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Arts & Life

‘Lessons’ and ‘Really Trying Here’ premiere

By Christina Oddo

Writer

Two student-directed performances, “Lessons” and “Really Trying Here,” will premiere this weekend.

“Lessons” is directed and performed by only two actors, Edward Pailet ’11 and Stephanie Walters ’11, both of whom are arts merit scholars. The two proposed “Lessons” last semester as a challenging culmination of their acting career at the University. They chose a variety of scenes, spanning from drama to comedy, that all focus on the central theme of love.  Pailet and Walters arranged this piece in just two and a half weeks.

Pailet and Walters never leave the stage during the performance; in fact, they change their clothing right onstage. This simple presentation allows the audience to purely focus on the acting. After the Saturday night show, Pailet and Walters are hosting a “talk back,” in which the audience can stay and ask questions.

This project has been a “hands-on experience for us,” Walters said. “We have a great appreciation for what the department has done for us.” By collaborating with faculty and attending production meetings, “we are not [merely] actors anymore,” Walters said.

“Really Trying Here” features Meg Visokey ’13, Julian Fleming ’14, Pat Shane ’12, Diego Chiri ’11, Michael Kurban ’12 and director Sam Nelsen ’11. Nelsen gathered five talented actors interested in improvisation for this project. The performance parallels a workshop held last semester in which “long form” improvisation was introduced. In a “long form” skit, the act begins with just one word that ultimately shapes and creates the rest of the play.

According to Nelsen, “Really Trying Here” “ … focuses in on the idea that life is really hard, and that it is often difficult to fit in, or to feel normal in life.” Following every showing of “Really Trying Here,” there will be a 30-minute “long form” set where the actors improvise.

Pailet, Walters and Nelsen appreciate all of the support they have received. “It is an honor to be able to put on our own show,” Pailet said.

The faculty played a big part in the two upcoming productions. “They put faith in us,” the three directors said. Not only did the faculty support them, but they pushed the three to make their own decisions.

“Lessons” will take place Feb. 11-12 at 8 p.m. and February 13 at 2 p.m. “Really Trying Here” will be performed Feb. 12 at 2 p.m., and Feb. 13-14 at 8 p.m. All performances will be held in Tustin Studio Theatre.

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Arts & Life

Caroline Hartman: 41 years

By Sonali Basak

“And how may I help you, miss?”

Caroline Hartman stands at the window of the post office in the new Student Center, greeting people with a smile.

July will mark Hartman’s 42nd year working at the University.

She first came to the University to work during her senior year of high school for a two-week program. After she graduated, she came back to work part-time, becoming a full-time worker two months later. She worked first for Publications, Print and Mail, but moved to the Post Office in 1977.

“Back then we used typewriters; there were no computers. We used to type up papers for the students,” Hartman said.

Technology has vastly changed the direction of Publications, Print and Mail, with copy stations all around the school now instead of only in Marts Hall.

“I used to have to remember the names of many, many individuals on campus because that’s how we knew how to sort the mail, and this is where they came for their printing. I’ve seen how the campus has changed throughout the years. I’ve seen Bucknell grow,” Hartman said.

Hartman worked in Marts Hall until this year, when the new post office was built into the Elaine Langone Center Student Space.

“It was hard to move at first. All my family–I call it my family up at Marts–is still at Marts Hall. But it’s lively down here,” Hartman said. Her office looks out to a student space that is filled with students and activity at all working hours. “But I’m a people person. I like working with the students. They make you young.”

Students say they feel inspired by Hartman’s presence in the mail room.

“It’s been much more joyful with her around here,” Evan Kasowitz ’11 said as he and two other seniors working in the mail room joked around with Hartman as a peer. “She tells great stories and shares pictures with us.”

Hartman lives in Cowan with her sister, in the same home she was born in. She tells people she started working when she was three years old. “They say I look so young,” Hartman said, “it’s the only thing that makes sense!”

Hartman said, “When I was young I was taught to stick to a job, and that’s what I’m doing. I enjoy my work. It’s not the same day after day.”  The variety that is in her job comes from dealing with different people each day.

