62 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(11/06/14 2:39am)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 29, had big proposals from multiple organizations.
First up was the College Union Board and Student Government proposing for their annual event, “TCNJ Holiday.” This year’s theme is planned to be “Wrapped in Winter,” which would include activities and crafts as a way to celebrate various winter holidays. After a discussion, the event was tabled.
Barkada next proposed Barkada Barangay, an event to showcase Filipino culture on campus. The event would feature Filipino cuisine and traditional dances.
The event was allocated funds of $1,476 and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, in the Brower Student Center Lion’s Den.
TCNJ Musical Theater proposed next for its spring production, “Carrie: The Musical.” The show is one of two mainstage productions the organization puts on each year and features an outside director and music director. The musical is based off Stephen King’s horror novel and follow-up cult movie.
The event, which is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 7, on the Kendall Main Stage, was allocated funds of $25,710.
The Leadership Development Program returned to SFB this week to repropose its Leadership Lock-Up event. The purpose of the event is to help students strengthen their leadership skills through a variety of activities.
The event, which was previously tabled, was allocated funds of $5,460.14 and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Brower Student Center.
Also returning to the SFB was Chabad, which presented for its annual Chanukah Festival. The purpose of the event is to bring the campus together to celebrate this traditional Jewish holiday.
This time, the event was partially funded and is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Brower Student Center room 202 East.
Finally, The Circle of Compassion proposed for an event called “Let Your Yoga Dance,” which would bring a Yoga instructor to campus to lead a workshop on the exercise. The event was zero funded.
(11/06/14 2:24am)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
In 2006, when Taylor Swift released her self-titled debut album, she was best known for her sundresses, girl-next-door look and gorgeous, curly blonde locks.
Fast forward eight years, and America’s sweetheart has gotten a little older, wiser and perhaps more cynical.
Swift has traded in her dresses for maxi skirts, her curls for pin-straight hair and her acoustic guitar for synthesizing beats.
It is a departure from the Swift of days past. While she is still making headlines for her scandalous celebrity relationships and omnipresent social media status, the filter through which we view Swift has changed.
Her new album, “1989,” makes sure that we don’t forget that.
Self-described by Swift as her “first documented, official pop album,” “1989” is a risky venture into territory foreign to someone who used to don cowboy boots.
Luckily for Swift, she hits the radio-friendly bullseye while still showcasing her songwriting prowess.
The album opens with “Welcome to New York,” a song that directly transports the listener back to the 1980s with its contagious pop synths and reverberation. With help from Ryan Tedder, one of the most sought after songwriters of the decade, the hook is insanely catchy despite simplistic lyrics. The song, as the title suggests, is very inviting. The track is crafted to suck listeners in and hit them with the entire album’s aesthetic — ’80s inspired with 21st century flair.
“Blank Space,” the second track and soon-to-be new single, is perhaps the albums most engaging song. Thanks to lyrics by Swift and stellar production contributions by Max Martin, the track bubbles with energy. On Swift’s end, she pulls out her consistently used self-aware card.
Swift is far from blind to the public’s consistent gossip about her personal life, as is evident in the lines, “I got a long list of ex-lovers / they’ll tell you I’m insane.” In comparison to previous albums, the level of self-awareness in “1989” somehow feels apropos due to her musical transgression into pop-maturity. Swift is no longer whining — instead, she’s winning. She’s embracing her flaws and facing down rumors in a much better way. Instead of rambling soliloquies (see “Mean” from 2010’s “Speak Now”), she sprinkles in her personal life in a way that finally feels appropriate.
Also, it’s simply killer songwriting. “Blank Space” is the story of a girl trying to entice a boy into being with her, but the girl is not trying to be innocent and charming. Instead, she’s willing to try different tactics to win over the guys heart, but all-the-while warning him that she’s no down-home country princess. “Darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream,” Swift sings self-consciously, but in the best way possible.
The entirety of “1989” rings with this element of coolness. The third track, “Style,” begins with an understated drum beat that builds as the song progresses. Swift’s voice soars during the chorus, in which she sings “you’ve got that James Dean daydream look in your eyes / and I got that red lip, classic thing that you like.” Its not the most original description, but somehow Swift makes it sound fresh.
A standout track on the album is “Out of the Woods,” a roaring epic that Swift co-wrote with the band fun.’s Jack Antonoff. The song is festival-ready, with a soaring hook that could easily entice any crowd to belt along with Swift — “Are we out of the woods yet? Are we in the clear yet?”
The song sounds like an Ellie Goulding track, but Swift makes it her own. It’s a different sound and style, but then again, nothing on “1989” can really come as a surprise.
And this is all from the first half of the album. The rest of “1989” captures the same intensity. “Shake It Off” and “Bad Blood” rely on catchy beats and kiss-off vocals, while “This Love” and “Clean” tell somber tales backed by hypnotizing instrumentals.
Swift’s newest album is a musical experiment. “1989” shows the singer all grown up. She explores mature themes, taking music risks and pushing the boundaries of what we knew her to be.
And for that reason, combined with the musical genius of most of the tracks, “1989” is a masterclass in pop music. For her first true attempt at this genre, Swift succeeds in almost everything she tries. With Antonoff, Martin and Tedder on her side, there was no real chance that she could lose anyway.
Yet despite that all, at its core “1989” contains elements that set it apart from any other pop album on the charts. Swift is unlike Lady Gaga, Katy Perry or Pink. “1989” sounds different from anything else on the radio right now.
It may have been a risk, but it’s one that pays off in the best of ways. It’s a big step for Swift as an artist, and an even bigger step for the pop music genre as we know it.
(10/29/14 10:04pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, included multiple proposals from the Leadership Development Program ahead of its planned LeadWeek.
LDP’s first proposal was made in conjunction with the College Union Board and included plans for a keynote speaker during LeadWeek. The organization’s first choice is Daymond John, founder, president and CEO of FUBU, an iconic fashion brand. Other options include ESPN commentators Stephen A. Smith or Mike Ditka.
The event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11, was allocated funds of $36,098.
Other events from LDP included STUD Team Builders, a teamwork and communication activity scheduled to take place in the Brower Student Center on Friday. Nov 14. The event was allocated funds of $750.
In addition, the organization proposed for its 11th annual Leadership Lockup, scheduled to take place on Saturday, Jan. 11. The event was tabled for now.
