After months of delays and legal issues, Connecticut natives Jacobi Wichita have finally released their follow up to their debut album “Bonez Malone.” Their debut was released by the band without a record label and became a classic to the small audience that heard it.

Thanks to the positive response of “Bonez Malone,” and plenty of shameless YouTube videos, Myspace promoting and frequent touring, Jacobi Wichita attracted the attention of indie record label Eyeball Records who offered them a spot on their roster.

“Lambsie Divey” was released on February 16 and shows the band making great strides at perfecting their style.

On “Lambsie Divey,” the different influences seem to complement the other as opposed to their debut where the songs would jump from genre to genre quite randomly and without warning.

Throughout the album guitarist, Ben Lopez, shows off his skills with turntables and sampling, but instead of copying beats and melodies from other artists, they sampled nursery rhymes.

Though the sampling of nursery rhymes created plenty of copyright infringement hassles, their use on the album was essential as it creates a common theme throughout.

This makes the whole listening experience feel more complete as the rhymes are used to smooth out the transitions between songs.

“Lambsie Divey” shows the band breaking away from the heavier aspects of their sound. Jacobi Wichita have completely ditched the more metal-esque musical techniques like breakdowns and double bass drumming that were so prevalent on the debut.

Even the screaming vocals, which were featured on almost every track on the debut have been significantly reduced allowing the band to become more accessible to the average listener who would be turned off by such things.

Jacobi Wichita are great at writing songs that are unique and varied from one another. For example “1:40” is a groove heavy song built around the archetypal “verse chorus verse chorus” outline that allows you to just flow along as the beat stays steady throughout.
This is in direct contrast to standout track “Indian Giver” that showcases a plethora of tempo changes and guitar riffs that leads you in more directions that a broken GPS unit.
The track “Hype Merchant” shows the band taking a break and allowing vocalist Brendan Rodriguez to show his versatility as he raps the entire song.
The closing track “Satisfied Never Pacified” is the most emotional song on the album and it makes sense that it is also the heaviest.
The song has a strong, heartfelt climax that slowly fades out with the sound of “Little Bo Peep” and “Mother Goose” nursery rhymes leaving you feeling completely satisfied with the listening experience.

With “Lambsie Divey,” Jacobi Wichita finally sound comfortable with themselves.
Expect big things out of this band as they have too much talent to stay in the shadows.

The album, along with their first, is now available   at your local record store and online at iTunes and Amazon.com.
Download Now (legally of course) – “Indian Giver,” “C House.”

What you might not be aware of is that this quote has become the  inspiration for one of the most interesting art galleries going on this week in Clarion.
“Pennsyltucky: Are We There Yet,” is an art exhibit going on in Carlson Library this week.

Their art makes use of media from truly every neck of the woods.

The majority of pieces you’ll discover in the gallery showcase the use of acrylic and oil paints, and ink on wood panels.

Each work shows obvious painstaking detail that you can’t help but appreciate, even down to the individual marquee letters scattered around in some paintings, and the intricately painted fences.
The whole gallery is full of such visually engaging pieces, that residents of Western Pa., can easily relate to, regardless of whatever level  chagrin your classiness demands in doing so.

There is even a television set up with an interesting news piece dealing with a bizarre deer display on a Western Pennsylvanian highway, and headphones so you can hear the responses of the locals being interviewed.

The art exhibit seems to poke fun at the idea of “Pennsyltucky,” but does so in a way that you can’t help but agree with.

The gallery will be running until March 5, the last day of classes for the university.

The show was originally meant to run two seasons, but additional episodes extended it to three seasons.

The producers of “Lost” have been planning this ending for three years now. “Lost” was mostly filmed in Hawaii.

When the series first aired, some critics thought “Lost” was going to be a mixture of “Lord of the Flies,” “Survivor” and “Gilligan’s Island.” Writers and producers proved them wrong; they had something else up their sleeves. The producers threw in physics and time-shifting concepts to throw everyone off.

“Lost” is one of those shows that may be difficult for viewers to follow. However, the producers repeat episodes and provide subtitles in the new shows to bring viewers up to speed.

Does the show title have multiple meanings? Obviously the characters are lost on an island. It may be intentional on the part of the writers that the audience is left in the dark and suspense is continued.

“Lost,” which has won Emmy Awards and Golden Globes, airs on ABC at 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

In alphabetic order, the actors include Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace,  Anne Hathaway, Carter Jenkins, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner,  George Lopez, Shirley MacLaine, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, Bryce Robinson and Taylor Swift.

The comedy-romance, written by Katherine Fugate and directed by Garry Marshall, was released in movie theaters Feb. 12, two days before Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day comes once a year. This is when lovers get to show their loved ones how much they love them.  Is Valentine’s Day a good holiday though?

Some people make too much of a big deal, and some people don’t even celebrate it at all. It usually all depends on whether you have someone special.

Everyone’s Valentine’s Day is always different.  Some get engaged,  some spend it alone,  others find out who they are really with and it does not end well.  Some fly all the way just to see someone for a few hours.

Some ride their bikes for miles so that the person they love knows that they love them.  Others give something up so that someone else will be able to make some happy.

Total opposites will be attracted to each other.  People will come out of the closet to the world to show that the one that they love knows that they truly love them.  Some find out that the one that they are suppose to really be with, is their best friend.  Some show it by doing something that they have never done before.  Others show their love by just loving each other (well in high school).  But, the best Valentine’s Day is just spending it with the person you love, your significant other.

These are all things that happen in the movie “Valentine’s Day.”  The movie switches back and forth, going to different characters and focusing on how their Valentine’s Day is going.  The movie makes you think. You have to try and put the pieces together to figure out the end of the film.

A couple of the actors are in most of the movie, but some are only shown for a short time. Some of the ones who seem to have smaller roles have the biggest impact at the end of the movie.  You think someone is going to end up with this one person, but then you forget about someone else in the movie, and they end up with him or her.

This movie is just basically about how people’s Valentines Day’s really are or how they could be.  Go and see the movie, and see which character best fits you.

The Atlanta-based band’s latest album, “Mean Everything To Nothing,” is a surprisingly refreshing, powerful blast of every emotion in the book, and it will leave listeners searching every record store in sight for the rest of the band’s work.

The band is a typical five-piece group, but it produces music that sounds as if it has a real orchestra playing along. The opening line of the album is a simple sample of the deep thought the rest of it contains: “I am the only one that thinks I’m going crazy, and I don’t know what to do.”

The band starts out hard with the opening tracks, but the album goes through waves of feelings expressed through high-energy guitar and one of the most expressive singers of the genre.

Even with the expressive and hard-hitting rock sound, lyricist Andy Hull finds ways to make listeners think with beautifully written verses about topics that vary from questioning religion, alcohol abuse, unrequited love, depression and the simple meaning of life. The intricate manner in which these are presented also provides replay value.

Not only is the music more than good enough to put on repeat, but every time listeners hear it, there’s a new meaning or new phrase that wasn’t caught the last time. The same can be said about the talent the band displays.

