www.theonlinerocket.com Friday, September 14, 2012

Sports B-1 Campus Life C-1

Photo blog gives rape victims a voice

Rock begins PSAC-West playagainst Gannon

Volume 96, Number 3

The Rocket Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper Est. 1934

New Dean introducedCollege of Education welcomes Dils

Marijuana harmful to teens' IQ, study shows

Marijuana use by teens with still-developing brains may drop their IQ by an average eight points according to a study conducted by Duke University researchers.

Th e study was conducted with 1,037 participants from Dunedin, New Zealand. Th e researchers tested the IQs of participants fi ve times from the ages of 13 to 38. Researchers compared their IQ scores at the ages of 13 and 38, and found a drop in IQ those who had regularly smoked pot by the age of 18.

Marijuana users deemed dependant on the drug lost an average of eight IQ points. Dependent means continual use of the substance even as social and physiological statuses deteriorate.

“While eight IQ points may not sound like a lot on a scale where 100 is the mean, a loss from an IQ of 100 to 92 represents a drop from being in the 50th percentile to being in the 29th,” according to Madeline Meier, Duke University post-doctoral researcher. "Somebody who loses eight IQ points as an adolescent may be disadvantaged compared to their same-age peers for years to come."

Earlier research has provided information that THC from marijuana has effects on the receptors of the brain causing short-term memory problems, poor motor skills, and a loss of coordination. Th is research coincides with interviews of family members of the Dunedin study.

“Marijuana impacts every individual in a diff erent way,” said Chris Cubero, SRU counselor and assistant professor. “Th is is believed to be based on how many receptor sites are in the brain.”

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s website, marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States.

A Partnership Attitude Tracking (PAT) study reports that heavy marijuana is up 80 percent since 2008. Heavy use was defi ned by smoking marijuana at least 20 times in the last 30 days.

Th e PAT study also showed that 51 percent of teenagers think regular marijuana use is a risky behavior. Th is is down from 61 percent from 2005 data.

Th is is the fi rst study to look into brain functions before marijuana use. More studies will have to be performed to fi nd conclusive evidence of long-term adverse eff ects on the brain from marijuana use.

With growing trends of teenagers having a positive attitude towards marijuana use, there is a need for new research. Marijuana doesn’t only aff ect the brain, but it can also aff ect lungs and sexual processes.

“What we do know is correct is, you’re burning a substance and smoke is entering your lungs and that’s where major damage can occur,” said Cubero.

“Th e new fi ndings aren't defi nitive, but they underscore the importance of studying how marijuana may harm young people,” Ken Winters, a psychiatry professor at the University of Minnesota and senior scientist at the Treatment Research Institute said.

Ralphie May returns to the Rock

Ralphie May performs before a crowd of 500 people at the new Student Center Monday Night. The event was put together by the University Program Board. See Campus Life, page C-1, for full story.

Music Therapy Program opens clinic in Swope

By Jason RobinsonRocket Contributor

A new music therapy clinic opened at SRU for the Music Th erapy Program for current students to work with community members who have special needs.

On September 27, the clinic will offi cially be named the Sue Shuttleworth Music Th erapy Clinic, in honor of the retired assistant professor and founder of the Music Th erapy Program at Slippery Rock University.

Susan Hadley, director of the Music Th erapy Program and a board certifi ed music therapist, stated that the clinic would give students a hands-on experience right here on campus. All music therapy students must complete 200 pre-internship clinical hours as part of their degree requirements.

Students are able to work with music therapists working in facilities in the surrounding areas, but time constraints and distance necessary to travel sometimes can make this diffi cult. Now they will also have the chance to complete many of their pre-internship hours on campus.

“It is a win-win situation,” Hadley said. “Th e students get hands on experience under our close supervision, and people in the area have the opportunity to engage in music therapy.”

"Th e Music Th erapy Program is one of our

By Harmony KasperRocket Contributor

Slippery Rock University has recently been named one of the nation’s 286 most Green Colleges, according to the Princeton Review.

Th e colleges on the list must show an above average commitment to sustainability, and very few are recognized nationally for their eff orts.

SRU has also earned silver STARS status from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. AASHE developed STARS, which stands for Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System.

STARS is a self-reporting framework that higher education institutions can utilize to assess their sustainability performance.

Currently, SRU’s ranking is 49.81, which is considered Silver status. Th is is a 5.48 point increase from SRU’s previous Bronze status.

213 colleges and universities throughout the United States participated in this year’s STARS. One hundred institutions received the Silver ranking, and 37 received Gold.

Criteria for the STARS rankings include curriculum, operations, buildings, energy consumption, purchasing, transportation and dining services. Th e ranking system factors in more than one hundred criterion.

Part of the increased STARS ranking at SRU relates to President Cheryl J. Norton’s approved Climate Action Plan, which lays out the procedures for reducing greenhouse gases and achieving climate neutrality in 25 years or less.

By Catie ClarkAssistant News Editor

Dr. Keith Dils, the new Dean of the College of Education, was 12 years old when his mother died from aplastic anemia, a disease where bone marrow stops making blood cells.

“You know?” Dils said. “We have such a short period of time on this earth.”

Dils said that the doctors did a lot of experimentation with medication on his mother, Helen Dils.

“She was a fi ghter,” Dils said. “She gave all she had.”

Dils was the oldest son and helped the family.

He fathered his siblings and was a leader who was relied upon. Despite the time of mourning, Dils never missed a day of school during that time.

Throughout Dils’s childhood, his father, Arthur, raised all three children. Because of this, Dils and his siblings grew closer to their father. Dils’ father is an attorney and wasn’t at home sometimes. Dils would let him know if there was an emergency. Dils’ father would help him fi nd a balance between football and education.

“We were just tight, and I’m interested in what he is doing,” Dils said. “I’m extremely proud of

By Erica KurvachRocket Staff Reporter

SEE NEW, PAGE A-2SEE SRU, PAGE A-2 SEE RECEPTION, PAGE A-3

SRU 'green' ranking rises

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKET

SRU Men's Basketball TryoutsAll interested full-time students must report to the Men's Bas-ketball Office located in 130 Morrow Fieldhouse. Interested athletes should bring proof of insurance, a NCAA Division Tryout form, Sickle Cell Trait Testing Results or SRU Sickle Cell Trait Testing Waiver Form. Athletes should also have had a physical within the last six months.

Third Annual ROCKtober OpenSaturday, October 13, 2012 at Tam O'Shanter Golf Course in Hermitage, Pa. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., Shotgun start at 10 a.m.. The cost is $65 for SRU students and $75 for non-students. The open benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the SRU Sport Management Scholarship Fund. Fees include 18 holes with cart, dinner and prizes. See www.rockalumnicafe.com/rocktober2012 for more information.

.

ROCKNOTES

Index

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NewsA-2 September 14, 2012

contact us

AboveNormal

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BelowNormal

AboveNormal

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7-DAY FORECAST FOR SLIPPERY ROCK

MOON PHASES

REAL FEAL TEMPERATURE® UV INDEX IN THE SKY

CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W

CITY HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W HI LO W

Sun Rise Set

Moon Rise Set

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index™ number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. 0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme.

NATIONAL FORECAST FOR THE WEEKTEMPERATURES PRECIPITATION

REGIONAL CITIES

NATIONAL CITIES

Akron 76 49 c 71 49 pc 73 55 s 73 57 pc 68 47 t 61 48 pc 67 46 pcAllentown 82 58 pc 76 51 s 74 53 s 74 57 pc 75 58 t 73 49 s 74 51 pcAltoona 77 51 c 72 47 s 72 51 s 67 56 sh 68 50 c 68 50 pc 66 46 sCleveland 70 53 c 70 49 pc 73 54 s 75 57 pc 67 50 t 63 52 pc 67 49 pcErie 70 56 c 69 50 pc 72 58 s 74 62 pc 69 54 t 61 52 pc 67 47 rHarrisburg 82 57 pc 76 49 s 75 57 s 71 60 sh 73 55 c 72 51 s 73 52 sIndiana 76 49 c 71 46 s 72 54 s 69 56 sh 71 47 t 61 49 pc 70 52 sJohnstown 74 49 c 67 45 s 68 53 s 62 54 sh 70 43 c 58 46 pc 63 46 sPhiladelphia 83 64 pc 78 59 s 77 62 s 75 63 pc 77 63 t 76 62 s 76 56 sPittsburgh 76 52 c 72 50 s 73 56 s 72 56 sh 70 50 t 65 49 pc 67 46 sScranton 76 52 pc 72 46 s 72 50 s 70 59 pc 73 58 c 68 46 pc 69 45 sState College 78 50 t 70 46 s 73 53 s 67 54 sh 70 51 c 65 48 pc 68 47 sWheeling 74 50 c 74 49 s 75 57 s 69 58 sh 70 43 t 62 49 pc 67 49 sWilliamsport 78 52 t 74 45 pc 73 51 s 69 55 pc 74 53 c 70 47 pc 70 46 sYoungstown 72 48 c 70 46 pc 72 52 s 70 57 pc 66 47 t 64 46 pc 68 47 c

Friday 7:00 a.m. 7:31 p.m.Saturday 7:01 a.m. 7:29 p.m.Sunday 7:02 a.m. 7:27 p.m.Monday 7:03 a.m. 7:25 p.m.Tuesday 7:04 a.m. 7:24 p.m.Wednesday 7:05 a.m. 7:22 p.m.Thursday 7:06 a.m. 7:20 p.m.

