1 million in donations, during her Welcome Back Address, which she presented to a crowded auditorium on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Staff, faculty and students filled the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall to listen to the College’s president reflect on what she called “a year of challenge and accomplishment for the College.”
Gitenstein addressed the 2011–2012 year and she looked ahead to the school’s future, discussing ways to combat challenges.
“The most important event that happened over the last 10 days at (the College) was welcoming back the faculty, staff, returning students and the exceptional class of 2015,” said Gitenstein, who noted that the state recently faced the largest earthquake and hurricane to hit in 100 years.
She added that this year’s freshman class “continues the tradition of excellence” and was selected from the largest applicant pool in the College’s history — more than 10,000 people, a 2 percent increase from last year’s number.
According to Gitenstein, the College welcomed 273 transfer students and “these new members of our community join an extraordinary community of scholars.”
“(The College) has never been an institution of modest goals,” she said, acknowledging an array of athletic and academic accomplishments from the previous school year.
Gitenstein also expressed pride in partnerships the College has developed with the N.J. Special Olympics and Trenton Thunder.
Her announcement of $1.5 million in donations by two donors was a highlight of the presentation.
“While every gift was, and is, deeply appreciated, and while very donor deserves recognition, I do want to acknowledge the generosity of the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, who recently donated a half-million dollars,” Gitenstein said, adding that the College received an additional $1 million from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
She also discussed construction projects currently underway on campus.
“No year is a year without major construction on the campus. This past year, however, was particularly busy,” she said.
Gitenstein stated that the new School of Education building passed the halfway point of construction and remains on schedule and substantially under budget.
About 100 facility upgrades and maintenance projects in residence halls, the Brower Student Center and athletic fields, were also completed.
Perhaps the most unexpected construction update was the discovery of a time capsule from 1931 under the cornerstone in Green Hall.
The capsule’s contents are on display in the library’s reference room and include newspaper articles, bulletins and a letter from the alumni association thanking the Board of Education for naming the building after James M. Green, principal of the College from 1889 to 1917.
While a portion of the presentation was positive, Gitenstein admitted obstacles lie before the College and mentioned how readjustment of the budget resulted in a regrettable increase in student tuition.
“Higher education, particularly public higher education, must receive more attention, and by that I do not mean negative attention,” she said. “I mean support. Both financial and moral.”
She said she looks forward to working closely with the secretary of higher education in N.J. over the next year.
Gitenstein listed four points to keep in mind regarding the budget and the financial situation.
These included that “there is very little price elasticity” and “if we are going to continue to charge students among the highest of N.J. public institutions, then we must assure our students and the public that the experience at (the College) worth the differential.”
She found term “flux and transformation” to be a fitting way to describe the College’s current situation of change and complexity.
She noted that transformation is different from change, in that it is intentional and occurs over time.
Gitenstein also asserted she is certain the College is in a good position, concluding with “best wishes” for another successful year.
(09/07/11 9:03pm)
The first Student Band Night of the semester strayed from its title, as two soloists and only one band shared the stage Friday evening in the Rathskeller. The night quickly became less of a showcase for student songwriting and more of a love letter to artist Andrew McMahon, whose work was covered throughout the night.
According to members of the College Union Board, a few of the scheduled bands canceled, resulting in the impromptu trio of artists.
Ryan Manheimer hadn’t even planned on playing until he received an email from the event organizers at 2:30 p.m. earlier that day.
“I’m a freshman. This is like my eighth day here, but we had a hurricane, so weird things can happen,” the physics and mathematics double major said upon taking the stage.
Though it was his first time performing, his ability to engage the crowd made him seem like a regular. Personality and enthusiastic piano-playing enhanced his performance.
Manheimer also attracted fans from his freshman floor. At one point, he gave a shout-out to Cromwell 3, which brought uproarious applause.
He played a few originals during his set, but a connecting thread of the evening was the recurrence of covers of Andrew McMahon.
These included songs from McMahon’s band Something Corporate and his solo act, Jack’s Mannequin.
Manheimer concluded with a cover of “Konstantine,” by Something Corporate.
Passing the stage on to band Dear Konstantine, he said, “Thank you, guys. It was awesome.”
Dear Konstantine, named after McMahon’s work, was the last to take the stage and played the songs “Punk Rock Princess,” “Space” and “I Kissed a Drunk Girl” — all by Something Corporate.
They also played “The Resolution” (a song Manheimer also performed) and “Bruised” by Jack’s Mannequin.
Tom Seaton, junior communication studies major, provided vocals while Dan Lisi, junior marketing major and Signal business manager, played the guitar with Zac Wong, junior psychology major, on piano.
After seeing the documentary “Dear Jack” last year — a film that explores McMahon’s life and his battle with cancer — the three decided to form a band.