Other presenters included the Teachers of Young Children, who were allocated $1,900 to cover the costs of buses in order to transport students to the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City. This event is the largest professional development conference in the nation and will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6, and Friday, Nov. 7.
Finally, the Sophomore Class Council proposed to have a Sophomore Semi-Formal. The Class of 2017 hosted a similar event last year with much success and hopes to repeat that this year.
The event was allocated funds of $9,380.17 and is scheduled to take place on Friday, Nov. 21.
(10/29/14 7:47am)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
With wild cheers and contagious energy, the Mixed Signals rushed into the Library Auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 19, to prepare for their second show of the semester.
Only this time, there were a few new faces among the troupe during their introduction.
Last weekend, the group held auditions, as they do every fall. This year, they added five new members — junior Alyssa Hess, freshmen Nolan DeVoe and Emma Young and sophomores Ian Cooley and Emily Mullin. These newbies will go through training with the returning members before taking the stage with them later this year.
“Being on the other side of auditions this year was both strange and amazing,” said junior computer science and interactive multimedia double major Matthew Steurer, who was added as a member just last year. “I got to watch a lot of talented people come out.”
After the five new members sat down to watch the performance, the troupe kicked off a hilarious set led by president Steven Munoz. The show, which included all of the performers dressed up like a different musical genre in honor of Halloween, featured and engaging setlist filled with games new and old.
One particularly popular skit involved lines that audience members wrote out before the show. The three actors had these lines in their pockets and pulled them out at random times during the scene and said them aloud, which led to hilarious incidents.
The troupe meets twice a week to work on group chemistry and practice games for their next show. To keep a true improvisational spirit, they build scenes around audience suggestions during an actual performance. It is a testament to their theatrical talents and creative minds. They, of course, could not do it without each other.
“I am most excited to help the new members become more acquainted with the troupe as a whole,” Steurer said. “Improv can largely be influenced by the dynamics between the performers.”
The Mixed Signals’ close-knit dynamic could be seen toward the end of their set when they played a game involving all of the members. The scene began on the day of prom and transitioned into the event itself, showcasing all of the actors in original and fun ways.
The audience consistently reacted to watching friends laughing on stage. The spirit was contagious, and it was clear that the troupe had strong chemistry.
“Being a Signal has influenced my life in ways that I cannot begin to describe,” Steurer said. “It has brought me so much happiness, laughter and a tight knit camaraderie into my life that I can never repay in full.”
(10/22/14 10:33pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
“I will practice believing my husband loves me, but I could be wrong,” writes Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), the central character of “Gone Girl,” in her journal toward the end of the first act of the film.
Pike’s voiceover is filled with sickly sincerity and enough ambiguity to make the audience squirm in their seats.
Does her husband love her? Or, better yet, does she love her husband?
These questions help frame this narrative drama based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name. Flynn, who rose to literary stardom after readers everywhere could not stop talking about “Gone Girl” and its ‘you-won’t-believe-it’ twist, also penned the screenplay.
David Fincher, an Oscar-nominee and currently one of cinema’s most popular filmmakers, directed the film, which also stars Ben Affleck as Amy’s husband Nick. Through his modernized scope, viewers are able to watch Flynn’s expertly crafted story come alive in a fiercely captivating way.
The plot, it seems, is very straightforward. Nick comes home from work one afternoon and Amy is missing. He calls the police, and within a matter of hours, all eyes are on him as the prime suspect. It does not help that Nick is utterly apathetic and seemingly detached from the entire situation.
The first act of the film is layered with voice-over diary entries from Amy, recounting tales of her childhood in which she grew up with famous parents. Her mother and father co-wrote a children’s book series called “Amazing Amy,” based on their daughter’s life — or, rather, what they wished her life would be.
Amy also chronicles her romance with Nick, tracing their journey from New York to Missouri, where the young couple would move after both lose their jobs in journalism and Nick’s mother grows ill. Shortly after they move out West, his mother passes away.
The loss of his mother and his job weighs on Nick. He grows increasingly irritable with Amy. In one of her entries, she recalls a moment where he hit her during an argument. As the search for Amy continues in real time, diary entries reveal that just weeks before her disappearance, Amy was afraid that Nick was going to kill her.
What happens next (spoiler alert) is what makes “Gone Girl” one of the most innovative thrillers of the 21st century. Flynn flips the plot on its head when the viewer sees a shot of Amy driving in a car, a bandage around her arm.
“Let me tell you how I did it,” her voice over says.
The rest of the film jumps between Amy and Nick’s story. Everything you originally thought has changed. Nick’s guilt is put into question in a big way.
Of course, the rest of the world does not know Amy is still alive, or that she framed her own disappearance to make her husband’s life a living hell. Part of her master plan involves cutting and dying her hair, ditching her old identity and even hitting her cheekbone with a hammer to dramatically alter her face. Her ultimate goal is to make sure Nick suffers, and Pike pulls off the role of Amy with delivilsh force.
In flashbacks, Pike plays the socialite Amy with misty allure. When she’s hiding away in a cabin after her disappearance, she has biting sarcasm and a tough outer-edge. Her acting dynamics are superb. Pike never falters in a role that is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. She slips into the role of Amy with such ease that it’s clear why Pike beat out bigger Hollywood names for this coveted role.
Despite Amy’s psychotic nature, Nick is not exactly guilt-free. He has been having an affair with his student, Andie (played with humorous naivete by Emily Ratajkowski), and planned to ask Amy for a divorce the morning she went missing. Affleck is perfectly scummy as Nick, slipping into the role with disinterested ease.
The combined force of Flynn and Fincher help to breathe cinematic life into a novel beloved by millions across the globe.
And the ending?
It’s Pike, aided by Fincher’s stunning direction, at her absolute psychotic best.
Watch out, Oscars — Amazing Amy is coming for you.
