Month: September 2010

Categories
Featured Sports

Second-half burst propels Bison to win

By Joe Ruby

Contributing Writer

Ross Liberati ’11 and Tommy McCabe ’11 both played a part in each of three second-half goals to help the men’s soccer team beat the host La Salle Explorers 3-1 on Friday night.

Down 1-0 after the first half, the Bison offense went to work. About 13 minutes into the second half, Liberati scored his first goal of the season, and his first since 2008, off a McCabe free kick.

The Bison took the lead 11 minutes later on a goal by Josh Plump ’13. Liberati and McCabe, who began the play with a corner kick, assisted.

Liberati scored his second of the game with an insurance goal 3:12 later, at the 72:23 mark. Luke Joyner ’12 and McCabe assisted.

The Orange and Blue outshot La Salle 20-13 (13-8 in the second half) and gained six corner kicks to the Explorers’ two. Bison goalie Tommy Caso ’12 faced five shots on goal, stopping four, while La Salle’s Kyle Quigley faced 10 shots on goal and stopped seven.

La Salle scored its goal 22:04 into the game when Glenroy Chapman blasted a long shot into the back of the net. The Bison had a number of set pieces in the game—La Salle committed 16 fouls compared to the Bison’s seven—but the Orange and Blue could not capitalize until the second half.

The win for the Bison is their first of the year, bringing their record to 1-1. The last time the Bison lost to La Salle was in 2004; since then, the team has played five games against the Explorers, earning two wins and three draws.

The Bison next travel to State College for this weekend’s Penn State Classic. The Bison will face No. 15 Penn State tonight at 7:30 and will follow with a game against No. 11 Ohio State on Sunday at noon. The Bison defeated the Nittany Lions in the 2008 Penn State Classic, but suffered a 2-1 loss last year in Lewisburg. The Bison last met the Buckeyes at the 2008 Penn State Classic when the teams battled to a 1-1 draw.

Categories
Arts & Life

Directors remake foreign films for U.S.A. audiences

By William Bonfiglio

Writer

Filmmaking has consistently been a successful enterprise in the United States but in the last few years, even the most talented Hollywood directors have lost their creativity.

Hollywood studios have been clutching at straws, falling back on recycled storylines and unimaginative premises or, as more studios have found successful, adapting foreign films. Of movie critic Richard Roeper’s list of best movies of the past decade, only five out of the top 10 were completely American in origin. On the Internet movie database (IMDB.com), only “The Dark Knight,” “Memento,” “Avatar” and “WALL-E” were similarly American in origin among the top 10 ranked films of the decade.

Many of the films that topped both lists originated in Asia. Notable examples include “Spirited Away,” “House of Flying Daggers,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “The Departed.”

In the past year, filmmakers have been looking to the West for creative inspiration. Scandinavian films have reached a status of enormous popularity among American audiences, with notable favorites including “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl who Played with Fire” and “Let the Right One In.”

“Let the Right One In” by John Ajvide Lindqvist chronicles the interactions between 12-year-old Oskar and his new neighbor, Eli, and the traumatic upheaval Eli causes in their town. It is, to be blunt, a juggernaut of raw emotion and unparalleled craft.

It is bittersweet to read reviews that it retains many of the techniques that made the Swedish version such a success. While this is a safe approach to remaking a successful film, it is unsatisfying in its unwillingness to try something new.

Isn’t that the entire point of remaking a film: to improve upon its imperfections? At the very least, directors should be able to create a work equally enthralling and new. Many wonder what Reeves has done, to make the film his own or give it a more American feel, besides moving its setting from Stockholm to New Mexico.

Perhaps the American adaption of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” a more popular story based on the book by Steig Larsson, will be more fulfilling.  Director David Fincher is very well regarded for his work on films like “Se7en” (1995), “Fight Club” (1999) and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008).

Alterations, both subtle and quite pronounced, have been noted in Fincher’s films, and it is all too likely that the changes have played a significant role in the films’ success. “Fight Club” has become an enormously popular and influential cult classic, inspiring the establishment of fight clubs everywhere from Menlo Park, California to Princeton University. “Benjamin Button” became an even greater hit, winning awards for best art direction, visual effects, supporting actress, cinematography and director at a variety of award ceremonies and was named the best picture at the St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Awards and The Houston Film Critics Society Awards.