Dear Konstantine announced that they plan on collecting money for The Dear Jack Foundation at each of their shows to help fund cancer research.
While it was the first time performing in public for the other two acts, Danielle Steward — who started the show — is a seasoned performer, having played at coffeehouses and past campus events. The senior history and secondary education major writes her own songs and plays guitar — two things she’s done since middle school.
Steward described her style as “folk-acoustic music,” and said in a pre-show chat that her musical influences include Bob Dylan, Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson.
Her musical style reflected her influences, and she played original songs, including “Savannah,” “Joan” and “A Seed in the Snow.”
(08/30/11 10:58pm)
When the name of your school is an acronym, it tends to set the tone for students’ vocabs. With abbreviations galore, here is your guide to campus colloquialisms. No need to call poison control when someone tells you they’re getting a smoothie from the Rat. And now you won’t have to ask, “BTW, what’s a T-Dubs?”
Ambassadors: These students possess an abundance of school spirit and knowledge about our college. Dressed in rugby shirts, they provide campus tours.
Bonners: Scholars who focus on community service activities. Interested in volunteering at a soup kitchen or local school? They’re your go-to group.
The C-Store: A convenient place filled with snackfoods and microwaveable munchies. Located next to Eick and open until 1 a.m.
Doc-ed: If someone tells you they got doc-ed, it’s not a good thing. This means being written up for a violation of student code.
Eick (Eickhoff Hall): The dining hall that doubles as an upperclassmen dormitory.
Fat Shack: This late-night eatery has a likeness to Rutgers’ Grease Trucks, delivering sandwiches filled with chicken fingers, fries, mozzarella sticks, etc.
Gym (The Physical Enhancement Center): Located in Packer Hall. Tip: Call ahead to reserve a treadmill or elliptical. You’ll be glad you did.
Hassan: Craving a $5 pizza? This Dominator’s delivery driver is only a phone call away on Tuesday or Thursday – Sunday nights.
ID: One thing you never want to misplace. This holds your meal points and allows you access to your dorm. You should probably also memorize your 6-digit student ID number.
Jogging: At all hours, it’s not uncommon to see students jog along Metzger Drive (or “The Loop” encompassing campus). One lap is approximately 1.9 miles, and much more scenic than the gym.
Kendall: This hall features the school’s main stage. It also has classrooms and is home to WTSR.
Loop Bus: This yellow bus will pick you up outside the student center and drop you off at various locations, including Quaker Bridge Mall and Target.
Meal Equiv: Students with certain meal plans get $6.50 worth of food from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. This means lunches from the Stud, Rat or Library Café.
NJ Transit: A savior for students without cars, the 601 bus stops outside the Student Center throughout the day, making stops at train stations in Trenton and Hamilton. From there, you can head to NYC, Philly and other locations.
Off-campus: Pretty self-explantory. Refers to locations, such as students’ homes, in the surrounding neighborhood of Ewing.
Points: Equivalent to dollars, the part of your meal plan used to purchase campus cuisine.
Quiet Hours: The time when residents are expected to be respectful of others’ studying. If you’re noisy, you may get doc-ed. Looking ahead: During finals week, there are 24-hour quiet hours.
The Rat (The Rathskellar): Home to greasy goodness and the College’s very own bar. Located in the Stud. You can also catch student musicians, magicians and other performers on its stage.
The Stud (Brower Student Center): Not the hunky jock in your math class. A central location on campus where you’ll find the bookstore, food and activities.
T-Dubs: Burritos, burgers and Ben & Jerry’s are only a swipe away at this spot located in the basement between Travers and Wolfe Halls. Open from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Umbrella: You’ll be happy to have one of these on those rainy days. Trust me: Going to class drenched is an unpleasant experience. Rainboots are a plus.
Vagina Monologues: Each February, Women in Learning and Leadership presents Eve Ensler’s production, the goal of which is to stop violence against women.
WTSR: Tune into 91.3 FM to hear the College’s own radio station, which aims to “open your mind.”
eXams: In college, most tests are called this, and they count for a majority of your grade in some classes. Be sure to study since teachers don’t frequently offer eXtra credit.
You: Your college experience is all about bettering yourself. Leave your mark, follow your heart and all that other seemingly cliché but true advice.
Zumba: A combination of dance and exercise. Classes are offered in the T/W Fitness Center along with yoga, pilates and other fun forms of fitness.
(04/29/11 4:51am)
Solitude and solace were two themes of the night as students gathered to reclaim a space free from sexual assault and violence and silently marched around campus on Wednesday, April 20.
Yet while some aspects of the evening were enveloped by a respectful hush, it is through shattering the silence and sharing their stories that survivors and supporters successfully “took back the night.”