(10/22/14 10:19pm)
The Student Finance Board meetings on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and Wednesday, Oct. 15, were filled with numerous requests from various campus organizations.The Treblemakers, the College’s all-female a cappella group, was picked up as an SAF funded club during the Oct. 8. meeting. Other presenters at that meeting included The College Union Board, which was hoping to bring a Country Music Showcase — starring country band Mockingbird Sun — to campus in November. Due to low attendance at a similar event last semester, the event was zero funded.The Leadership Development Program, along with CUB, proposed next to bring Daymond John to campus to be a keynote speaker during LDP’s LeadWeek. John is the founder, president and CEO of FUBU (For Us, By Us) — an iconic fashion brand. He has also appeared as an investor on the the reality series “Shark Tank.”The event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Kendall Hall, was allocated funds of $26,098. The Black Student Union was allocated funds of $145 to help cover costs to bring Professor Jelani Cobbs to campus to speak about what the race-related conflicts occurring in Ferguson, MO. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Mayo Concert Hall. The Pre-Dental Club proposed “Keep Your Fangs Clean on Halloween,” a event in which members will be handing out goodie bags with free dental supplies and sugar-free candy to encourage the campus community to maintain proper oral hygiene. The event, which was allocated funds of $380.68 is scheduled to take place on Friday, Oct. 31, in the Student Center. The last event proposed during the first meeting was from Chabad, which hopes to bring a Chanukah Festival to campus. After discussion, SFB tabled the event. During the Oct. 15 meeting, the Student Film Union was allocated funds of $263.62 to hold the finale ce-remony for their “Halloween Spooktacular Film Festival.” The screening is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 30.The Financial Management Association proposed for funding to help cover the costs for bringing Training The Street to campus, who would hold a financial statement analysis and corporate valuation seminar for those interested. After much deliberation, the event was zero funded.The Women’s Center was allocated funds of $1,600 to bring Stephanie Filmore to campus, who is scheduled to speak about sexual violence on college campuses. The event, which is schedule to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Library Auditorium, is part of Redefining Sex Week. Finally, All College Theater proposed for their interactive murder mystery dinner theater which they hold every year. The production was allocated funds of $3,850 and is scheduled to take place on Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15.
(10/07/14 4:17pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson & Peter Fiorilla
Arts & Entertainment Editor & News Editor
For someone who is now a multimillion-dollar celebrity, Zach Braff is a pretty normal guy from New Jersey who grew up with big-city dreams.
Dressed in khakis, a button-up and sweater combination and a black leather jacket — which he later removed to catcalls and applause — the man best known as J.D. from “Scrubs” greeted a concert hall full of students with a friendly smile and wave on Thursday, Oct. 2, delivering CUB’s Fall Lecture.
“I’m proof that you can make it out of New Jersey,” Braff shouted, which elicited a round of bombastic applause from the packed audience.
During his presentation, Braff discussed his difficulties finding success in the ever-changing world of entertainment, both as a young actor and, more recently, as a director.
“I spent years with people telling me it wouldn’t happen,” Braff said, touching upon his desires to be a filmmaker as well as an actor.
After graduating from Northwestern University, Braff moved to California and worked as a production assistant on music videos, spending long days doing grunt work. While on set, he would always ask everyone he saw what they were working on.
“I always had my eyes on the prize. I was so hungry to learn,” Braff said.
Despite this mentality, Braff continued to struggle to find success. After multiple failed pilot attempts and a day-job taking orders at a French-Vietnamese restaurant in Los Angeles, Braff returned to New York to audition for a play.
“It was a terrible play,” Braff said, which would’ve required him to receive “fake fellatio” while completely nude on stage. When he couldn’t land the role, Braff’s agent had to convince him to return to California for one last pilot season.
It was that year that Braff landed the part which would make him famous — a leading role in “Scrubs” as quirky medical intern J.D. “Scrubs” quickly shot Braff to stardom, finding success behind the camera and on the Broadway stage as well.
In an interview with The Signal before the show, Braff discussed his recent Broadway debut in “Bullets Over Broadway.” An avid musical lover, he took a break from theater after high school.
“Then we did the ‘Scrubs’ musical episode and it was so fun. I sort of said to my agent in passing that when the right one comes, I would love to do a musical,” Braff said.
Fast forward a few years, and he received a surprise phone call.
“I didn’t know the right one would be Woody Allen’s first musical, who is my hero, but also a musical about a neurotic, Jewish playwright struggling and fighting against compromise for his art,” Braff said, disccusing his luck in finding “Bullets.” “It couldn’t be more comparable to my life this year with the whole Kickstarter campaign. It was just the perfect thing.”
The lasting message of Braff’s lecture was to inspire all of his listeners never to sacrifice their dreams because someone else tells them “no.”
“No one gave a fuck who I was — everyone passed on ‘Garden State,’” Braff said while explaining the difficulties finding a studio to produce his first feature-length film. Instead, he had to find an alternative way to attempt to get the movie funded.
Even after the financial success of “Scrubs” and “Garden State,” Braff had to resort to Kickstarter to back his latest film project — “Wish I Were Here.” It’s a film he wrote with his brother, and it’s a story he holds dear to his heart.
This proves, however, that even someone as popular as Braff has struggled to find success.
“How many ‘no’s’ are you willing to receive?” Braff asked the audience, pausing a moment to let his next words resonate with the crowd of wide-eyed collegiates: “If you work your ass off and don’t take no for an answer, you can accomplish anything.”
(10/07/14 4:09pm)
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1, included six different proposals for events ranging from the informative to the entertaining.
The College Union Board and TCNJ Musical Theatre proposed first for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” an event they plan to put on with the help of Lions Latenight.
The night will consist of a screening of the cult-classic movie-musical, with “shadow-casting” being performed by members of TMT. The event was held last year in early October and was a great success among students.
The event was allocated $800 in funding to cover props, costumes and decorations, and is scheduled to take place on Friday, Oct. 31, in the Brower Student Center Food Court.
CUB returned throughout the meeting to propose two more events. The first was a Mentalist/Hypnotist Show — “a friendly night of mind manipulation.” The show would open with veteran hypnotist Dale K and feature world-famous mentalist duo Jeff and Tessa Evason.
CUB was allocated partial funding of $6,548 and hopes to hold the event on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The second proposal was for a comedy show featuring Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson. He is the youngest cast member on the show and his recent skits have gone viral.
CUB hopes to have improv-comedy troupe The Mixed Signals open the event, as well. They were allocated funds of $5,765 to cover performer costs, and the event is scheduled to take place on a weeknight in October or November in Mayo Concert Hall.
The Circle of Compassion proposed an event hoping to bring Noah Bullock to campus for a lecture. Bullock, the executive director of a human rights organization in El Salvador, will be speaking about dangerous issues in the country.
The organization was allocated $500 in funding and plans to hold the event on Friday, Oct. 17, in the Spiritual Center.