Friday 5:22 a.m. 6:25 p.m.Saturday 6:30 a.m. 6:57 p.m.Sunday 7:40 a.m. 7:29 p.m.Monday 8:51 a.m. 8:04 p.m.Tuesday 10:04 a.m. 8:43 p.m.Wednesday 11:16 a.m. 9:27 p.m.Thursday 12:26 p.m. 10:18 p.m.

Atlanta 82 64 pc 86 66 pc 85 66 pc 76 64 t 81 57 c 78 58 s 78 60 sBoston 78 64 s 75 52 pc 71 51 s 72 60 s 72 64 sh 75 57 pc 70 50 Chicago 74 52 s 75 54 s 76 56 s 77 52 t 64 48 c 66 50 pc 70 42 pCincinnati 76 52 c 76 55 pc 76 55 pc 78 59 pc 65 45 c 68 52 s 74 49 pDallas 79 66 t 77 64 t 82 67 pc 88 66 pc 84 68 c 87 71 s 90 67 Denver 79 49 s 86 53 s 84 46 pc 66 46 pc 80 53 s 80 48 pc 75 49 pDetroit 70 50 pc 74 50 s 75 52 s 75 56 pc 65 46 c 64 50 pc 69 46 Houston 88 71 t 88 68 t 87 68 t 91 69 pc 90 68 pc 88 74 s 90 68 Indianapolis 72 49 pc 75 55 pc 75 54 s 76 56 pc 67 46 c 67 51 s 70 51 sKansas City 76 53 pc 78 56 s 79 63 s 79 51 pc 76 49 pc 75 57 pc 76 54 pLos Angeles 96 70 s 95 70 s 88 64 s 86 63 s 87 63 pc 85 64 pc 83 67 Miami 88 79 t 90 78 t 88 78 pc 89 78 pc 90 77 pc 90 77 pc 89 78 Nashville 84 60 pc 81 60 pc 76 61 pc 80 60 pc 72 48 c 74 51 s 80 55 New Orleans 88 73 pc 87 72 t 85 72 t 86 72 pc 87 69 pc 84 69 t 85 70 pNew York City 80 63 pc 75 58 pc 75 58 s 74 63 pc 74 62 t 75 62 s 74 57 Orlando 89 72 t 89 72 t 91 71 pc 89 72 t 87 73 t 89 71 t 90 70 Phoenix 97 77 s 97 77 s 99 76 s 99 76 pc 100 79 s 100 81 s 103 79 San Francisco 72 53 pc 74 53 pc 71 53 pc 69 53 s 67 54 s 70 53 s 70 57 pSeattle 77 54 s 74 50 pc 75 53 s 77 54 s 77 53 s 75 52 s 71 57 Washington, DC 84 64 pc 80 60 s 79 64 pc 75 66 sh 78 60 c 75 57 s 79 58

New First

9/15 9/22

Full Last

9/29 10/8

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2012

National Summary: For the start of the weekend, showers and thunderstorms will continue across Texas, the Gulf Coast and Florida. A cold front along eastern New England and the Virginia Atlantic coast will stretch back to Texas as it continues moving eastward through the weekend. For Sunday and Monday, showers will become more numerous in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic. The remainder of the country will be dry and mostly sunny Saturday, but a cold front moving across the northern Rockies will increase cloudiness Saturday night, and then bring showers and thunderstorms to the northern Plains Sunday evening. Thfront is then expected to continue eastward, reaching the Midwest early Monday.

Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu.

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursda

FRIDAY

A thunderstorm in spots

74° 48°

SATURDAY

Partly sunny and pleasant

71° 45°

SUNDAY

Mostly sunny

72° 52°

MONDAY

A couple of showers possible

67° 56°

WEDNESDAY

Partial sunshine

59° 45°

TUESDAY

Thunderstorms possible

69° 47°

THURSDAY

Partial sunshine

68° 44°

SGA shoots down AGS funding

SRU green initiatives recognized nationallyAccording to Jim Henry, Vice President of Student Aff airs in

SRU’s Student Government Association, SRU will be a carbon neutral campus by the year 2037.

“Becoming carbon neutral means that we, as a university, will reduce our carbon emissions to a very low number by using carbon off sets or alternatives,” Henry said.

Henry, who is involved in the student-led Green Fund initiative, is helping work on projects around campus to aid in sustainability eff orts.

“Th e Green Fund is a great source of funding that we receive twice a year, and I am glad students take advantage of it,” Henry said.

Last year Henry wrote two grants, one of which was accepted and is being worked on with its completion date of Fall 2012.

“This project was part ‘campus beautification’ and part sustainability,” Henry said. “Basically, we are replacing a lot of the red wooden benches that are falling apart on campus with 100 percent recycled material as the lumber. Th is will add a clean new look to the benches, as well as continue our eff orts as a more sustainable campus.”

Henry also wrote a second grant for the Green Fund, which will be resubmitted this year.

“It is for solar lights on the main path in the quad that passes through ‘the rock’ area,” Henry said. “Th is path is dimly lit around the rock, and a great alternative is using solar power. I believe that if the campus starts to utilize wind and solar energy we can make innumerable strides towards being a front-runner in our green initiative.”

Other initiatives on campus include the construction of a bag house on SRU’s coal-fi red boiler plant, which is a form of pollution control that reduces coal emissions, particulates, and greenhouse gases.

All new residence halls at Slippery Rock are certifi ed in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which includes motion-detector lights in buildings and sleep-mode settings for computers.

Many students have taken the SRU Energy Pledge; otherwise known as “Small Steps. Big Payoff ,” which asks students to reduce consumption by changing small everyday activities, such as unplugging appliances and phone chargers when they are not in use, walking to campus instead of driving and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

SRU’s dining centers also participate in “Trayless Tuesday” to cut down on energy usage.

main degree programs here at Slippery Rock University,” Hadley explained. ”Th e student learns ways of working with people with disabilities through engaging in musical experiences. We help our clients meet their non-musical goals in a way that they will truly enjoy.”

Th e new music therapy clinic is equipped with new technology. Some of that technology includes an omnidirectional condenser microphone and a video camera to record the MT sessions straight onto an iMac computer in the adjoining room behind a one-way mirror.

Th e fi nished product, located inside the Swope Music Building, is taking the place of two previous classrooms. Room 103 is now both a state-of-the-art classroom space and music therapy studio for the students to enjoy, while room 102 is an observation room that houses the iMac computer.

"Parents, observers, and other therapists can watch patients without causing any distraction,” Hadley said. “Th e microphone in room 103 allows people to not only observe the therapy, but to also hear it as well."

A few additional add-ons to the clinic include a white noise maker located outside the room to keep it more private for the people working inside the clinic. Th e inclusion of incandescent lighting allows a more relaxing atmosphere and is important for clients who have sensitivity to lighting.

Funding for the clinic came from the Provost’s Offi ce and was recommended by the national accrediting agency, the National Association of Schools of Music.

"I am very excited to see this being used by our students," Hadley said. "Not many universities in the United States have there own on-site clinic, so the fact that Slippery Rock was fortunate enough to create one is truly amazing."

Th e Slippery Rock Student Government Association (SGA) failed a motion Monday that would have given 3.75 percent of graduate funds currently governed by SGA to the Association of Graduate Students.

Because AGS is not recognized by SGA, they would have been breaking policy by giving funds to AGS.

According to Michael McCarter, Speaker of the Senate, the motion would have meant treating AGS differently than any other organization on campus.

“If this were to pass, we would be giving AGS a special preference,” McCarter said.

Th e main reason the motion was shot down was because of a lack of information and research.

Brad Kovaleski, SGA Advisor, clarifi ed some points for the senate.

“The motion isn’t creating a riff or separation,” Kovaleski said, “It’s just a band-aid for this year until the idea of an AGS can be further explored.”

Kovaleski explained that AGS is just a population of students who wants their

own governing body, and they are seeking an opportunity to show what they can do with a budget.

Vice President of Financial Aff airs Ben Motyl is presiding over the committee that is exploring the possibility of the separation of AGS from SGA.

Th e 3.75 percent of graduate students funds, which comes from a student service fee that every student pays (with the exception of certain online students), would have amounted to around $5,700, according to Senator Rogers Clements.

While most senators agreed that the number was relatively small compared to the nearly $150,000 that comes from graduate student fees, the Senate still believed that more research needed to be done before considering giving AGS any money.

“Discussion is moot until we discuss in the AGS committee and in informal senate,” Senator Anthony Plumberg said.

An additional motion that was discussed, and later tabled, at the Monday evening SGA meeting was the implementation of a club and organization event review form.

According to Vice President of Student

Aff airs Jim Henry, every organization would have to fi ll out a form when asking for money specifi cally for an event.

“Th e form gives us a good way to look at past events, and see how groups are changing,” Henry said. “Th e form needs some work and is currently in its rough draft stage, but eventually it will be benefi cial to SGA and to organizations alike.”

Th e Vice President of Internal Aff airs Kelly Moore also announced the way homecoming court will be processed this year.

According to Moore, a candidate must either be represented by an organization (with a maximum of two candidates per organization) or they must collect a certain amount of signatures on a petition.

“As long as the candidates meet the GPA requirements, they will be included on the ballot,” Moore said. “Th e entire campus will vote on every person.”

