THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929

Mercy hurst College 5$%E^8tt4s^E^e|Pa^6546 Jatti^S 14, 2004

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The Merciad is also available at

NEWS:
merciad.mercyhurst.edu

It's once again time

The new look of the
for the annual
Phonathon,

PAGE 3

FEATURES:
Kristin Carlisle's Students waft
internship and educa- in'i line for
tion go hand-in-hand subs at the
new eatery
subconnec-
PAGE 4 tion and for
meals-to-go at
the Laker Ex-
press. Both
new dining
OPINION: options re-
cently opened
Madam Malarky and are a suc-
cess. The
makes getting advice added hours
even easier. for board
equivalency
PAGE 6 and meals
make it possi-
ble to get food
at any time on
campus.
ARTS&
ENTERTAINMENT: By Holly Burns
Britney Spears and Contributing writer
Jason Alexander
exchanged vows If you are a student at Mercyhurst
College, you're sure to know about
and two days later £ the new Laker Inn. Before break,
•

file for an annulment. there was a ton of construction tak-

ing place downstairs in the Student
PAGE 9 Union.:
So, what was going on? The Laker
Inn was being remodeled and seems
to have had nothing but success.
SPORTS: As you probably know, the Mercy-
hurst Bookstore has been moved to
Men's hockey coach Briggs Avenue, next to the Audrey
becomes all-time Hirt Academic Center. So, the Laker
Inn had the advantage of taking over
w inn ingest coach. that space. "Our main focus was
space and student services," said Ted
PAGE 12 Foessett, General Manager of Sodex-
ho J #
According to Foessett, they have al-
ways wantedtoexpand die Laker Inn
and make improvements, but they
Upcoming Campus Events were dealing with insufficient space.
Now that they finally had an oppor-
tunity to expand, they took advan-
FRIDAY, JAN. 16- tage.;
The newest addition to the Student
S wing Dancing Night in the Union Union is "subconnection." This is a
complete with lessons and ice cream Subway-style eating option that seems
to be a real hit with students. When
from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. you walk in the doors, you are over-
whelmed with the wonderful smell
SATURDAY, JAN* 17-
of iresh-baked bread. White or
wheat, nothing beats fresh-baked
bread >
There are 12 main sub options
Off-campus SAC trip to Peak n Peak,
from which students can choose. A tiveness of the Egan Hall Cafeteria
sign up in the Union.
six-inch sub is $2.99 and 12-inch sub
is $4.99. j {
Snow sculpture contest and sled riding The usual Likerlnn options are slilI
at 9 p.m. available, such as ham and cheese,
roast beef, turkey, tuna salad, chick-
TUESDAY, JAN. 23 through en salad, and vegetarian. However,
SUNDAY JAN. 25 - subconnection also offers several new
options, such as the Italian sub, BLT,
American, meatball, baja chicken, and
"The Mikado" will be performed in the < liabl* > turkey;
PAC by Mercy hurst students and a In addition, mostly on a monthly
full orchestra. basis, subconnection is going to be
offering specials to add variety, and
to give students something new to try
and then decide whether or not to
add it to the permanent menu.
Index I Subconnection has also increased
News .1 the efficiency of the Laker Inn with
News • 2 regards to long lines. Now, if a stu-
News 3 dent prefers to order a sub to go, he
Features,, 4 or she can get in line in front of sub-
connection.
Features. ..5
This makes the wait shorterforthat
Forum 6 particular student, and the Laker Inn
Opinion 7 is able to move the line along quick-
A& £,... 8 er, as a result of not having to take
the time to ask a student exactly what
A&E. 9 Foessett feels that this has been a
SportsJ, 10 they want
"I like the sub place very much, but
Sports. 11 my only complaint is that students
cannot see what is available to put
Sports 12
on the subs. So, I think that they
should make it so that students can
see their choices But it's nice, differ-
ent than before," says sophomore
Kasia Tarczynska.
According to Foessett, the effec-
is also expected to increase with the
addition of subconnection^
There are more options available
to the students, as far as food choic-
es and equivalency times: therefore,
they are not likely to spend their pre-
paid meals at the cafeteria for every
meal of the day.
This means that the cafeteria is not
receiving as many students at one
time as they have been. As a result,
the food quality is expected to im-
prove at the cafeteria, because there
are fewer mouths to feed
Instead of making big bulk
amounts of food, the employees can
take more time on particular items
and not rush to finish dinner before
the students arrive.
Another < liange at the Student
Union concerns the Lunch on the
Run system. It is no longer located
upstairs in the Union. Not only has
it been moved downstairs, but it lias
also been given the name, "Laker
Express."
very good move for the system. The
problem with Lunch on the Run in
the past has been the struggle to keep
the food cold and fresh. However,
now there are refrigerators located Kaue McAdams/Photo editor
behind the counter, which keeps the
food cold throughout the day.
This is essential, because the hours subconractkn
for the Laker Express have been
H a m and Cheese
changed to 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and
thefoexi needstobe able to stay fresh Roast Beef
.& Turkey ^
for that duration of time.
Freshman Katie Schneck com- f± Tuna salad
Chicken/Salad
mented, "I like it a lot better, espe-j
dally the extended equivalency times. Vegetarian
It offers more choices and I like va- Italian sub
IMLT
W-% J tit iL i
1A m e r i c a n
Junior Josh Brown feels that "the
layout is nice* The Laker Express {L Meatball
seems to be a step-up, more profes- Baja Chicken
sional." Diablo Turkey
Along with the equivalency times
being changedforthe Laker Express, Lunch and Dinner Hours:
they have also been changedforthe
Laker Inn, itself. pUntlMM^M ;
According to Foessett, a main con-
cern is the students' convenience and taker Exmss: 1UM
happiness. So, implementing longer
equivalency hours allows them to Board Equivalency: ,
ensure student satisfaction.
When researching what students Lunch: -I
wanted to see at the Laker Inn, one Ilk* HiGrtfc 12-3 g f
of the most common complaints was
that there weren't enough healthy HMEMpms: ttJHM
food options. So, some new healthier
items have been made available to
students. At subconnection, students Dinner: I
can choose to purchase .small salads,
fruit salads, yogurts, cottage cheese I|pat«MM:l*t:|
with fruit, vegetable sticks and jell-o.
Please see Laker on Pass 3. UktfEWttt U H