Student Government proposed for two events directly correlating with Homecoming. The first was a Homecoming Breakfast, taking place in the morning before tailgating, to discourage pre-game drinking but to get students excited. The breakfast would also include members of the administration, SG and the Inter-Greek Council speaking about unsafe behavior.
The event was allocated funds of $1,700 and is scheduled to take place in the Travers/Wolfe Link on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The second request for funding was designed to provide additional security officers on premises during Homecoming to provide a safe environment for a combined-tailgate section. In addition, SG requested money to hire one alumni and one current student to DJ throughout the day.
The organization was allocated $3,400 in funding to cover the costs of these requests.
(10/01/14 5:39pm)
The Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24, included proposals from 10 organizations, all hoping to bring diverse and engaging events to campus throughout the year.
The largest request came from the Inter-Greek Council, which requested $29,715 to hold an event called “TCNJam,” a 12-hour dance marathon. As stated in its proposal, the event “exemplifies the core values of TCNJ by bringing together all aspects of the college experience.” In addition, the day would raise awareness of the impact pediatric oncology has on society, in addition to celebrating sponsors’ achievements in raising funds for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.
After a long proposal and much debate, the event was zero-funded.
Earlier in the meeting, there was a co-presentation by PRISM and The Women’s Center, who hope to jointly bring Janet Mock to campus next semester. Mock is a writer and trans-activist who also served as an editor for People.com.
The event was allocated $13,048 in funding, with a lecture and book signing scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 12, in Kendall Hall.
The College Union Board proposed “An Evening of Spoken Word” next. The event would feature two prominent spoken word poets in addition to a handful of student acts as openers.
For various reasons discussed among SFB, such as disorganization, the event was tabled and zero-funded.
Student Government proposed a “Homecoming T-Shirt Exchange” event, which is something new they hope to have on campus this year. The idea is to have students donate old shirts with logos from other colleges and high schools, and in return, receive a free shirt representing the College. Student Government hopes this event will raise school pride and boost morale for the football game. All donated shirts will be be given to a charity following the exchange.
The event, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, was allocated $1,396.50 to cover the cost of 350 shirts.
The Spanish Club proposed for the first time this semester to bring film producer Alex Rivera to campus. Rivera would be discussing his science-fiction film, “Sleep Dealer,” and the militarization of the US-Mexico border.
After being allocated $3,100 in funding, the club plans to hold the lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The Asian American Association proposed two events. The first was its annual Multicultural Buffet, featuring foods from various Asian cultures including China, Japan, the Philippines, India and the Middle East. The event, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, was allocated $3,604 to cover the costs of food and setup.
The second event was a lecture titled “Asians in the Media,” given by Filipino-American actor Dante Basco. Basco, who has lended his voice to hit series such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “American Dragon: Jake Long,” hopes to discuss Asians being stereotypical represented in the media.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, the lecture was allocated $3,870.
Next, TCNJ Muslims Student Association proposed for its annual Eid-Al Adha Dinner. The event is one of the two major Muslim holidays.
The dinner, which the club hopes to hold on Wednesday, Oct. 8, was allocated $4,236.61 in funding.
Chabad proposed next for their weekly Shabbat dinner on Friday evenings. While held off campus in the past, the attendance has gone up in recent years, and the original location can no longer hold all of the attendees. The organization planned on holding these dinners every Friday for the rest of the year.
Originally requesting $16,224, the organization was partially allocated $5,616 to cover nine weeks of dinners through the end of the fall semester.
To end the meeting, the Off Campus Student Organization (OCSO) was allocated $250 to host “A Warm Welcome,” a meet and greet with hot chocolate, scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Finally, Pep Band, which was recently approved by Student Government, was picked up as an SAF-funded club.
(10/01/14 5:33pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Library Auditorium, a generally serene and intimate venue, was packed with students on Sunday, Sept. 21, for the first Mixed Signals show of the year.
The Mixed Signals are the College’s only improv-theater group, currently consisting of eight diverse members who put on hilarious performances throughout the school year. The troupe relies on each other to create dynamic skits with contagious energy.
Their performances never disappoint, for their varied comedic skills appeal to a wide variety of audiences.
Each of their shows is a series of different improvisational games, usually basing them around audience suggestions. In one skit called “The Dating Game,” three contestants vie for the love of one of the troupe members — senior Shannon McGovern during this performance. The twist, however, is that each of the contestants has a weird quirk, which they take from audience suggestions. One was a serial killer, one had an affinity for tuna fish and the last had unrelenting hot flashes.
Junior Steven Munoz is the new president of the group.
“It’s been a really awesome year so far,” Munoz said. “The troupe works really well together, and we hit our stride quickly this year. Being that there are only eight of us right now, it feels like we are super in-sync with each other.”
Another popular skit during the night was Half-Life, in which Munoz and senior marketing major Garrett Verdone performed a scene in two minutes, then repeated that same scene in one minute, 30 seconds and so on.
The troupe consistently gets a lot of laughs during each performance and has a strong and passionate following. Some members are even recognized just walking around campus.
Being the first official show of the new school year, the Signals performed for the first time without four members who graduated last spring.
“It definitely feels a little strange without the four people who have moved on, but it is also exciting and invigorating to have such a small troupe,” Munoz said.
A majority of the Mixed Signals are also currently involved with other theatrical productions on campus, including McGovern in All College Theater’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” and Munoz starring in TCNJ Musical Theatre’s fall musical “Rent.”
Each of the eight members bring a diverse background to each show, creating a truly unique performance every time.
The troupe, which is looking to expand its membership, will be holding auditions in October.
“We can’t wait to have new members, though, and we are definitely ready to see what new talent can bring,” Munoz said.
(09/24/14 8:35pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
INK proposed three high-volume requests at the Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The first event proposed was “The Goods,” featuring poet Marty McConnell. The event, as described by President Carly DaSilva, is a semesterly event fostering student performances from across campus, showcasing various artistic and creative skills. This year, INK hopes to have McConnell, a famous slam poet, headline the event.
SFB allocated $3,275 toward the event, and INK hopes to hold “The Goods” on Sunday, Nov. 22.
INK then proposed both of its Master Series events, in which a writer comes to campus for a lecture or workshop. The first event features Rachel McKibbens, an activist, playwright and slam poet.
“She’ll have experience talking to students about their work,” DaSilva said, alluding to McKibbens’ educational prowess.