Moore said that the homecoming court will be announced at the pep rally on the Friday night of homecoming weekend, and the winner will be announced the next day during the football game.

New clinic offers new features, technologies

By Catie ClarkAssistant News Editor

Continued from Page A-1

Continued from Page A-1

Campus

Sept. 6 – There was a report of the smoking hut emitting smoke at Carruth Rizza Hall. An officer extinguished the fire.

Sept. 7 – There was a report of an alcohol violation and a welfare check at Building E. The individual was transported by ambulance to Grove City Medical Center. No further action was taken.

Sept. 9 – Michael Stein, 18, and Robert Tuttle, 18, were cited for underage consumption of alcohol after a report of an alcohol violation on Kiester Road.

Sept. 9 – There was a report of criminal mischief at the East Lake Parking Lot. Vehicles were broken into. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 9 – There was a report of theft at the Aebersold Recreation Center. An iPod was stolen. The case is under investigation.

Sept. 9 – Brandon Barrow, 21, was cited with theft and receiving stolen property after an officer observed monetary theft at the Student Center.

Sept. 10 – An officer responded to a report of a stolen sign from Harmony Road at the Aebersold Recreation Center. The report is under investigation.

Sept. 10 – An officer responded to a report of a disturbance on the second floor of North Hall. A non-student was escorted from the building.

Sept. 10 – An officer responded to a report of a stolen item at Spotts World Culture Building. The item was returned back to the owner.

Sept. 10 – An officer responded to a report of a sick animal at North Hall. The animal had to be put down and disposed of.

Sept. 10 – An ambulance was dispatched to Morrow Field House after a report of a female athlete was having difficulty breathing. The female was transported to Grove City Medical Center.

Sept. 11 – An officer was hit by a vehicle while directing traffic on Route 173. The officer’s hand and arm were hit. The officer refused medical treatment.

Sept. 11 – There was a medical call for an individual feeling faint at Building E. An ambulance transported the individual to Grove City Medical Center.

Sept. 12 – An individual fell coming out of the McKay Education Building. An ambulance transported individual to the Grove City Medical Center.

Sept. 12 – There was a report of a mulch fire at Vincent Science Center. The caller put the fire out, and officer notified safety.

Sept. 13 – There was a welfare check on an individual at North Hall. An officer made physical contact with the individual, who indicated that they were fine. No further action was taken.

NewsSeptember 14, 2012 A-3

Police Blotter

Compiled by Catie Clark

Reception formally welcomes new Dean

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him. He was always working toward this goal of becoming a good teacher.”

Academic Aff airs hosted a reception on Th ursday to formally welcome Keith Dils in the Pennsylvania Room in North Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Professionals met and greeted Dils while helping themselves to the food and refreshments.

“Th e most infl uential person in my life is my father,” Dils said. “He’s taught me to live by my actions and to love my friends and to love my career.”

Dils’ father didn’t remarry until all of them were grown-ups. He never retired, and is an attorney at 77 years old. Dils’ brother, Glen Dils, also worked hard, and his sister, Amy Shomper, became a nurse in Harrisburg.

Dils’ working experience revolved around the Pa. area. He taught eighth grade civics and Pa. history in Wellsboro. He was the head football coach.

Th en, he taught at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. He was a teacher of education, chair of department, accreditation coordinator and head of the division.

“While I love teaching, I felt a calling to education because of the tasks,” Dils said. “I felt an accomplishment where I can work to grow and strive for excellence.”

Dils was IUP’s associate dean for over three years. Th en, he was asked to be the interim dean. Dils had several job off ers at the time. He thought the dean at the time would be a good mentor for him.

Susan Hannam, the former Dean of Health, Environment, and Science, led the search committee.

Dils is married and has three children.

“For the fi ve of us, we saw that it was a package deal to live in Butler County,” Dils said. “Th e community was sound. People are warm and welcoming here.”

Heather Dils started working for the Pittsburgh Parent Magazine.“I’ve always been supportive of him,” She said. “I’ve been through

the years with him working at diff erent jobs. I’ve told him that I’ll move wherever he works.”

She stayed at home and raised their three children. “He’s been there for them too,” She said. “I’m there so he can pursue

his interests.”Dils had several options to go somewhere else. “Aft er two months, I can see that people are hard-working and

there’s a tight community,” Dils said. “It’s very student-centered.”So far, Dils met about 50 percent of the faculty. Th ey are invited

to come and meet him. It helps him to fi gure out where the school is and how they are driven by accreditation.

In the making, NCATE accreditation offi cials are planning to require students and teachers to use Taskstream, which is an online service where students can demonstrate how they’ve met the standards. Faculty gives feedback, and students can take surveys. Dils said that eventually all teacher candidates need to demonstrate their performance. Aft er students graduate, employers will ask what classes students took. Th e survey will ask teachers how they’ve impacted the students. Students can showcase this to employers. Dils said that overall, this system is to maintain quality education.

“Having faith and being spiritual can help you through events,” Dils said. “I’ve been through mourning, healing and then moved on. By looking at all of what the people are going through, you develop empathy and an understanding so you can understand where people are coming from.

Continued from Page A-1

OPINION A-4The Rocket

The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The first copy of The Rocket is provided free of charge. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents each.

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Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 738-2643 or by e-mailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.

Volume 96, Number 3

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The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication. The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any. Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board. “Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

Editorial Policy

Letters Policy

Jon Janasik News Editor

Our View

Erica Kurvach News Reporter

September 14, 2012

In the QuadIn the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff

are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

Matt HuttonSophomore geology major

Hometown: Washington, Pa.

Nathaniel HelfferichJunior exercise science

majorHometown: Latrobe, Pa.

Heather ZibratJunior geology major

Hometown: Carlisle, Pa.

“Yes, it’s not for the users, but it’s the money that the government can get from harnessing a non-dangerous controlled substance that is marijuana.”

“I don’t think we should because a lot of people say it’s not as bad for you as cigarettes, but I think it’s a distraction for kids. It can be a gateway drug.”

“I’d say yes because it’s not my place or anyone else’s to tell people what they should or should not do as long as they don’t hurt anyone else in the process”

This week’s question: Should marijuana be legalized in the United States?

GRAPHIC BY EMILY SCHUBERT

Legalization of pot seems fair, when compared to alcoholThe debate over whether

or not marijuana should be legal has been going on for decades.

While the issue may not always be taken as seriously as other controversial debates in the news, it is an important debate that would have a large impact on our society. Should the mind-altering drug be legalized in our country?

Well, when it is compared to another mind-altering drug, advocates for legalization often have a surprisingly strong case.

The legal drug used for comparison is, of course, alcohol.

Alcohol is a very popular mind-altering substance proudly imbedded into

American culture. Yet, when compared to marijuana, alcohol seems to be the more dangerous of the pair.

Death from alcohol poisoning can hit a person quickly, whereas it’s not even known if THC, the mind-altering chemical in marijuana, can even cause a fatal overdose.

Beyond that, recent statistics show that over one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the country are caused by alcohol. The same percentage holds true in the cases of homicide and assault.

Even ignoring fatalities from drunk driving and homicide, there are nearly 25,000 additional deaths per year in the country caused

by alcohol, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Total deaths reportedly caused by the use of marijuana? None.

And it’s not because the drug is illegal. It seems U.S. laws on marijuana are about as effective at preventing use of the substance as the country’s prohibition laws were on alcohol in the twenties.

According to a Time Magazine piece, 42 percent of Americans have experimented with pot. That is twice the percentage as in the Netherlands, where the drug is legal.

As for long-term effects, alcohol again seems to be the more harmful of the two.

According to the DSM-IV, the widely used psychological classification of mental disorders, long term effects of alcohol include a wide range of illnesses affecting most organs in the body, including liver cirrhosis and memory impairment.

Marijuana is known to affect the lungs, but a 20 year study completed earlier this year by the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that pot doesn’t harm the lungs nearly as badly as tobacco.

Going beyond the comparison to alcohol, the legalization of marijuana could bring some positives.

The government could

throw heavy taxes on it, like it does cigarettes and alcohol.

It would also ease up an already overrun prison population of a country with more inmates than any other in the world.

We h ave n’t e ve n mentioned the medical purposes accompanying the drug.

While strict laws and regulations would have to go hand-in-hand with the legalization of marijuana, it seems that people in this country have just as much a right to harm themselves smoking weed as they do drinking alcohol.

Because it seems far less likely they will be harming others in the process.

Karleigh Santry Advertising Manager

Do you ever feel like there’s not enough time to think?

As if 24 hours is an insufficient amount of time to accomplish daily goals?

Well, it could be your work schedule that’s bringing you down.

It is a common problem among college students at the start of every semester to feel overwhelmed, rushed, and fatigued.

The assignments pile up and we fly through our homework just so we can grab a bite to eat.

But if we don’t have time to stop and think, then how are we supposed to truly absorb what we’ve learned?

When I was in Microeconomics a few semesters ago, my professor drew a pie chart on the board that represented the hours in a day.

Then, the circle was split into three equal parts.

The reason for this was to illustrate that we should spend eight hours sleeping, and about eight hours going to school and studying.

That leaves another entire eight hours of free time!

Impossible, I know. After calculating in the time we spend in clubs/organizations, working, getting ready for class, and going to the gym, we have zero time left for ourselves.

So what is the best way to approach this situation?

Well, in my opinion, the last thing you should do is quit going to the gym.