“Take Back the Night” was introduced by its sponsors, who were members of the Women’s Center, as an “international event taking place for 30 years” and an annual occurrence at the College.
Startling statistics were shared, as individuals stepped up to the podium in the Art and Interactive Multimedia (IMM) Building courtyard.
These included: “15 percent of sexual assault and rape victims are under 12” and “Every 10 minutes in the U.S. someone is sexually assaulted.”
It is through dialogue that guest speaker River Huston has come to terms with her experience.
“I often talk about being a survivor, and I always say to myself that it’s my least favorite thing to do,” Huston said. “And the reason I continue to talk about it is because how life-changing it is, how absolutely and completely devastating sexual assault is … And to stand up here and tell you that you can survive.”
At 14 years old, she went from taking tequila shots and hitchhiking with a friend to being tossed naked out of a stranger’s car into the snow, and waking up in a hospital after having her stomach pumped.
For years after, Huston looked to alcohol for comfort, but this only led to her internalization of self-hatred and depression, she said.
Since then, she has learned that one of the most healing and helpful routes is talking.
“What I am – I’m a writer, I’m a poet and I’m a painter. I’m a wife and a daughter. I’m a lot of things and I happened to survive sexual assault, but I don’t let it define me,” she said.
Urging those in the crowd to not blame themselves or hold everything in, Huston said, “What I ask of you, go on a journey of healing. It’s worth it. Don’t negate it. Don’t’ let it define you. Don’t limit your life by an experience.”
After Huston spoke, participants partook in a march around campus, showing solidarity and support for those who have experienced sexual assault.
In previous years, individuals chanted while walking but this was the first year with a silent march.
According to Sharanya Mohanty, president of the Women’s Center, this change occurred after previous participants reported feeling “uncomfortable” and “self-conscious” about the chanting, since there was only a small group of them shouting around campus.
“We heard their opinions and are trying this method to see how it works out,” the senior psychology major said.
When they returned to the courtyard, students lit candles as a dozen of their classmates – 11 females and one male – courageously took to the podium and opened up about their own experiences with sexual assault. This open mic portion of the evening was introduced as “a place free from judging and fear.”
For a majority of the 12, sharing their stories was a first — whether it was the first time speaking out in front of a large crowd or literally the only time they opened up about the abuse.
“It was a really healing night for people who have been impacted by these issues and for people who are coming here to support them,” Mohanty said. “It showed how important it is for you to be there for people when they need you the most.”
Wax dripped from the candles and tears were shed as students sat on the steps and listened during the empowering evening.
The reading of “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou concluded the event: “Leaving behind nights of terror and fear / I rise / Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear / I rise.”
Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.
(04/29/11 2:20am)
Officers were dispatched to a room in Hausdoerffer Hall at approximately 11:27 p.m. on Friday, April 22, after the odor of a controlled dangerous substance was reported emanating from a room.
According to reports, when police arrived on the scene, they could smell burnt marijuana and knocked on the door to further investigate. The male who answered the door gave over a clear bag of greenish vegetation and was placed under arrest.
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A student’s Mac Book Pro computer went missing after he left it with its power cord inside his computer bag near a coat rack in the Music Building basement at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19. When he returned around 8:20 p.m., the bag and the items inside were gone. The computer is valued at $1,800 and the charger was $80, reports said.
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A Playstation 3 and X-Box game system were taken from Brower Student Center room 237. According to police, this theft was reported by the Brower Student Center Manager at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 14.
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At 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, a male left his belongings at a table in the Library while going to use the bathroom and make a phone call, reports said. After returning 10 minutes later, the male’s chemistry book was nowhere to be found, police said.
Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.
(04/21/11 8:16pm)
The College was the site of religious proclamations once again on April 18, as a preacher from an evangelical ministry came to speak in the Alumni Grove outside of Eickhoff Hall, on behalf of TCNJ Protestant Bible Fellowship, a campus organization.
Pastor John Reuther of Covenant Baptist Church and Fellowship chaplain Rev. Dick Kocses were joined by members of the Protestant Bible Fellowship and carried Bibles and signs that read: “Are you going to heaven? Free test.”
According to Paul Soon, senior biology major and vice president of the TCNJ Protestant Bible Fellowship, these pastors got a permit and came to spread the Gospel’s message.
“We don’t want to yell at people,” Soon said. “We want to share the good news (of the Gospel) even if they think we’re outspoken.”
This occurrence was notably tamer than Thursday’s religious demonstrations, according to senior music performance major Alex Cap, who was present at both events, who said, “As soon as I came upon the scene (on Thursday), there were many more angry people and there was a lot more yelling going on.”