The group was allocated $1,500 and is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 12.
Finally, INK proposed for its second Master Series, which is scheduled to feature Edward Hirsch, a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets.
As stated in their proposal, INK hopes this event will “enrich and broaden the creative writing and reading community at TCNJ.”
Hirsch, who writes poetry focusing on condensed versions of large concepts, is also an acclaimed critic.
The event, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 13, was funded to cover the speaker’s fees. The speaker requested that the specific amount not be disclosed.
Next, PRISM returned this week to propose another guest speaker. This time, the organization hopes to bring David Jay, founder of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN). Jay will discuss his own experiences as both an asexual and polyamorous individual.
“It’s really important that we bring someone to discuss a topic that isn’t well-represented on campus,”sophomore SFB representative Olivia Higbee said.
The group was allocated $1,000, and PRISM hopes to hold the talk sometime in November.
Finally, Student Government proposed their annual Fall Retreat to allow newly elected members to become more familiar with the expectations of the organization.
The group was allocated $970 and is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 28.
(09/16/14 7:48pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Philadelphia knows how to end summer with a bang. Each Labor Day weekend for the past two years, “Made in America,” the Jay-Z curated music festival, has come to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The streets fill with thousands of music lovers, desperate to squeeze in one last festival fix before the summer fades away into a distant melody.
The festival features hand-picked acts by Jay-Z himself from various genres, spanning hip-hop, alternative and electronica and with four stages to keep attendees plenty occupied during the two-day event.
On Saturday, Sept. 14, the day kicked off right with The Neighbourhood, an alternative band that broke into the music scene with its hit single, “Sweater Weather.” While it was sizzling outside, the band kept it cool with smooth vocals from lead singer Jesse Rutherford. A large crowd gathered around the Rocky Stage, which served as the main stage for the festival, and swayed to the edgy, indie sound.
Most of the crowd then moved to one of the side stages to see Chromeo, a Canadian electro-funk, disco duo who ran through an energetic and engaging set. Members David Macklovitch and Patrick Gemayel proved their musical talent while keeping the crowd entertained and pumped-up for the rest of the night.
Just as the sun began to set, The National took the Rocky Stage to croon out sweet, acoustic jams while the crowd took a brief respite from the heat and intensity of the early afternoon. Lead singer Matt Berninger serenaded the crowd with his passionate baritone vocals and melancholy lyrics.
As darkness crept over the festival, attendees were met by the one-two punch of J. Cole and Steve Aoki. Cole, a North Carolina native, greeted a massive crowd and immediately dove into an impressive set. His passion was evident as his voice started to disappear after pouring so much of himself into each track.
Then, as soon as Aoki took the stage, a giant dance party erupted in the streets. Lights flashed and the bass blared as everyone in attendance got lost in the beat. Some attendees took to climbing trees and lampposts to show their dedicated enthusiasm. To add to the madness, Aoki threw multiple whip cream pies into the audience and then showered everyone with champagne to finish off his set.
To close out Saturday night, headliner Kanye West took the stage. The Parkway was packed with hardcore fans and casual listeners alike awaiting a set from one of music’s biggest names. As expected, there were multiple surprises, including West stopping in the middle of one of his songs to demand the lights be changed to what he originally planned. In addition, he had more than a few speeches which included how hard he works and how he doesn’t appreciate jokes. Antics aside, West has true musical talent.
Day two was met with inclement weather and caused most of the crowd to leave the festival early, but they managed to squeeze in acts like Kongos, Bear Hands and Man Overboard. Each of them put on fun, diverse sets that appealed to various interests. Also, the popular band Awolnation played through the rain and sang hit singles “Sail” and “Kill Your Heroes.”
Overall, the festival was an amazing way to end the summer with a crop of fellow music lovers who simply enjoy being carefree for a weekend without worrying about the stress of reality.
(09/16/14 4:36am)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The College Union Board was allotted $26,148 for its 2014 Fall Lecture during a Student Finance Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Zach Braff, a New Jersey native famous for his role on the hit television series “Scrubs,” is CUB’s first choice. Other options include Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby from “How I Met Your Mother”) and Kate Mulgrew (Red from “Orange Is The New Black”). The organization hopes to hold the lecture sometime in October or November.
PRISM presented for three events, one of which was Big Gay Bingo.
“It’s always a crowd favorite,” PRISM executive board member Ryan Eldgride said.
The event was allocated funds of $417.55 and is expected to take place on Thursday, Oct. 30, as part of Queer Awareness Month.
PRISM next proposed to bring Kay Barrett to campus for a lecture. Barrett is a disabled transgender poet and performer who speaks about the difficulties of being transgender in the U.S. The event, which is expected to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21, was fully funded for $2,000.
Delta Lambda Phi and PRISM proposed to co-sponsor an event called “Can’t Change What We Never Chose,” a lecture on the practice of conversion therapy. The event was also fully funded for an amount of $1,000.
After being initially tabled for their request earlier in the afternoon, the Inter-Greek Council was allotted a spot at the end of the meeting to re-propose its event, Hazing Prevention Week. Representitives of the IGC returned with a more detailed breakdown of how the money will be spent. The event entails tabling in the Brower Student Center from Monday, Sept. 22, to Friday, Sept. 26, to hand out anti-hazing promotional materials such as buttons, pins and magnets.
The event was partially funded for an amount of $839.99 and will be part of the National Hazing Prevention Week.
(09/09/14 4:51pm)
The Student Finance Board had its first meeting of the semester on Wednesday, Sept. 3, where the College Union Board, All College Theater and TCNJ Musical Theater proposed events for the fall.
First up was CUB, which proposed an overnight bus trip to Providence, R.I. in September. The presenters outlined a full itinerary for the trip, including visits to the Providence Natural History Museum and downtown Providence. In the past, CUB has led overnight bus trips to big cities like Boston and Washington, D.C., and the presenters said they believed like Providence would be a good change of location without sacrificing a “city feel.”
The trip was fully funded for the requested amount of $1,835 and is set to take place later this month on Saturday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 28.
ACT presented next for its fall production, “Romeo and Juliet.” Every year, ACT puts on two full productions: one in the fall and one in the spring.
“We expect a larger turnout for this show in particular,” ACT President Shannon McGovern said.
After a bit of discussion, the event was partially funded for $11,675, which covers production costs and salaries for a director and a fight choreographer.