Exercising regularly is one of the best

ways to keep your sanity, especially in college.

And you certainly do not want to stop participating in extra-curricular activities.

Besides, professors are constantly informing us that we must be well rounded to get ahead.

We also can’t stop getting ready for class, although maybe picking out clothes the night before would save a little time. But in the end, hygiene comes first.

So it appears that working is the only option left.

It’s a necessary evil to work while in college. We work to pay for tuition, buy food, pay bills, and put gas in the car.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have these things handed to him or her.

However, one must realize that college is a full-time job itself.

If you work over 20 hours a week, it’s almost impossible to find the time to study, work out, and get involved.

It’s also pertinent to point out that we are in college to get a job in the future.

If we don’t have time to bask in the learning experience, then it’s probable that we’ll forget most things we learn.

My point is that students should not be over-working themselves.

It’s highly likely that their grades will slip, or they’ll have to give up having a social life.

And neither of these will prepare them for the future. Besides, who wants to work now when that’s what we’ll be doing the rest of our lives?

So take it upon yourself to cut back on your work hours and add more time to think.

Even if that means sitting in the middle of the quad while watching people run around shooting nerfs at each other.

I promise, if you find a way to set aside free time, your life will have a much more positive outlook.

I have been away from the campus environment for a little over a year now.

It is funny how fast you forget about the environment around you, when you move to the “big kid” world. I was a huge advocate for feminism and activism in undergrad.

After graduation though, I worked for various jobs where, at all of them, I was afraid to show my feminist or activist side.

People around me seemed to be concerned with the work in front of them, instead of the work that needed to be done around them.

When I decided to come back to school, I was so excited because I would be in a campus environment again where things mattered to people.

Where people would be excited to go to speakers and events and actually have a passion to solve the problems of the world.

This is why I am writing to you today. I was asked to write an article about feminist issues in today’s society.

Though, there are plenty to choose from, one today, is really sticking out to me. Chris Brown.

I am not sure why, but I know some of you like Chris Brown.

I suppose I can see that his music appeals to some people, and he is an icon for his body.

But, what I don’t understand is how easily people forget.

Or how easily people can just separate who people are and what they do. I cannot bring myself to like or listen to

someone that is a perpetrator. While walking on campus today I

heard people listening to his music. It has a beat. It might make you want

to dance. But don’t forget the deeds of the man who made that music.

Has everyone forgotten that he sexually and physically abused a woman, if not many women?

Well, if you did, he has reminded everyone this week.

He got a tattoo on the side of his neck, of what appears to be a battered woman’s face. It’s almost like he is proud of it.

For the victim blamers out there, who blamed Rihanna for the abuse and for those of you who said she must have deserved it or wanted it?

Look at Chris Brown’s neck. The only person you should be blaming in any abuse case is the abuser.

We have the opportunity not only to live in a country where human rights exist, but we are privileged enough to work or study on a university campus where we are allowed to voice our own opinions.

We should defend that right by standing up for not only civil rights, but human rights.

We have to remember that when we in anyway praise a perpetrator, we are revictimizing the survivor.

We should not be a bystander, but a leader in the battle to end violence.

If abuse is an issue that you feel strongly about or if you have been or are a victim of abuse, there are services and organizations on this campus that can help you.

Visit the Women’s Center or any student support center to get involved in programs, clubs or events that pertain to this topic.

Opinion A-5September 14, 2012

Dare and ShareNicole Crevar

Nicole Crevar is a junior journalism major with a minor in Spanish from Mercer, Pa.

Finding free time in a busy college schedule is beneficial to students

FMLACarly Masiroff

Carly Masiroff is a graduate student studying student affairs from Erie, Pa. Carly is working as a GA for the Women’s Center, and is also a member of FMLA.

Chris Brown’s new neck tattoo is both disgraceful and offensive

It seems that every time you open up your computer or watch your television, there’s always something to read, view, and learn.

Even on the most mundane of days, something is going on somewhere.

More and more, it seems these happenings are surrounded by or involve violence.

Be it somebody tragically shot and killed, a wreck of massive proportions on a freeway, or a simple tiff: there’s aggression and tension everywhere we turn.

Now our enter tainment seems to be following this trend, subjecting us to violent content at every turn.

We’ll start with movies. Next to drawings/paintings and literature, movies were the first art medium to display violence and face the short-lived backlash for doing so.

One of the very first movies revealed to the public involved an outlaw with a revolver shooting straight at the camera. Furthermore, that audience was so taken aback by this they actually ducked and flinched, expecting to be hit by the stray bullet.

Could you imagine this now? Of course not, as we have been desensitized to violence and more of what the art medium can do.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li; what do all of these men have in common, besides staring in The Expendables?

They are all action movie stars that have been killing, saving, and causing explosions for years in their films.

The Expendables is a perfect example of the violence trend. Sure, there’s a plot to the movie. Despite this, do you really think

the majority of the audience is really concerned? I mean, what did we hear about first: the abundance of action stars, or the “intricate and unbelievable” plot?

Next, we’ll go to music. Just with movies, not every single form of music has violence surging through its identity.

The two genres that have taken the major hits are metal and rap.

I like both of these genres, but do notice a rather sharp increase in the violent content.

Rap didn’t start out the way it is now.

The Sugarhill Gang was rapping about eating crappy food at a friend’s place, and Grandmaster Flash was telling us about the disparities and social injustices involved with tough city life.

Now we just hear about how many people a rapper can kill, how many beefs he can start, how many women he can get with, how many drugs he can do, etc.

Metal doesn’t seems to follow the pattern of gloating.

Instead, it just relates stories

of violence or dispels desires to hurt or injure.

Subject matter is heavy, people are angry, and the solution is usually some sort of violent act.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not condemning any subject matter of art, nor am I discrediting any artistic forms of expression.

It just seems like violence is being relied upon to the point where conveying something grave or serious is impossible without it.

Now onto the perceived main culprit: video games.

Death Race did it back on the Atari 2600, and years afterward Grand Theft Auto III did it on the PlayStation 2.

Both games showed violence in different capacities that could be controlled and extracted by the player.

Now that those controversies are over, nobody seems to care anymore. The Call of Duty series, one of the most played series out now, centers around killing people.

Even Teen rated games, ones that thirteen-year-olds are expected to play, center around

the main character dishing out some sort of physical punishment.

O n c e a g a i n , I ’m n o t condemning any form of entertainment. Virtual violence has always been in place, it just seems to me not as prevalent as it is now.

Some people say that America is a culture of violence. While I would say that is a little too black and white, I do believe that there is some truth to that.

While sex in the media (especially movies and video games) is a bit more of a sensitive subject, violence is A-okay to show in the goriest and most revealing way possible.

The sad part is that it’s too late to reverse this cycle. We have been desensitized too much to be able to go back to the days of the restrained.

Whatever speed it’s currently at, the violence dominating our culture is increasing.

Michael Santoro is a senior public relations major from Pittsburgh, Pa. and a regular contributor for the Rocket.

Observation StationMichael Santoro

Violence continues to increase in our entertainment and culture

A-6 September 14, 2012

COMICSSeptember 14, 2012

Blundergrads Blundergrads By Phil FlickingerBy Phil Flickinger

SudokuSudoku By Michael MephamBy Michael Mepham

Solution

The Rocket

By Nancy BlackTribune Media

Services(MCT)

To day 's Bir thday (09/14/12). Your family and friends stand for and with you. Your creativity and influence at work continues to grow this year. An exciting prospect develops before year's end. Autumn could provoke an educational inquiry. Plan first and get into action.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- There's way too much work, especially for the next two days. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, but is it as fun? Take time to acknowledge both successes and failures, and learn from them all.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Do what you can to help the others stay relaxed and calm. If it's any help to know, you're especially cute tnow, and romance goes well. Avoid the flimsy. Accept a sweet, solid deal.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)-- Today is a 9 -- Complete the work first, and play later.

Stick close to home for a couple of days. Kindly ask for help with a household project. Make an important connection.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)-- Today is an 8 -- Entering a few days of learning. You're especially good with words right now. There's more money coming your way -- if you'll work for it. Communication provides a key.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- The next phase is good for making deals, even in the face of some resistance. Competition provides the motivation. But do it for love, not money. Passion engulfs you.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)-- Today is a 9 -- You're on top of the world, looking down on opportunity. Don't let your head swell, and watch out for conflicting orders and hidden agendas. Fix up the place.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Finish up projects you've been avoiding today and tomorrow. Don't get sidetracked. Find assistance from a great coach, as needed, and move up one level.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Your

friends are grateful for your contributions and are ready to add their grain of sand. Exert yourself. Receive accolades for good service. A touch of glitter might be just the thing.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Take a few days to firm up career details. Be clear on what your objectives are. It's time to leave misconceptions behind. Reconfirm what you heard to avoid misunderstandings.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Start planning a vacation, or just go for it more spontaneously. It doesn't have to cost an arm or a leg. Let your heart lead you. Be grateful for what you have. Enjoy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Your theory gets challenged. Don't resist it, but learn from the experience. Others may know better after all. Stay out of your own way. Changes call for budget revisions.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Consult a good strategist or friend. Use your experience to soothe ragged nerves. You solve another impossible problem. Accept a nice bonus.