There are often parts where the bass, guitars and keyboard are all playing different overlapping harmonies reminiscent of bands like RX Bandits, Queens of the Stone Age and Silversun Pickups. Manchester Orchestra brings it to a whole new level though, as the range of emotions matches their range of style.

This is not an album that contains one song played 11 times (I’m looking at you, Sum 41….) as the group’s music ranges from hard rock to softer acoustic, even drawing part of the track “Everything To Nothing” from the waltz style.

The album has something for everyone, and is an instant classic. Alternative Press rates it 5/5 stars; IGN, 9/10; Kerrang! 4/5 stars; and AbsolutePunk, 93 percent. This record even earned the top spot on the Watch The Tapes blog’s Best Albums of 2009 list.

No matter what type of music listeners prefer, they are sure to enjoy Manchester Orchestra’s sophomore album “Mean Everything To Nothing.”

“As we begin to develop future plans for the dining program, we would like to get your thoughts on the dining services Clarion has to offer and get a sense of what type of national brands interest you,” the e-mail reports.

Clarion’s food services are presently provided by Chartwell’s.  All three areas are catered by Chartwell’s, and is also working in conjunction with the Starbucks in the ground floor of Eagle Commons.
In addition to the survey and a request for feedback, the e-mail also offers incentive.

Those who take the survey can complete an information page, which enters them into a raffle for $100 worth of  Chartwell’s Dollars, which can be used anywhere on campus.
“We’re always trying to look ahead,” said Jeff Gauger of food services. “We’re trying to see what we’re doing in the future.  We’re trying to stay ahead of the competition.”
Gauger said he hopes that the survey will allow the food services to stay on top of new trends.

Reception so far is difficult to gauge, said Gauger, as a third party is handling the survey itself.  Gauger said that so far, the students who he has talked to have given him positive responses.  Gauger said, “We’re not going to start building right away, but we want to see what people want and what they’ll pay for.”

The survey asks questions such as if students would prefer certain name brands over generic products, and how it would affect eating habits.

It also asks questions about housing, years of schooling, favorite and least favorite places to eat on campus, time of meals and how much money goes into meals.
At the end of the survey there’s an opportunity for additional comments.

Nathan Yost, a junior accounting major at Clarion University, said he feels mostly positive about the way things are presently with food services.

“I think it’s OK.  It’s not the best, but it gets the job done.  It’s a lot better than Chandler; that was the worst.” Yost said, “I like the Budget Bites at Gemmell.

“They’re good and cheap,” said Yost. “That’s what’s important, really.”

He also pointed out that Eagle Commons, especially the Italian food menu, has provided students with  a more varied and enjoyable diet than what would have been available to them at Chandler Dining Hall in the past.

Yost said that he does not presently plan on filling out the survey sent in the e-mail, as he feels it is a waste of his time.
“They don’t read those things,” said Yost.

Jonathan Winkler, a senior communication major at Clarion University, also voiced his views on the present food service.
“I think it’s good. It’s a lot better than it used to be,” said Winkler.

He had also commented on the additions and improvements that the university has made to dining services on campus since the opening of Eagle Commons during the start of the Spring 2009 semester of last year.

“I like the Mongolian Grill,” said Winkler.  “I think its so good.”

Winkler also commended the dining services on the improved conditions of the salad bar at Eagle Commons.  Winkler agreed with Yost, also stating that he also does not plan to fill out the survey sent out either.

“I just don’t feel like it.” Students who want to take the survey and enter the raffle, as well as share their opinions and concerns about dining services, can  visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/clariondining to have their voice heard.

On Thursday, Feb. 25 Clarion trustees met for a meeting and reached a decision that may affect the student body as a whole.

The trustees decided to increase room and board by approximately 4 percent more than the previous year. This increase will take effect next semester and continue within the upcoming year.

Harry Tripp, vice president for student and university affairs, requested approval for the new rates.

Tripp said,“We are required to operate these auxiliary services like the residence halls and dining halls on a self-sufficient basis.”

Clarion receives no state funding to supplement these costs.

“The residence hall room rates reflect projected increases of personnel, 6.35 percent; and utilities increases of 20 percent for electric, 25 percent for gas, and 10 percent for water, sewage and steam. The meal plan costs were due to an increase in the CPIU-U, Food Away from Home, U.S. index and increases in utilities and operating costs,” said Tripp.

Some students question this increase in room and board.

“I really do not understand why the cost has to go up for room and board. The suites are supposed to be energy-efficient, so the cost of utilities should not be a problem,” said Clarion student Jeff Turek.

The room and board fees are currently set at $6,390 and will increase to an estimated $6,666 for a double room with 19 meals next fall.

This isn’t including the suites or the newly renovated Reinhard Villages. Jessica Smith, a student at Clarion University, was also asked about the increase.

“I have a single, and they charge you an extra $612 for that. I could see if the rooms were bigger or better, but I think we pay too much right now,”said Smith.
Complaints were made about the dining halls and the hours of operation and even the foods that are being served.

Tripp said that Chartwell’s, which provides food service to the university, is currently surveying students to get an idea of student desires related to food.
Student Affairs is also aware of interest in longer hours and may consider a temporary period for dining or programming that will last.

In comparing the rates with other institutions of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Tripp said that Clarion will be 10th in the combined room and board rate using the standard of a double room with a 19 meal food plan including flex dollars.

Without it, Clarion would rank 12th. Slippery Rock ranks first in Pennsylvania offering suites at $3,249 per semester and an additional $1,354 with flex dollars per semester adding up to approximately $4,603 a semester and $9,206 a year for room and board.

Edinboro students currently pay $3,715 per semester for room and board and $7,430 per year ranking it eighth in Pennsylvania.

In closing, Tripp said that this increase is beneficial for all students although it may not be seen that way. He said the increase was necessary to continue serving students.

New rates at Clarion, starting with the 2010-11 academic year, set the double room per semester fee at $2,261 as well as the  meal plan at $1,072 for the 19-meal standard plan per semester.

This is not always the case.  Sure, in many cases they do, but don’t count out the fans and officials.

In many arenas in the PSAC-West conference, the fans are allowed to be close on the sidelines. In some cases, they can stand a couple of inches away from the opposing player to try to get into his head.

This is not the main problem with fans disrupting the game.  There have been many instances this year when the fans would be screaming obscenities toward the opposing players.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago, the Clarion men’s basketball team walked into a hostile environment at Mercyhurst University.  What made it so bad was how unsportsmanlike and rude the fans were to Clarion players.  It is hard to believe that nothing was said to them by the officials until the final minutes of the game.

Sometimes it will be up to the officials to tell the fans to calm down if they are getting out of control.  Most of the time, the school administrators will tell the team’s fans ahead of time to behave themselves.

Situations like this can end up being embarrassing to a school.  The way the Mercyhurst fans acted was way out of line and an embarrassment to the school.

Don’t get me wrong; not all fans are like that.  Fans should recognize that there’s a fine line and know when they are about to cross it.

The fans in the student section at Tippin Gym have acted responsibly throughout the regular season.  Fans are allowed to get into the heads of the opposing players, but they must still be respectful. Screaming out obscenities is not the way to go.

Now, on to one of the most controversial topics: the way officials determine the outcome of games.