ACT also co-presented with TMT for “Wired,” a 24-hour play competition in which students write, direct, stage manage and act out five different one-act plays. The event was fully funded for an amount of $800 and is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13.
Finally, TMT proposed a “Broadway Night” and its fall musical, “Rent.”
“‘Broadway Night’ gives people a chance to perform who might not get into our fall show,” TMT Treasurer Steven Munoz said.
“Rent,” a highly popular rock musical, required a large budget for TMT’s production plan and to obtain the rights to perform the show.
The event was fully funded for $200 and is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27.
“Rent” was also fully funded for $10,000 and is expected to take place from Wednesday, Nov. 19, to Saturday, Nov. 22.
(09/02/14 4:22pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Kendall Hall was filled with students ready to laugh and eager to see the College Union Board’s “3 For Free Comedy Show,” co-sponsored by Welcome Week Committee and SFB funded, on Thursday, Aug. 28. The show featured Andrew Schulz, Omid Singh and Gina Brillon — comedians on the rise in the entertainment world.
Brillon took the stage first, clad in a black and grey dress and packed with feisty energy. Born in the South Bronx, Brillion is Puerto Rican and has a degree in English. She rolled through her half-hour set with nonstop jokes, ranging from impressions of girls from her hometown to stories about being mugged in New York City.
“All my fun stories happen on the subway,” Brillon said, before describing a vivid scene that involved a drag queen reaching into her purse and stealing her makeup. The description made the audience burst into robust laughter.
The highlight of her set, however, was a story about how much she enjoys food and a hilarious incident at a buffet.
“I love food so much that I get mad when I’m full,” Brillon said. “I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and don’t want my last words to be ‘I could have had a brownie.’”
The next comedian to take the stage was Omid Singh, who was seen in the Oscar-winning film “Argo.” Dressed in jeans and a hoodie, Singh had a very unique sense of humor that made for a good counterbalance with Brillion’s fast-paced set.
Born in Dubai, Singh and his family moved to Texas when he was a child. He is a stand-up comedian who is based in Los Angeles and was poking fun at his family background.
Singh told a story of running to catch a subway train and, in order to keep the doors from closing before him, throwing his black gym bag into the car. His plan hilariously failed, and he was convinced that everyone around him thought he was a terrorist.
“It’s safe to say that I’ll only be using taxis now,” Singh said. “I’ll probably meet about seven of my uncles.”
In response to confusion over his race, Singh (who is half Indian and half Iranian) stated that he is far from being a “member of al-Qaeda.”
“The worst that I can do is teach you some yoga and then take you on a magic carpet ride.”
Finally, to close out the show, Andrew Schulz from MTV’s “Guy Code” delivered an entertaining routine that was constructed perfectly for an audience full of excited college students.
“I’m frightened by your campus — there’s too much nature,” Schulz said to open his act, before calling Ewing “Fancy Trenton” and making the audience erupt with laughter.
Schulz, who has been hosting “Guy Code” since season one, was born and raised in New York City. Known for his street-smart humor, Schulz tells it how it is and holds nothing back.
“If you really wanna turn a girl on, send her a picture of you listening,” he joked. His set was filled with antidotes for how guys can win over girls.
“The first college I’ve ever been to was here, and I performed in the Rat,” Schulz said, which was met with a round of thunderous applause. Schulz finished his set with more hilarious stories and tips for guys.
Overall, the night was wildly successful and an entertaining way to kick off the semester.
(08/26/14 8:12pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
During the summer, some students at the College choose to study in exotic locations around the world. Some choose internships in popular cities like New York and Philadelphia, and yet others spend the hazy months right here on campus.
Students are able to collaborate with professors on special projects through a program called MUSE (Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience).
Started by a professor or student interested in a specific project, MUSE is completed over two months during the summer. Projects are cross-disciplined, ranging from business to the arts.
This summer, professor of fine arts Gregory Thielker worked with junior visual arts major Jessica Cavanaugh and a senior visual arts and interactive multimedia double major Christina Behnan on a special project based on Thielker’s research in Afghanistan.
“I’ve been to Afghanistan several times, and we have been working to develop components of an exhibition that will be opening in October,” Thielker said. “In the process, I’ve been able to share the experience of working on site in Afghanistan and sharing with them the raw materials — interviews, documentaries, photography, video recordings and sketches — and then to translate that into a professional level exhibition.”
Thielker is no stranger to creating art based on his time in other countries. In 2010, he was awarded a Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Award which allowed him to live and work in Delhi, India. Thielker emphasizes community and strives to portray different perspectives in his art pieces.
His project with MUSE students this summer was both challenging and rewarding for the artist.
“We had a very specific ... major type of project which was this 35-foot panorama painting that nearly killed me,” Thielker said. “It made a lot of sense because this is a historic format and in a similar fashion to the diorama … there is usually a workshop of people, so it makes a lot of sense that it’s not a single person. I certainly envision us as a team (that) works together.”
As Thielker explained, the panorama is a view of a region in Afghanistan about 40 miles north of the city of Kabul where there is a major air hub. The community around Kabul has a history of warfare and conflict, so the art piece is an “unromantic view of a warzone, where it’s actually quite serene and peaceful, although there’s this history of violence and instability.”
The piece serves as a ground view for what one would see in the area, including mountains, the citadel, houses and agriculture in the valley.
Thielker, who had a wonderfully collaborative experience with his two students, hopes to send across a message with this project.
“We are using this a chance to kind of have a dialogue about what people see in Afghanistan,” Thielker said when discussing the goals of this piece. “A lot of times, when you think of Afghanistan, you think of pictures of these soldiers and oppressed women. I wanted to show that there was more to it than that and to use painting in this large format to help get that point across.”
(08/26/14 5:25pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mention the name Bruce Springsteen to almost anyone in America, and he or she will immediately think of a rock star with multiple best-selling albums.
He or she may not, however, think of him as a literary genius.
This is why it may seem strange to some that Lincoln Konkle, an English professor at the College, is currently on sabbatical to write an academic book about Springsteen. The book, as Konkle pointed out, will analyze “Bruce’s song lyrics as poetry, short stories, tragedy, comedy, social commentary and philosophical and religious musing.”
Konkle, who also teaches an Honors Freshmen Seminar Program titled “Springsteen’s Lyrics as Literature,” is more than just a fan of Springsteen’s music. He has analyzed his lyrics and listened to his albums over and over again to decipher hidden meanings behind each track.