v*
PAGE 2
NEWS To contact newsmerdad@men7yhurst.edu
Fox, Bush vow to work on opening borders, trade
By Ron Hutchcso n
Knight Ridder Newspapers
MONTERREY, Mexico -
Mexican President Vicente Fox
on Monday embraced President
Bush's plan to ease U.S. immi-
gration laws, saying that the
changes would improve life for
millions of Mexican workers in
the United States.
Meeting at the start of a two-
day Summit of the Americas, the
two leaders agreed to put aside
past differences and work to-
gether on more open borders
and expanded trade. But other
tensionsremainedas 34 leaders
from throughout the Western
Hemisphere gathered in north-
ern Mexico to look for ways to
promote democracy and eco-
nomic development in the re-
gion
Iraqis complain about selection progress for pilgrimage
By Hannah Allam
Knight Ridder Newspapers
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqis who
had hoped to make the annual
pilgrimage to the Muslim holy
city of Mecca this week angrily
accused politicians and religious
leaders Tuesday of manipulating
the lottery that selected 30,000
people for the sacred trip to Sau-
di Arabia.
Iraqis carrying scraps of pa-
per scribbled with their lottery
numbers crowded mosques
throughout Baghdad. Some beat
security guards and fought one
another when they didn't see
their names on rosters of pil-
grims. Entrepreneurs seized on
the confusion, illegally selling
their spots for up to $200 and
turning Islam's most precious
pilgrimage into just another post-
war commodity. "Angry people
have cursed me and hit me," said
Mustafa Jaffery, a 20-year-old
security guard at a Baghdad
mosque. "I have a weapon, but
I don't dare hurt them. I know
how they feel. They spend the
night in the mosque with no food
and no money, just praying to go
on the hajj."
Encouraged by the U.S.-led
coalition, Iraqi politicians prom-
ised this year to ease the former
regime's restrictions on those
making the hajj, the annual jour-
ney to Mecca required for able-
bodied Muslims at least once in
a lifetime. Organizers did away
with age, sex andfinancialbarri-
ers and gave special privileges to
the relatives of those killed by
Saddam Hussein's security forc-
es. A record number of Iraqis
will depart Thursday.
Nice hotels, three meals a day
Iraqi Governing Council appears to soften stance on Baathists
By Maureen Fan
Knight Ridder Newspapers
BAGHDAD, Iraq — In a
move that may signal a more
measured attitude toward some
members of Saddam Hussein's
Baath party, the U.S.-appointed
Iraqi Governing Council said on
Sunday it that would allow some
senior Baathists to appeal their
dismissals from government jobs
or retire and receive pensions.
At an afternoon news confer-
ence, Council member Ahmad
Chalabi, a committed anti-
Baathist and a favorite of civil-
ian officials in the Pentagon, de-
scribed how the coalition will dis-
tinguish hardcore Baathists from
those who joined the party out
of necessity. He called for an end
to revenge killings of Baathists
and described a two-judge ap-
peals process that will reinstate
some of the roughly 32,000 se-
nior members of the party.
Chalabi denied that the move
was a turnaround by the coali-
tion, saying the council's inten-
tion has always been not to ex-
act revenge but "to cleanse Ira-
qi society and Iraqi state from
the scourge of the Baath party."
Critics of the Bush adminis-
tration's handling of postwar Iraq
argue that the decisions to dis-
/ LeadersfromBrazil and Ven-
ezuela said they would try to slow
Bush's push for a free trade
agreement linking the entire
hemisphere. Venezuelan Presi-
dent Hugo Chavez, under pres-
sure from the White House to
cut his ties to Cuba's Fidel Cas-
tro, arrived in a defiant mood.
Before leaving Caracas,
Chavez said he would use the
summit to "tell the world" that
Venezuelans would not tolerate
what he called U.S. interference
in his country's affairs. Canada
and the United States have joined
forces to try block Chavez's push
for a new humanitarian aid fund
for Latin America. ^
Bush also faced some tough
questions about his Iraq policy
during a joint news conference
with Fox. "The decision I made
was therightone for America,"
Iraqis who had hoped to make the pilgrimage to Mecca this week angrily accused
politicians and religious leaders of manipulating a lottery.
and round-trip travel are subsi-
dized by the interim Iraqi gov-
ernment, with pilgrims paying
$600 per person for a trip that
typically costs more than $2,000.
Those improvements over-
whelmed Iraq's fragile infra-
structure, as evidenced by the
tears and shouts of the men and
women who gathered at Bagh-
dad's 16 hajj information centers
Tuesday to protest the selection
process.
Last month, a nationwide lot-
tery, overseen by members of
the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Govern-
ing Council, was held to choose
30,000 pilgrimsfromhundreds
of thousands of hopefuls. The
latest rosters were just released
Monday and Tuesday. Several
members and employees of the
Governing Council are among
this year's pilgrims.
band the 400,000-strong Iraqi
Army and purge all senior
Baathists in the government,
done partly at the urging of Cha-
labi and other anti-Saddam Ira-
qis, fueled much of the anti-
American insurgency.
The moves last May, among
the first official acts by L Paul
Bremer, the top civilian admin-
istrator in Iraq, stripped more
than 500,000 Iraqi soldiers and
bureaucrats, most of them Sun-
ni Muslims, of their jobs and
incomes. The purges also de-
prived Iraq of many of the tech-
nocrats needed to restore secu-
rity andrebuilddie economy, and
left I raqis in the "Sunni Trian-
gle" at the heart of the country
with little say in how to govern
postwar Iraq, the critics say.
A senior coalition official char-
acterized Chalabi's announce-
ment Sunday as thefinalstep in
transferring "de-Baathification
authority" from the coalition to
the council, adding that the coun-
cil's policy would be much more
focused on reconciliation and
forgiveness.
"We always knew as non-Ira-
qis that we did not have suffi-
cient information to make sub-
jective judgments... about spe-
cific Baath party members' com-
mitment to the party regardless
of rank," the official said. "Rank
THE
Bush said when asked about the
mounting death toll. "And histo-
ry will prove that it's the right
one for the world."
He sidestepped the question
when asked about former Trea-
sury Secretary Paul O'Neill's as-
sertion that planning for the Iraq
invasion started shortly after
Bush took office.
"The stated policy of my ad-
ministration towards Iraq was
very clear, like the previous ad-
ministration, we were for regime
change," Bush said.
Fox, whose opposition to the
invasion strainedrelationswith
Bush, offered his congratulations
for the capture of Iraqi leader
Saddam Hussein. The Mexican
president also gave his strongest
endorsement yet for Bush's im-
migration proposal.
The plan, which falls far short
"From 1990 to2pp3, Jraq nev-
er had its fair share of people
going to hajj," said Abd a I Satar
al Jabari, the deputy director of
hajj and religious affairs for
Baghdad. "With so many people
able to go this year, the lottery
was our only solution. Tne peo-
ple criticizing us are the ones who
didn't see their names on the list.
Of course, the ones chosen said
it was a clean, honest lottery."
lit
Saudi Arabia severed diplomat-
ic relations with Iraq after Sadd-
am invaded Kuwait in 1990, and
a quota set by the Organization
of the Islamic Conference, a
group of 57 mostly M i islim na-
tions, permitted Iraq to send no
more than 22,000 pilgrims to
Mecca each year.
At the mosque, heartbroken
Iraqis said hajj organizers guar-
anteed spots to relatives, sold
was our only factor that we
could consider in making our
determinations and so we were
pretty clean cut about it—you
were either a certain rank mem-
berfromthe Baath Party or you
were not And while there were
opportunities to apply for excep-
tions, we tended to be pretty
strict." i
Prisoners of wai from the
Iran-Iraq war, for example, were
often assigned the party's fourth
rank of furkah, out of honor.
Under the new criteria, former
Baathists will be considered for
reinstatement if they denounce
the Baath party, and depending
on reviews ol the circumstanc-
es that led them to join the par-
ty, their qualifications and their
job histories, according to a writ-
ten decree by the Governing
Council that appeared Sunday in
the coalition-funded al Sabah
newspaper.
"The policy tends to distin-
guish between nominal Baathis-
ts and criminal Baathists, with
the focus on re-integrating some
Baathists back into society," the
senior coalition official said.
"The policy tends to restore a
sense of dignity and ease the
poverty and desperation experi-
enced by some of the nominal
Baathists."
"Wean not calling for violence
JANUARY 14,2004
of Fox's goal of an open bor-
der, would let as many as 8 mil- Plan for manned spaceflights spurs
lion illegal workers become legal debate over purpose, cost
by joining a new temporary
WASHINGTON —- When President Bush on 'Wednesday chal-
worker program. Although the
plan is not limited to Mexico, the lenges the nation to send astronauts back to the moon and on to
vast majority of illegal workers Mars, the big question is: Why?
in the United States came from Proponents say exploring the unknown is one of the soul's
the neighboring nation. innermost desires. It's not what you'llfind,they say, but the jour-
"What we want is the plan pre- ney itself. Ifs about overcoming seemingly insurmountable ob-
sented by President Bush," Fox stacles. The reason not to go, opponents say, is more grounded in
said, calling it "a very important reality: money. Experts put the cost of the missions at around
step forward" that would let ille- $200 billion for a country already running record deficits. To
gal workers come into the open make the commitment easier, Bush is expected to propose start-
with full legal rights. £. ing with an additional $4 billion over the nextfiveyears. |
In another sign that the two Still, a clash is coming between people moved by balance sheets
leaders are ready to improve re- and by adventure epics - and sometimes by both. "The main
lations, Bush invited Fox and his driver for why we would go to the moon and on to Mars is not
wife to meet at the U.S. presi- the science, ifs exploration," said Rice University professor Neal
dent's Texas ranch in March. Fox Lane, who was President Clinton's science adviser and director
canceled a planned 2002 visit to of the National Science Foundation. "It stirs the soul"
protest the execution in Texas of But when Lane considered the costs, he hedged: 1 don't know
a Mexican who was convicted of if we can afford it" American University public policy professor
killing a police officer. Howard McCurdy, author of the book '"'Space in the American
Imagination," compared the choice to "buying a boat There's
half of you that saysT want to do this.' The person on the other
side of your shoulder says "Let's get real.'"
The president is seeking a "Kennedy moment," something to
inspire the American public, said John Logsdon, space policy di-
rector at George Washington University and a member of the
independent board that examined last year's space shuttle Co-
lumbia explosion. He is tapping into a classic Kennedy moment
rrom a 1962 speech: "We choose to go to the moon in this de-
cade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but
because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize
and measure the best of our energies and skills," Kennedy saki
Punk rock meets politics
in the heart of Middle America
DES MOINES, Iowa - There was a time when punk rock was
synonymous with anti-social behavior. Smashed guitars, trashed
hotel rooms, behavior that would be offensive even on today's
reality TV shows. A punk rock icon whose stage name was Sid
Vicious allegedly killed his girlfriend in a ratty New York hotel,
then died of a heroin overdose.
Today, punk rockers are talking politics in Des Moines, Iowa,
which is about as deep in Middle America as you can get, as the
state's Jan. 19 Democratic presidential caucuses approach.
Punk is dead. Boring won. Some trappings of punk were evi-
dent at Punkvoter.com's "Rock Against Bush" news conference
KRT on Sunday, held at a downtown Des Moines hotel (Vibe-wise,
the place is several solar systems away from punk. It has a por-
trait ofWoodrow Wilson in the lobby.)
I One organizer wore heavy blacky po-dorky-they re-cool eye-,
r~r
places^ppl^cal.b^c^^nd glasses..Chris No. 2, from die band Anti-Flag, <?We rock the' ' i
made obtaining passports and dudes and damn the man") sportext a red Mohawk.and a thick-
visas impossibly bureaucratic. chain for a belt. The official T-shirt showed a picture of Presi-
Iraqi officials sent a delegation dent Bush with the word "Evil" stamped across his forehead,
to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in re- under the word(?) "Demockcracy."
cent weeks, asking Saudi officials Even so, The Man clearly has co-opted punk's glorious nihil-
to at least double the country's ism. Flanking Chris No. 2 was Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (who
quota for Iraqi pilgrims, to conceded that he preferred Phil Collins) and political organizers
60,000 people. The Saudis even- from the United Auto Workers and the American Federation of
tually agreed to accept 30,000 State, County and Municipal Employees. They all said they hoped
Iraqis for hajj, including several to help attract young people to politics. "I'm very glad to see
thousand spaces reserved for the punk America come along with this effort," said Dave Neil, a
families of "martyrs," the term UAW official. \ *4tfb«
used for Iraqis executed by mem- Dude? "This is probably the weirdest thing I've ever done,"
bers of Saddam's regime. As
allowed Chris No. 2. It was, the punks said, all about empower-
word of a possible Iraqi upris-
ment. "I had no one to yell at," said Billy Gould of the band
ing in Mecca surfaced, howev-
Faith No More. "I could yell at my girlfriend. I could yell at my
er, the Saudis, who have weath-
ered a series of attacks by Osa- dog. I was frustrated" And so a coalition of punk rockers founded
ma bin Laden's al-Qaida terror- the organization and Web site. They're also issuing a two-volume
CD called "Rock Against Bush." Organizer Wayne Kramer of
ist group, reduced the number
the band MC5 said he hopes to mobilize more than 500,000
of martyr spaces, dashing the
young voters. All info provided by KRT
hopes of would-be pilgrims who
initially won spots in the lottery.
a itoSaflTfcDji
2028 E. 38th St. at Zimmermann
I
I
I
against the Baathists, we are af-
phone: 824-503 lg I
ter uprooting the ideas and the
conduct of the Baath party and
L T J
to ensure that those senior Single tan 1 w e e k limited I
Baathists will no longer dominate $3.00 I tanning $15.0 0 I
I
the posts and positions of the reg. Bed or Booth reg. Bed or Booth I
Face or leg Tanner MI Face or leg Tanner
Iraqi government," said Chala- •xp.3-30-04 I I
bi. I M|>.3-30-O4j
Winter Term Laker-Inn
Lunch Specials
Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Bagel {Sandwich Cheeseburger Sizzling Salad
8 oz. Fruit Cup Curly French Fries 20 oz. Fountain
20 oz. Fountain 20 oz. Fountain brink
brink Drink
Thursday Friday
Saturday
Taco Salad Wrap
Combination Sub
20 oz. Fountain 2 Cookies
Small French
brink 20 oz. Fountain
Fries
brink
20 oz. Fountain J
Drink
Student!: Pont Forget to 6RAB Your "lunch on the Runl"
JANUARY 14,2004 THE MERCIAD PAGE 3

7b contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurstedu NEWS

Please ? hang up
Annual phonathon sets lofty goals and involves students
By Jenny Allen
Contributing writer

Starting next week, students

from across campus will raise
money for Mercyhurst College. Police and Safety Issue New Tickets
Tne annual phonathon, which
isnowin its 24th year, will bring Mercyhurst College Police and Safety have been working all
hundreds of students together to year to solve campus-parking problerns. The main problem with
call parents and alumni of Mer- parking still lies in driver's following the parking rules and only
cyhurst College and ask for con- parking where they are permitted.
tributions to the annual fund. It is the responsibility of the driver to prevent themselves
Stephen Zinram, who is in from being issued a parking ticket, however, for all the remain-
charge of the Phonathon 2004, ing parking violators, police and safety have updated their tick-
is very optimistic about this year's eting system
event There will no longer be two-pieceflyerslying on car wind-
Phonathon 2003 was very suc- shields; instead parking violators will nowfinda bright green
cessful, raising over $ 100,000 for rigid card. The new tickets will not only stand out by color, but
thefirsttime ever and this year also by their way of payment Violators can now pay their fines
the goal for the callers is to reach through the self-mailer system. This means they can pay their
$110,000. f | fines through campus or regular mail.
The money raised will go to- Although this new system is more efficient to pay parking
wards many new projects on fines, it is still recommended that drivers avoid the ticket hassle
campus as well as student finan- and park in their permitted areas. Any questions about this
cial aid new policy can be directed toward Police and Safety at 824-
I n particular, the annual fund 2304. I
supports student financial
aid However, this year the do- Sr. Damien Mkchick releasedfromhospital
nors will also have the opportu-
nity to designate their gifts for After spending time in the hospital with pneumonia, Sister
the Old Main and Zurn Hall ren- Damien JVflechick, Switchboard manager, is now recovering
ovation funds," said Zinram. under special care at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse. -:.-\
Donors could choose to send At this time, Sr. Damien is not allowed to have visitors; how-
their individual donations to a fite photo ever, in a couple of weeks if she continues to progress, she will
particular area of interest to the Students volunteer their time to cell for donations during the 2003 Phonathon, which return to her own room where visitors will be allowed. Cards
college, like the science depart- raised over $100,000 for the first time ever. The goal for the 2004 Phonathon Is set at may be sent to her at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, 444
ment if they are an alumni that $110,000. \ ' East Grandview Ave. Continue to keep Sr. Damien in thoughts
majored in biology,forexample. students volunteers are the driv- received 99 pledges totaling dors, women's ice hockey, men's and prayers. *
Last year with efforts going to ing force." $8,895. A few weeks later he was ice hockey, and the men's vol-
financial aid, 324 student callers As an incentive to the students, killed in a car accident, which is leyball team.''
called over 6000 alumni and par- awards are given to individuals why the memorial award was * This year, hoping to make
ents. and groups for the most money started Phonathon 2004 a success,
The 324 callers were part of raised and the most pledges re- A plaque with the recipient's many groups have volunteered
1
15 different college groups who ceived names on it hangs in the institu- their efforts.
had volunteered their time for The Eric J. Barr Memorial tional advancement conference These groups include the am-
a day. Nearly 20,000 calls and Fu ndra ising Award is given to room. Last year's winner, and the bassadors, men's ice hockey, row-
2006 pledges were made that the individual who raises the first person to win the award, wasing, the cheerleaders, the dance *
day. These numbers added up to most money during the phona- Michelle Logsdon, from the team, men's volleyball, women's
a total of $101,569. thon each year. ' class of 2003. She gathered 91 volleyball, softball, wrestling,
"As you can see, it is quite an The award was started in 2002 pledges earning the college men's soccer, women's soccer,
effort," Zinram said. "All of the to preserve the spirit that Eric J. $9,755. • £v football, men's lacrosse, men's
callers are volunteers: mostly- Barrshowed during Phonathon Aside from individual honors,
madeup of students. We do have 2002* * \ Zinram said, "The top groups menu
some alumni that call, but the During Phonathon 2002, Ban- last year included the Ambassa-