Caps added that the men outside of Eickhoff were “preaching the whole story of the Gospel instead of trying to arouse a crowd and create anger.”
Nevertheless, the group was met with student opposition. Students blasted songs, including MIA’s “Paper Planes,” from a room in Eickhoff Hall.
“It’s ironic,” Cap said, “because one of the first things he started talking about was the open mindedness of college students, yet here they are blasting music and not really listening.”
Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.
(04/21/11 8:10pm)
A box of frozen hamburgers and one packet of cheese were reported missing from the Cromwell Hall lounge kitchen on Wednesday, April 13. According to reports, a community advisor informed police that at 8 p.m. on Monday, April 11, three boxes of hamburgers and packets of cheese were placed in a freezer in the first floor kitchen.
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When a community advisor was checking rooms in Townhouses South to make sure residents had evacuated during a fire drill on Thursday, April 14, the CA observed a multi-colored waterpipe containing green leafy vegetation believed to be marijuana, reports said. The property was taken to the Campus Police Department, where it was determined, based on smell and texture, that the pipe contained burned marijuna, police said.
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A student left his Mac Pro computer and iPod in his backpack at the desk in Travers Hall on Friday, April 15. When the individual returned five minutes later, the belongings were missing, reports said. An anonymous person found the backpack in the stairwell and all of the property was returned except the iPod Touch and an iPod Video. Both were in a black felt sleeve and were missing from the backpack.
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On Accepted Students Day, a participant was touring Forcina Hall and placed his camera on a table outside the Early Childhood Education office at approximately 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 10. He realized his two-year-old Canon camera was missing, but when he returned at 5:15 p.m., it could not be found, police said.
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The security desk in Wolfe Hall was found on the sidewalk between Travers Hall and Cromwell Hall at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11. According to reports, it appeared slightly damaged on both ends. It was pushed back to the front of the buildings and returned to the lobby. There are no suspects.
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Property was left in a secured locker room in Packer Hall at 9:25 a.m. on Sunday, April 10, and when individuals returned, they discovered several iPods missing, reports said. A silver iPod Nano, a black 16 GB iPod, a silver iPod in a black case, a College sweatshirt, two $20 bills and a $5 bill were among the missing items. In total, the stolen property is valued at approximately $505.
Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.
(04/21/11 7:57pm)
White signs plastered with biblical verses and statements like “Evolution is a lie” were the props of preaching men who shouted to students outside the Brower Student Center on Thursday, April 14.
The group — led by Luke 10:2 Ministries’ Shawn Holes, who calls himself Shawn the Baptist — attempted to spread its spiritual message to the student body.
“My friends,” a man identified only as Rob said, addressing the gathering group of students, “we are here because we love each one of you.”
Urging them to “worship the creator,” Rob said that students needed to look to a higher power instead of doing what he believed was “smoking marijuana in their dorms” to get what he classified as a new twist on the term “higher education.”
“Turn from your drunkenness. Turn from your homosexuality. Turn from your beer bongs,” Rob said, from atop the brick ledge. “Turn to Jesus.”
At one point, Rob stated, “I am gay — for Jesus Christ. The word gay means happy.”
His poster, however, condemned the “effeminate,” saying that this group, along with “fornicators,” “idolors” and “drunkards,” shall not “inherit the kingdom of God.”
Some students voiced outrage at the group’s messages.
“This is ridiculous,” Alexis McLaughlin said, with a laugh. “I’m a Catholic. I believe in love and that we are designed for a purpose.”
The freshman English major also said that homosexuals were put in the same group as pedophiles by the preachers and that she viewed this as an unfit categorization.
“I feel like love is the purest thing, and anyone can share it. It’s not sinful,” she said.
One of the men, Don from Virginia, explained their coming to campus by saying, “We’re just believers in the Lord Jesus Christ,” and said that they were Christians that joined together from different states, including Idaho and New Jersey.
Jeny Nirappil, senior biology major, identified herself as a Christian and said, “I don’t think this is the way to get the message across. They’re turning people away.”
“You can live the life of a Christian and show that and not garner hate or turn people away,” Nirappil continued, until the interview was cut short when a member of the group of preachers approached her with a video recording device, attempting to videotape her, despite her disapproval.
Other students found different means to react to the protestors. Two students showed up with saxophones and attempted to drown out the words of the protestors with George Michaels’ “Careless Whisper,” in the style of the YouTube sensation, The Sexy Sax Man.
Some students found themselves unexpectedly in the crossfire of the protestors’ discussion, as members of the Progressive Student Alliance concurrently gathered in an unrelated protest, rallying against a Neo-Nazi group’s plan to speak in Trenton about immigration policies this past Saturday, according to Lou Klein, senior sociology and statistics double major and co-treasurer for the Progressive Student Alliance.