“When I was in college, a friend played ‘Born to Run’ for me. Living in a rural, redneck community in northern Indiana, I could relate to the lyrics, ‘this town’s a deathtrap / it’s a suicide rap / we gotta get out while we’re young,’” Konkle said when asked about the first time he heard Springsteen. “(And) after hearing this line from ‘Growin’ Up’ — ‘I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car’ — I was really hooked,” he added.
But Springsteen’s lyrics were different from typical rock ramblings. They were inherently poetic.
“Combining macrocosm and microcosm (universe and old parked car), and reviving a dead metaphor (no one pictures a key when they say ‘the key to x is’), I knew right then this was rock and roll for English majors,” Konkle said.
While there are many Springsteen fanatics across the globe, it takes a truly passionate listener to dedicate a whole year to analyzing and writing about his music. Konkle, who also loves theater and literature, gets to combine all of his interests into one creative package when writing about Springsteen.
“There have been many books written about Springsteen, some with analysis of his lyrics, but none of them has had the basic thesis that this guy is a great writer of literary lyrics — as well as kick-ass rock music,” he said.
The process to obtain a sabbatical, as Konkle notes, is a long one. One must complete preliminary research to complete a proposal and map out a timeline for the project. The proposal is then evaluated by a committee deciding whether or not to grant sabbatical. For Konkle, this was his second time applying.
But even after obtaining the sabbatical, Konkle knows that there will be major challenges ahead.
“I anticipate the most difficult task is to plan in which specific chapters I’m going to analyze specific songs,” he said. “Some of them fit under multiple topics. It may come down to flipping a coin as to within which chapter I discuss some songs.”
One might believe that the most challenging aspect for Konkle might be to convince others that the rock star really can be a literary genius. However, as Konkle points out, he is definitely not the only one who believes in Springsteen’s literary standing.
“Most long-time Springsteen fans know and love the depth of his writing. And the hundreds of people who presented papers at the three ‘Glory Days: An International Bruce Springsteen Symposium’ events in 2005, 2009 and 2012 (at which Konkle presented) don’t need persuading,” Konkle explained. “Some of those conference participants have published their own papers as articles in journals or academic books,” he stated. “So there is really no question that Springsteen’s songs and albums warrant analysis from multiple perspectives.”
By the time Konkle is finished with his book, he will be able to add it to a vast collection of academic writings on Springsteen’s lyrics, a collection that many never knew existed.
(08/26/14 5:20pm)
By Jonathan Edmondson & Kimberly Ilkowski
Arts & Entertainment Editor & Review Editor
Best Film
Jonathan: “Boyhood,” written and directed by Richard Linklater, is without a doubt the best film of 2014 to date. Filmed over 11 years from 2002 to 2013, the film focuses on a young boy (played by newcomer Ellar Coltrane) as he grows-up in the 21st century. The audience watches Coltrane and the rest of the powerhouse cast (including Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke) grow up before their eyes, creating a truly original piece of cinema. Critics everywhere have been calling this a landmark, for no other film has been shot like this before. “Boyhood” is more than just a film — it’s a work of art.
Kimberly: “X-Men: Days Of Future Past” was a stellar way to start off the summer movie season. The film, directed by Bryan Singer, follows Wolverine as he goes back in time to try and change the dark future to which he and his X-men are doomed. It’s extremely interesting to see younger versions of the characters interact with one another, especially Michael Fassbender as Magneto and James McAvoy as Professor X. Anyone who loves the franchise will not be disappointed with this movie — it delivers everything you would want from an “X-Men” movie, the intense action, the beloved characters and the heart.
Best Album
Jonathan: “Strange Desire” by Bleachers made the perfect sun-kissed, indie-pop soundtrack to my summer. For a debut album, “Strange Desire” holds together remarkably well in a short but memorable 11-song package. Started as a side project by Jack Antonoff of fun., Bleachers has been touring the country in support of this record and has quickly become a festival favorite. “I Wanna Get Better” is the band’s successful single, but listen to tracks like “Rollercoaster” to really absorb its unique and youthful sound.
Kimberly: “Lazaretto” by Jack White is the ex-White Stripes singer’s second studio album, and it’s even better than his first. Each song has a unique style that sets it apart and highlights White’s range. Whether he’s singing the blues or shredding his guitar, it’s clear he’s a master at what he does. White always strives to bring something new to the table, and this time it lands on the turntable. The vinyl version of “Lazaretto” has all kinds of cool features like hidden tracks, alternate intros and holograms.
Best TV Show
Jonathan: “Project Runway,” now in it’s 13th season, still manages to be one of the best reality competition shows on television. During a summer that’s filled with mostly reruns, “Runway” is a burst of fresh air and a rare glimpse into the exclusive world of fashion design. While drama certainly sizzles in the workroom, the real emphasis is always on the designs — some are hits and others are total misses. While it may not be as riveting as “True Blood,” “Project Runway” is uniquely its own and has a format that is both accessible and entertaining to watch.
Kimberly: “The Half Hour” on Comedy Central features stand up sets from lesser-known comedians, and that’s precisely what makes it great. Each week you have no idea what you’re in for, but sure enough, you end up completely loving the comedians and repeating their jokes to your friends. Many of the comedians, like my favorite Mark Normand, are able to blend social issues and humor together in a way that makes you stop and think after the show is over. For others, like Joe Wengert, it’s all about the quirky delivery style. It’s a great show for discovering new talent and to end your day with a laugh.
Best Novel
Jonathan: “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart is a riveting, suspense-filled young adult novel that truly delivers. Lockhart crafts her characters with a delicate balance, leaving the reader unsure of who exactly he should be rooting for. Centered around summers on a private island, “Liars” follows the story of a group of teenagers growing up in a corrupt, upper-class family. The novel also has one of the most incredible, “didn’t-see-that-coming” endings I have ever read.
Kimberly: “No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes” by Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico is an oral history of the now closed (and now infamous) City Gardens punk club right here in Trenton, New Jersey. The book chronicles shows throughout the ’80s and early ’90s using interviews from club regulars and band members alike. It’s fun to read about bands playing there before they hit massive fame and how much Trenton meant to them and their careers. There’s even multiple references to our school radio station WTSR, DJs of which played a huge role in the scene.