Many people can say that a call here and there really blew the game, but rarely can one say that the last call really ruined the game.  Well, this was the case when Clarion traveled to Gannon University.

Clarion led by a point when Gannon got off a shot to win the game.  The only problem was that the shot happened way after the final buzzer.  For some unknown reason, the officials decided to count the basket.  It is hard to believe a call can be that bad, but it happens all the time.

With the way we use technology today, it is hard to believe there is no replay system to overturn calls like the one Clarion received.

“It is long overdue.  It should already be done,” said Clarion University Men’s Basketball Coach Ron Righter.  “The kids were heartbroken.  We want to get the calls right.”

A couple years back, there was a vote to add a third official to games.  Coach Righter did not vote for it, but the majority passed it to get the third official.

“The officials don’t get a feel of the whole game. They let their guard down with having an extra set of eyes now,” said Righter.  The coach isn’t the only one thinking that.  It is absurd that they can’t get all the calls right with now three officials out there.

The debate about what to do with officials is ongoing. There might come a time where they go back to two officials to experiment with the success rate of the calls.  There might be a time where fans won’t be able to get so close to the floor, or get reprimanded for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Only time will tell.

With that hope within their grasp, Clarion rallied in the second half, but fell short of Edinboro 78-66 at McComb Fieldhouse in Edinboro.

Going into the game 5-8 in the PSAC West, the Eagles needed a win to clinch the fourth and final playoff spot for the PSAC-West.

Right from the start, the battle was intense as Clarion knew this game would make or break their playoff hopes.

A win would mean they overcame numerous obstacles and injuries, which plagued the Lady Eagle’s season.

Both teams jumped out of the gates quickly, knowing this wouldn’t be an easy victory. For most of the first half, the Lady Eagles would lead, but eventually Edinboro would prove to be too much.

Thirteen minutes into the game, the score was tied up at 19. With 1:25 to play in the first half, Edinboro would re-tie the score at 30.

Edinboro went into the locker room at the half, up 35-31. Clarion was able to tie it up again at 48 with a little over 12 minutes to go in the game. However, this would be the closest the Lady Eagles would get to the Fighting Scots.

Clarion struggled from behind the arc, missing all three pointers, which has been one of the team’s strengths in the Golden Eagle’s offense during previous games.

Janelle Zabresky led the Lady Eagles with 19 points as Bethany Koch and Rachel Graeff followed with 13 each.

In an interview with Coach Gie Parsons, she said that the team played its heart out.
“The team had a lot of unfortunate injuries this season,” Parsons said.

Despite the injuries, the team still had an opportunity to make playoffs. In preparation for next year, Parsons said she wants to come back and work on a lot of the fundamentals and things that win big ball games.

With three players red shirting, the team will have a lot of really good players for their return next season. Goals are to get everyone healthy and back to full strength.

In an interview with senior Bethany Koch, she said she felt as though the team never reached its full potential this year.

Koch commented that in the off-season, the team “needs to improve on the little parts of the game and get all players and everyone on the same page.”

As she graduates this year, she said she looks forward to graduation and possibly getting into some coaching.

Mike Ramsey / The Clarion Call

This past Tuesday the No. 2 seed Golden Eagles knocked off the No. 3 seed Lakers from Mercyhurst. This was no easy task though.

Before the game, the coaching staff and players knew they were going to have their hands full with Mercyhurst.

“They have 10 starters on their team,” said Coach Ron Righter. “They were able to hurt us inside with the height advantage they have on us.”

The Golden Eagles came out ready to play, but they were able to get another energy boost once they saw the crowd arriving for the game.

There were 1,600 fans there, all wearing white, ready to cheer on their team.

Both teams were able to get off to a quick start, exchanging baskets throughout the first half.

The Golden Eagles had their inside game working early with Paul McQueen getting a couple early baskets and Jamar Harrison and Shameel Carty able to slash into the middle and get their shots.

In contrast, Mercyhurst went to what has made them successful all year, and were able to drain three pointers at will.

The biggest lead any team had in the first half was a five-point lead by Mercyhurst three minutes and six seconds into the game.

Even though the game was close the entire first half, there was still a sense of Mercyhurst being in control.

With Clarion nursing a 36-32 lead with 1:28 remaining in the half, the Lakers went on a little 5-0 spurt, capped off by a three pointer by Jeremiah Wise to take a one point lead.

With six seconds remaining in the half, Lloyd Harrison picked up the loose ball after a missed shot, and in an easy lay-up gave Clarion a one point lead at the half.

“We knew we were playing well in the first half. Coach told us that as long as we keep playing tough defense, they will start missing their shots,” said Jamar Harrison.

Well the Lakers didn’t exactly cool down right away.

They were back at it in the second half, gaining the momentum back. With 10:49 remaining in the game, Merychurst took a five point advantage, 52-47.

With the crowd getting antsy, the Golden Eagles knew they would have to find something in them to make a comeback, and that they did.

Clarion was able to get a lay-up by Denzil Dennison sandwiched in between two lay-ups by Carty, to take a one point lead.

Like they had all game, Mercyhurst had an answer.

They went on a 5-0 run of their own to take a two point lead with 6:46 remaining in the game.

With 4:45 remaining in the game, Mercyhurst was in total control with a seven point lead, 62-55.

After a time-out, the Golden Eagles knew they needed to get something started soon or else their season would be over.

Carty took matters into his own hands and nailed Clarion’s lone three pointer of the game to cut the deficit to four.

“I felt like I had one in me,” said Carty. “I was out here practicing three hours before game time and I just knew I could make it.”

With just under four minutes to play, Jamar Harrison drove the lane and was able to hit his shot at the free throw line making it a one possession game.

After a dunk by Mercyhurst that put them up by three with 2:59 left, someone needed to step up big for Clarion.

The Golden Eagles found that player in McQueen. At 2:49 and 2:09 left in the game, McQueen made back to back layups, the latter giving the Golden Eagles the lead for good.

After a couple tough defensive stops, the Golden Eagles were able to go 7-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to secure the 76-69 victory.

“This was such an exciting win for us, especially since we are the first group to win a home playoff game in awhile,” said Carty. “We just want to make history, and that’s what we are doing.”

The Golden Eagles will continue their quest for history as they face Kutztown Friday night in the PSAC semifinals.

The semifinals are being played at East Stroudsburg University.

Clarion's BiLo discount grocery store will close its doors to the public for good on March 13. (Caitlin McGill / The Clarion Call)

CLARION, PA., Feb. 25 – “Groceries are a necessity. Blowing the budget is not,” reads BiLo grocery store’s Web site.

For years now, the citizens of Clarion, Pa. have been relying on BiLo for all of their grocery, pharmacy, and bakery needs. However, on March 13, Clarion’s BiLo grocery store will close their doors for good.

BiLo has been one of the most commonly shopped at money saving grocery stores in the Clarion area. It has employed about 37 people – 26 being part-time employees.