“Imagine my surprise when these guys showed up,” Klein said after explaining that the two group’s opposition in physical space — as the groups inhabited the opposite sides of the student center entrance — was not intentional.
While the Progressive Student Alliance chanted about being “against hate in the Garden State,” some of the men with Shawn the Baptist responded with remarks questioning how the Nazis are hateful and that “Darwin gave birth to Nazism.”
As some students decided that interacting with the men only added fuel to the fire, they encouraged their peers to leave the scene. Nevertheless, the preachers were on campus from approximately 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“The basis (of Christianity) is brotherly love and that’s being twisted and manipulated to fit this agenda,” McLaughlin said.
After some thought, she added, “As much as I disagree, I find it interesting to hear both sides. To be honest, I’m more entertained than angry.”
(04/15/11 8:51pm)
White signs plastered with biblical verses and statements like “Evolution is a lie” were the props of preaching men who shouted to students outside the Brower Student Center on Thursday, April 14.
The group, led by Shawn the Baptist, who has previously visited campus and has his own website, attempted to spread its spiritual message to the student body.
“My friends,” a man identified as Rob said, addressing the gathering group of passerbys, “We are here because we love each one of you.”
Urging them to “worship the creator,” Rob said that students needed to look to a higher power instead of doing what he believed was “smoking marijuana in their dorms” to get what he classified as a new twist on the term “higher education.”
“Turn from your drunkenness. Turn from your homosexuality. Turn from your beer bongs,” Rob said, from atop the brick ledge. “Turn to Jesus.”
At one point, Rob stated, “I am gay … for Jesus Christ. The word gay means happy.”
His poster, however, condemned the “effeminate,” saying that this group, along with “fornicators,” “idolors” and “drunkards,” shall not “inherit the kingdom of God.”
Some students voiced outrage at the group’s messages.
“This is ridiculous,” Alexis McLaughlin said, with a laugh. “I’m a Catholic. I believe in love and that we are designed for a purpose.”
The freshman English major also mentioned how homosexuals were put in the same group as pedophiles by the preachers and viewed this as an unfit categorization.
“I feel like love is the purest thing and anyone can share it. It’s not sinful,” she said.
One of the men, Don from Virginia, explained their coming to campus by saying, “We’re just believers in the Lord Jesus Christ,” and said that they were Christians that joined together from different states, including Idaho and New Jersey.
Jeny Nirappil, senior biology major, identified herself as a Christian and said, “I don’t think this is the way to get the message across. They’re turning people away.”
“You can live the life of a Christian and show that and not garner hate or turn people away,” Nirappil continued, until the interview was cut short when a member of the group of preachers approached her with a video recording device, attempting to videotape her, despite her disapproval.
Other students found different means to react to the protestors. Two students showed up with saxophones and drowned out the noise of the protestors with George Michaels' "Careless Whisper," in the style of the YouTube sensation, The Sexy Sax Man.
Some students found themselves unexpectedly in the crossfire of the protestors’ discussion, as members of the Progressive Student Alliance concurrently gathered in an unrelated protest, rallying against a Neo-Nazi group’s plan to speak in Trenton about immigration policies this Saturday, according to Lou Klein, senior sociology and statistics double major and co-treasurer for the Progressive Student Alliance.
“Imagine my surprise when these guys showed up,” Klein said after explaining that the two group’s opposition in physical space — as the groups inhabited the opposite sides of the student center entrance — was not intentional.
While the Progressive Student Alliance chanted about being “against hate in the Garden State,” some of the men with Shawn the Baptist responded with remarks questioning how the Nazis are hateful and that “Darwin gave birth to Nazism.”
As some students began to realize that interacting with the men only added fuel to the fire, they encouraged their peers to leave the scene. Nevertheless, the preachers were on campus from approximately 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“The basis (of Christianity) is brotherly love and that’s being twisted and manipulated to fit this agenda,” McLaughlin said.
After some thought, she added, “As much as I disagree, I find it interesting to hear both sides. To be honest, I’m more entertained than angry.”
Katie Brenzel contributed to this report.
(04/14/11 2:52am)
Women are typically taught to “speak softly and carry a lipstick,” guest speaker Liz Abzug said, at the opening event of the Mid-Atlantic Women’s Studies Associaton conference that took place on the College’s campus this past weekend.
This annual conference was organized by the College’s women’s and gender studies (WGS) department, especially its conference coordinators Mary Lynn Hopps, director of the Women in Learning and Leadership program and WGS faculty member; Cecilia Colbeth, WGS department program coordinator; and John Landreau, WGS faculty member.
Abzug is a professor at Barnard College and Columbia Univeristy and founded the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI) in honor of her mother, Bella Abzug, with her sister.