Best Song
Jonathan: “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith is not your traditional summer-jam, but its hard to imagine these past few months without this chilling ballad blasting over radios everywhere. Smith, a newcomer to the music business, launched into the public eye with this song about the morning after a one-night stand. His crooning vocals and touching lyrics helped elevate this track for listeners to remember for years to come.
Smith has hit summer song. (AP Photo)
Kimberly: If you listen to the Philly radio station Radio 104.5, a day hasn’t gone by where you haven’t heard “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers. In anticipation for their free concert at Festival Pier, the band was brought out of obscurity and played non-stop — thus becoming the soundtrack to all my long summer car rides. With such a jovial sound and easy to sing along lyrics, what more could you need?
(04/29/14 7:13pm)
Since the early days of Broadway, there have been a handful of leading ladies who have outshined the competition. These women represent the paradigm of a triple-threat in singing, acting and dancing. This group of stars includes the likes of Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli and Patti LuPone. These names are recognizable throughout the globe as masters of their craft.
Following the opening of “If/Then,” Idina Menzel has more than earned her membership into this Broadway diva club.
The new musical, directed by Michael Greif with libretto by Brian Yorkey and score by Tom Kitt, follows the life of Elizabeth Vaughn (Menzel) as she moves back to New York City after a nasty divorce. On the brink of turning 40, Elizabeth is searching for a new direction in life. In a modern theatrical twist, Elizabeth is presented with two directions with entirely different outcomes.
The complex story is well-fleshed out by Yorkey’s excellent libretto and is aided by intelligent directorial choices by Greif. In some scenes, Menzel portrays Liz, whose journey begins when she decides to stay in Central Park one day and meets Josh (a solid James Snyder), a doctor from the Army who has just returned from his second tour of duty.
The other path follows Beth, who leaves the park on that same day and eventually lands a job in the city planner’s office.
The plot takes off from there, following the two divergent story lines. Both Beth and Liz are played by Menzel, who makes the character distinction by wearing glasses when portraying Liz. The story focuses on how every single decision affects both our lives and the lives of those around us.
Elizabeth experiences these two different life paths with a support group by her side, including old college friend Lucas (the ever-charming Anthony Rapp), new acquaintance Kate (a fiercely funny LaChanze) and Kate’s girlfriend Anne (Jenn Colella). Every choice Elizabeth makes impacts her friends as well.
While the skeleton of the show is solid, what really holds the show together is Menzel. The moment she stepped on stage, her mere presence was met with thunderous applause. From then on, she roared through the show with such a beautiful mix of subtlety and power. She demonstrated a masterful display of a wide range of emotions, all the while powering through the score with her top-notch vocals.
What adds to the show is an absolutely brilliant set design by Mark Wendland. The set is meticulously intricate, with a ceiling made of mirrors, which provides beautiful reflections throughout certain scenes. The base of the stage spins 360 degrees and has a series of small lights that create artistic patterns during musical numbers. Finally, there is a second level comprised of a catwalk and a series of fire escapes.
The set provides a backdrop that is so perfectly New York. While Elizabeth tries desperately to find her way in life, the set flips and turns and sets her off in different directions. When the musical finally comes to a close, we have traveled back full circle.
“If/Then” does not need exquisite metaphors or complicated symbolism to comment on life. Instead, the show naturally shows the progress of a normal woman trying to find her place in this ever-changing world that we live in.
For once, a Broadway show wears its heart on its sleeve. It reminds us all that we always have options and that, for better or worse, life works itself out.
(04/24/14 1:24pm)
The College’s campus is home to numerous academic buildings in which students spend a majority of their time during the semester. Some locations, such as the School of Education Building, are brand new with top-of-the-line facilities and an aesthetically-pleasing design. These beautiful buildings, however, do not cover up the less-than-appealing locations.
In particular, Bliss Hall is wildly unpopular with students. Out of a surveyed 64 students, 75 percent said they do not look forward to having class in Bliss Hall.
The building, which is home to classes in philosophy, English, journalism and world languages, among other subjects, is in desperate need of repairs. From an outsider’s perspective, it would seem that the College is pouring all its effort into other areas on campus and ignoring this current, crumbling location.
With the school of Humanities and Social Sciences catering to a large portion of the campus community, many students have a majority of their classes in Bliss Hall. These classrooms are often dirty, cluttered and out-of-date. Even some of the professors who have offices in Bliss complain about the conditions. Take, for example, English professor Diane Steinberg, who had to be moved from her office due to a mold problem. It is evident that students are not the only ones dissatisfied with the building’s current state.
There were also plenty of other statistics to back this up, such as 34 students ranking Bliss Hall as the worst building on campus. Finally, 85 percent of students surveyed believe that Bliss Hall is in need of repairs.
Luckily, complaints have been heard and changes are on the way.
“In response to employee complaints and reports of apparent humidity-related issues, TCNJ engaged specialized consultants to inspect (Bliss Hall) and make recommendations on possible repairs,” said David Muha, associate vice president for Communications, Marketing and Brand Management.
A potential framework for rennovations has also been planned.
“There are plans for partial renovations to Bliss Hall,” Muha said. “The project is designed, and we expect to seek bids from contractors within the next several weeks. The work is aimed at remedying building humidity and associated environmental conditions that can affect air quality and occupant comfort. The bids should be received within approximately a month and work will be completed over the summer.”
When asked about how the College decides which buildings to renovate, Muha said they take a careful and thoughtful approach in determining which projects to advance and which to defer until more resources become available.
“In the spring of 2011, the Provost, the Treasurer and the vice president for Administration advanced a proposal for prioritizing projects to the Committee on Planning and Strategic Priorities (CPSP),” Muha explained.
The College has been operating under prioritization criteria ever since the CPSP proposal. The criteria by which projects are advanced, Muha said, are in order of importance.
The first projects that pass are those that involve improvements to conditions in life safety, health and security. Followed are projects that involve building code deficiencies, projects that will prevent more expensive damage in the future, repairs that were already started and repairs that will enhance enrollment capacity.
Benjamin Rifkin, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, recently sent out an email to all faculty within his department stating that during the summer it will not be possible to access offices within Bliss Hall. Without going into many details, Rifkin stated that work would be done to manage the mold and humidity problems on all three floors.
These improvements, while necessary, will still not address the physical condition of many classrooms and interior hallways of the older building. Perhaps as more attention is drawn to problems that arise, a total renovation of Bliss Hall will occur sometime in the future.