HoroscopesHoroscopes

A-7Life in HellLife in Hell By Matt GroeningBy Matt Groening

That Monkey Tune That Monkey Tune By Michael A. KandalaftiBy Michael A. Kandalafti

Welcome to Falling Rock National Park Welcome to Falling Rock National Park By Josh ShalekBy Josh Shalek

MoreOn TVMoreOn TV By Jay Schiller and Greg CravensBy Jay Schiller and Greg Cravens

A-8 September 14, 2012

By Nikolas Horniacek

Rocket Contributor

The Sl ipper y Rock University women’s soccer team moved up to fifth place in the National Soccer Coaches Association of A m e r i c a / C o n t i n e n t a l Tire Division II rankings aft er a 3-0 victory over the University of Charleston last Saturday.

The Green and White improved to 3-0-0 (1-0-0 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play) on the season, outscoring their opponents 9-0.

Sophomore forward Lucy Hannon picked up points on every goal of the night, scoring once and getting two assists. Sophomore forward Alexandra Brosky and senior midfielder Shelby Ward each tallied a goal, and junior defender. Lauren Impey picked up an assist.

Th e Rock came out guns

blazing, tallying a goal in the third minute from Brosky off the assist from Hannon.

Hannon added another goal in the 18th minute, coming off a free kick from Impey.

Sl ipper y Rock held Charleston without one shot in the fi rst half, getting out to a 2-0 lead.

Th e Rock used the second half to test the depth of their roster, allowing many players to pick up minutes of playing time.

SRU added the put-away goal in the 84th minute from Ward, her fi rst of the season, burying it into the far post off a long ball from Hannon.

Dana O’Neill recorded her third shutout of the season, stopping all fi ve shots she faced.

Megan Bauman received the loss in goal for Charleston and left the game aft er 45 minutes, having let in two goals on three shots.

Courtney Budd finished the game in net for

Charleston, letting in one goal and recording one save.

Slippery Rock fi nished the game with a 9-6 total shot advantage, but both teams managed to put fi ve on the target.

Senior captain Emer Flatley weighed in about Saturday’s performance.

“I thought our overall team performance was very strong especially in the fi rst half,” Flatley said. “In the second half, a lot of players got good playing time and continued on the form from the fi rst half which was fantastic!”

Th e Green and White have not allowed a goal this season outscoring opponents 9-0.

Th e team is suff ering from a couple key injuries in Flatley and forward Alaina Jordan.

Th e Rock is showing no signs of weakness, as many players are coming off the bench and working well together.

“We have plenty of subs coming in and working hard.

We worked well together and didn’t allow a goal," O'Neill said following another shutout. "We’re taking it game by game and clean sheets are always in our mind."

SRU jumped up fi ve spots in the NSCAA/Continental Tire Division II rankings this week, rounding off the top fi ve teams in the nation.

Slippery Rock will look to improve to 4-0 when they travel to Kutztown University tomorrow for an important PSAC game.

“We have a massive test out in Kutztown aft er our split last year,” Head Coach Noreen Herlihy said. “We defi nitely have to be on our game when we go out there and we are heading into the game with confi dence.”

Last year Kutztown beat SRU in the PSAC semifi nals at California. Th e following week, The Rock knocked them out of the NCAA playoff s with a second round win at Kutztown.

September 14, 2012

SPORTS B-1The Rocket

Rock prepares for Gannon after loss to Ship

By D.J. VasilRocket Contributor

Anchored behind 562 yards of offense, including 352 passing yards and 214 rushing yards, Shippensburg University handed Slippery Rock University football their first loss of the season in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference cross over play 55-35.

Af ter ending the f i rs t quarter down 14-7, which saw Shippensburg take the opening drive and go 57 yards on eight plays in just 2:17, the Rock (1-1) struggled defensively and were

overwhelmed in the second quarter by the Raider passing attack.

Defensively, SRU gave up 27 points in the second quarter, which included four Shippensburg touchdown passes.

Rock head coach George Mihalik thought the defense had the chance to make plays, but simply couldn’t come up with them.

“We didn’t get pressure on Zulli,” Mihalik said. “We didn’t tackle well. We called some great blitzes, but we didn’t fi nish plays. Th en in the secondary on a few occasions, we had guys near the ball, but we didn’t make the play. It was

chances to make plays that we didn’t produce.”

It didn’t help the Rock off ensively that starting quarterback Jared Buck was injured during the second quarter. Buck, a redshirt sophomore, didn’t return to the game, and fi nished the game with 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Nigel Barksdale took over for the Rock and threw for 95 yards and one touchdown, while running for 76 yards and one touchdown.

Redshirt senior running back Akeem Satterfi eld rushed for 138 yards on 21 carries and rushed for one touchdown.

Shippensburg hands Rock fi rst PSAC loss

Women's soccer remains unbeaten, moves up in national rankings

EMILY SCHUBERT/THE ROCKETSophomore forward Lucy Hannon prepares to pass the ball to a teammate in the game against Mercyhurst last week. Hannon has two goals and two assists so far this season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITYJunior quarterback Nigel Barksdale gets sacked by two Shippensburg University defenders at last Saturday's game. Barksdale came in and threw a 21 yard touchdown and ran in a 23 yard tourchdown late in the fourth quarter.

SRU looks for redemption against Gannon Knights

By D.J. VasilRocket Contributor

Slippery Rock University football will begin its quest of defending their title as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division champions tomorrow at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, as the Rock will take on the Gannon Knights.

The Rock, (1-1) has a history of playing close games with the Knights (1-1). In 2011, SRU lost to Gannon 33-27. Losing to Gannon in the end cost SRU the chance at the Division II playoffs.

Rock head coach George Mihalik knows there’s a sense of urgency when it comes to opening up PSAC-West play on the right foot.

“This is the PSAC-West and we begin defense of our western conference championship,” Mihalik said. “That’s the message this week, to defend the title. It’s more focusing on the importance of this first conference game.”

SRU could be without starting redshirt sophomore quarterback Jared Buck.

Buck strained his neck last week in the loss against Shippensburg.

If Buck is unable to go, it will be up to junior quarterback Nigel Barksdale to take the reins and make his first start as an SRU quarterback.

“It’s crazy,” Barksdale said about knowing that he could star t Saturday. “I ’m also concerned about Buck and his health because I know he took a nasty hit last Saturday. I know I have to step up and get the job done.”

While Buck is a pocket passer, Barksdale brings an added skill to the offense that can give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares, the ability to run the ball if nothing is open down the field.

“Another dimension is added to our offense with Nigel,” Mihalik said. “That is Nigel’s ability, to

scramble and make plays with his feet. He can throw it well enough that we can still utilize our entire passing game. Now the opposing defense has to be concerned about a quarterback that can come out of the pocket to gain yardage.”

The Rock offense will again turn to redshirt senior Akeem Satter f ie ld and company, utilizing the running game to try to take some of the pressure off of the passing game.

“I’m concerned about their size up front, they’re always big up front,” Mihalik said. “Defensively their front four are 350, 295, 255 and 235. They’re pretty thick and solid. We have to get a running game going to take the pressure off of Nigel.”

Defensively, SRU will look to avoid another outing like last Saturday against Shippensburg, which saw the SRU defense give up 566 yards of offense, 352 of which were passing yards.

The tough road against defending the pass will continue this week as the Rock will have to contend with Gannon quarterback Liam Nadler.

Nadler, a redshirt freshman, who is listed at 6’7 and 225 pounds, has thrown for 687 yards and has tossed six scores in the two games played this year.

“Gannon relies on the big play,” Mihalik said. “They have a good running game, but they prefer to throw the ball. Their quarterback Nadler is huge and that’s a worry because obviously we didn’t do a great job defending the pass last week.”

Pressure will be the key to stopping the Gannon passing attack and could very well be the x-factor in Saturday’s game.

The Gannon offense has given up 11 sacks in the two games played this year.

The Rock will continue PSAC-West play on Saturday, Sept.22 as they travel to Mercyhurst University to take on the Lakers. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

By Cody McCulloughRocket Contributor

This past week, the Slippery Rock University field hockey team continued their early season success.

The Rock racked up a 4-0 lead over Mercy College last Friday in the first half, before the game was cancelled due to lighting.

Unfortunately, the statistics from the game do not count and there are no plans to reschedule the game.

In their 1-0 win over Lindenwood on Sunday, Allison Shade scored the only goal off of a rebounded shot by Ally Banks.

However, the Green and White dominated the stats, outshooting Lindenwood 10-2.

Sophomore goalie Courtney Lee played all 70 minutes and had two saves to earn the shut out for the Rock against Lindenwood.

SRU played the No. 1 ranked field hockey team of Shippensburg University on Tuesday, losing the tightly contested game 2-1.

With the loss to Ship, the Rock fell to 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athlet ic C onference-West division.

S ophomore midf ie lder Kelsey Gustafson scored the only goal for the Rock on a rebounded shot from sophomore Kaili Simmons during the 60th minute of the game.

SRU gave up an early lead in the first half, but cut the deficit to one with 10 minutes to go.

However, they did not register another shot in the game and suffered their first loss of the season.

Before, the Shippensburg game, Slippery Rock had outshot their opponents 64-28, and outscored them 10-2.

So far this season, the team already has multiple-point scorers.

Last week’s PSAC-West Player of the Week, junior Kaitlin McGinnis, leads the Green and White with four goals on the season.

Freshman Courtney Bradshaw has posted two goals and an assist, along with Gustafson who has posted the same numbers so far this season.