Bella Abzug was a female politician in the ’70s and served in Congress. Her mother’s involvement in challenging the patriarchal political world is what inspired Abzug to pursue a career in advocating for women’s rights, she said during her lecture on Friday, April 8 in the Library Auditorium.
Her mother was known for wearing big hats and always being herself, regardless of what her male counterparts said.
Abzug explored what she deemd “a real structural problem” existing in society today and passed on wisdom that her mother once shared with her.
These tips included “have a strong handshake” and “always maintain a sense of humor.”
Abzug, while acknowledging how far women have come, said there is still “unfinished business,” and how feminists have to come together with the LGBTQ community, to
fight back for empowerment and equality.
She reflected, in outrage, on the recent budget cuts to Planned Parenthood.
“I say to you, we must fight back. We need to stop these sexist extremists from denying millions of women, children and men from vital reproductive health care,” she said.
Abzug also acknowledged that there are many men she considers strong feminists that fight for women’s rights.
“We need to encourage women to attain the highest levels (of jobs) they asprire to,” Abzug said. “And if women want to be full time mothers, that’s your choice too, and we must support that.”
Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.
(04/14/11 12:31am)
An altercation between a Sodexo manager and employee occurred on Monday, April 4, in the Eickhoff Dining Hall. Officers were dispatched to the scene for the report of an assault.
According to reports, they met the victim, who was holding a cold compress to the left side of his face and in the eye area. The victim and a witness stated that the employee punched the manager after a brief verbal discussion. Pennington Road EMS evaluated and transported the victim for treatment.
The employee was located at the College’s rear entrance and placed in handcuffs and under arrest for assault.
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On her way to class on Thursday, March 31, a female realized her pink zebra-striped Blackberry was not with her at 3:56 p.m. She returned to the Science Complex’s lounge area and looked through the couch cushions to find it but could not locate the phone, police said.
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When a male went to his car, which was parked on the top level of Lot 9, he noticed that someone removed the passenger side rear-view mirror at approximately 2 p.m. on Monday, April 4. He had parked the car at 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, reports said. Upon investigation, it was determined that the mirror assembly was unscrewed and removed from the vehicle.
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A computer was taken from the Student Activities Center of the Brower Student Center. It was last used at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25, and the cables which had locked and attached it to a desk had been cut. The computer was an Apple iMac valued at $1,268 and was purchased by the Student Finance Board.
Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.
(04/14/11 12:16am)
Visuals of violence inflicted on black males wasn’t only the topic of Thursday afternoon’s discussion. It is also the subject of associate professor of English Cassandra Jackson’s book and the vision behind the art gallery featured in the Arts and Interactive Multimedia Building.
Cassandra Jackson emphasized imagery during her lecture on Thursday, April 7, which was the latest installment of the Brown Bag Series. She focused on figures from modern rap culture.
As she stood on the stage in the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall, Jackson began with an excerpt from her book.
Reading from her book’s opening “gives a sense of where the project comes from, but also a sense of where I’m coming from with this project,” she said, explaining how she first was inspired to explore the topic when she learned of her uncle’s escape from a lynching in 1956.
She began to question her own connection to the violent past of our society, that although it seems to be behind us, still resonates in our culture, especially through current images in the realm of hip-hop rappers.
One image in particular stood out as influential for Jackson. A 19th century visual of a vulnerable male slave, with scars across his back, is what she classified as probably the most circulated image of the abolitionist movement.
She spoke of the “intersection of the photo as a commodity, and the slave body as a commodity,” describing the “erotic indications” of the image, as it provides intimate access to his body, she said, by showing us his back that even he is unable to see.
The conversation became contemporary as Jackson projected pictures of 50 Cent and Nas on the screen, drawing similarities between Nas’ untitled album cover from 2008 and the very image that she first showed of the whip-scarred slave.
“Why is Nas, this millionaire rapper, embedding his body in this complicated history?” she asked.
She explained the story behind Nas’ scarred back, where an “N” is made out of lash marks. According to Jackson, the rapper originally wanted to name his album “Nigger,” to convey how the word has affected him and what it means in his life.
When he was discouraged from using this as the title, he found a new way to convey the very same message of a racially scarred past; the end result was the photo that Jackson shared.
Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, has been shot nine times, and Jackson views him as important because he has “repeatedly visually reenacted his own attempted murder” and doesn’t shy away from discussing violence.
He has been quoted as saying that he wants people to look at his body’s ability to heal and remember the wounds of those who never were able to heal, Jackson explained.
Throughout the lecture, Jackson also brought up the trend of rappers portraying themselves in religious reenacments, like Kanye West posing as Christ in crucifixion images on the cover of Rolling Stone and Nas being on a cross in his “Hate Me Now” music video.