When asked upon her favorite memory working at the University, she said that there were too many to point out just one.

“You take each day as it comes, and there are always new, good memories coming,” Hartman said.

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Arts & Life Music Review

And the Grammy goes to…

By Michelle Joline

Contributing Writer

This past year in music has brought newcomers like Justin Bieber and Mumford & Sons into the limelight and onto everyone’s MP3 players. With the Grammys approaching this Sunday, the question at hand is whether or not their new success will win them the ultimate recognition. The 53rd annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS from 8-11:30 p.m.

Last year, everyone seemed to talk about Lady Gaga, but this year it was Eminem who stole the stage and received 10 nominations from his unexpectedly popular comeback album “Recovery.” While Lady Gaga has still maintained her popularity from her “Little Monsters” with six nominations, newcomers like Florence and the Machine might end up winning big. Their new indie/rock sound, featured on “Glee,” has arguably changed the style of popular contemporary music. Many of these artists will be performing during the Grammys, making for an entertaining night in music. Artists such as Rihanna and Bieber are on the list of performers for the festivities.

The Super Bowl isn’t the only time for a little competition. Tune in to find out if your favorite artist is the big winner at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Noteworthy 2011 Grammy Nominations

Song of the Year

‘Beg, Steal or Borrow’-Ray LaMontagne

‘Forget You’-Cee-Lo

‘The House That Built Me’-Miranda Lambert

‘Love the Way You Lie’-Eminem Feat. Rihanna

‘Need You Now’-Lady Antebellum

Best New Artist

Justin Bieber

Drake

Florence and the Machine

Mumford & Sons

Esperanza Spalding

Record of the Year

‘Nothing on You’-B.o.B Feat. Bruno Mars

‘Love the Way You Lie’-Eminem Feat. Rihanna

‘Forget You’-Cee-Lo

‘Empire State of Mind’-Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys

‘Need You Now’-Lady Antebellum

Best Country Song

‘The Breath You Take’-George Strait

‘Free’-Zac Brown Band

‘The House That Built Me’-Miranda Lambert

‘I’d Love to Be Your Last’-Gretchen Wilson

‘If I Die Young’-The Band Perry

‘Need You Now’-Lady Antebellum

Best Rock Song

‘Angry World’-Neil Young

‘Little Lion Man’-Mumford & Sons

‘Radioactive’-Kings of Leon

‘Resistance’-Muse

‘Tighten Up’-The Black Keys

Best R&B Song

‘Bittersweet’-Fantasia

‘Finding my Way Back’-Jaheim

‘Second Chance’-El DeBarge

‘Shine’-John Legend & The Roots

‘Why Would You Stay’-Kem

Best Rap Song

‘Empire State of Mind’-Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

‘Love the Way You Lie’-Eminem & Rihanna

‘Not Afraid’-Eminem

‘Nothin’ on You’-B.o.B. & Bruno Mars

‘On To The Next One’-Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

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Sports

Bison Athlete of the Week: Joe Willman

By Cooper Sutton

Sports Editor

Joe Willman

Height: 6’7”

Position: Forward

Class: Sophomore

Major: Management

Hometown: Tinton Falls, N.J.

vs. Navy

Points: 18

Rebounds: 10

Assists: 2

Minutes played: 27

vs. American

Points: 5

Rebounds: 8

Assists: 1

Minutes played: 29

Over the past week, Joe Willman ’13 played in two games for the Bison basketball squad. Against American, he played a solid game, and in the first game against Navy, he scored a career-high 18 points. Willman coupled that offensive performance with an impressive 10-rebound night, giving him a double-double.

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Sports

Club hockey wins Greek game

By Andrew Arnao

Contributing Writer

The club hockey team defeated C.W. Post University 6-2 in Saturday’s Greek game, exacting revenge for its elimination at the GNCHC conference playoffs last year.

The Bison started off aggressively and scored two early goals. Although they gave one up late in the first period, they added to their lead to make it 5-2 after two periods. The Bison scored their sixth goal in the third period to silence the Ocelots.