New options, new look for the Laker

Continued from page 1. ing and outlets for laptop com-
puters, the I nion just seems to
Also, students may choose to have a more comfortable, casu-
get a sub meal, which includes al feel.
either a six-inch or 12-inch sub, With the help oi Tyrone
potato chips and a drink. Moore, the decor of the Laker
Many of the potato chip choic- Inn has changed, as well.
es are considered healthy op- Going along with the "Laker"
tions, such as Baked Lays and theme, he decided to implement
Sun Chips. a nautical theme.
One of the best things about pt New borders, a sign for the
the new Student Union is that the Laker Inn, pictures on the walls,
atmosphere has been changed. and plants have been added to
make the Laker Inn a comfort-
Because of the increased seat-
A C T N
Book 11 people, get 12 trip free
Group discounts for 6+
www.springbreQkdiscounts.com
able, welcoming place to be.
It is a placeforstudents to
come and be with friends and
relax, and it seems to have tak-
en that shape with the new
changes.
According to Foessett, "We're
excited We're well pleased. It
doesn't seem like a remodeling
job. It seems like this is the way
it was always meant to be."
Although the Laker Inn has
been greatly improved, Foessett
feels that there is always room
O W • per year.
th
for improvement
| y Plans are in the works to make
more changes to the Laker Inn,
but nothing has been finalized.
The Laker Inn openly welcomes
student comments and sugges-
tions. Comment cards can be
found near the front register. All
students are encouraged to fill
one out soon.
After all, it is a service to you,
the students, and you deserve
to get your voices heard
. for fun including sledriding,building snowmen, and snowball
Katie McAdams/Ptroto editor
few Mercyhurst students take advantage of the first snow
itorm of the year by building snowmen over the weekend
Winter has arrived at Mercyhurst
A warm unfrozen body of water, a cold air mass, and prevail-
ing artic winds create the perfect conditions for Lake Effect Snow.
From November till February Lake Erie usually stays unfrozen
and because of this, it is a perfect breeding ground for snow-
storms^
According to USA Today, Erie is ranked the thirteenth snowiest
city in the United States, with an average amount of 88.8 inches
Mercyhurst students and faculty were welcomed back to the
snowy city with thefirstsnowstorm of 2004. The storm struck
last week and according to the forecast, the winter weather is
here to stay. During the next few months expect lots of snow
and cold temperatures.
Students and faculty should not let the dreary Erie weather get
them down. The winter weather provides tons of opportunity
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PAGE 4
Brady Hamady, Mike Foglio, Davfd Del Vecchlo, and Jeff Meeson are the newest
members of the Mercy Associates of Erie.
Students get involved
while serving others
By Kyla Mclnchak
Contributing writer
It's not always convenient to
share your time with the com-
munity, but for people such as
Dr. Ralph Perrico, David Del
Vecchio, Mike Foglio, Brady
Hamady, and Jeff Meeson,
serving others is a priority.
Perrico has been the co-direc-
tor of the Mercy Associates for
the past four years.
"I'm a link between the lay and
religious members," said Perri-
icotrtT 3g|l ' - - '
| -iHcptayed an important r6le 1
in recruiting Del Vecchio, Foglio,
Hamady, and Meeson.
"We have instruction for new
members four times per year,"
said Perrico.
Del Vecchio, Foglio, and Ha-
mady were all inducted as asso-
ciates during the fall
term. Meeson will be inducted
sometime later this month.
"We were the first group of
male college students to get in-
volved with this. Most associates
are a bit older, and the sisters
and associates are excited to get
new, young people involved,"
said Del Vecchio.
Perrico mentioned that prison
and high school ministry, work-
ing with battered women, feed-
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ing the hungry, and praying for
the sick are all things that the
associates have the opportunity
to become involved with.
The above tasks aren't easy to
engage in, but the awards are
great f |
"The challenge is trying to put
in enough time to make it valu-
able for the community," said
Meeson.
He believes that serving oth-
ers brings happiness to both the
community and the volunteers
that are involved.
Hamady said, "Ifs sometimes
1 1
difficult' 'to avoid being
judgmental You can't blame
people; you have to just be there
in the moment You can't let the
situation discourage you."
Del Vecchio enjoys the work
he does at the Lakeland House,
which is run by the Sisters of
Mercy.
"It's a community house for
disabled people. We help them
decorate their trees at Christmas-
time and sometimes we play
board games together. That's
what really got me into the Mer-
cy Associates," said Del Vecchio.
Because he is a busy college
student, Del Vecchio appreciates
that associates don't have to
spend an overwhelming amount
of time doing work in the com-
munity.
Available with 4-wheel
anti-lock brake system
I W w
!
; •-
THE MERCIAD
Kate McAdama, Photo editor
Instead, he said, "It's a practi-
cal thing. It's a social organiza-
tion, not an overbearing
commitment. I get to find out
what's going on in the commu-
nity, and at the same time I'm
able to help those that are in
need." i I
Foglio commented that it's im-
portant for the associates to be
a direct reflection of the Sisters
of Mercy. By following their
mission we can build upon their
foundation.
He also believes that even
small opportunities can make a
big difference in the lives of oth-
ers.
"I think anyone could say, Tm
going to wake up and be merci-
ful,' but the challenge is when you
meet adversity and when you
meet a conflict of interest. You
have to act on what you've
learned from the Sisters of
Mercy. You almost have to say,
'What would Catherine McAu-
ley do? Then you'll be able to
act with the true spirit of the
Mercy mission," said Foglio.
Del Vecchio stated that every
moment spent with the sisters
and the community is special.
"It's a personal thing that I
enjoy. Being an associate isa re-
ally great way to reach out to
others with the resources you
have," Del Vecchio shared.
Yt TlSafi
^iWfc.^^i
V
Wi
f
To contact: featurBmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Carlislels education
training come full circle
ByJenHelbig
Contributing writer
This past summer, senior
Kristin Carlisle's skills from
Mercyhurst aided her as a
counselor at a summer treat-
ment program in the Erie area.
Mercyhurst plays a role in the
camp's history, which started
locally in 2001. This is the first
year that the camp has not been
held at Mercyhurst. It is also
not thefirsttime Carlisle has
participated in the camp.
"I was a counselor last year
also, but it was an internship
mis summer because of addi-
tional responsibilities," Carlisle
said*
"It is a behavior modification
camp." Carlisle said
The local camp is available
to children agesfiveto 13 that
have Attention Deficit and
Hyperactivity Disorder, "The
children may also have obses-
sive compulsive disorder, and
all of them are on medicatta,"
Carlisle said
Carlisle is a double major in
psychology and marriage and
family studies.
"We have to do ten hours of
community service for each
course," Carlisle said.
Carlisle said thatthe psychol-
UMN student meets a need for news
ByJohn Welsh
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Unhappy with the coverage
black students received in cam-
pus publications, University of
Minnesota senior Gladys Mam-
bo decided to start her own.
"It was time we did something
for ourselves," said Mam bo, a
20-year-old native of the Afri-
can nation of Cameroon. "The
newsletter was a way to say, "We
are here.'" * *
Last fall, Mambo founded the
Black Student Newsletter, a jour-
nal of news and opinion for
black students at the U. In new
issues, the newsletter has
changed its name to The Griot,
a West African word for story-
teller.
Of the nearly 50,000 students
at the Twin Cities campus, few-
er than 4 percent are African-
American. That means on such
a big campus it is easy for mi-
nority students to feel marginal-
ized or ignored, Mambo said
¥
Up to 130 lbs./ft. torque,
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Based on EPA estimates for 2 0 0 0 5-speed
FEATURES
ogy major is more from the
textbook, and about the indi-
vidual. The marriage and fam-
ily studies major prepared her
imm
Katie McAdama/Photo etftof career.
Senior Kristin Carlisle
morejfor interactions with peo-
pk m i-
?m ! ily counseling." %
The camp uses an interna-
tionally recognized program of
points, that is taught to the par-
ents through training sessions.
To promote good behavior,
the counselors used a system
of points daily, and if sufficient
points are earned, me child will
go on the Fridayfieldtrip^
! T was taught the importance
of working with the entire
family," Carlisle said "We ed-
ucated the parents about their
rights in schools and their chil-
The newsletter offers students
a forum. There are pages devot-
ed to politics, health issues, per-
sonal relationships and reviews
of new music and movies. In the
last issue, Mambo used her "Ed-
itor's Note" column to take a
few swipes at The Daily, the cam-
pus newspaper, over its ©over-
age of black student issues.
"If we complain of racism,
we're whiny. If we say that our
events should be covered if only
because we pay student fees for
it, we're told we're not the only
ones," she wrote.
Reaction to the newsletter has
been positive. And Mambo is
pleased that it has sparked con-
nections between the students
and those in the Twin Cities black
community.
"It's been a great response.
People feel this is something for
us," she said
Mambo came to the United
States in 1999. For the past three
years, she has lived in Minneap-
olis. Through a combination of
a heavy class load and some col-
30 MPG City
35 MPG Highway
WTOYOTA
JANUARY 14,2004
>
dren's medication. *
Most of the children came
from low-income families with
hectic schedules, and Carlisle
said. "Some of the parents
were working an 80-hour work
week, and they don't get a lot
of time to be with their chil-
dren"
"There were three children
for each counselor," Carlisle
said. "The counselors were
mostly upperdassmen or grad-
uate students. The other coun-
selors were from Edinboro,
Clarion, Behrend, Gannon,
and Allegheny. *
The camp parallels situations
that Carlisle will see in her adult
I
'1 would like to go to gradu-
ate school, possibly at The
University ofNew Hampshire
to major
in marriage and fam-
I "As a long term goal, 1 would
like to go to New England and
possibly start a program like
this in Boston," Carlisle said
Her classes at Mercyhurst
helped prepare her a counsel-
ing job, and she enjoyed it
Carlisle hopes to continue in
this field after her experience
at the summer treatment pro-
gram! *I am definitely in the
right major."
lege creditsfromher high school
days, she hopes to graduate this
spring with a double major in
English and political science af-
ter three years at the University
of Minnesota
She is also president of the
school's African Student Associ-
ation, vice president of the Black
1
Student Union and forum chair
for the Minnesota Programs and
Activities Council. \
"She works really hard," said
sophomore Jecinta Nkwenti,
who is The Griot's manager. "I
don't know how she finds the
time for it."
Law school is Mambo's next
stop and she is spending a part
of winter break on a cross-coun-
try road trip withfriendscheck-
ing out schools. But before she
leaves, Mambo hopes The Gri-
ot will be stable enough to sur-
vive without its founder.
"I hope it does. The people
who are writing for it are dedi-
cated," she said "All they need is
someone who will keep pushing
them." I
% \ % %
JANUARY 14,2004 THE MERCIAD PAGE 5

FEATURES To contact: featuremerclad@mercyhurst.edu

Student wants
'Three company too
By Brian Cellone
?
?

to {bring gay frat

Contributing writer
to UC Berkeley
"CaUitaclcm, call u a network.
caUitatribe, call U a family. What-
euBryoucaBU, whoeueryouare,you
needone," .-
-f**4"
™*W

-Jane Howard
For brothers Ryan Wagner, >4U.
Dan wagner and Matt Wagner
V-
this statement rings very true. •49

All three are students at Mer- &

cyhurst and are natives of New-

bury, Ohio. :mt *<*»

R. Wagner is a senior Sports *r.

Marketing major.
For the past two years he has
been playing rnidfield for the '-: Photo courtesy of ww*.vw«mLcom

Mercyhurst soccer team and
has loved every minute of it
"Playing soccer is a lot of fun.
I enjoy having Dan on the field
with me," R. Wagner said
In his free time he is a mem-
ber of the Sport Marketing
Club and is an avid wrestler. He
came to the Mercyhurst be-
cause of the soccer program's
reputation.
D. Wagner is a junior Com-
munications major.
He spends most of his time
playing soccer. He has played
defense for the past three years.
"I came to Mercyhurst be-
cause of the soccer program
and die coach were very impres-
sive," said D. wagner.
Whatever time he has free
when not playing soccer, he
spends as an amateur male
model
Though he is very modest, he
feels that his brother is follow-
ing in his footsteps and looks
up to him.
M. Wagner is a freshman
Business Management major at
Mercyhurst
He came to Mercyhurst be-
cause of the small and beauti-
it p/V
ful campus setting and the fact
- ,• * - , ._i ,
the two or his brothers were
already here.
M. Wagner is a member of
one of the intramural soccer
teams and is also an avid Play-
station playei
Even though M. Wagner
doesn't play soccer for Mercy-
hurst he supports the team (and
his brothers) by being the laun-
dry manager. t
"I enjoy having my brothers
here because I meet a lot of
people through them," said M.
Wagner.
UC Berkeley campus has Interest in starting a chapter
of Delta Lambda Phi. Delta Lambda Phi was originally
started In Washington, D.C. in 1986.
By Randy Myers *
Knight Ridder Newspapers
What clinched Matt Royal's
decision to attend University
of California, Berkeley went
beyond the university's es-
teemed academic reputation
The 18-year-old engineering
Katie McAdams/Pholo editor major from Long Beach
44 Our parents placed equal weight on wheth-
er he would feel comfortable
as an openly gay man on cam-
like having the pus. J &
S A scan of the more than 20
three of us at student-led gay and lesbian or-
ganizations persuaded him that
Mercyhurst. hewould
It seemed odd, then, that the
This way they campus lacked one detail that
some local universities have,
only have to a gay fraternity.
piAfter all, UC Davis has one,
travel to one as do San Francisco State and
Sacramento State.
college to see "I was really surprised that
Davis has one and we don't,"
us. U Royal said
Next semester, he wants to
- Dan Wagner change that, building up
, enough interest via his role as
All three brothers feel that is the campus' designated "queer
beneficial for them to be here advocate" to start a chapter of
because they always have some- Delta Lambda Phi, the nation-
one to count on. It is nice to al fraternal organization made
have family members near by. up mainly of gay or bisexual
"Our parents like having us all men a
at Mercyhurst. They only have Delta Lambda Phi started in
to travel to one college to see Washington, D.C., in 1986 and
us," said D. Wagner. now has 18 chapters and eight
"If you know the Wagner colonies nationwide. Most
brothers you will agree that be- Katie McAdams/ Photo editor
chapters are directly linked to
ing with them is an experience Top: Ryan and Dan Wagner sitting on the couch sharing college campuses, while oth-
you'll never forget," said a close a "brotherly" moment. ers, such as the San Francisco
friend of the wagner brothers. Bottom: The youngest Wagner brother, Matt loves to play one, morph into more com-
video games in his spare time. y munity-based organizations. In
the pastfouryears, enrollment
With all that, is there really a
need for a gay fraternity? Of
course, some say, since there's
nothing like belonging to a fra-
ternity where lifelong friend-
ships can form. i
The feeling of brotherhood
attracted Kroll to the Greek
system when he was a fresh-
man in 1998. It took two bro-
ken ribs and a bruised ego be-
fore he decided that tradition-
al fraternities didn't want a gay
man in their ranks.
During rush week, he no-
ticed that fraternity members
were singling him out, slapping
him with the mightiest ofchal-
lenges. He was ordered to
pound out hundreds of push-
ups nonstop. He nearly passed
out, but it wasn't until after he
went to the hospital that he
learned he had two broken
ribs.
TSfow I know they were ask-
ing superhuman things of me,"
said the 23-year-old Native
American Studies major, "ft
wasn't based on how good of
a person I could be. They
didn't want me in the fraterni-
ty, and they wanted to weed
me out." «j
Cal Greek'leaders work
closely with the campus* gay
community to educate frater-
nities, she said, adding that
"there's always more work to
be done." |.
A 2003 study by the Nation-
al Gay and Lesbian Task Force
found that 43 percent of gay
students viewed their campus
as homophobic More than a
third of undergraduate stu-
dents reported they had expe-
rienced anti-gay harassment in