Lee has been phenomenal in goal this season, who before the Shippensburg game had posted a .36 GAA with a shutout to go along with it.

She posted great numbers in the Shippensburg game as well, only giving up two goals to go with six saves.

Simmons commented on the team's success so far this year.

“These games were definitely a good indication of how strong our upcoming season will be," Simmons said. "We're finally dominating other teams and taking advantage of our scoring opportunities.”

Head Coach Julie Swiney said that team play and communication is leading to the accomplishments they have had so far.

"We are finding success because we are working as a team and following our game plan.”

Swiney said that the schedule will continue to be more difficult, but the team will work to keep up the good work.

“Our schedule is going to become more challenging as we move forward in the sesaon," Swiney said. "We will work to improve each day at practice to find success.”

The Green and White will be back in action this weekend when they play back-to-back road games at Bloomsburg University today at 2 p.m. and Millersville University tomorrow at 4.p.m.

Rock field hockey suffers first lost of seasonSportsB-2 September 14, 2012

By Brian Hepfinger Rocket Contributor

The S l ipp er y Ro ck women’s volleyball team got off to a great start this past weekend at the Tony Banner Invitational in Clarion, Pa. with a 3-2 victory over Shepherd University.

The Green and White won the first set of the match 25-21, but Shepherd then won the second set 25-22.

The teams split the next two sets 25-18 and 25-22.

The Rock finished the match 15-10, winning its second match of the season.

S e n i o r S a r a h Cadwallader t ied her career high 20 kills, which is the third time she has had 20 kills in a match.

Senior Sarah Beals had eight kills, five digs, and six blocks.

Sophomore Michelle Hren had three kil ls and eight blocks. Senior Hannah McShea added 19 digs.

In the first match of the second day of the tournament, the Rock came from behind and f inished 3-2 against Fairmont State.

This was the 19th meeting between SRU h e a d c o a ch , L au r i e Lokash, and Fairmont State's head coach, Larry Hill.

Both coaches have over 500 wins in their careers. Lokash is ranked 10th, and Hill is ranked ninth in victories among active Division II coaches.

The Rock won the first set of the match 25-18, but Fairmont State then took the next two sets 25-18 and 25-21.

In the fourth set, the Rock won 25-10, which forced a fifth set. The Rock finished the match 15-13.

Freshman Morgan Tyree led the team with 15 kills.

Beals had 11 kills and Cadwallader had 10 kills.

McShea had 17 digs and five service aces.

Junior Caroline Houston had two service aces.

Junior setter Alexandra Fleagle had 21 assists and sophomore Jana Reilly had 29 assists in the winning effort.

In the third and final match of the tournament, the Green and White fell to American International University, 3-1.

This was the f i rs t meeting between the two teams ever.

The Rock lost the first two sets 25-21 and 25-20.They then came back in the third set by winning 25-19, but American Internat ional f inished them off by winning the fourth set 25-21.

McShea had 20 digs, while Houston had eight digs, nine kills, and two service aces.

Tyree had 10 kills, while Cadwallader had eight kills and four blocks in the losing effort.

Beals thought that this weekend’s performance was a good confidence boost for the team.

“We got a few wins under our belt, and that gives us confidence going into the

weekend,” Beals said.She went on to say that

the team finished much better this weekend than the previous week.

“We definitely executed the ball better, and we were able to make smarter decisions overall,” Beals said.

McShea added to her teammate's comments, saying that she thought that the team was more mentally tough this past weekend.

“We cut down on some of our errors and played better as a team," McShea said. “We definitely left this weekend feeling more confident in our ability as a team.”

The Green and White finished the weekend with a record of 3-4 overall for the season.

The team heads to a tournament hosted by Shepherd University this weekend, where they start the weekend off by facing Glenville State University today at 1 p.m.

Cadwallader said many of the same teams from the Clarion tournament will be at Shepherd tournament this weekend.

"I know we're looking forward to the weekend and seeing some of the same teams from last weekend," Cadwallader said. "We need to come out strong in order to get the same results against the same teams from last week."

The Green and White is set to play Fairmont State again tomorrow for a 3 p.m match.

ALEX MOWREY /THE ROCKET Freshman Lauren Geiser races past a Mercy College defender during last Friday's game. Geiser has recorded two goals for the Rock so far this season.

SRU Volleyball goes 2-1 at Tony Banner Tournament

By Gregory Macafee Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University men's basketball team will start its 2012-2013 season by playing exhibition games against two NCAA Division I teams, the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Michigan.

The Rock will first travel to Alumni Hall in Annapolis, Md. on Nov. 4 to play the Naval Academy. On Nov. 9, they will travel to Ann Arbor, Mich. to take on the Wolverines in Crisler Arena.

SRU Athletic Director Paul Leuken said that a lot of planning and connections helped arrange these two games.

“Michigan fans have some sort of love affair with regards to SRU athletics," Leuken said. "It started back when our football scores were announced during the games and it continues still today.”

SRU head coach Kevin Reynolds used connections of his own to get SRU a game in the national media spotlight.

“I previously coached at the Division I level and have good friends, like Coach

Ed DeChellis at Navy, that are not only successful coaches, but also great people," Reynolds said. "These games will put the Slippery Rock basketball team in the national spotlight, as they have played Division I teams in the past couple of years.”

“It’s not only great for the team to be tested before the season starts, but it is also a good recruiting tool as well to tell future recruits about the opportunities they have with our program," he said.

Reynolds thinks that the bigger games will help prepare the Green and White for the rest of the season.

"I think the players will enjoy competing against the best, and it’s a great way to gauge their strengths, weaknesses, and overall game against the best of D1 basketball,” Reynolds said. "Not only does it excite our basketball program, but the SRU community, alumni, and students as well."

After the two exhibition games, the Rock will open the season with a non-conference game against Ohio Valley University in Vienna, W. Va.

Rock men's basketball gets two NCAA Division I matchups

SportsSeptember 14, 2012 B-3

Men's soccer records two consecutive shutoutsBy Kristin Karam

Assistant Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock’s men’s soccer team broke into the national ranking and recorded two shut outs on the road against Alderson-Broaddus and the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown to improve their season record to 3-0-2.

Head coach Michael Bonelli is very pleased with the team’s performance so far this season and their fast start.

“Although we are excited, we have a veteran team who knows it is a long season,” Bonelli said. “Our upperclassmen have done a great job setting the standard for our younger players. Our two senior captains, Drew Donoghue and Clayton Master, have really stepped up and demanded excellence on a daily basis from their teammates.”

Th e Green and White traveled to Philippi, W. Va. last Saturday for their fi rst road game of the season. Th ey scored four goals and stayed strong defensively to earn their fi rst shut out of the season.

S enior defender Blake McChesney feels confident in the team’s growing ability and how things are panning out so far this season.

“Our defensive shape is definitely improving game by game, and our team shape has been excellent,” McChesney said.

S o p h om ore m i d f i e l d e r Brandon Chiu sank the fi rst goal in the seventh minute of the game off of an assist from junior midfi elder Zach Hall.

Th e next three goals for the Rock were scored during the fi rst 21 minutes of the second

half. Freshman midfi elder Max Aronica took a free kick from junior defender Joshua Gray in the 51st minute to score his second goal of the season. About fi ve minutes passed and junior forward Th ad Madzelonka took an assist from Aronica to increase Slippery Rock’s lead to 3-0.

Th e fi nal goal of the game came from sophomore forward Stephen Donnelly is the 66th minute of the game. Th at was Donnelly’s third goal of the season.

Slippery Rock dominated the game against the Battlers by holding them to four total shot attempts and zero shots on goal.

Donoghue said the team has been able to do well due to the quality of the players and their ability to stay driven and focused.

“Guys are fi ghting for starting positions daily and pushing one another during training,” Donoghue said. “We’re able to play a high tempo game this season due to the talent and depth that we have on the roster. We have the potential to do big things.”

On Tuesday, the Rock went to Johnstown, Pa. to face off against Pitt-Johnstown. UPJ is currently a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference but will become a member of the PSAC next fall.

SRU dominated the opening period of the game and gained momentum with a goal from senior forward Michael Ramirez in the 38th minute. Ramirez took an assist from sophomore forward Chris Davis.

Junior midfielder Mike Roopchandsingh took the Rock’s lead to 2-0 when he took an assist from Donnelly in the 53rd minute of the game.

Th e fi nal goal of the game came from freshman midfi elder Ryan Lutke in the 85th minute of the game. Lutke took an assist from freshman forward Peter Boylan to record his fi rst career goal.

Slippery Rock held UPJ defensively the entire game. Master recorded three saves in goal to help earn the second shut out of the season.

The team is proud of their accomplishments, McChesney said, but they are staying focused and trying to not let the success go to their heads.

“We really want to focus on continuing to improve so we can hit full stride and play the best soccer we can,” McChesney said. “We have high hopes and expect to accomplish them.”

National rankings were released on Tuesday, just a few hours before the Rock prepared to face Pitt-Johnstown. Slippery Rock was placed 25th nationally and 3rd in the Atlantic Region. Th is is the fi rst time they have been nationally ranked in the National Soccer Association of America/Continental Tire Division II since early in their 2010 season.

Bonelli said the ranking is great for the program but that the coaching staff and team are aware that it is still early in the season.

“We stress to our players to not only take it one day at a time, but to improve every training session and every game,” Bonelli said. “Th e only ranking we are concerned with is the one at the end of the season.