Fincher achieved success because he recognized the difference between an unremarkable remake and a fresh excursion into compelling storytelling. If Reeves and the directors that follow him hope to reap similar success, they should keep this in mind. From what has been published thus far about his “Let The Right One In” remake, you’d best tether your hopes down.

Categories
Editorial Opinion

Editorial

The recent changes to formal recruitment procedures implemented by sororities on campus have toned down the highly involved process. The changes comply with National Panhellenic Council’s regulations and seem to bode well for the University and student life.
For one, the new rules seem to follow a societal desire to trim excess. They eliminated recruitment skits, cut extra decorations and preference letters and established a budget cap. They also placed restrictions on noise, forbidding screaming and keeping singing or chanting at a reasonable decibel level. In addition, sorority members must keep both feet on the ground at all times–a rule that Hunt Hall’s structural integrity can appreciate.
Although the switch to “no frills” has its perks, it also raises several questions about the change itself and the recruitment procedure as a whole.
The new NPC regulations have been in place since 2003, but the University’s Panhellenic council did not adopt them until this year, citing “tradition” as an inhibiting factor. Many sorority members believe the former recruitment process involving skits, cheering and energy truly embodies the personality of a sorority. Do such tactics alone convey all there is to know about a sorority? What about the traditions of philanthropy, community service, educational programming and sisterhood? The frills emphasize the superficial aspects and stereotypes of sororities, and stripping them away should help potential new members focus on what the experience is supposed to be about.
Moreover, the restrictions associated with recruitment policy as a whole seem to stifle the personalities and characteristics of potential new members. Current members are not allowed to discuss boys, alcohol, financial status, brand names, politics or religion with potential new members during the discretionary period, according to the Bucknell University Panhellenic Association Recruitment Rules and Procedures. Such topics are a central part of one’s identity. The recruitment process is supposed to help sisters and potential new members get to know each other, but these restrictions limit the degree to which members and potential new members can actually get to know each other just as much as the glitter and shouting do.
By amending the rules for recruitment procedures, the University’s Panhellenic Council calls into question the procedures by which members are currently selected as well as the definition and purpose of a sorority. While implementing these changes, perhaps the Panhellenic Council should consider suggesting further revisions to National Panhellenic Council.
Categories
Opinion

Immigration problems stem from law

By Chris Giglio

Opinions Editor

The immigration laws enacted in Arizona this past April follow a misguided notion that illegal immigration is dragging America down. The law, SB 1070, requires any alien in the state of Arizona to carry his or her immigration papers at all times. This opens the door to increased racial profiling, as police are now given the authority to “determine the immigration status” of anyone suspected of being in the country illegally.

The broad support this bill has received comes from the beliefs that illegal immigration is a drag on our economy, that it increases unemployment for American citizens and that it is diluting our very culture. These beliefs are only partly true and disregard the enormous benefits legal and illegal immigrants are provide to the U.S.

An influx of Mexicans into the U.S. is not diluting our culture. Where I’m from in California, around 36 percent of the population is Hispanic. If anything, I should be seeing this so-called dilution first hand. In fact, living and working alongside Mexican immigrants, I’ve seen quite the opposite. Indeed, at first these immigrants are faced with a language and cultural barrier but like the Italians, Chinese and Irish before them, they have slowly integrated into our society.

I’ve met ranch workers who take every chance to practice their English, encountered Mexican children who idolize Barry Bonds and Neil Young and seen the American flag waving from the porches of Mexican households. I’d argue that the individualism, resourcefulness and hard work Mexican immigrants have continuously shown embody some of the most important American ideals. In this way Mexican immigration is a rejuvenation of the American spirit.

I similarly take issue with the idea that illegal immigration is greatly increasing unemployment. These immigrants are competing for low-skilled jobs that only a small number of American citizens are looking to occupy. For the most part, Mexican labor complements the higher-skilled service and manufacturing jobs Americans pursue. As our native labor force continues to decline with the flattening of birthrates, the importance of Mexican labor will only increase.

The most compelling argument of the anti-immigration movement is that illegal immigrants drain many of our resources. This occurs as illegal immigrants use our public schools and health systems without paying proper tax requirements. The solution is not to pursue some major crackdown on illegal immigration, but to expand legal immigration to those that are most needed. Today roughly one million immigrants are admitted to the U.S. annually. Of these million, 43 percent are admitted due to family-based preferences of American citizens, according to migrationinformation.org. Perhaps expanding employment-based immigration would stem the adverse effects of illegal immigration and allow immigrants to continue playing their vital role within the U.S.