Mello gears up for heif down under' adventure has doubled to 1,500 mem-
bers.
p; At UC Berkeley, an estimat-
the past year. i>
Kroll's story echoes the ex-
perience of some other gay
:-:----V
W ' -* & .V
Number two: If it is a coun- ed 2,500 students belong to college students of a palpable
:^Nf w*i-#*« try that speaks a different lan- fraternities and sororities, mak- sense that the brotherhood
fttorv*
***p» A guage then really try to master ing the Greek system the larg- doesn't want gays to be part
m Warm some key words before getting est student organization of the Greek family.
over there. A lot of Americans Members of gay fraternities In Delta lambda Phi, such
I \ %
think they will be able to man- say they join for a variety of hassles can be avoided with
>C?€ age with English wherever they reasons. The list is topped by members not having to hide
£ * ¥

go, however this only perpetu- a desire to promote positive their sexuality, said national
* « * * # * « * « *
ft** ates the stereotypical "dumb images of gays and to share spokesman Eric Van Sant.
0*$€fT WKMrt*

tttWk I *
*K$Cb»fc*mp
American" standard. There is no
better way to familiarizing your-
self with a language than being
in a sense of brotherhood.
Cal could be lacking a gay
Delta Lambda Phi operates
like other fraternities, complete
fraternity because of the ro- with philanthropic proj
surrounded by it. bust resources already avail- rules and the goal of project-
• s r w w i f c ' J- Number three: When flying, able, said Kenny Kroll, facili- ing a strong and positive im-
4. *^P| ft ,KJL a good rule of thumb is to roll tator of the student Queer age.
*r&k up your clothes in your suitcase Council.
l mm****. or in your carry-one luggage.
»WB
V " -
jw8 ***
Thefirstreason is that they wont
*9£*ftgo«*&* MXW iDimr wrinkle and secondly you can fit
V *****
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* *
more in your suitcase. Never
jam a bag shut; you always want
Save Lots of Money
the option to be able to bring
xCanb*rra souvenirs back. j Tanglewood Apartment Homes
When you spend time in other
I .
countries your world perspective Offering 1,2, A 3 Bedrooms
AUSTRALIA T*Si«A#EA.
s\»..:..
is expanded. Our newspapers in
the U.S. have a smaller interna-
1

W*T ™ K P T P M ^ B M
Junior communications major Jody Mello will be living In Queensland, Australia, and
£ taking classes at Bond University until the end of April.
ByJody Mello
Contributing writer
January 6 marks thefirstday
of my five-month journey to
Australia. -J
I will be living in Queensland,
Australia. Although I intend on
surfing and having many excit-
ing journeys that you will be soon
i
tional section than foreign news- Heat, electric, A/C,
' p" - '~v^*r'- photo courtosy of wwwJnnguagesabioad.corn papers. This may not be a shock
to most of you; however it does
trash, water
bring up a good point about our & sewer are all included.
country.
reading about in further issues MA. Usually the stories that are in*
of TheMerciad, 1 will also be at- Whether you are going inter- eluded in the international pages Call 825-8145 to apply now!
tending school at Bond Univer- nationally or on a domestic flight only include those stories that
sity. here are some lips that might help. affect the I S. markets. 907 E. (Srandview Blvd.
After school ends at the end Number one: If traveling in- I urge you to travel as much
as possible. There are so many
Great Location!
of April I will be backpacking ternationally, research before you
across New Zealand for ten days go to the country. There are places and people you canX even
imagine. In the weeks following
before coming home to the Unit- many books available through li-
braries or information on-line. you will be reading my account
ed States.
I am a junior Communications The more you know about a of being the "foreigner". Ask aboutfour move-in special!!
majorfromMartha's Vineyard, country the better.
PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD JANUARY 14,2004

OPINION To contact: oplnlonmerciad@mencyhurst.edu

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly:

What hot's and what's not at Mercy hurst
The Good... Madam Malarky writes her own letter
The new additions to the Laker Inn are fantastic and the student body really seems to be
enjoying the new Sub-Connection and laker Express. The lighting is brigher, me food tastes better,
and the tables don't wiggle when you sit down anymore. Life is good at the 'Hurst
MvfaM it with my own two eyes. Some approaches me with a "great
of you have even said to me, idea" for a letter and then
"Ooh! Ooh! I've got a great idea doesn't send one. Contrary to
for a letter for your column! My popular belief, the letters that
Sister Damien is in recovery at the Motherhouse after her struggle with pneumonia. She is not boyfriend did the most ridiculous appear in the Madam Malarky
allowed visitors as of yet, but Mercy hurst students and faculty should be allowed to see her in a thing the other day and it would column are real.
few weeks time. We all wish her a quick recovery! make a greatlexter. I wanna hear Usually they come from some
your take on this." poorschmuck who gave me an

The Bad...
Dear Merciad Readers,
Do not be alarmed Do not
Another bummer of the trimester system: having to return to school before all your other adjust your newspaper. You are
college buddies. Even worse, you have to do schoolwork over break! Sorry freshmen, but that's not imagining things. This week,
something you will neuergA used to. Madam Malarky has taken on
the role of "writer-inner" to the
New parking ticket designs from both Mercyhurst Police and Safety and the Erie city police. Merciad.
With the sturdy new paper, there will be no more claiming that you didn't get you ticket because "it Why, you ask? Because you are
must have blown away." So, ifs time for everyone to suck it up and pay up., .or start coming up with all too busy to write to me it
some new, better excuses, seems.
Now don't fold the Merciad
Yet do you ever send me let- idea for a question, and then I
ters? No. i proceeded to hold his or her siz-
You're too busy studying for zling salad for ransom until I
very important tests and writing received an actual letter.
very important papers and do- So for all of you Hursties out
ing very important projects and there who can take the time to
defeating very important villains change your away message ev-
in Final Fantasy XXVIIIQH9. ery half hour just because you
What about those very impor- thought of something better, you
tant hours you spend talking to now have no excuses.
yourfriendson Instant Messen- If you can sit there and me-
ger? ; thodically click each name on
Let's not fool ourselves. You your buddy list and read their

. and the Ugly back up and slide it under your

desk, pretending like you didn't
just read that statement I know
you did
We understand that there are a lot of sidewalks here at Mercyhurst, but couldn't they be shov- You can't deny it. Nobody's
eled or salted with a little more consistency, especially during inclement weather? Also, what's with allowed to use the excuse that "I
the slush all over campus? It's a chore anymore to get to class with dry pants. didnt know there wasd Madam
Malarky column, or else I would
This past Saturday night, some drunken and belligerent students, miffed about being denied have writterL"
entrance to a Lewis townhouse, began throwing cans of beer at the residence, causing significant Excuse me? I'm conceited
damage. Nice. Wasn't it too cold to be out vandalizing this past weekend? Remember, people: enough to know that you folks
"Sticks and stones and cans of beer..." read this column. I lurk. Keep
in mind that the photograph of
Signsforthe Gay/Straight Alliance's upcomning meeting were torn down again this week. If it's "me" that appears on this page
because they shouldn't be posted there, administration needs to be more dear about the guidelines. looks nothing]ike me.
if students are being close-minded, grow up. I could have been sitting next
to you in the Union yesterday
and you wouldn't know it. I
Married to the military (sort of): could have bought a doughnut
from you in the Zurn hallway
don't waste time talking to your info just out of sheer boredom,
friends on Instant Messenger. then you can take the time to
You waste time reading the away click on mine.
messages of people you haven't The time has come for Mad-
spoken to since 1997 and your am Malarky to join the ranks of
roommate's ex-boyfriend's HurstMSG and HurstSAC to
friend's cousin. provide the Mercyhurst com-
So due to this campus's lazi- munity with the sheer pro-lazi-
ness, I have decided to make ness convenience that we have
Madam Malarky even more all come to know and love.
available to you than before. You I know you all have great ideas
won't even have to open your e- for this column. I hear them all
mail account to write to me. the time.So make your voice
All you have to do is (this is heard. Or at least provide the
the hard part) copy the name campus with a little more enter-
"Madam Malarky" into your tainment
AIM buddy list. Then all you'll You all better cooperate or fll
have to do is drop me an instant snatch your waffle fries.
message and send me your ques-
tions that way. Is thatso hard?
MadamMalarky

uhfeyouujerereadingthfs Another great feature of the Send your questions about

ByNikyNocera
Contributing Writer
I "Honey, I'm being deployed
9 W W , ft & $ # § f o r w h o ,
knows how long."
I never want to come to the So, I think I'm in for the long
So you know what? You're laziness-inspired Madam Ma- love, life, the cat you're not sup-
day of Eric's deployment. haul of military life. Eric's a sol-
busted. I see you all out there, larky screen name is that the posed to have, or the nasty Tup-
Meredith Leyva, author of Mar- dier, and I'm his Army Girl-
reading the column and point- profile will contain links to the perware in your fridge to
ried to the Military: A Survival friend, his cheerleader. For now,
ing out sentences about gay men Merciad online, literary treats, madam malarkey@vahoo.com
Guiae^MiHtary Wives, Gn^hends, all I can do is support those will-
to your friends, saying, "See? It and other Malarkish stylings. (yes, that still works too) or send
' and Women in IMiformss&ss^ that, ing• to risk their lives by fighting'
spunds.exactly like, my boy- Be warned, however,, I wjl be me an instant message at Mad-
J "While short absences make the for every citizens protection.
friend!" Don't deny it. I've seen mightily upset if anyone else am
• - -_ • *