The Penn Traffic Company was one of the leading food retailers in the eastern United States. BiLo was one of Penn Traffic’s retail food businesses. On Nov. 18, Penn Traffic filled for their third bankruptcy in 10 years. Eleven of the 79 BiLo stores in Pennsylvania will close. This includes not only the Clarion store, but stores in DuBois, Brookville, Saint Marys and three stores in Johnstown. A lot of independtly owned BiLos will close their doors, as well.

According to a press release released on Nov 18., Penn Traffic voluntarily filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to facilitate an orderly sale of assets while the company continued to operate its stores.

From November to February, the company continued to manager its properties and operated as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

However, as time has progressed, the company’s hole of debt became nearly impossible to get out.

A representative from BiLo’s corporate office could not disclose any more information other than, “Companies are given a certain amount of sales they are supposed to make within a certain time frame.

When they haven’t met the sales in that time frame, stores then close.” The store had been evaluated by Tops Markets, which bought the assets of the bankrupt Penn Traffic. Tops is continuing the evaluation of other supermarkets over a four-state area. So far, no plans to build or destruct the BiLo land have been disclosed.

Now that the store will be closing, students and other Clarion townspeople will have to resort to other grocery stores. “I always shop at BiLo and Aldi,” said sophomore Kristen Toy. “They have such great prices and what you can’t find at one, you can find at the other. It’s such a shame that they are closing.” Aldi, located on S 5th Ave, is also a grocery store for smart shoppers.

However, they don’t have as wide of a selection as BiLo does. BiLo has a variety of dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as brand name cleaning products and laundry detergents. “I usually get my groceries from there,” said Stephanie Smith, sophomore. “Mostly everything is cheaper there and nothing makes me hesitant to eat it!”

BiLo ensured customers that their products were from good vendors.

They offered their customers with customer service and they even included product recalls on their webpage for customer satisfaction and safety. John Persons, senior vice-president of operations for Tops, spoke with Clarion Borough Manager Nancy Freenock on Feb. 19. According to The Clarion News, in an e-mail Freenock sent to several people, she wrote, “According to John, since purchasing 79 stores from the Penn Traffic Bankruptcy, Tops has built an economic model of each of the stores.

They attempted to understand each store and determine its economic viability. “In the case of the Clarion store, it was difficult to make the model work.

Mr. Persons state that the Clarion store is too far from their market areas.” Although there are only a limited amount of employees at BiLo, Freenock said that Persons assured that the minimal number of workers has nothing to do with the closing.

Freenock announced that it is her understanding that employees are being afforded the opportunity to relocate where jobs are available.

She also stated that Freenock told her the property will most likely be returned to the bankruptcy court and eventually to the mortagagor.

As of now, Tops Markets will continue to stock the store with essentials such as bread and milk until the store closes on March 13.

(Sean Montgomery / The Clarion Call)

Robert Levy, director of Clarion Univeristy’s production of “Rent,” is excited about tonight’s opening performance.

“The designers actors and I all went looking for a new approach to this.”

Levy, who is also chairman of the theatre department, said he didn’t want to produce a cookie-cutter show. The Broadway show, turned motion picture in 2005, leaves audiences with expectations.

“I mean, ever since the appearance of the movie, audiences expect a certain kind of Rent” said Levy. He said he decided on this musical in particular because it was available, popular, and perfect for the age group of Clarion. It’s a “hot show,” Levy said.

The play focuses on eight poor young artists trying to make a life for themselves in the lower East Side of New York City in the ’80s and how they deal with political and personal turmoil, including AIDS. The play shows how no matter what life throws at you to live one day at a time, and try to make a life for yourself and be happy with who you are.

Levy said the cast has been preparing for opening night.

“They have been working like dogs since the rehearsals started Jan. 19 of this year,” he said.

“The experience is hard to describe in words, its just a feeling,” said ensemble member Erin Thompson.

An understudy for the performance, Danielle Winterhalter, agreed.

“It was a complicated and tedious process, but I learned a lot from it. We grew up with the music even though we were young when it came out. I just love it. Also what made it such an interesting experience was having to step outside of our comfort zones because it’s such a sexual musical,” she said.

The show features leads such as: Benjamin Rowan as Mark Cohen. Joel Fitzpatrick as Roger Davis. Lashard Griffin as Tom Collins. Ryan Jackson as Benjamin Coffin III. Barbie Osborn as Joanne Jefferson. Victor M. Aponte as Angel Dumont Schunard. Lauren Sarazen as Mimi Marquez, and Lindsay Pingor as Maureen Johnson.

“I have extraordinary confidence in the cast because they’re on top of it; they sound great and really seem to enjoy and be committed to the musical,” Levy said.

Jackson is one of the students using this production as a senior project.

“I tried to find a new Benny instead of copying the movie or the musical. I wanted to show that he wasn’t an asshole all the time. As for the senior project, I tried not to think of it as a senior project, but treat it as any other role and put forth just as much effort,” he said. “Being a senior I tried to be a role model in knowing my lines, and I felt like people were always looking up to me. I didn’t take it as anything special, I just tried to do my best.”

Levy is confident in his cast and the production. “I have no worries,” he said, “never do.” Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. today through Feb. 27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 in Marwick-Boyd.

Lauren Berger of Intern Queen, Inc. paid Clarion University students a visit on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Berger calls herself “The Intern Queen” after having 15 internships during the span of her four years of college.

She has been featured in the New York Post, FOX, ABC and was recently featured in BusinessWeek’s Top 5 Entrepreneurs Under 25.

She started her website, internqueen.com, to help students find internships.

On her website, Berger has lists of over 500 different employers. Berger also works as a middleman for students and sends their resumes to whichever employers they choose.
Internships are eight to 10 weeks long and are a good work experience for any student. Berger had 15 internships and said that it is possible for anyone.

In her spring semester of her freshman year, Berger went to the career service center at Florida State, with hopes that she would someday get a job at US Weekly.

Career services quickly told her that she couldn’t get an internship until she was a senior. “We are the generation that when someone says no, we make up our own rules,” said Berger. She went out to a local agency and got an internship with them only a few days later.

After that, she had two more internships – LA Publicity and BWR PR. While BWR PR, she found E!’s Executive News Editor, Ken Baker’s business card and e-mailed him immediately. At the time, he was the news editor for US Weekly – which was her dream job.

A few months passed and finally Berger heard from him. He offered her an “under cover reporter” trip to Barbados and $275 an hour to investigate why Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards got in a fight and ended their vacation early. Berger took the job and worked for US Weekly for the rest of her junior year.

While speaking at Clarion, Berger gave students different internship tips such as build your contacts and always volunteer. She also said that there won’t always be the possibility of a paid internship, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity should be passed up. “Yes it’s inconvenient for an unpaid internship,” she said. “The internship will help you at the end of the day.”

All 15 of Berger’s internships were unpaid, with the exception of her job at US Weekly. Berger mentioned creating an Internship Dream List with at least 10 different options to intern at. “Take baby steps. Start with a list of local internships,” said Berger. “If you’ve already had a local one – build bigger.”

Find the name, number and e-mail address of the Internship Coordinator and then block out two to three hours to e-mail them and apply for internships. Two weeks after, send a follow up e-mail. “If you don’t hear back, go onto the next one,” Berger said. As for resumes, Berger suggested going to Clarion’s Career Service Center for help.