The Rock will return home for a six-game stretch starting tomorrow afternoon against Urbana University.

CARALEE WELLS/THE ROCKET Freshman Ryan Boylan defends the ball from a Seton Hill midfi elder last week. Boylan has started in every game and played for a total of 457 minutes this season.

B-4 September 14, 2012

By Courtney TietjeAssistant Campus Life Editor

Th e sign reads, “I’m doing this because I love you.” Its holder stands behind it, her gaze purposefully focused on the camera, a New York City bench behind her. Th e words on the sign are not her own, however. Th ey are the words spoken by her attacker as he/she sexually assaulted her.

If it sounds “disturbing,” as one viewer of many similar photographs commented, the truth stands that these images are refl ections of the victims and survivors behind sexual assault and their stories.

Th anks to Grace Brown and “Project Unbreakable,” survivors are being off ered the chance to step forward. Project Unbreakable, named one of the top 30 Tumblr blogs to visit by TIME Magazine and featured on MTV's action campaign website, “Act,” posts photographs of survivors of sexual assault with quotes from their attackers on the project site, projectunbreakable.tumblr.com.

Brown, the founder of the project, is a 20-year-old photography student from Massachusetts who recently took a break from her own college education to photograph for the Project Unbreakable college tour.

Grace stopped at SRU, only the second of 19 sites on her fall tour list, on Tuesday to photograph volunteers from the university and the surrounding community.

Brown got the idea for the fi lm project aft er hearing a close friend’s story of abuse, she said.

“I’ve always been surrounded by survivors,” Brown said. “In October of last year, I was out with a friend for Halloween, and she randomly blurted out her story. And even though I had heard so many stories before that, [hers] really got to me, and I went to bed that night feeling so desperate for a little bit of peace. Th en I woke up the next morning with the idea.”

Th ough she has only been a photographer for about three years, Brown has become nationally renowned, along with her project, which started as a way to spark awareness on the issue of sexual assault but turned out to be even more than that—a way that victims could tell their stories.

“At fi rst, I started doing this to just spread awareness

and to be able to show that these are real people behind the statistics,” she said. “But about two weeks in, I was getting hundreds of emails thanking me for what I was doing, and suddenly [people recognized that] there was a healing power behind standing up with these words. [For many] it’s about taking the power back and having a voice again.”

Jodi Solito, the Director of the Women’s Center, arranged for Brown to photograph and speak on campus. She said she sees the therapeutic side of allowing victims of sexual assault to step forward in this way.

“Th ere are several diff erent projects out there that try to give voice to survivors of assault and abuse, and just seeing how Brown [is allowing victims to] take the words that someone uses against you and write them down… seems to be a really therapeutic thing for survivors to be able to do,” Solito said.

Having taken over 200 photographs and posted over 800 on the project site (some people opt to take their own photographs and mail them in), Brown is beginning to see not only the hurt behind each story, but also the healing.

“It brings healing and allows victims to share their stories,” she said. “It’s a way to sort of have a voice again and have a safe space to have a voice, to have people believe [the victims]. Th at’s a hard thing about our culture right now is that sometimes no one believes them, and that’s just not okay. But on Unbreakable, I, as a photographer, believe them, and the community that surrounds 'Unbreakable' believes them, and I think that’s really important for them to know that they’re not alone.”

“Even if people don’t participate, they’ll sometimes email me and say, ‘I’m a survivor, [and] I’m not ready to participate, but I wanted to let you know I was reading the project and one of the posters was something that was said to me, too, or it makes me feel like I’m not alone,’” Brown said. “So we’re bringing people together.”

Solito acknowledges the power behind a community of strong men and women.

“Even if people aren’t ready [to share their story] now, they could be ready at another time,” she said.

As Brown posted on the site in a letter to the community,“We are getting there,” she said. “Th e silence is ending.

Please don’t lose hope.”

By Andy TreeseCampus Life Editor

What started off as a relatively peaceful outing one night last November developed into a fi ght to stay alive for stand-up comedian Ralphie May, as he came close to death by a development of bilateral double pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism.

10 months later, May walked up onto the stage in the Robert M. Smith Student Center Ballroom Monday evening and showed the 500 people in the audience two things – he was back, and more vulgar than ever.

“Slippery Rock’s like Hogwarts for white people,” May chuckled, raising his index fi nger and pointing it at various areas of the audience. “Only except you [expletive] up on your SATs.”

Brought back to SRU by the University Program Board, and brought back by popular demand aft er performing to a sold-out crowd of 975 people in the MPR February of 2011, May brought the audience members to fi ts of hysterical laughter as he told stories and jokes about sex, relationships and the unexpected developments that occur in life.

Before the start of the show, May sat in a small break room down the hall from the ballroom quickly signing posters advertising Monday night’s show, one aft er another. As he was signing autographs on the posters, May, 40, refl ected on his near-death experience.

“Pneumonia at that level is no joke, man,” he said quietly, but quickly attempted to make light of the subject. “I was in the ICU for seven days, and another two days were spent getting off of the oxygen, but it stopped me from smoking weed anymore, and it sucks. I was so good at it, too.”

CAMPUS LIFE C-1The Rocket

September 14, 2012

PHOTO BY ALEX MOWREY, DESIGN BY ANDY TREESE Brought back to campus by SRU's University Program Board, stand-up comedian Ralphie May performed in the Robert M. Smith Student Center Ballroom before a crowd of 500 people. May was brought back to campus by popular demand, after having previously performed on campus in the MPR in February of 2011 to a sold-out crowd of 975 people.

Near-death experience gives comedian Ralphie May diff erent perspective on life

SEE RALPHIE, PAGE C-3

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRACE BROWN A survivor of sexual assault holds the words that her perpetrator spoke to her during the attack. Many similar men and women are taking a stand and telling their stories through Grace Brown's photo blog, "Project Unbreakable."

Victims of sexual assault given opportunity to speak out

Refl ections of a comic

Aft er sitting down last year with Detroit rapper Big Sean when he performed at the spring concert in the Aebersold Recreation Center, it was obvious that Sean’s hometown of Detroit was an important part of his life.

Th e rapper performed in a Detroit Red Wings hat and sat down with a Detroit Lions hat on for an interview aft er the show.

Since that interview, Big Sean has appeared on a few features that released over the summer and is anticipated to be a main feature on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music compilation album, “Cruel Summer,” which releases Tuesday.

Prior to the release of “Cruel Summer,” Big Sean once again made it obvious that his hometown of Detroit plays an important part in his life as he released a mixtape named aft er his city on Sept. 5.

Unlike most mixtapes that drop these days, “Detroit” features all original music with no remixes of other popular songs on the track list.

From the fi rst track of the mixtape, you can tell that Sean is out to prove to anyone who doubts his ability that he can put together solid lyrics over any beat.

Th e fi rst track sets a great tone for the album, as it’s a smooth beat with 808 drums kicking behind Sean’s

vocals. Th e lead-off track is one of only fi ve tracks out of the 17-track mixtape that features Sean solely.

Th e mixtape is fi lled with features from artists big to small in the hip-hop game. Th e second song called, “24K of Gold” features J. Cole and continues the smooth, soulful beat from the fi rst track. Th is song focuses on the two artists making it from their hard youths to a time where they can aff ord all of things of which they dreamed.

Aft er listening to “24K of Gold”, we hear the fi rst of three monologues by fellow rappers reminiscing on the importance that the city of Detroit has had in their lives.

Th e fi rst one is fellow G.O.O.D Music rapper Common talking about going to Detroit years ago and recording songs there while he enjoyed the city.

Th e next is Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy discussing his fi rst show in Detroit, and how accepting everyone in Detroit was of him.

Th e fi nal Detroit story comes from Snoop Lion (formerly Snoop Dogg) talking about living in Detroit with his father in 1986 and working at McDonald’s and how it molded him as a person.

These Detroit stories mix well into the track list and show an overall fl ow and progression that few albums these days are able of accomplishing, let alone mixtapes.

Along with the features of rappers for their Detroit stories, Big Sean has a plethora of fellow rappers join him on “Detroit.”

From fellow Detroit natives Mike Posner and Slaughterhouse leader Royce Da 5’9, to Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and Tyga, there is plenty of diversity on Big Sean’s fi rst musical release since his debut album, “Finally Famous.”

The production value of the mixtape is of album quality and clever rhymes and punch lines from Big Sean are available throughout.

Overall, the mixtape has a much more polished feel than most free releases put out by artists these days. While there are a few tracks that I could take or leave, the majority of the mixtape is solid.

My personal favorite track is title “100” and features Royce Da 5’9 and Kendrick Lamar on it. It is defi nitely

the most serious track on the album, as the hook goes, “As I look up to the sky, I thought about 100 things to do before I die, wondering if I could live it all in one life, because it could all end in one night.”

Th e hook sums up the majority of the message in the verses, and along with a good message the rhymes and fl ow of all three artists fi t together well and culminate to create an excellent song.

Th is mixtape is defi nitely worth a

download and is available at www.datpiff .com among other hip-hop sites.

By the time you download “Detroit” and give it a few good listens you’ll be able to get more Big Sean, along with the rest of G.O.O.D. Music when “Cruel Summer” releases on Tuesday.