This is the one statement I heart grow fonder, long absenc- The moment on Oct 17 when
es can lead to loneliness, guilt, Eric stepped off the plane from

never want to hear come out of
my boyfriend's, Eric, mouth. •
There is an incredible fear that
exists every waking moment or
the day. I live with the thought
mat my bestfriendcould be sent
overseas, potentially never re-
turning home.
He is a soldier in the Army
Infantry National Guard.
The last eight months of my
life have brought me the great-
est joy and hardest pain I could
ever imagine.
There is the nagging, the com-
plaining, the arguing, but also the
love, the compassion, and the
silent moments of pure amaze-
ment. The best part of my rela-
tionship is always hearing "I love
you" when I need it most.
The scariest part of everyday
life is the possibility that Eric
could be sent to Iraq, Kosovo,
or any other part of the world
for front line fighting or peace
keeping.
Madonna Kisses and quickie annulments
By Bill Ferguson
Knight-Ridder Newspapers
In the midst of all the depress-
ing news of war, terrorism, and
natural disasters, it is sometimes
a nice respite to hear a story
about famous people behaving
like idiots and generally embar-
rassing themselves in front of
die whole world This week it was
Britney Spears' turn to pArovide
comic relief to a tense Ameri-
can public as she got married in
Las Vegas to a childhood friend
and thenfiledfor an annulment
just two days later.
Heretofore I was under the
impression that annulment was
just a synonym for divorce that
was invented by people of cer-
tain religious persuasions who
wanted to end their marriages but
would fall into ill favor with their
church if they called it a divorce.
Annulment is a real legal pro-
cess by which a marriage can be
terminated without the pesky
community propeity issues that
make divorce such a major bum-
Winter term:
or resentment...". f Basic Training in Ft. Benning,
During his four months at ba- Georgia, was one of the most
sic training, I hated the military. incredible feelings I could ever
It has taken control over both experience. The sense of pride,
our lives. Just dating a man in admiration, and love I felt at that
the military is like a marriage, moment is unforgettable. In
complete commitment with no time, I may marry the military;
A tradition of making the grade
way of getting out without se- it could always be a part of my an entire term's workload to do,
that you remember enough to
vere emotional consequences. life, regardless of whether he's By Ashley DuBose and we panic. Well, I panic. If
make a decent splash on the tests.
He signed up for six years of serving duty or released after Contributing Writer you don't panic just a little, I
It snuck up on all of us. We
service to this country. Nothing contract. envy you.
were just paddling along in the
is ever set in stone when dating I don't mind the fact that Eric Whether you are rambling to shallows, and now wefindour- We have to realize that this is
a military man. wants to protect this country; I your roommates orfinishingup selves in the deep end, just try- it Freshmen, pay attention: this
Then as I read farther down support him 110 percent There just one more game of Solitaire ing to keep our heads above is crunch time.
the page, Leyva continued, is no greater feeling in my heart on your computer, you are pro- water. If you can make it through the
"Many service members don't knowing he loves and cares crastinating. As I write this col- Wow, that was really stretch- next few weeks, you can make it
feel the same way... [they] love about me so much that he is will- umn, I have two chapters to ing a metaphor there. through the next three years.
running around with tanks and ing to risk his life. read, a journal entry to write, and It is true. This term is the The only thing you have to do
artillery... this is the main rea- Because of nasty dictators and two midterms to study for. worst for procrastination. Cold is just work on one thing at a
son why they get paid." I think terrorists, the lives of millions of It is, of course, the curse of Erie weather makes me want to time.
of war as a bunch of service people have been ruined. I will the college student. We have so hide under my comforter and It sounds too easy to be true,
members living out a battle-re- not let anyone ruin our lives or much homework, so many tests wait for spring. Unfortunately, but it's not. Pick an assignment
lated video game. relationship. I will never give up and papers due; it is hard to get the term is half over. If I hide work on it until it is done, and
Unfortunately, war is not fun on the hope that one day Eric it all done. And if you want a now, I will fail. move on to the next one.
imagination but a scary, unpre- and I may live a married life to- social life, well, good luck. The worst part is, we cannot I suggest starting with the larg-
dictable reality. gether, just not to the military. This term is the worst. The drop a class now because the est, hardest assignments. Don't
,h
first three weeks before winter deadline was pecember 9 . I read Siddhartha for the third
break were so easy, almost noth-
ing was due.
don't think we can even declare
a Pass/Fail at this point in the
time if you have a ten-page pa-
per due on The Existential Void
mer [fs not hard to see why Ms. argue that Britney has commit- Then we went home for a few term. in Politics,
Spears would prefer to go this ted a major fraud against the weeks, hung out with our old It is not all doom and gloom You might not get everything
route. public by pretending to have tal- friends, spent some quality time ahead. I mean, sure, midterms done, but try to do the work that
It's not supposed to be all that ent, but we aren't the ones who with the family, and took a break are right on top of us, and sure, counts the most toward your
easy to attain an annulment In married her. from our hectic school schedules. we have a bunch of papers wait- grade. The professors don't ex-
It was like a cold, snowy dream
Nevada, a couple has to meet at -The couple did not understand ing to drop on us like bricks, and pect us to be perfect. At least, I
that I personally did not want to
least one of six possible criteria their own actions. This is appar- surefinalsare... Okay, I'm go- i
nope not
wake up from.
to be granted an annulment Let's ently the only standard that can ing to stoprightthere, just writ- Like I said before, you have
Well, guess what people, it's
take a look at them and try to be applied in this case, and was ing that made me anxious. to look on the bright side. There
time to wake up.
figure out which ones may ap- used as grounds for the annul- This is what gets us. We start are only six weeks left in the term
ply to Britney's situation. ment, t Midterms are here. Yep, it is looking at what is ahead, realiz- And then? Spring Break, baby!
time once again to dive headfirst
-The participants are related by Obviously that last one would ing that there are six weeks of Who cares that it will only be
blood.Britney and her hubby apply if the couple was ham- Into those text books and hope this term ahead, and practically February by then?
were just good friends. (And I mered when they got hitched,
don't want to hear any wisecracks and that seems to be exactly what
about them being from Louisi-
ana.)
happened Britney's people, how-
ever, have denied that alcohol is
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor
-Either party was already mar- to blame for this incident and Please submit all letters toT
ried. This was thefirstmarriage have said that it was just a "joke"
for both. In Britney's case it will that went too far. [opinionmerciad (5) mercyh uyptr PHII
probably be thefirstof many. I've never thought the act of
-Either party is under 18. The getting married was inherently
fact that they were acting like humorous. The act of matrimo- JAll letters should be 500 words or less
they were 12 doesn't count. ny itself doesn't give most peo-
-Either party is insane. Britney ple the giggles. The Merciad reserves the right to edit letters
is smart enough to know that
kissing another woman on TV
Britney Spears has shown us
that she herself is inherently fun-
for ^length.
will help sell records, so she must ny. She's a goofy person, and I'm All letters must be signed.
have something on the ball. sure the laughs will just keep on
-Either party is committing a coming. Just don't make us lis-
fraud on the other. You could ten to her sing. Please.
 JANUARY 14L 2004 THE MERCIAD PAGE 7

To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst edu OPINION

The campus question: Earning your keep:
What do you think of the new additions to the Laker Inn?
Tr8 very appealing and spa-
cious, and there's more room "The Laker is a great im-
"This is the first time I've
been here, and I think it
Pitfalls of the lives of the wealthy and privileged
5
to relax." ; -* looks more modem. I'm VH1 really gets my goat some-
provement. It's more ap- be around.
-Dan Cofifee, pealing to hang out and eat definitely likely to come here times, you know? What I am saying
But I CouldBe Wrong probably won't grow up to be is that they
.••It
The lines are really long for often."]A I admit it. I'm addicted to the
the Sub Connection, though- -Christopher Ludy, show "The Fabulous Lifestyle of missionaries or cure cancer. They
"It's a great asset to Mercy- That's the only thing that gets (insert celebrity/mogul/overly- might- but they probably won't
hurst College. It is more con- irritating." pampered prima-donna herej. Why? Because theydon 1 have to
venient and provides variety of -James Webb, "I think the prices are I'm fascinated by what these 7 That's the great thing about
eating options.'' Freshman great, cheaper man Subway. people spend their hard-earned Jaime being privileged. >
And I'm more likely to money on. Rinne There's a lot that they don't
-Jackie Farina
come here to eat now," I drool over Justin Timber- have to do if they don't want to.
Junior "I think the new look pro- -Andrea Has ham, lake's arcade-style XBox. I ogle
vides the students with a bet- Wish I had that kind of op-
JLo's indulgent use of $1500 tion.
«T1reallylike the new Lak- ter atmosphere, and the va-
body cream and I covet Britney's Wouldn't it be nice to just blow
er. Now there is lots of room riety of food options is def- It's awesome. Although, $50,000 shopping sprees. so happen to have a job that off winter term, fly off to Eu-
to hang out for more than a initely an improvement.'' the wait at the Sub Connec- I admit I'm jealous. most of us would give our right rope and never mind if you fail
few minutes.'' -Amy Ruminski, tion is ridiculous."
j |.5-. I envy what they have worked eye for. because Mommy and Daddy
-Anni DiBartolomeo, Freshman -Jennifer Bulkk-y, hard to get %'.. I get aggravated when I hearcan pay for you to come back
Junior • lit All right, notice that the key my friends make statements for another year?
"I haven't been there yet words there were "worked about how they want their for- I v? Doesn't that sound appealing?
"I definitely like the new I'm off campus doing an in- "It's awesome, especiallyI hard." I have a problem with tunes to fall into their laps. They I hear the streets of London
tables and chairs. The pric- ternship. But every time I the new closed off study those who didn't so much earn want to "get lucky" like J.K. calling me now.'
es of food are convenient, do go in there, it smells real- areas. I like the fact that part their money, as fall backwards Rowling or Stephen Spielberg, f'-^I, however, cannot do that,
and it has a friendlier, more ly good." of it is carpeted." into a great big ol' pile of cash. |s.,- Never mind that J.K. Rowling because even if it kills me I am
welcoming atmosphere.'' -Emily Tresky, Caitlin Disibio, Take Prince William and Prince actually had to have some cre- going tofinishmy classes, finish
-Josh Long, Senior 11*111 Harry, for instance. ative writing ability to get pub- my senior project and graduate
•-I. I I I I I Now, you want to talk about lished or that her characters are with my friends in May.
"I like the new set up; "It's nice to have board "lifestyle of therichand the fa- unique and memorable and cap- I will walk across that stage and
$*The expanded area is bet- there's more room for pri- equivalency all day; it's a lot mous.'' These boys aren't just ture the imagination. She dearly I will be proud to accept my di-
ter to hang out and talk to vacy. Plus the meal options more convenient. I'm more privileged; they are royal and it just "got lucky.." ploma because I know that I
myfrienoV are better." fc; & ' to hangout there then doesn't get much more privi- Ik Never mind that Stephen Spiel- have earned it. My grades may
-Ryan Conway, -Johnathan Kowakzuk, to go to the cafeteria all the leged than that berg had to go to film school for not have always been perfect, but
Senior This is what irritates me be- years to gain his cinematic tal- I worked hard and no one
•.1,1 I II I
time." * I I
-Kristen Dunbar, yond description. For goodness' ents or that his movies are often bought anything for me to grad-
"Ireallylike the new addi- sake, even the Hilton sisters do masterpieces offilm-making.He uate.
^ 1 like the extended hours tion; it's definitely nicer, more something to supplement their cleariy just "got lucky,",as well. So, in short, I'm not judging you
for board equivalency; it's space. Plus the food options vast inheritance.
more convenient and spa- Isn't life more satisfying when if you happen to be one of those
are expanded." "I like the old Laker bet- They model. They make you know that you have really lucky, privileged few. Good for
cious." -Pat Hauser, ter. I just do." handbags. I'm sure Paris is get- earned the things you have? you
-Laura McCarthy, Junior -Adam Hicks, ting paid something for humili-
Freshman •**' Wasnt the "A" that you really Who knows what I would be
Freshman ating herself every week on studied for more pleasing than doing had I had your lucky cir-
"The Simple Life." They do the one that just kind of fell into cumstances.

Occasional catastrophe: more than just roll around in the

Don 'tpoke yourself in the forehead just yet
to overcome. I've recently real-
Write Truth ized that those who care fight to
hold on, while those who seem
passive and forgiving may sinv j
f
•hutA SB •-.«•'••• "Michell© - »*n 'pfyhot
©d nritfit^ucK'a'meaiiingrul j
However, my theory, stolen
from the C.S. Lewis's of our
world, is this; would it really
mean anything at all to, lefs say,
1
love another human being if you
Hilton family vault all day, is my
point here.
Prince William and Prince
Harry- not so much. Just got
lucky, I suppose.
I suppose I can't begrudge
them for the happy circumstanc-
es of their birth,
I can try, but it wouldn t be
V •
your lap (and we've all had one I'm thinking that a fruity drink
or two of those during our edu- and a white sand beach sound
cational careers)? I nice.
Tm not saying that an acciden- However, I don't have your
tal "A" isn't wonderful, but the circumstances, so I have to work
one you earned really brings you for what I have.
I suggest that you might want
Now, I'm not saying that Will- to try it for yourself. Man, I nev-
iam and Harry won't grow up to er thought I would say this, but...
be, happy, well-adjusted, well- Take a lesson from the'ftjlton

never knew the feeling of hate? right: i rounded young men From what sisters, okay?
This seems to extend its way Would peace mean anything Now, I'm not saying that Jus- I hear, before she died, their Wow, I feel dirty just saying
into every aspect of life. If life without the concept of war? tin, Jessica and Bennifer are reg- mother taught them a thing or that I think I need to go take a
weren't a battle, if there were no Would truth mean anything with- ular, hard-working, blue-collar two about living a "normal" life. shower. Scalding hot with a Bril-
stress, if there were no pitiful out evidence of lies and decep- Joes. But they earn their keep. I'm sure that they are kind and lo pad and Lysol. I might need
lows and ecstatic: higlis, then what tion? Would life hold any mean- They work long hours. They just personable and just a pleasure to new skin.
Stevenson would we be Irving for other than ing without therealityof death?
a monotonous existence? We need the events of these
"Ihehuman bodywas designedtoIf it weren't for those friend- "occasional catastrophes" to
walk, run or stop; it wasn't ships that lead to higl | blood pres- break up die unfortunate monot-
Communications survey:!
built for coasting sure in your older age, or those ony pure joy without fault could
a