Berger covered everything from attire to phone, Skype and personal interviews to writing thank you notes after every interview.

She suggests that if anyone has any questions, to either go to the Career Service Center or e-mail her on her website. “Your internships don’t need to turn into jobs,” said Berger. “Meet enough people so you can get a job from their networks.

Internships help us make a living – we can find what we’re passionate about. You never know what’s going to happen.”

Emily Young and Valerie Michel stand outside of Hart Chapel in protest of Maafa 21's controversial presentation on Wednesday night. (Chantel Wilson / The Clarion Call)

CLARION, PA., Feb. 25- The Students for Life along with the NAACP and Minority Student Services Wednesday sponsored a showing of “Maafa 21: Black Genocide in 21st Century.”

This film is a documentary that exposes what it sees as the racist roots of the population control movement. Amy Denison, a junior and vice president of Students for Life, said, “People need to be informed on all the wrong that has been and is continuing to be committed against African-Americans.”

“So much gets swept under the rug, so to speak when people need to know the truth.” The documentary claims that all abortion and contraception in 21st America is a conspiracy of genocide against the black community.

The film goes into detail, which some seem to think is a conspiracy theory propagated by “pro-life” conservatives. Professor Thomas Rourke the advisor to SFL, said, “The video documents the history of racism in the eugenics population control movement. Many people are unaware of how influential this movement was. This film particularly exposes the offensive attitude of Margaret Sanger.”

Amy Denison speaks to students at Hart Chapel at Maafa 21's presentation Wednesday. (Chantel Wilson / The Clarion Call)

The film also focuses on the work of Margaret Sanger.

Sanger was the founder of Planned Parenthood and she pushed for the normalization of birth control in the United States.

Sanger was believed to be against abortion because she thought that the legalization of birth control would eliminate the need for abortion.

“I feel that abortion is a form of genocide because it was created, in the words of Margaret Sanger ‘weed out the African- American race,’ and I would call that genocide,” said Denison Planned Parenthood is racist.

Although Margaret Sanger was racist and that she was wrong in that respect, this does not mean that a women’s decision to use birth control or to terminate a pregnancy is somehow a racist genocide plot, and does not mean that modern-day, according to a handout given by the FMLA.

One group that disagreed with the film and its viewing was the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance. “I believe FMLA is against this because they are for abortion and a women’s right to choose, and the end of the video connects abortion as being genocide of the African-American population.

They feel genocide is not the correct word to use for abortion and they support Planned Parenthood and this exposes their history and gives them a bad name,” said Denison.

“I think that it is OK they are showing this film, but when it comes to the advertising, the movie itself is misleading.

Genocide and abortion are two completely different issues, and this film will turn people away from Planned Parenthood, when they do great things,” said Kelly Surgalski, a member of the FMLA.

The FMLA representatives said the posters around campus were misleading and could have made people go to the viewing for the wrong reasons.

“Those who just looked at the poster took it as a genocide documentary, an actual genocide documentary,” said Surgalski.

The FMLA representatives at the viewing said they feel that the film sponsors were trying to take a stand about abortion and make the black community aware of what is possible going on.

Both groups want viewers to take something different out of the documentary.

Denison wants viewers to know the truth of the birth control movement beginnings and the history of the African-American population.

On the other side of this heated debate, Surgalski wants viewers to understand the difference between genocide and abortion, and how they should not be placed within the same category.

With the help of other acts such as We Came As Romans, The Word Alive, Of Mice and Men and the headlining band, Alesana, the guys sold out the venue before the doors were even opened.  The Romans started off the night’s energy when front man David Stephens yelled to the crowd that Pittsburgh is one of the top places that all of the bands had looked forward to on tour.

Jagmin had tweeted a similar statement that day saying, “Alright Mr. Smalls. You know you’re high up on my list of expectations. Don’t let me down.”  Jagmin also made an appearance early in the show to sing one song during Alive’s set list.

With many of the concertgoers there for ASD and Alesana, M&M’s set made the audience particularly aggressive, all wanting front and center perspective for the last two bands.

Even after M&M departed the stage the intensity didn’t simmer and when drummer, La Quay, walked onstage for a sound check, the crowd responded with overwhelming volume as if the band were already halfway through their set.

ASD kept the anticipation up, tuning guitars and doing the rest of the sound check from back stage.  When the other five band members appeared, they jumped, literally, directly into “Eva the Carrier,” which is the most powerful song on their latest album, “Adelphia.”

Without even a moment’s pause they immediately launched into their hit “I’m Not a Thief, I’m a Treasure Hunter” from the “Wires…and the Concept of Breathing” album.  With two of the bands biggest songs played within the first 10 minutes, fans were excited to see what they would do next.

Wilson and Miller played right up against the crowd during their most recent music video, “Those Cannons Could Sink a Ship,” and Jagmin introduced the next song, “Pittsburgh, you guys are awesome and I’d like to invite you all to become the children of Adelphia.”

The crowd roared again and massive bouncers poised themselves to catch the audience members who launched themselves into the hands of others.  However, it wasn’t just listeners that surfed, Jagmin did as well during a song that was full of White’s screams from their first album, “She Watched the Sky.”

The disappointing acknowledgment of only two songs left didn’t discourage the audience who turned up the intensity even more through “Knights of the Round” and “All It Takes For Your Dreams To Come True,” which were played faultlessly.

At the end of their set the fans, not surprisingly, didn’t get enough. “One more song” was chanted until Jagmin arrived on stage for the last time saying that an encore was impossible but with promises for next time and an invite to chat at the merchandise table, which many audience members did instead of sticking around for Alesana.

Many fans went to the back of the venue to talk with ASD while watching Alesena’s set and continued to stay even after the show had ended.  As different band members walked around with “Tip Me” boxes on their heads, hugs and autographs were exchanged, the crowds dwindled.

Venue officials yelled for everyone to wrap it up and the children of Adelphia left the building.

Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, a Clarion History professor, presented his “Paul is Dead” presentation, one in which he has not presented in three years. Pfannestiel had a prepared PowerPoint showing pictures and audio clips throughout McCartney’s career explaining his urban-legendary death.

Nov. 9, 1966, a call to a radio station suggested that McCartney was decapitated when he wrecked his Austin-Healey after a recording session. The legend suggests that McCartney left because an argument broke out.

Other stories also claim that he had alcohol in his system. Pfannestiel explained that the rumor says McCartney was replaced with a look-a-like who underwent plastic surgery to become an exact replica of Paul McCartney. For a while after the death rumor started, some fans began to believe it was due to The Beatle’s lack of live performances and the cover of their first album after the “death” missing a picture of the band.

Pfannestiel explained as time went on, little hints began to show through music and album covers suggesting a difference in McCartney. On the PowerPoint, Pfannestiel showed images on the “Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album suggesting that McCartney was in fact dead.  The image hid smaller images such as little toy Aston Martin automobiles, and some say the bed of flowers the band stood over was to symbolize McCartney’s grave, amongst many other hints.