Campus LifeC-2 September 14, 2012

Big Sean's latest album, “Detroit,” chronicles growing up in the city masterfully

ARCHIVED PHOTO BY ALEX MOWREY Big Sean performed for over 1,000 students at a concert put on by the University Program Board in April last semester in the MPR. He is due to come out with a new album, a collaboration with Kanye West, on Tuesday.

Tim Durr is a senior journalism major and a regular contributor to Th e Rocket

To much fanfare and excitement, MTV broadcast its annual Video Music Awards from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sept. 6. This year’s show was full of memorable p e r f o r m a n c e s , f i r s t -time wins, and of course, spectacular fashion.

Stars arrived on the red carpet in ensembles much more subdued than in years past, but nonetheless paved the way for a successful night of fashion. Trends seen on the carpet included winter white ensembles, see-through lace, and of course, some sparkle.

Ke$ha, one of music’s most controversial stars, showed up to the VMAs in an uncharacteristically lady-like mini-dress custom designed by Ugo Zaldi. To the surprise of her fans, she left her sparkly eye makeup and feathers at home and stunned the paparazzi lining the red carpet. She complimented her nude mini-dress adorned with lace overlay with simple black heels, a feathered purse, and iridescent drop earrings. Ke$ha’s feminine look puts her in the running for best-dressed celebrity of the night.

Wearing one of the night’s biggest trends, country singer Taylor Swift graced

the carpet in a sleek winter white suit by J. Mendel. It was utterly refreshing to see the “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” singer in something other than the typical sparkly mini-dress that she wears to seemingly every major awards show that she attends. To further play up the elegance of her look, she accessorized with strappy gold Tom Ford heels and her signature red lipstick.

This wasn’t the only outfi t fans were treated to on Th ursday night, as the starlet left her suit behind to rock the house in a preppy red and white long sleeved t-shirt, jean shorts, and bright red brogues to close out the show with a few furry friends serving as backup.

By far the most talked about singer of the night was Rihanna. She is the latest star to make headlines for changing her hairstyle, and Th ursday night she showed off a new dark hue and a fl irty pixie cut.

The Barbados beauty looked sophisticated in her white floor-length gown with Grecian fl air by Adam Selman. She was another star who kept her accessories to a minimum by wearing simple nude sandals, delicate rings, and diamond studs.

Rihanna took the stage to sing her hit single, “We Found Love,” in a sheer red dress layered over top of a red bralette, leather pants, and black leather boots. Both of her looks clearly set her above the rest, and have put her in the lead for best dressed.

Although the fashion misses were few and far

between, there were two standouts for the title of worst dressed celebrity.

America’s sweetheart and Olympic Gold Medalist, Missy Franklin, wore a coral ruched halter dress that did nothing to compliment her fi gure. Not only was her dress unfl attering, her jewelry and purse did nothing to balance out her look. Her silver drop earrings, gold bracelet, and black purse simply did not match. Franklin’s best accessory was the Olympic gold medal she wore proudly around her neck.

“Awkward” actress Jillian Rose Reed was another unfortunate standout in the worst dressed category. Reed chose a champagne-colored Daisy Gonzalez dress with a deep V-neck adorned with ruffl es and pleating in the skirt, and accessorized her look with Dana Davis shoes and jewelry by both Neil Lane and Vanessa Mooney. Th e dress’s pale color washed out her alabaster skin tone and her shoes were too chunky for such a delicate dress.

The 2012 Video Music Aw a r d s s h o w c a s e d incredible ta lent and refreshingly enough, a lack of controversy this year.

Th e title of best dressed is an easy one – and that goes to Rihanna. She looked eff ortlessly chic in both her red carpet and performance ensembles.

Missy Franklin was an easy choice for worst dressed celebrity as well, with her mismatched jewelry and ill-fi tting halter dress.

"ROCK'n Fashion"Katie Ellis

Katie Ellis is a sophomore journalism major and a regular contributor to Th e Rocket.

Commentary

Tim Durr

Rihanna, Taylor Swift among list of best-dressed celebrities at the annual MTV Video Music Awards

Campus Life C-3September 14, 2012

Ralphie May performs new material to 500 people in ballroomAttributing the cause of his

re cent ly-de ve lop e d he a l t h problems to extensive touring and recording, May said he was performing on a cruise ship one evening last November with a case of walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, when he began to feel ill. He spent several days under the care of medical staff aboard the ship, but when the ship came back to port in Florida, he was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he stayed for nine days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He said that while in the ICU, he could recall his wife being highly emotional and calling him

obscenity after obscenity and pleading for him to get better.

“Needless to say, she was pretty pissed off that I [expletive] up her vacation,” he said. “It was a tough day, but when you’re fighting for your life, it’s not easy. It’s never easy.”

He said that for the relatively short amount of time he was in the hospital, his life was affected significantly.

“I had to take the last two months of [2011] off, because I couldn’t fly and I couldn’t do a lot of things,” May said. “I was really weak from the pneumonia, and I’m still probably going to be recovering from that for another year to 14 months.”

Recovering from a nearly fatal

bout with pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism was only another addition to a list of health problems for May.

Between an inability to absorb vitamins, having a shoulder dislocated early last year, thyroid issues and leptim hormone problems, adding pneumonia and an embolism to that list was almost too much to handle for him.

After leaving the hospital, May took several months off from recording, touring or doing radio show interviews and focused on spending more time with his wife, comedienne Lahna Turner, and his two children – his daughter, April June May, and his son, August May.

In January, May also made another change to his lifestyle by telling entertainment press affiliation TMZ that he was quitting marijuana after having smoked the drug for over 20 years. Since then, May said he has been clean, although it was hard for him to quit.

“It’s tough to quit something, when you know that you’re so good at it,” he chuckled. “At least I can look back and say that was one of my finest talents.”

Though fatigued from extensive touring, maintaining sobriety and dealing with health problems, May, 40, quietly said he was not about to call it quits, adding that he feels capable of producing at least two or three more comedy

albums and one more televised comedy special before stepping away from the stand-up comedy scene.

When asked why, May said that he feels that he owes it to his fans around the world by giving them material they have never heard from him before.

“I do that, because I want to deliver new stuff,” he said. “You all paid good money, so why shouldn’t I give new jokes? A lot of comics won’t do that. If they released an album in May, they would usually still be going off of the old material for a while before even thinking about writing new stuff. I’ve always fought my best to make new material, and to make things happen.”

Continued from Page C-1

Students volunteer time at latest American Red Cross blood driveBy Alyssa Cirincione

Rocket Contributor

Six times a year, Slippery Rock University’s students and faculty come together to help out people in need by organizing a blood drive through the American Red Cross. Many people help out by volunteering their time, whether they help set up for the drive, provide snacks and drinks for the donors to replenish themselves aft er they fi nish giving blood, or actually donating their own blood.

Whatever someone does to help out, the planning can be very extensive, according to SRU’s Red Cross Club secretary, senior elementary and special education major Whitney Crigger.

Crigger, 21, said that the Red Cross Club’s main goal is to fi rst get a lot of volunteers and donors by advertising.

“We advertise like crazy, at the organizational fair, chalking on campus, we post fl yers around the dorms and anywhere else we can,” Crigger said.

She said the most diffi cult thing about planning a blood drive on campus is fi nding the space to have it and fi nding a date that works for the university as well as the American Red Cross.

“[Finding the space] is the main problem, because the facilities are in such demand, we try to have the date marked months in advance,” she said.

Behind the organization of the on-campus blood drives is Program Director for Student Engagement Laurel Dagnon, who is also on the Board of Directors of the Western Pennsylvania Red Cross. Wearing red for the cause, Dagnon explained what she does for the blood drives.

“Th ere are a number of components when planning for the drive,” Dagnon said. “For instance, making sure schedules fit between the university and the Red Cross, working rapidly to secure the stations at the actual drive, and making sure we have a strong outreach to students are just some of the things we do to plan.”

“I would normally plan

six months out to secure for the room of where we want to have the drive and to make sure the Red Cross is available during the times that the University is,” she said.

Not only is planning for the blood drive important, but the actual process of blood donation is just as important, according to Red Cross Supervisor Anita Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons said the training for nurses is very extensive, adding that not only is medical training required, but they need to learn all of the Red Cross procedures as well.

F i t z s i m m o n s t h e n explained the process of taking blood and what happens to it after it is donated.

“Th e donors fi rst have to read the information packet, have proper ID or a Red Cross card and have their mini physical,” Fitzsimmons said. “Th e phlebotomy, or the area of the arm that the needle goes into, is scrubbed for 60 seconds, so it is free of germs because we don’t want to put any dirt into the vein or want any to go into the blood bag. It is normal for the donor to bleed within 10 minutes, then put into six tubes and it is tested before it leaves the lab. Aft er the lab, it goes out to hospitals wherever it is needed.”

Billi Kamicker, a CS1 Nurse, said there are specifi c requirements that a donor needs to have when donating blood. Donors are required to be at least

110 pounds, 18 years old or 16 years old with parental consent, and must be in general good health and not on any antibiotics.

“Th ere are not any risks generally with giving blood, that’s why we have the requirements to protect the donors,” Kamicker said. “People usually just bruise around the area that the needle was in. If something does happen, like if they become light headed, we lay them down with their legs up and give them plenty of fl uids and something to eat, usually people recover quickly.”

SRU is having two additional blood drives this semester, which will be held on October 31 and November 8.

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©2012 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC UNV PDF 0612-043-99208

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C-4 September 14, 2012