Categories
Featured Sports

Volleyball struggles in first tournament of season

By Rob Duffy

Managing Editor

The volleyball team lost three matches in straight sets at the Trojan Invitational last weekend in Los Angeles, Calif. The Orange and Blue struggled to get any momentum going against quality competition.

Against Loyola Marymount on Saturday, each set started out close, but each time the Bison eventually fell behind and allowed the Lions to build commanding leads. Loyola Marymount beat the Orange and Blue 25-17 in the first set, 25-16 in the second, and 25-15 in the third. The Lions recorded a total of 44 kills compared to 20 for the Bison.

Earlier in the day, the Orange and Blue could not keep up with No. 10 USC, falling 25-7, 25-18, and 25-13. The Trojans jumped on the Bison from the very beginning, getting off to a 13-2 lead in the first set. The second set was closer as the Orange and Blue prevented the Trojans from going on any extended runs. The Bison battled back from a 20-14 deficit to a 21-18 gap, but USC closed out the set with four straight points. The Trojans continued this run into the third set, getting off to an 8-0 lead from which the Bison could not come back.

The Bison also failed to get off the ground in their season opener against Cal State Fullerton Friday, losing 25-16, 25-11, and 25-15. Fullerton opened up large early leads in the first two sets, but even when the Bison stayed close early in the third set, they allowed several large runs to prevent victory.

Low attack percentages plagued the Bison all weekend. Out of its nine sets, the team’s top percentage was .115, and the team played four sets with either a negative percentage or zero. The team’s opponents only recorded one set below .200.

Heidi Kamp ’11 was named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Bison will try to turn things around in the Bucknell Invitational this weekend. The team will face Eastern Michigan at 7:30 p.m. tonight before taking on Iona at 12 p.m. and Providence at 5 p.m. Saturday. The Orange and Blue hope that home-court advantage will help them to their first win of the season.

Categories
News

Public Safety Log

Wednesday, August 25

ASSIST/AGENCY

6th and St. Catherine Street: Assisted Lewisburg Police Department.

WELFARE CHECK

Harris Hall: Report filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Trax Hall: Under investigation.

ALARM/INTRUSION

Computer Center: Caused by contractor.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Carey House: Report filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Gateway Malesardi: Under investigation.

ALARM/FIRE

Theta Chi Fraternity: Cause unknown.

Thursday, August 26

PROPERTY/FOUND

7th Street and James Alley: University property recovered by Lewisburg Police Department.

THEFT

7th Street Parking Lot: Under investigation.

ALARM/INTRUSION

Kappa Delta Rho: Caused by animal.

THEFT

Recycling Shed: Under investigation.

Friday, August 27

THEFT

7th Street: Under investigation.

EMS TRANSPORT

South 7th Street: Individual transported to hospital.

Saturday, August 28

PROPERTY/FOUND

Kress Hall: Report filed.

ALARM/FIRE

Roberts Hall: Caused by employee.

ASSIST/POLICE

Public Safety: Report filed.

THEFT

Smith Hall: Under investigation.

EMS TRANSPORT

Rooke Chapel: Individual transported to hospital.

ALARM/FIRE

Swartz Hall: Caused by humidity.

ALARM/FIRE

Swartz Hall: Caused by humidity.

ALARM/FIRE

Bucknell West: Caused by cooking.

Sunday, August 29

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION

Harris Hall: Judicial referral.

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION

Bucknell West: Judicial referral.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON

Route 15 Tunnel: Report filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Davis U. Parking Lot: Under investigation.

ALARM/FIRE

President’s House: Detector malfunction.

ALARM/INTRUSION

Emmitt Field: Cause unknown.

Monday, August 30

TAMPERING WITH FIRE EQUIPMENT

Swartz Hall: Under investigation.

THEFT

Roberts Hall: Under investigation.

PROPERTY/FOUND

Vedder Hall: Under investigation.

MEDICAL REFUSAL

Roberts Hall: Refused treatment.

ALARM/FIRE

Vedder Hall: Caused by cooking.

Tuesday, August 31

ALARM/FIRE

Bucknell West: Caused by cooking.

WELFARE CHECK

Hunt Hall: Student located.

MEDICAL TRANSPORT

Smith Hall: Hospital transport.