On this album and through the rest of the albums the Beatles produced, more and more hints began to arise. “It’s obvious to me, this is no accident,” Pfannestiel said. No accident is what other Paul is Dead hoax believers began to think about. Pfannestiel said, John Lennon, another member of The Beatles, liked to mess with the media and the public, so he planned the hoax. “Fact is, he [John Lennon] did make it up. Some suggest it was planned to enable fans to become part of the story,” Pfannestiel said.

Planned or not, some students found the clues to be creepy, including the audio hints. As part of the hoax and presentation, Pfannestiel played audio clips from some of The Beatles music.

The audio clips were played as normal and then, played backward revealing what some students may find as creepy. “Some of the audio clips, when played backwards, gave me chills. It was crazy,” Junior Amber Yukon said. “Paul is a dead man, miss him, miss him, miss him” is what is said to be heard when playing John Lennon’s “I’m so Tired.” “Overall, I really enjoyed the presentation, even though it wasn’t true,” Yukon said.

McCartney released many statements saying that is he very much alive and was not replaced. His “Paul is Live” album cover featured himself debunking some of the hoax riddles to prove that he is alive.

“This is harmless and quite fun,” Pfannestiel said. Many other celebrity deaths pose question and hoax to “cluesters”, the people who look for clues and hints throughout an artists work for other meaning. Though the death of McCartney was a hoax, the many hints found seem convincing to some.

However, with all the big titles coming out, some of the best the year had to offer got buried by bigger names and  their even bigger advertising budget.

Now into a new year, these titles may have dropped in price, but not value. The following is a look at some of those movies, albums and games that weren’t picked up by the mainstream, but deserve a second chance. Although not for everyone, these titles offer   a diverse look at what 2009 had to offer.

After having a great showing at the Sundance Film Festival, it was a surprise when critics gave poor reviews. This dark family comedy takes two sisters and forces them to work together to make a living for the family. However, their new job is cleaning up crime scenes. The film is as awkward and fun as it sounds.

Based off of the short film by Shane Acker, “9” takes place after an apocalyptic war has left the earth devoid of human life. Nine dolls are left behind to fight for their survival, with no clear reason as to why they even exist. Produced by Tim Burton and voiced by a strong cast its a shame it got looked over.

Fun.’s debut “Aim and Ignite” is pop music at it’s best. Combining a Queen influenced rock sound with various string instruments, horns and keyboards to create a theatrical experience that is incomparable to anything currently on the scene. “Aim and Ignite” is a feel-good album that is cheesy in all the good ways.

Colour is a British indie-rock band whose first full-length album “Anthology” is carefully crafted collection of songs that is sure to please. Combining a soft punk undertone with catchy choruses and impressively technical musicianship, Colour creates a beautiful piece of art that is bound to astound.

Platforming games have almost been forgotten by current gamers, but Twisted Pixel wanted to change that. Released for only $10 (800 Microsoft points) on Xbox Live Arcade, the game comes packed with 50 single player levels and an additional 50 co-op levels, which can be played with up to four friends on.

Creating games has had a hard time being credited as art, but “Flower” might prove its case. Designed as a game where no points are awarded, “Flower” delivers an experience better suited at an art show rather then a game console. The player controls flower petals floating around the world trying to bring back its light.

The plot of the film starts out in 1954, with Federal Marshals Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule arriving at Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of one of the patients at the asylum.

However, nothing is as it seems on the island, and when a hurricane traps the Federal Marshals on the island, they get wrapped into an affair to determine the truth of the sinister goings-on of the asylum.

The film is quite a departure from Scorsese’s usual mode of operation, which is to make landmark crime films like “Taxi Driver”, “Goodfellas,” and “The Departed”.

“Shutter Island” could be classified as more a psychological thriller or horror film, with a style much akin to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” in its use of atmosphere to build sense of unease that is compelling.

It’s a compelling story, and is rife with surrealistic and nightmarish dream sequences that are as visually stimulating as they are potentially disturbing.

DiCaprio delivers what I feel is one of his best performances to date as Daniels, a disturbed World War II veteran and Federal Marshal.

DiCaprio gives a good amount of depth to the character, giving him enough humanizing qualities to make you care about what happens to him.

Kingsley is also superb in his role as one of the head psychiatrists at the asylum, giving the character the right amount of mysterious benevolence and ominous menace to never really give you a real grip on where he stands in the film.

Ruffalo puts forth a decent effort, but at times comes across as being a bit cheesy in his delivery of lines.

The main star of this film isn’t the actors, however, it’s the atmosphere of the entire film.  Right from the get-go, viewers get a feeling of ominous doom that clouds the entire film.

Scorsese did an excellent job of giving much of the film a sort of clouded-over feel, as if the audience isn’t quite awake and is trying to piece together the mystery of what is going on at the heart of the film.  Indeed, the atmosphere is a metaphor for the journey that Daniels goes through over the course of the film, right up until the horrifyingly clear ending notes.

A viewer cannot talk about this film without giving a proper nod to the soundtrack.  Each of the film’s musical tracks was selected from pre-existing works and used in such a way that it beautifully ads to the value of each and every scene.  The music never seems laughably inappropriate like in some of Scorsese’s other works.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film.  After one viewing, it’s not overly complex, but has enough details in it that audiences might want to see it again.

It’s got enough going on that the audience isn’t falling asleep, but is simple enough that any moderately high-functioning human being can easily piece the initial events of the film together.

Germain is an American poet who has published several works, the most popular including the book of essays, “Swamp Songs,” and her collection of new and collected poems, “Let It Be a Dark Roux.” In both of these works, Germain writes intimately of her native state of Louisiana, and her “embarrassing” family growing up.

At the reading, which also was a benefit for Haiti, she explained where some of her work originated. Growing up, Germain admits to being ashamed of her family, wanting nothing more but to get out of Louisiana and pursue schooling elsewhere. With a father who was an alcoholic and a brother who was a junkie, Germain escaped through writing.

She admitted that the hardest poem she has ever written was her poem titled “Addiction,” a work in which she describes her brother’s addiction, that later resulted in his death. Germain said that her work reformed itself when she began to leave her fears behind and write about the truth.

“Truth is a difficult thing,” Germain said. “It changed my work when I wasn’t afraid to tell the truth about my past and my family.”

She explained that it was refreshing to admit that she has struggled through her life. “Nobody’s going to like you if you’re a perfect person,” Germain said.

Her mother is her toughest critic. She recalled a time when her mother called her after reading one of her essays, claiming, “Sheryl, you make it seem like we were poor!” Germain stated that she replied with simply “Mother, we were poor.”

After hearing Germain recall the journey of her life, it makes appreciating her work that much simpler. Her poems have a way of making readers feel as if she is talking only to them. This quality was brought out even more so when she read her own work.

Her poems and essays carry a sense of intimacy throughout that will make readers feel as though they grew up in Louisiana themselves.

Mike Ramsey / The Clarion Call

Clarion’s No. 15 Shameel Carty, and No. 32 Paul McQueen, look to rebound the basketball. (Caitlin McGill / The Clarion Call)

“We know how to win the big games from our experience of close games this year. We were able to come up big in the clutch,” sophomore forward Paul McQueen said.

The Golden Eagles were looking to rebound from their three-game losing streak, and to find their shooting touch again.