relatives over Christmas break hold. I've noticed an amazing

How Mercy hurst students feel about the upcoming election
"GdJenHightouer If the presidential election 130 respondents, 57% were reg- polled thought they were very
that make you want to poke revelation over holiday break in
was held today, 37.5% of Mer- istered to vote and only 15% informed about politics.
There are two kinds of rela- yourself in your forehead just so watching the people I love. The cyhurst students would vote voted in the 2003 general elec- However, 58% said they
tionships in this world: comfort- you have an excuse to leave the strongest people I know and the for President Bush according tion. were likely or very likely to
ablerelationshipswhich allow for room at Christmas dinner. ones who love life the most are
to a political poll taken the week Among the respondents, half vote in this year's presidential
a stable backbone in life, and Making up with those friends the ones whoVe had it the worst before einter break. turn to television for informa- election.
high-volume relationships which who mean so much to you, and As I said before, those who Democratic candidates tion about politics, whileanother Poll participants were ran-
provide for the ironically un- that long awaitedreturnto your carefightto hold on. Life is full Howard Dean and Wesley 23% use newspapers. domly selected from the Mer-
comfortable stress level present apartment at school hours and of train wrecks, mass killings, re- Clark were picked by 14.1% When asked about credibility cyhurst student directory.
in everyday life. hours from home frankly ligious strife, garbage dumps and and 10.2% of the respondents, of the political environment, Additional polls will be con-
Think about friendships for wouldn't mean nearly as much. acidic rain, but who's to say we respectively. only 20% of those polled ducted in January and Febru-
instance. Some of the best Life is known for its unexpect- don't need them? However 36% of the stu- th< Hjglit information provided by ary. *i.
friends in the worldiight with ed, twisted epiphany-like quality. So fall in love, make mistakes, dents polled were still undecid- candidates was credibile or very The class is also hosting a
such potency that most have Why there is disease, poverty, lose people you love, love peo- ed credible. weekly discussion program,
trouble even comprehending starvation, suffering, crime, and ple you hate,fightfor friendships, Tbe poll, which was conduct- However, 24% thought polit- Politics Today, which can be
their friendship, while other every other awful aspect to our stick up for what you believe, ed by the Communication De- ical ads were credibile or very seen Tuesdaysfrom6:15 - 6:30
friends never ever fight. For world, may in fact have some- have c hildren, play the lottery, partment's Political Communi- credible. p.m. on Hurst TV Cablevision
whatever reason, it's those thing to do with our relationship dare to be different, change ca- cation course, found that of the Twenty-nine percent of those Channel 19*1
friendships with little to no fight-with life itself; providing a price- reer paths, jump out of a plane,
ing that generally are considered less perspective within the will be politically incorrect on pur-
closer relationships by percep- ingnesstofightagainst these very pose, plan trips you may never

^ MERCIAD
tion . things. % take, invest in the stock market,
However, maybe, just maybe, Don DeLillo in the novel White eat squid- risk.
it's those friendships that go Noise-writes, "We need an occa- Humans have an eminent re-
through steep ups and downs sional catastrophe to break up silience within all meaningful re-
that should be testifying to a the incessant bombardment of lationships, and life's too short
strong bond because they dare information." 1 to coast. '
Adam DuShole Editor-in-Chief edltormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
i Ml Billy Elliott Managing Editor prodmerciad@mercyhurst edu
JUST FOR LAUGHS THE COUftE Kelly Rose Duttlne News Editor newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
ON A WHIM, BRITNEY ©PEARS ALSO AD0TTED A CtfllU WHEN Courtney Nicholas teaturemerclad@mercyhurst.edu
AND MADONNA FLEW V Features Editor
THE BUST ENtOTWNBRd ARE ON Jaime Rinne opinionmerciad@mercyhurst edu
TORONTO p t W F ° * A Opinion Editor
TOUR THE YOUNG BOY WILL BE Patrick Martino sportsmerclad@mercyhurst.edu
QUICKIE Gftf WEDDING. Sports Editor)
BABY-SAT BY LONGTIME PAL Emily Crofoot entertalnmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
MICHAEL JACfcSOft A&E Editor
Katie McAdams Photo Editor photomerclad@mercyhurst.edu
Jess Tobin Copy Editor jtobin 75@mercyhurst. edu

Piotr Wolinski Assistant Managing Editor

fisjTME.OR The Merciad is the student-produced newspaperofMercyhurst College. It Is

MR, JACKSON HAS ALREADY TTs vow: SAID published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms week
'IS THE WHOLE HARVARD UNNEtternr
womooemNi SCHOLAR PROFESSOR end finals week. Our office Is in the Hirt Center, room LL114. Our telephone
STl/HDER AND JESSE VENTURA... number is 824-2376.
HUNTER* SIEVE 1RWINS HDS
ASSUMING ANT ARE STILL AUVE. [JTWOER?
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and
names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for
content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due the Thursday
before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit letters to
box PH 485. I
PAGE 8 THE MERCIAD JANUARY 1^2004

ARTS& L
ENTERTAINMENT To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhursi edu

JAN. 21.Gavin DeGraw,
Virginia Coalition. Club
Laga, Pittsburgh..
JAN. 2 l.Oid 97s. Grog
Shop, Cleveland
JAN. 21. Linkin Park, 1 recommend you rent them, and
P.OJD., Hoobastank, Story
of the Year. CSU Convoca-
tion Center, Cleveland
JAN. 22. Jordan Knight
Hard Rock Cafe, Pitts-
burgh.
JAN. 23. David Allan Coe.
Peabody's Down Under,
Cleveland
JAN. 24. COMEDY. "A?
Prairie Home Companion"
live with host Garrison
Keillor. Warner Theatre,
Erie. $50, $40, $30. On sale
at Tullio Arena box office,
Tlcketmaster outlets, by
phone at 452-4857 or 456-
7070, online at
www.tieketmaster.com.
JAN. 26. Ari Hest, Carbon
Leaf. Nick's Fat city,
Pittsburgh.
JAN. 26* Rickie Lee Jones.
Beachland Ballroom,
Cleveland
JAN. 27. Peter Green
Splinter Group. Wilberfs,
Ohio.
JAN. 28. John Leguizamo.
Palace Theater, Greensburg.
JAN.-28.-Fred Eaglesmith.
Rosebud, Pittsburgh.
4
Return of the King' shines
By Marc Toth
Contributing writer
Thefinalfilm adaptation in the
"Lord of the Rings" trilogy is the
best one yet If you have yet to
see the first two films, I highly
then see this one, because it is a
special treat.
If you havent seen the previ-
ous two, make sure you see mem
first, because this film will not
make much sense without hav-
ing seen them. This is definitely
the crown jewel of the series,
running three and a half hours,
with barely any slowing of pace.
This one has it all, from breath-
taking epic battle sequences to
humorous snippets of dialogue.
Visually, this film is stunning.
A combination of brilliant cos-
tuming, a goodfilminglocation,
and CGI have given it the feel
that Tolkien's masterpiece de-
serves.
Thisfilmmay actually deserve
more credit than the previous
ones, as the battles are larger,
there are more (and lager) myth-
ical creatures, and Gollum has a
larger role and more mood Photo courtesy of www.googie.cam.
swings. "Return of the King," the third of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, was released In theaters in December of 2003.
There is very little to complain
about visually. The few things way that his earlier characteriza- even does a particularly memo- Be prepared to think that the everyone, thisfilmcontains a lie—
that catch one's eye as imperfec- tion made unthinkable. rable horse trick that must be movie is over several times. Dont tie bit of everything, and almost
tion are greatly outweighed by Sean Astin and Ian McKellen, seen to believe. get up and leave until you see everyone should be able to walk
the rest of the film. BR Sam and Gandalf respectively, The only place that the film the credits rolling, you will miss away from it and at least say that
At this point, all of the actors have larger roles than they pre- noticeably drags is at the end, something if you do, as the film they got their moneys worth.
have grown into their parts. They viously did, and Astin, in partic- where everything is wrapping up. fades several times before the Most viewers will come away
have, in essence, become their ular, really shows his emotional This is because it must wrap-up ending. feeling that they got more than
characters. It is difficult to imag- range. all of the loose ends that having This film is a cinematic mas- they bargained for.
ine any of them being replaced Both Merry and Pippin get to a trilogy of films creates while terpiece that many fantasy read- While all that is gold does not
by anyone else. Elijah Wood, in see much more action than they simultaneously doing justice to ers have been waiting a very long glitter, "The Return of the King"
particular, seems to have grown normally do, and all of the oth- the large portion of the original time for. shines like magic, and will be re-
into his role as Frodo, portray- er major characters get plenty of Tolkien text upon which it was Though this sort of adven- membered for some time to
ing the darkness of the ring in a space on the battlefield Legolas based ture/fantasy does not appeal to come. 5/5 stars.