When speaking of her subjects, she said, “I was particularly interested in who had popular audiences and who causes the most controversy.”
The underlying message of the discussion was a focus on the fact that violence has become a part of the black male identity, as Jackson aimed to address the “legacy of a violent, racial past that still shapes us.”
Jamie Primeau can be reached at primeau2@tcnj.edu.
(04/08/11 5:54pm)
LMFAO, Mike Posner and Sam Adams — the performers at the College Union Board's Spring Fest 2011 — sat down for interviews at the March 29 concert with Signal features editor Jamie Primeau. The full story about the show can be found here.
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Shiny purple pants and a “Hi Mom” shirt were the clothing choices of LMFAO’s Redfoo and Sky Blu, respectively. The two chatted with The Signal before shaking up the stage, as they closed the show with an eruption of color, confetti and condoms – and splashes of sparkling cider.
The Signal: Some of your songs have made their way to becoming the theme song for TV shows, for example the "Jersey Shore" theme and the theme song for one of the Kardashian Shows. If you had the opportunity to make the theme song for any television show what would you pick?
LMFAO on their ideal theme songs
Sky Blu: "Home Improvement."
Signal: Can you sing what that would sound like?
SB: It would be a dubstep version. (sounds)
Signal: And what about you?
Redfoo: I’d do that classic show "The Cosby Show," and it’d sound like this. (sounds)
It would be the UK Version. It’s Bill Cosby in the UK. ‘Just want to put my pop in your pudding.’ That would be the British version.
Signal: Okay, so since you sing the theme song for “Jersey Shore,” do you actually watch the show, and what are your thoughts on it?
LMFAO's speaks about Jersey Shore
SB: Amazing show, amazing cast of individuals.
Signal: Are you being serious?
SB: Yeah, they’re amazing. Always just being themselves.
RF: I remember when I saw the first episode ever, and Snooki had a real attitude, and she just didn’t give a fuck. They were like, ‘You’re gonna be working. You’re gonna be doing this.’ And she was like, ‘Look, I don’t work.’ It was crazy. I knew it was gonna be a dynamic show.
And also too it’s funny that you say that because it’s actually MTV’s biggest show, and they need to put our video on MTV (for "Party Rock Anthem") … They have not yet played it. But we are saying, ‘Why, why, why won’t you play it?’ It got six million views on VEVO in about a week and a half. Because we think it’s best video of the year, so they have to play it so we can be nominated to host the MTV (music) video awards.
Signal: Is that your goal, to host MTV’s (music) video awards?
RF: Yeah, the next time. So if you could put a little thing in there (the article) and send it their way …
Signal: Since apparently the name LMFAO came from an AIM conversation with (Sky Blu’s) grandmother, what is your favorite or most used acronym?
Acronyms with LMFAO
RF: Oh, I like DTF.
SB: ATM, because I like to get my money.
RF: DTF, down to Facebook.
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Prior to his performance at the College’s Spring Fest, Mike Posner spoke with The Signal inside his tour bus. The Duke University alumnus shared why completing his education was important to him, what he’s up to now and how to make it in the music business. Also, he classified our campus as “really pretty.”
The Signal: Since you attended Duke and graduated last year, were you rooting for them to win March Madness until they lost to Arizona?
Posner discusses Duke's time in the tournament
Mike Posner: Of course. I still have a lot of friends on the team. Nolan Smith I talk to all the time, so I was bummed out that they didn’t get as far as last year. But I’m sure they’ll be back soon.
Signal: Okay, so then my more serious question is –
MP: I’m scared now.
Signal: No, it’s not too serious. According to my research, you still returned to school after signing a record deal and recording songs, and you graduated with a good GPA and were involved in a fraternity. How did you do this, and why was it important to finish your education before fully delving into music?
Posner's speaks about balancing his education and musical aspirations
MP: Most people in the world don’t get the opportunity to go to college at all – let alone a college like Duke, so it was important for me and my family for me to finish and get my degree. And to have them be proud of me.
Signal: Was it difficult to do that?
MP: Definitely, without a doubt … While my academics were important to me, I still had a fledging career that was probably a little bit more important to me, and so I found myself juggling the two. I’d go to class during the week, and every Thursday I’d fly out of the Raleigh airport.
Signal: And what did you major in when you were at school?
MP: I majored in sociology.
Signal: Do you still plan on pursuing anything with sociology?
MP: Not at the moment, but who knows what the future holds.
Signal: Was music always your main plan while going to school?
MP: Yeah, I was always making beats in my dorm room.
Signal: What advice would you offer to those interested in music and other students who consider just dropping out school to pursue music?
MP: I would say make really original music. Don’t try to be like anybody else … Work harder than everyone else.