Clarion found that touch early in the first half jumping out to an early 15-9 lead on back to back shots by McQueen.
Slippery Rock would not go away as they matched Clarion shot for shot. As well as the Golden Eagles shot in the first half, they never had more then a seven point lead.

With nine second remaining in the half, Jamar Harrison converted two free throws to give Clarion a 43-40 lead.
Clarion took a 43-42 lead into the half when Andre Tarver of Slippery Rock was only able to make two of three free throws.

Clarion drastically improved their shoot in the first half over the past three games, shooting 56.7 percent from the field, including 3-5 (60 percent) from beyond the arc and 6-8 (75 percent) from the charity strip.
Clarion got off to a terrible start in the second half, falling behind 60-49 six and a half minutes in before calling a muct needed timeout.

After regrouping, the Golden Eagles slowly started clawing their way back into the game.

With 9:32 remaining in regulation, freshman Brandyn Mungo tied the game for Clarion at 64-64 with a lay up. The teams exchanged blows until Shameel Carty nailed a three pointer to give Clarion a 74-70 lead with 6:47 remaining.
Clarion was able to nurse a four-point lead all the way until the last second of regulation.

Down by two, Slippery Rock’s Cecil Brown drove the lane and made a lay up to tie the game at 87-87 as time expired.
After quickly getting down by three points in overtime, Clarion came out strong and dominated the rest of the extra period. With 3:07 remaining in overtime, Lloyd Harrison made a layup to give Clarion a 92-90 lead.

Lloyd Harrison, McQueen, and Parker were able to seal the 103-98 victory from the free throw line, as they each made a pair of free throws in the final minute.

Lloyd Harrison led the team with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Parker added 19 points off the bench.
“He is a very valuable player for us. He is playing with a lot of confidence,” Coach Ron Righter says of senior guard Parker.

McQueen added 17 points, while Jamar Harrison and Carty each chipped in with 15 points.
Junior guard Jamar Harrison was named conference player of the week for averaging 20 points per game in his two games while helping Clarion secure a playoff berth.

Clarion was back in action last night against Lock Haven, with a chance to clinch the No. 2 seed in the conference playoffs and a home playoff game.

It was also senior night for lone senior Greg Parker.

“It has been a long season. I’m glad opportunities are starting to come and that we have a chance to play into March,” Parker said.

Clarion rebounded after a tough first half where they found themselves down by double digits for most of the half.
The Golden Eagles were not able to get into a rhythm shooting only 34.5 percent from the field. A big part of that was point guard Lloyd Harrison spent much of the first half on the bench in foul trouble. Clarion trailed 37-26 at the half
The second half seemed like a totally different game. The golden Eagles slowly started chipping away until they were able to take their first lead at 54-52 with 7:37 remaining in the game.

The two teams exchange baskets until the final minutes of the game. Lock Haven took a 60-59 lead with 2:23 left on a three pointer by Eli Hanna.

With 1:04 left Carty drove the lane and gave Clarion a 61-60 lead that proved to be the winning shot. Clarion added six free throws in the final 25 seconds to make the final score 67-60.

The Golden Eagles will be back in action with their regular season finale this Saturday at Edinboro.

Steven Cressley wrestles against Lock Haven’s Derek Caldwell at 174 pounds, winning by decision 7-3. (Neal Henry / The Clarion Call)

With a dominating 33-9 win against Lock Haven Friday night, the Golden Eagles wrestling team finished the season with a record of 8-8 in dual meets and a 4-2 record in the Eastern Wrestling League.

The team’s final record of 8-8 marked the first time in four years the team finished at .500.

Head coach Teague Moore believes this could be a turning point for the team and expects to improve even more in years to come.

“Going 8-8 with our schedule, I’m happy as a coach. Considering the competition we faced during our season, this is positive,” said Moore.

While on paper the match ups against Lock Haven were pretty much even, a few early wins got the team going. Moore said he was happy with the final number of wins as they took 8 of 10 bouts.

For Moore, the turning point in the match came in the form of heavyweight Quintas McCorkle as he beat Dan Craig 5-1.

Then Joe Waltko gained another key win as he upset Nick Hyatt at 125 pounds with a 5-3 decision.

“I believe these two were key in us coming out with the victory. After this we shut the door on them and you could see their bench, it affected them mentally and we capitalized on it,” said Moore.

The evening also proved to be a good night for seniors Hadley Harrison and Greg Lewis as both came out with big wins on Senior Night.

Lewis pinned Justin Louden in 2:27 at 141 pounds while Harrison scored a 10-2 major decision over Seth Creasy at 157 pounds.

Also contributing to the wins against Lock Haven, were Steven Cressley at 174 pounds, Alex Thomas at 197 pounds, James Fleming at 149 pounds, and Nick Milano at 165 pounds.

The action for the Golden Eagles continued Saturday as Clarion hosted the National Collegiate Open.

Harrison not only finished second in the 157 weight class, but four wins throughout the day brought him to one of the biggest achievements for a wrestler, 100 wins for his collegiate record.

Hadley Harrison wins by major decision of 10-2 over Lock Haven’s Seth Creasy at Tippin Gymnasium. (Neal Henry / The Clarion Call)

“I’m happy for him. He’s the first wrestler at Clarion since 2005 to get 100 wins,” said Moore.

Only two starters participated in the NCO. McCorkle also took part but took himself out of competition after going 2-1.

Tyler Bedelyon finished in 4th place at the NCO in the 141 weight class.

From here, the Golden Eagles will participate in both the Eastern Western League Championships and the NCAA Championships next month.

“We’re sitting in a good situation. As a team, we’re healthy. At this point in the year, to have all 10 starters healthy is really important,” said Moore.

The EWL Championships will be in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Each contestant had to perform a talent and then answer two questions. The competition started off with sophomore psychology major Tasha Eldridge singing “Why My Heart is filled with Praise.”
After the song, she was asked who has been the most influential person in her life.
She quickly answered her mother, saying she has helped her become a strong independent woman.
She was then asked what one of her flaws is, and she answered that she can be too trustworthy sometimes.
After a brief technical difficulty, freshman and International Business major Linsey Swartz stepped up and performed the song “The Way I Am.”
Swartz was then asked who would be one person she would like to have dinner with and she paused and then answered “Woodrow Wilson.”
Then she was asked to define success.
She explained that success was about how people push themselves to do all that they can do to complete their goals.
The final contestant for Miss Brickhouse was freshman Radiology major, Taylor Doswell, who got the crowd’s attention with the influential poem she read.
She was asked who influenced her, and she answered her grandmother because she was the one who took her in.
She was then asked what she wanted to do after she graduates from Clarion, and she said she wants to attend Carlow University in Pittsburgh to attain her master’s degree.
Dixon Jordan, a 22-year-old Liberal Studies major started out the men’s part of the competition by really getting the crowd going by performing a highly energetic and athletic routine. His first question was what inspirations he has to help others.
He answered his faith in God, and he said that he wants to be someone that people are pleased to meet and can come to in need. He was then asked to give three reasons for being successful at Clarion University.