'Steakhouse' rules
JAN. 28. Life of Agony,
Flaw, Skrape. Club Laga,
Pittsburgh

JAN. 29. Original Low,

Melbourne. Hard Rock
Cafe, Pittsburgh.
JAN 30. DANCE. Mikhail
Baryshnikov. University of
Buffalo Mainstage Theater,
Buffalo, f^
JAN. 31. Tracy Morgan.
Bryce Jordan Center, State
College, Pa. On sale Jan. 12
at www.bjc.psu.edu or (800)
863-3336. | J
JAN. 31. Radio Daze, a
Celebration of Cleveland
FM Radio with Pat
Sweaney Band, Billy Morris
(Warrant), Easy Street,
Dave Bacha Band, more.
Agora Theater, Cleveland.
JAN. 31. Lee Rocker.
Beachland Ballroom,
Cleveland.
FEB. 2. WWE Raw. Bryce
Jordan Center, State
College, Pa. On sale Jan. 10
at www.bjc.psu.edu (800)
863-3336. ? | *
FEB. 3 O.A.R., Robert
Randolph and his Family
Band AJ. Palumbo The-
ater, Pittsburgh. On sale
Dec. 27 at Tlcketmaster.
FEB. 7.0.A.R. Lakewood
Civic Auditorium, Lake-
wood, Ohio. On sale Jan. 9
at Ticketmaster.
FEB. 8. Robert Bradley's
Black water Surprise. Hard
Rock Cafe,
Pittsburgh.FEB. 2. Skrape,
life of Agony, Flaw:
Peabody's Down Under,
Qeveland
FEB. 11. Bela Fleck, Edgar
Meyer. University of
Buffalo Mainstage Theater,
Buffalo.
By Vicky Hilber 2
Contributing writer
Do you want a mouth-water-
ing home-cooked meal for a
reasonable price? We have
found the perfect place for
you
Hoss's, a family-style and sea-
food house, is an outstanding
choice for a cheap fantastic
meal, with friendly service, and
a great time.
In addition, the restaurant is
a mere 15 minutes from Mer-
cyhurst college, thus accom-
modating everyone's travel
needs.
My three friends and I de-
cided to take a trip to West 26*
Street to try this "cheap sensa-
tion" of a restaurant I've heard
so much about. When we ar-
rived in the parking lot, we
PI* y of The Erie Playhouse
UO GOUFLQl noticed rows of cars and a
"Our Town" debuts at the Erie Playhouse on Friday, Jan. 16. Many new faces are seen In huge "log cabin" looking res-
this touching story of life and death. taurant just waiting for us to
take a seat in its cozy atmo-
sphere.
Wilder's masterpiece shows at Playhouse We walked through the large
wooden door and the smell of
special to its shows. David Mat- home-cooked food tantalized
"Our Town" became a classic laughter with equal ease.
our nostrils. We were greeted
the moment it first premiered By the play's end, audiences are thews directs.
by a Hoss's hostess named Sa-
back in 1938. Written by Thorn- deeply involved in the everyday "Our Town" is one of the fin-
rah who, with a great attitude,
ton Wilder, "Our Town" tells the lives of these modest people, and est achievements of the stage.
asked what we would like to
tale of a small New Hampshire the lessons to be learned are stag- A profound work that is both
eat.
town, Graver's Corners. I gering. Over the years, many beautiful and touching,
wonderful actors have coveted "Our Town" is a great play Not accustomed to such a
Staged in a very basic manner,
different setup of ordering,
the play follows two families and the role of the Stage Manager. word iy of an honored place in
scan a large menu that covers
their ordinary but beautiful lives. (Paul Newman recently played American drama. One of the
him on Broadway and TV). most important theatrical expe- an entire wall and read all of
Playhouse newcomer Dorotliy
riences of this generation, it is a the amazing choices of steaks,
Pawlowski plays young Emily The Playhouse is thrilled that
chicken, and seafood entrees.
Webb. Jim Gandolfo returns to its supreme adventure in play go-
Sarah, our hostess, adds that
We join her and her family stage, after his magnificent per- ing. Superb in writing, superb in
acting and superb in staging... Hoss's is known for its exten-
(Lon Jenkins, Bobbi Koclier, and formance last year in "Inherit the
"Our Town" is a true triple treat. sive salad bar which caters to
Mike Karns) and soon learn the Wind," to bring the Stage Man-
everyone's needs.
young girl lias fallen in love with ager to life.
Tlie Stage Manager is the nar- Showdates & times: I finally decided on the chick-
neighbor George Gibb (also in a
en fillet dinner, mashed pota-
first-time lead role at the Play- rator/guide for the play and in- January 16 & 17 at 7:30 p.m.
troduces tlie audience to the myr- January 22-25, 28-Feb. 1 toes, and the salad bar. My
house, Clinton Young).
three friends all decide to get
His family includes Tracey iad of characters that are part Wednesday -Saturday - 7:30 p.m., the same thing, the chicken fin-
Harris Hall Mike Nasca and of Grover's Corners. Sunday - 2:00 p.m. | stay comfortable, satisfying,
ger platter and salad bar.
Roni Lee. A I nige cast will fill the Play-
house stage with perfect costum- In/on tK it i<» i coutkfy'tffhe&iePtfy*' After we enter die salad bar,
Telling of life and death, "Our it amazes us that they could fit
Town" is always touching. Ii can ing by Richard Davis and that houss * goal and made me a satisfied
so mud i into one salad display.
move an audience to tears and Joe 11 ussier lighting that is so
Restaurant
review
Freshfruit,hearty soups, warm
breads, nutritious salad, soft
serve frozen yogurt, and home-
made desserts lined the walls.
Wefillour places with salads
and enjoy samples of soups and
breads. We arrive back at our
booth to see that our drinks)
have already arrived.
About 15-20 minutes after]
placing our orders, our meals
come out smelling amazing.
Not only is our food perfectT
temperature, but everyone is
more than with the taste of the
meal. More than enough food
is overflowing our plates, and
a to-go box is definitely need-
ed %
Wefinallycomplete our meal
and receive our bills. My meal
comes to $8.42, and as a sou-|
venir I buy an orange camou-
flage hat for $3.00.
My friends and I leave the
rustic, wooden-set restaurant
and leave the home-style cook-
ing to go back to die reality or]
Ramen and baked potatoes.
Hoss's is a wonderful restau-
rant that meets the needs of
customers young and old.
I Friendly waters make the visit
more than enjoyable, and the
comfortable restaurant setting
makes you feel as thought
you're in another world. A five-
minute ride to this steal and
seafood house is more than a
treat on your busy everyday
agenda.
Good prices, good food, and
friendly services, can be found
right In your backyard in Erie.
Hoss's goal is to make your
and a i none than a one-time ot>
cuiTenee. Hoss's achievedtheir
customer. z.
JANUARY 14,2004
W o m e n ' s t u r n : " T h e LW o r d ' j o i n s S h o w t i m e
By Richard Huff
New York Daily News
Mia Kiishner is willing to bare
aB as a heterosexual woman who
falls "hard" for a lesbian.
That's clear within the first few
minutes of "The LWord," a new
Showtime drama.
Kiishner says she wanted to
give a realistic portrayal of Jen-
ny Schecter, a woman snuggling
with her sexuality, and that meant
more nudity. ?
"1 was always pushing and en-
couraging for more truth, which
would mean that the sex would
be darker, painful and some-
times not so pretty to watch,"
Kirshner told the New York
Daily News.
So Kirshner, in one of the se-
ries' main story lines, is seen in
separate love scenes with both
her on-screenfianceand with her
newfound female lover. ' Yet it will be hard for some to
"The L Word," which is set in
Los Angeles, is a drama about a
group of women, most of them
gay, plusJenny, who believed that
she was heterosexual until be-
coming intrigued by lesbians.
Besides Kirshner, the show
stars Jennifer Beals, Laurel Hol-
loman, Katherine Moennig, Erin
Daniels, Karina Lombard, Leisha
Hailey, Pam Grier and others.
The drama, which was devel-
oped long before TVs current
gay-is-cool trend, will launchJan.
18, following such successes as
"Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy" and "Queer as Folk."
Yet "The L Word" breaks new
ground as the first drama about
lesbians.
Britney Spears and Jason Alexander, both 22, went to Las Vegas to exchange vows,
when just two days later the couple filed for an annulment. ?
Oops! Spears did it 'again
By Iindsay Kezlarian
Contributing writer
Britney Spears has done it
again. The famous pop star has
managed to steal the limelight
that she has always reached for
as a result of her recent mar-
riage, and subsequent annul-
ment, to her childhood friend.
Britney Spears and Jason Al-
exander, both 22, went to the
Nevada Gambling resort on the
spur of the moment to celebrate
New Year's.
Alexander comments, "We
were looking out the windows
and looking at the lights and did
city. We were like, This is a real
pretty, beautiful night, lets do
something wild and crazy and leg
go get married just for the neT
of it." i there is a $ 1 million offer for
So the couple ventured over
to the Little White Wedding
Chapel to get married the quick
$ 5
"The L Word," a new drama to be aired on Showtime starting Jan. 18, Is about a group of women, both straight and gay.
This drama Is the first lesbian-based television show.
And in the first several epi-
sodes, Kirshner's character,
who straddles the line
between gay and straight, goes
through the most emotional
strain.
"Often, what you see withJen-
ny is not pretty," Kirshner said.
"She's in love with two people at
the same time. She's one ofthose
people who will just grab experi-
ences because of the holes in-
way. USA Today reports that
Britney's wedding gown consist-
ed of "ragged jeans and a black
top, her head covered not by a
gauzy veil but a baseball cap."
She also wore a white garter on
her left leg. They reported that
Alexander's outfit was also jeans
and a black jacket.
The couple took pictures but
when it came time for the offi-
cial marriage license to be signed
a feeling of reality hit them hard.
After the wedding they went
back to their room and decided
they needed to sharethe big news
with their family and friends, g
This is when trouble arose and
the two started to realize that
they had maybe made a mistake,
just 55 hours after their mar-
riage, the couplefiledfor an an-
nulment. The annulment stated
that the couple knew basically
nothing about each other.
Apparently, the two were not
aware of each other's likes and
THE MERCIAD
To contact: entertainm0ntmerciad@mercyhurst.edu ENTERTAINMENT
IM y %
side her, and with that, she will But ifs in "The LWord" where
leave the casualties in the wake Kirshner is exposed the most and
behind her." has perhaps her meatiest role yet
Kirshner, soon to be 28, has "Mia is the bravest and bold-
been working for about a dozen est of actors," said Ilene Chaik-
years, and has appeared in such en, producer and creator of
TV series as "Wolf Lake" in "The L World "The only con-
2001. "$ JP cern Mia ever has is that she's
She also had a memorable role not being challenged enough, and
as an assassin in early that her character is not going
episodes of the first season deep enough. She is utterly fear-
of "24." less." ^:«
Onhcampus entertainment
By Emily Crofoot
Arts & Entertainment editor
I The Mikado," the endur-
ing popular operetta by the fa-
mous duo Gilbert and Sullivan,
will be this year's featured pre-
sentation by the Mercyhurst
College Opera Theatre, open-
ing to Erie audiences Friday,
Jan. 23, in the Mary D'Angelo
Performing Arts Center at
Mercyhurst College.
This appealing opera was set
in Japan to disguise its stinging
satire on Victorian politics, and
boasts such famous tunes as
"A Wand'ring Minstrel I" and
"Three Little Maids from
School." '.' I Langmead and piano faculty
The production, which will be
directed by LouisaJonason, as-
sistant professor of music at
Mercyhurst, promises to be vi-
sually stunning with authentic
costumes and wigs designed by
Photo courtesy ofwww.google.com. the Mercyhurst College Art
Club. The elaborate perfor-
mance will be accompanied by
full orchestra, conducted by
Dr. Matthew Inkster, assistant
professor of music at Mercy-
hurst
"The Mikado" will be pre-
sented on Friday, Jan. 23, and
dislikes, as well as thoughts and
feelings about marriage, and top-
ics related to marriage, such as
the issue of children.
People all over were shocked
and upset. Spears' and Alex-
ander's hometown (Kentwopd,
La.) was not pleased at all. The
owner of a local store in Kent- MERCYHURST STUDENTS (+18)
wood said, "It's embarrassing
to have worldwide media
attention with the buildings in We have Immediate openings in
such rundown, decrepit
conditions."
All over the city, reporters, tele-
our customer sales/service dept.
vision crews, and paparazzi were
found. Even Alexander's grand-
father had to close his garage
$12.50 base/appt.|i
Monday because of the intru-
sion. 1
Fun flex. Hrs. around class.
It is reported that Alexander
and Britney are still close friends.
The two are still dealing with re-
ports though specifically that
Alexander to give the wedding
video up. ;'
ARTS&
Photo courtesy ofwwwjh(Mf8me.com.
Early on in the development
process, Showtime executives
worried that heterosexual ac-
tresses would be reluctant to
appear in "The L Word," fear-
ing they would be stigmatized by
playing lesbians. ^j
But this was before "Queer
as Folk" had made its appear-
ance in the Showtime lineup
and actresses did not balk
at accepting roles in the
Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m.
and on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2:30
p.m. All performances will be in
the Mary D'Angelo Performing
Arts Center.
Tickets will be $15 for Gold
Circle; $12.50 for adults; $10 for
seniors and students; free to
youth under 15; $6,50 for Pres-
ident's Card holders; and $1 for
Mercyhurst College students
with identification.
For tickets and more informa-
tion, contact the Mary D'Angelo
Performing Arts Center box of-
fice at 824-3000.
<r- The Mercyhurst College
D'Angelo Music department will
continue its 2003-2004 Faculty
Recital Series when Dr. Sara
present "10 Handed Fun: A Pi-
ano Faculty Showcase," at 2:30
p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, in the
Walker Recital Hall The perfor-
mance is free and open to the
public
<— "Restoring Alaska: 10 years
in the wake of Exxon Valdez" is
a wonderful documentary chron-
icling the first 10 years of resto-
ration and recovery after one of
America's worst oil spills devas-
tated Alaska's Prince William
Sound. The film addresses the
current status of natural re-
PAGE 9
series. Beals was the
first, appearing as half
of a lesbian couple.
Where "Queer as Folk," a dra-
ma about a group ofgay men in
Pittsburgh, has appealed largely
to gay men only, Showtime pro-
ducers hope "The L Word-
draws a broader audience.
"A lot of straight men, from
what one is made to understand,
don't want to see gay men in
sexual situations," Chaiken said
"We know that isn't true with
straight men, or with gay or
straight women, watching lesbi-
ans." J: I
Indeed, Howard Stern, who
often says on air that "lesbians
equal ratings," has made the is-
sue a regular staple on his show.
But it's more than just the sex,
Chaiken and Kirshner said the
stories in "The L Word," such as
a lesbian couple's struggle to start
a family, are universal.
separate out the sex, and mere
is plenty of it, often with Kirsh-
ner at the center, clothed and
unclothed
"Certainly there is nudity for
Jenny, but because I wanted to
do it, I've asked to do it, which
I've never, ever done before,"
Kirshner said
But for her, that's just part of
the work, the character.
"I couldn't imagine doing a
sexy sex scene," she added. "I
hate to shatter the illusion. It's
still a job. ... It depends who
you're working with Sometimes
there's a great deal of intimacy,
sometimes I am thinking about
doing my laundry or calling my
friends." '
sources affected by the spill
and the efforts being made to
prevent future such disasters.
Thefilmis showing on Friday,
Jan 16 at 7 p.m. in the Taylor
little Theatre.
<— Les Violons du Roy will
be performing at the PAC on
Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2:30 p.m.
When Quebec City was found-
ed, opera was 7 years old, the
Baroque was just beginning
and J.S. Bach's birth was 77
years in the future.
What better place to find
North America's most exciting
chamber orchestra? Les Vio-
lons du Roy (the name was tak-
en from the court orchestra
of the French kings) plays a
vast repertoire, but in the au-
thentic performance style ap-
propriate to each era. |
Under the baton of their
founder and artistic director
Bernard Labadie, Les Violons
captures the panache and style
that makes Quebec City so
unique. |
Tickets are $15 for adults,
$12.50 for seniors, $5 for
youth 15 and under, and $1 for
Mercyhurst students. For more
information about Les Violons
du Roy, visit
www.\ToIonsduioy.com.^/
PAGE 10
rjAKER
SPORTS
Hard work and dedication have brought this year's wrestling squad to No. 12 In the nation;
Wrestlers win three to go 6
Mautz leads the way for the Lakers with a weekend record ofd-o
By MattJackson
Contributing Writer
Junior Justin Mautz used two
pins and two decisions to go 4-0
and lead the Mercyhurst wres-
tling team to a 3-1 record in the
East Region Duals on Friday
and Saturday, Jan. 10 and 11.
Mautz has over 20 victories
on the season after thefourwins.
The Lakers dropped a heart-
breaking 21-19 match to UNC-
— .
Women's hoops Women's hockey beats Providence, ties UNH
search for first win Lakers ride an eight game unbeaten streak with No. 1 Minnesota ahead*
By Patrick Martino
Sports Editor
The Mercyhurst Lakers con-
tinue to struggle, dropping two
league games on the road to
Lake Superior State and Sagi-
naw Valley.
The Lakers fell to 0-12 over-
all and 0-5 in the GLIAC.
The Mercyhurst Lakers faced
Saginaw Valley on Thursday
Jan. 8 at University Center.
The Lakers led at half-time
23-20 but fell to the Cardinals
44-53. v-
Saginaw outscored the Lak-
ers by 12 in the second half to
claim the victory.
Mercyhurst struggled from
the foul line, shooting 56 per-
cent while Saginaw shot 100
percent
Freshman Julie Anderson
scored a career best 22 points
for Mercyhurst while sopho-
more Cassie Seth chipped in 13.
The Lakers continued their
travel to Lake Superior State
University but would struggle
against an even stronger oppo-
nent.
I The Lakers dropped their
twelfth straight loss of the sea-
son to Lake State, which also
placed them 0-5 n the GLIAC.
Superior State outscored Mer-
cyhurst 42-16 in the second
.
Join Amerka'$#l Student Tow Operator
Sell THps, tea Cosh,
Go Free! Now Hiring
Call for group discount*
1 -800-648-4849 / www.ststravel.coni
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Pembroke on the opening night
of the weekend competition.
Bryan Wolff had a first peri-
od pin and Paul Bergman re-
corded a major decision to score
bonus points in the laker effort
Mautz, Will Tedder and Angelo
Caponi recorded decisions.
The second day of competi-
tion held better results for the
Lakers as they went an impres-
sive 3-0. The day brought victo-
ries over Indianapolis (24-15),
Carson Newman (31-9), and Col-
Julie Anderson
File Photo
I
Cassie Seth
i
File Photo
half.
Sophomore Cassie Seth and
freshman Julie Anderson each
led the team with nine points.
"We're a young team going
through stepping stones. We
just have to keep working hard
and eventually we will get on
the right track," said sopho-
more guard Coco Sommers
Mercyhurst will return to play
on Thursday at 6 p.m, against
Northern Michigan and Satur-
day at 1p.m. against Michigan
Tech.
CAHCUM
ACAPVUO
1AMAKA
BAHAMAS
nomoM
WTVvMUT
) TRAVEL
flM • D n i t* M SERVICES
THEMERCIAD
orado School of Mines (19-15).
Bergman, Ricky Randazzo, and
Ben McAvinew all finished the
day with 2-1 records.
Bergman had a pin and a deci-
sion to score nine team points
on the day.
Mcavinew used a major deci-
sion for team bonus points and
also added a win to go aong with
Randazzo's two decisions.
The Lakers next contest will be
on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m.
when they travel to West Liber-
/
File Photo
Danielle Lansing
JANUARY H 2004
Men's basketball! defeats
Saginaw Valley and Lake
Superior State
ByKristaRoss
Contributing Writer
The Mercyhurst men's bas-
ketball team captured back-to-
back wins as they traveled to
Michigan last week to face Sag- j
inaw Valley and Lake Superior
State for league contests.
The Lakers faced Saginaw Val-
ley State Thursday night, Janu-
ary 8, and handed them only
F i t Photo
their second loss at home. Senior Josh Helm
The Lakers defeated the Car-
dinals 81-54, as they improved Helm is just 2 points shy of
to 4-0 in the league. moving into fourth place all
Senior forward Josh Helm time, while Shouse is just 10
had a career best 32 points away from moving into sixth
against the Cardinals, 16 of J place I "' ":
which came in thefirsthalf as The back-to-back win put an
the Lakers opened up 46-26 end to the 15 game road-loos-
lead at half. I ing streak, which began at Fer-
The Lakers continued to ral- ris State on Dec. 8,2001.
ly the Cardinals in the second The Lakers continue to re-
half, shooting 56 percent from main infirstplace of the south
Katoe McAdams/Pholo Edrtof
the floor, 10 of 19 from be- division with a record of 5-0
1 hind the arc and out rebound- and an overall record of 11-4.
ed the Cardinals 33-26. The start is also the best ever
Senior guard Justin Shouse since joining the GLIAC in
also added 16 points while jun- 1995, and the back-to-back con-
ior Jawad Ali chipped in with ference road wins were also
13. ";. c^j f thefirstsince 1998 when they
The Mercyhurst men contin- beat Findley and Hillsdale, m
ued their road trip to the Up- "The season is going well, we
ty State. are getting better everyday,
per Peninsula of Michigan to
On Jan. 17, the Lakers will working hard and winning with
face Lake Superior State Sat-
host an important dual against our defense which is our bread
urday, Jan. 10.
No. 19 Shippensburg at the and butter," said senior guard
The Lakers again came out as
Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Justin Shouse who only need 24
the powerhouse in thefirsthalf
Mercyhust is currently ranked assists to climb into third and
leading the 30-23 at intermis-
No. 12 in the nation and has two 18 steals to climb into first
sion.
wrestlers ranked nationally indi- place.
\[ Junior guardJawad Ali had a
vidually. The Lakers continue play on
career best 20 points, 13 of
J ustin Mautz and Ben Mcav- their own home court Thurs-
which were in thefirsthalf and
inew are ranked third and fourth day, Jan. 15 against Northern
3frombehind the arc.
respectively. The Lakers defeated Superi- Michigan at 8 p.m., and Sat Jan.
The three wins improves the or State 54-46 and improved 17 against Michigan Tech at 3
Laker's record to 6-4. to 5-0 in the league. pm
Sophomore defenseman Danielle Lansing escapes with
the puck from a Providence opponent. Lansing was named
Mercyhurst Female Athlete of the Week. She recorded
two assists In Saturday's 3-2 victory against Providence.
On Sunday, Lansing was a +2 In a 2-2 tie with No. 8 ranked
New Hampshire. At the end of the weekend, Lansing fin-
ished +3. Play from players such as Lansing has boosted
the squad's national ranking to No. 7. ?
In addition, recently Coach Mike Sistl recorded his 100th
career win In the Laker's 3-2 win over Yale on Jan. 3 In
front of a home crowd at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.
rilo Photo
Coach Mike Slsti
 —-.