Signal: A year ago when you were at school did you see yourself winding up where you are now – collaborating with Lil’ Wayne on a song and having top songs?
Posner reflects on his success
MP: These were all goals of mine. I didn’t think that they would become realities as quickly as they did. You know, like it’s crazy for me to think that a year ago I didn’t have my degree.
Signal: So then what’s up next for you, are you recording another album or are you touring?
MP: This is the first day of my Spring Tour. And I’m like halfway through my next album.
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After finishing his set on the Recreation Center Stage, Sam Adams sat down for an interview with The Signal in his dressing room. He had performed his hit songs, “I Hate College” and “Drivin’ Me Crazy,” along with a lot of dubstep. The 22-year-old introduced himself with a handshake as “Sammy,” as he sipped on a bottled beer.
The Signal: Are you by any chance drinking Samuel Adams beer, like your name?
Sam Adams: No, I like Coor’s Light. I like cheap, shitty beer.
Signal: So, what did you think of the show? How did it go?
Sam's reaction to the show
SA: I thought it was great … It’s the coolest feeling in the world getting to perform. It’s just like the best feeling … It’s really interesting to see how the crowd reacts to different songs, so we sort of build our set while we go, unlike most people that have like a routine or a set, and the band knows when to transition. We sort of just ad-lib that ‘cause we just like to have fun. But it was awesome. Everyone looked really stoked.
Signal: Did you know that actually last year Asher Roth came here to perform, so it’s kind of like a full circle because he did "I Love College"?
SA: I did not. That’s awesome. Yeah, he’s great. He’s a friend so that’s really cool.
Signal: So my question is, do you really hate college, and did you have an unpleasant college experience?
Sam Adams discusses his song "I Hate College"
SA: No, I loved it. It was more just defining my hate for my teachers and being in class. It was crazy because it all sort of started to happen when I was still in class, and it was really fucking annoying to go to class and listen to the teacher. It’s like, ‘I’m not going to use anything you’re saying in real life because I already have something going on.’ So it just sort of stems from that. I actually wrote it in class, both verses.
Signal: Really? What class were you in?
SA: I was in a political science class. It was like European politics or something. It was awful. He was just a bad teacher. So I would just write, and I wrote like six verses and picked my favorite two, and that’s how I made ‘I Hate College.’ But I don’t hate it, I loved it. I had a blast. I wish I could go back.
Signal: Last year around this time the sales of your first singles surprised critics, and they accused you of buying all your own songs, so I was wondering, how did you manage to have a top selling song, and how did you use social networking sites to get your name out there?
SA: It’s sort of amazing. When I started high school I was always just really nice to everyone. Our whole motto is just to show love … So all the people I met throughout high school and all the people I met throughout college – I went to four high schools, I went to two colleges, so I met a lot of people – I just kept really good relationships, and by doing that, just off word of mouth, people listened to our shit ... We were just going around to different schools doing little frat events ... It wasn’t for a bill or money or anything. It was just for the fact that we loved doing it. It’s a blast to see all these kids migrate toward one place and be like – “Oh he’s coming to play.” It’s like holy shit, ‘cause as a little kid, I was always so fascinated by performing and how many people would come out to see people play. So I was super passionate about it. We really just built it on our own and all the social media networks helped out so much. Like YouTube, Facebook, we didn’t use Twitter as much.
Sam Adams speaks about how social-networking sites helped build his career
It’s really crazy what those sites can do. You really sort of just gotta believe in yourself, find kids that’ll listen to your music. Our music’s all positive. There’s a lot of critics and hip-hop people who are like, ‘He’s not hip hop. He’s not rap.’ It’s like, good don’t put me in that fucking genre anyway. I’m a good time music. All those networks, everything really helped us out. Word of mouth the most, so we owe our fans so much.
Signal: Mhm. Because I know technology is changing so many aspects of media, like how people can just download songs illegally, do you think technology is affecting the music industry in a positive way or a negative way?
Sam Adams discusses the influence of technology on the music industry
SA: I think coming from a record exec’s standpoint, totally negative ‘cause it’s like you’re not selling records. But it’s such a double-edged sword. Having YouTube you can get your songs out for free. But then there’s a piracy issue ... People have such a skewed vision of like, ‘Oh, I got to number 10 in two days, or I’m at number one.’ Cool, you sell 70,000 records as an independent, but you rarely see any of that money because of all the money you put into produce the records. You get money through touring.
So it’s a very unbalanced answer to the question, ‘cause there’s a lot of positive things about it, and obviously coming from the record labels, piracy’s always been an issue. But for touring and really getting your music out, for artists that love their fans, it’s like it’s not that big of a deal. If it is, it’s like – maybe you should find a new job.