He said that intensity is needed. He explained it as being like a train not stopping until the goal is reached. He then said integrity.
Not cheating is important to succeed. His last reason was courage. A person must have courage to make a difference in their lives, Jordan explained.
Up second for the guys was freshman Secondary Education major DaVaughn Copeland, who read a poem written by Rashadd Durant.
His first question was what would be one thing he could change about Clarion University.
He answered that he would incorporate more organizations and try to get more people involved.
Then he was asked what his best personality trait is, and he said that he is always smiling and he loves to have fun.
The final contestant of the evening was freshman James Rainey, who played a variety of songs on his guitar.
He then answered the question what are three things he values in life. He answered God, music and family, in that order.
In the second question he was asked to give his definition of Brickhouse.
He answered someone who can endure anything that comes his or her way and is able to stay strong for other people.
It was time for the judges to make their final decisions. After a brief intermission, the judges announced the winners, with Eldridge and Jordan claiming the top titles. Swartz and Copeland both finished in second.
Banks concluded the night by thanking everyone who came out to support the Mr. and Miss Brickhouse competition and the National Association for the Advancement of Color People. 
The organization at Clarion University is made up of a group of diverse students who want to see political, educational, social and economic equality on Clarion’s campus. 
The NAACP host a variety of events on campus. For more events from the NAACP contact them at naacp@clarion.edu.

(Courtesy photo / Rep. Glenn Thompson)

CLARION, PA., Feb. 18 -Republican Congressman, Glenn Thompson, visited Clarion University on Feb. 17 for a meet-and-greet with students and residents of the area.

At the meet-and-greet, he thanked students for attending; “I couldn’t be here without you. Clarion County is part of my family,” he said. The meet-and-greet is part of Thompson’s tour across the Fifth District of Pennsylvania, which he represents.

Thompson said, “If you’re going to do the job right, you have to know the people you’re working for.”

At the meet-and-greet, Thompson talked about his work regarding Pennsylvania dairy farmers, his opposition to the Interstate 80 toll and his ideas on health care reform.

In addition, there was also a question and answer portion from those who attended, as well as an announcement of his intent to be re-elected into the seat of congressman.

On the subject matter of the dairy farmers, Thompson lamented the distance that has grown between residents and their farming roots.

“The greatest threat to our national security would be dependence on foreign agriculture,” Thompson said.

Thompson is working to take steps to work on measures to assist dairy farmers.  Thompson is also in favor of healthcare changes. While he is opposed to universal healthcare, he does agree that healthcare changes should be made.

He is in favor of decreasing costs, increasing accessibility to American citizens and improving the quality of health care.  He says that universal healthcare works against these goals.
Thompson is working against the idea of tolling Interstate 80.  According to Thompson, such measures would do further harm to the economic situation of the area.

As far as his re-election, he is working to get a Republican majority in Congress, in order to operate as a sort of check and balance to what he views is a government running rampant.
He hopes that a majority will stop deficit spending, saying that government should not leave the next generation a “legacy of debt.”  Thompson says,
“The inflation of the dollar I see on the horizon scares me to no end,” Thompson said.

During the question-and-answer, Thompson responded to the questions posed to him by audience members.

When asked about his views on foreign policy, he said it was his duty to represent the people underneath him, but feels that it is important to keep up to date on foreign goings-on and the possible implications they could have on local government.

He has visited countries such as Israel, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan.  His greatest fear on foreign affairs is the threat of the leadership of Iran, and the potential harm it could do to the global community.

When asked about what it was like to work as a Republican in a Democrat-controlled congress, he said that while the majority controls the legislative seat, he has been able to sponsor or co-sponsor a number of bills, including healthcare and small business bills.

As part of his movement to support small business, he wants to get out information for small business, he wants to get out information for small businesses to set up, as well as online workshops.
Alexia Pursley, a senior industry relations and management major at Clarion University, had good things to say about Thompson’s visit.  “It’s necessary for responsible voters to attend these meet-and-greets.  People don’t vote for anything other than president, and frankly, it’s disgusting.  We’re the future,” she said.

As for how the event went, she said she felt things went very well, and it’s good for a congressman to learn who they’re acting for.

Junior, Brentley Oliver, an accounting student at Clarion, also had mostly positive things to say about the meet-and-greet.

“It was kind of disorganized, but I like the idea as a whole,” Oliver said. “It’s always interesting, regardless of what party you’re with.  This kind of thing affects lives.”

The meet-and-greet ended with an opportunity for students to get their pictures taken with Congressman Thompson.

CLARION, PA., Feb. 18 -  Clarion University’s lack of cancellations during the last few weeks have some students in uproar, but President Grunenwald’s office says that there was nothing they could really do.

On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Clarion was hit with about 15 inches of snow, and no daytime classes were canceled; however, night classes were canceled at 5 p.m. Students experienced difficulty getting to class. Snow covered cars hindered road crews and others from clearing roads and sidewalks.

Sophomore, Samuel Krebs said, “I don’t understand.  If they are concerned about the safety of their students, why don’t they cancel class?”

The answer is that about 75 percent of Clarion’s students live on-campus as opposed to off-campus. With the convenience of six residence halls being located on Clarion’s campus, it is easier for students living there to get to classes.

Is this fair for students who live on S. Fifth Avenue or the residents of Reinhard Villages when bus transportation is halted due to bad roads?

According to ResLife, Reinhard Villages is technically “on-campus living.” However, many students living in Reinhard didn’t get plowed out of parking spots until the next day.

Some Reinhard residents, such as freshman Vincent Angelo, got notices from Campus Safety saying that they weren’t supposed to leave Reinhard until the plows could come through.
For the students who actually made it to class, their biggest concern was that the sidewalks on and off campus weren’t clear.

“There are hardly any sidewalks walking to campus to begin with,” said Angelo.  “You’re walking between snow and a big 18-wheeler truck.  I’m surprised nobody is dead yet.”

According to the President’s office, the last time Clarion University closed its campus due to snow was Feb. 14, 2007.
This year snow was a little over two feet in Clarion and surrounding areas.

Schools and universities in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas closed as a result of the snow, and many activities and events were canceled, including a blood drive and others in the Clarion area. University sports events were postponed to later dates. Classes at local high schools, including Clarion-Limestone, were canceled.

While some students question the university’s decision to hold classes, others weren’t bothered by it. “It’s nothing I’m not already used to. I think we had one cancellation in all four years of high school,” sophomore Rachel Burbules, of Erie, said, with a shrug.

The question remains – what will it take for Clarion to cancel classes?
“I don’t see them canceling in the near future,” said Angelo.
“They didn’t cancel last week,” Krebs said. “I don’t think they will cancel ever again.”

Even without an official university-wide cancellation, teachers may use their discretion in whether to hold a class or not. Classes will still go on unless a teacher cancels.

“I don’t think a professor would dock you for not going to class,” said Angelo. “It’s a valid excuse if you are stuck in your house and the roads aren’t safe enough for you to drive on them.  They’re going to be sympathetic, even if the school’s not.”

Comments on the Facebook group opposing the lack of school closings keep growing more and more as students disappointment in Clarion’s lack of cancelletions continue.