1
PAGE 12 THE MERCIAD J A NU A RY14,2004

SPORTS To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Men's hockey goes on weekend

By Ryan Palm
Contributing Writer

The Mercyhurst men's hock-

ey team was defeated in a non-
conference match-up by the
SaintsfromSt. Lawrence Uni-
versity by the score of 5-2.
The game was played on De-
cember 13 in front of 1,970 in
J
Canton, N.Y. p
What started off as a slow
game through thefirsttwo peri-
ods ended with a lot of excite-
ment, asfourgoals were scored
between the two teams in the fi-
nal period of play.
St. Lawrence drewfirstblood,
scoring just four minutes into
the game when freshman Drew
Bagnall put one past Mercyhurst
sophomore goaltender Andy
Franck.
Bagnall s goal would stand un-
til sophomore teammate T.J.
Trevelayan scored with eight
minutes into the second period
on freshman goaltenderJordan
Wakefield, who had replaced
Franck.
Things were not looking good
for the Hurst, until junior left
wing David Wrigley scored his
fifth goal of the season on a
power play just one tenth of a
second before the end of the
second period.
Wrigley's goal was assisted by
sophomores Preston Briggs and
Dave Borelli, giving the Lakers
new hope.
Just three minutes into the third
period Mercyhurst junior Rich
Hansen fed senior Peter Ryn-
shoven who put the puck in the Kate McAdams/PhotoEdlor

net past St. Lawrence goaltend-
er Kevin Ackley.
The goal tied the game at two,
and wouldremainthat way for
the next seven minutes.
v St. Lawrence junior wing Sta-
ce Page scored just his second
goal of the season, putting the
Saints up by the score of 3-2.
Senior forward Mike Carter fights for position on a Bentley defender. The men's hockey team won both games against Bentley this weekend.
It would prove to be the game omore Kyle Rank, who scored making 12 saves. ^ forth game,"remarkedWrigley With the loss the team now
winner, although St. Lawrence his second goal of the season. Wakefield played the rest of when asked about the game, drops to 6-6-1, and will get quite
would get two insurance goals in The Lakers were out-shot by the game, allowing three goals "They had two late goals in the a bit of time off for the holi- H
a span of two minutes, f a total of 46-24, including 15- and making 29 saves. third period that possibly days.
. Sophomore John Zetter tallied 10 in the important third and fi- The final St. Lawrence goal shouldn't have gone in. We had They resume action with a non-
his seventh goal of the season nal period. was scored on an empty net. a few chances that we didn't fin- conference game on Sunday
at 17:11, and was followed just Franck was in the goal for "We played well and had a lot ish and bounces did not go our Dec. 28, when they travel to Troy,
two minutes later by fellow soph- 13:44 and allowed one goal while of chances, it was a back and way." W: l l p r tir N.Y., to tangle with RPI. *f ;S

Gotkin becomes Men's volleyball wins first contest

winningest coach Experience shows as Lakers win match 3-1
By Patrick Martino By Matt Jackson
Sports Editor Contributing Writer

One of the highest compli- The Mercyhurst men's volley-

ments known in the sporting ball team opened its 2004 sea-
world is to be called success- son this past weekend in good
ful. | form as they downed Niagara
You can measure success in College >of Canada in four
respect, advancement, and un- games (22-30,30-14,30-18,30-
deniably in records. 24) in an exhibition match.
Men's hockey head coach
Coach Rick Gotkin * Niagara used the Laker's ag-
Rick Gotkin achieved success gressive play against them to
in all these aspects. fans "just making noise for come out on top in mefirstgame
1 Recently Gotkin became the you," can get a teamreadyto for their only victory of the
Mercyhurst all-time winningest play their best night i ' ;j|
coach breaking a tie with Coach Gotkin has accom- The Lakers kept their minds
former baseball coach Joe Jor- plished a great deal in his 16- focused and stuck to their game
dano. year tenure. to take the next three games to
Gotkin surpassed the previ- He has brought the team to win the match.
ous record in a 2-1 win over a Division-I standing. The Mercyhurst was led on the day
Bentley last Friday night in the team won three successive reg- by junior middle Austin Siewait
Mercyhurst Ice Center. ular season championship in as he compiled 11 kills and 10
The win on Jan. 9, was num- the Metro Atlantic Athletic Con- blocks.
ber 286 in his 16 year history ference (MACC). Sophomore outside hitterJus-
with the Mercyhurst hockey In addition, the team has tin Waas and senior middle TJ.
program. made an appearance nationally Wilson chipped in with nine kills
It is a great accomplishment in the NCAA tournament in apiece and sophomore setter
for any coach, yet Gotkin ac- two of the last three years. Dan Kick turned in 40 assists.
cepts the achievement with "There are many memories," Freshman libero Dennis Te-
great humility. said Gotkin talking about his laak had an impressive start to
He gives the credit to the peo-
time at Mercyhurst. his collegiate volleyball career by
ple who surround him. Yet he admits that his most setting a new single match record
"I work with very, very good exciting memories come from of 25 digs.
people, very talented players, the team'sfirstchance in the Mercyhurst also competed in
and I am blessed with some of NCAA tournament in 2001 their Alumni match this week-
the best assistant coaches. against the Michigan Wolver- end when they downed the alum-
It's a real collective effort to
ines. ni in four game (31-29, 30-25,
be in this situation." "It was a David and Goliath 26-30,30-25).
Gotkin also credits the sup- scenario," said Gotkin. "There's Ttie Lakers will begin their reg-
port of the college communi- little Mercyhurst pitted against ular season schedule on Satur-
big, scary Mi< liigan University." day, when they play Sacred
He feels that the fans at the Even with this achievement, Heart.; • * Kab© McAdama/Pfwto Edrtw
game are a huge part or get- Gotkin's goals remain the same. Junior Dave Schmidl continues to be a large part of the Laker offense.
The Lakers will attempt to
ting the playersfiredup. "We try to get better as a team improve on their 9-20 overall
Gotkin pointed out that the every clay," said Gotkin. record and 2 14 conference Nate Keegan, an all-Tournament pair of senior middles in TJ. perienced.
record of last year. Juniors Aus- team member in the Mercyhurst Wilson and Jim Ax. This is not the case this year
tin Siewait and Dave Schmidl will Invitational last season. The backcourt has the return as the core of the team is made
WAACE is currently searching for basketball return to lead the offense once Keegan will be out for a small of junior Bill VanCise who Up of upperclassmen. %•
radio announcers. No experience \s necessary. again this year with help from portion of the season however, broke Mercyhurst's single season The coaching staff will be
I f interested please contact Steve (x2890), or sophomore Justin Waas. due to an injury. record for digs last season. stressing starting off games
Bill Shannon (x2264) i Waas was the team leader in The defense appears to be in In past years the Lakers have strong and having good finishes
kills and aces last season, and good hands. It will be led by a been young and relatively inex- for each game.