Jeff Sowell ’12 led the team with four goals and one assist. Kip Jennings ’13 finished with a goal and two assists, and Connor Curry ’11 added a goal. Goalie John Chestnut ’14 preformed well, allowing only two goals despite multiple power plays by C.W. Post.

“Overall we were pleased with our effort, and we look to keep the momentum for our two home games next weekend against West Chester and Scranton,” Sowell said.

In addition to Sowell’s performance, teammate Connor Curry ’11 lauded the performance of John Carpenter ’11. “[Carpenter] laid a flurry of big hits throughout the game, which helped spark our team,” he said.

The Greek game is an annual tradition for the University, with three sororities and two fraternities in attendance. Many youth teams attended the game as well, and all of the proceeds from tickets were donated to Susquehanna Valley Youth Hockey League.

The two remaining games of the season are both at home for the Bison, 4:15 p.m. this Saturday against Scranton and 4:15 p.m. Sunday against West Chester.

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Sports

Super Bowl mediocre despite Rogers’ great performance

By Mike Wolf

Writer

This year’s Super Bowl had a lot to live up to after the inspiring win by the New Orleans Saints last year. Though the standards for this year’s game were possibly inflated, overall it was a mediocre Super Bowl. Unlike last year, when the Saints’ victory over the Colts seemed to represent the positive attitude in New Orleans after Katrina, the Packers’ lackluster victory over the under-performing Steelers left much to be desired.

After an extremely fast start for Green Bay, the game stayed relatively close throughout. There never was serious excitement because it seemed like the Steelers were determined to give the game away. Three turnovers in the biggest game of the season is an unacceptable amount of mistakes for a team that considers itself worthy of a championship.

Though Ben Roethlisberger made some good plays in the second half, rallying his team to within a one-score margin, he did not step up to the level of play that won his team a Super Bowl only two years ago. An underwhelming quarterback rating of 97.0 exemplifies his pedestrian play. He was simply outmatched.

While Roethlisberger failed to play to his “elite” status, his counterpart on the Packers, Aaron Rodgers, seems to have solidified himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the game today. Rodgers has been an underrated quarterback the past few years, as most football watchers are more concerned with whether or not Brett Favre really retired.

Rodgers was left with huge shoes to fill for Green Bay fans, and over the past three seasons he has not been letting them down. All the same, critics still had not come to a decision about whether or not he was on par with the best players in the league.

In this game, Rodgers showed us all that he certainly is on that level. Posting an astounding 111.5 quarterback rating against the league’s best defense is quite a feat. Furthermore, with his newly adorned Super Bowl ring, he not only showcases his talent, but he shows that he is a winner as well. In this one season, he seems to have moved out from under the immense shadow cast on him by his predecessor.

In the end, this year’s Super Bowl was defined by both the excellent play of (perhaps) the best young player in the game and the sloppy play more experienced players. It seems the football gods may have some sense of irony.

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Sports

Men’s lax looks to rebound

By Eric Brod

Senior Writer

One goal was all that separated the Bison men’s lacrosse team from victory five times last year. Even with an impressive 8-6 record in 2010, many felt the lacrosse team could have accomplished much more than a semifinal round exit in the Patriot League Tournament against Army, 9-7.

Despite the heartbreaking end to 2010, 2011 brings much promise to the Orange and Blue. Inside Lacrosse ranks the Bison No. 20 in its season preview poll, and the team returns eight starters from last year, including its entire defense, led by all-league selections Alex Lyons ’11 and Jason Neithamer ’12, and the entire faceoff unit, highlighted by Jake Clarke ’11. The team did suffer some major losses with a graduating class that included Austin Winter and 100-point scorer Tim Brandau. However, head coach Frank Fedorjaka brought in a strong 13-man recruiting class.

“I think we’re a lot more mentally tough this year,” said Goalie Kyle Feeney ’13. “We’ve worked a lot harder this offseason, and we came back a week earlier from winter break to prepare for this season. We really want to avenge those one-goal losses from last year.”

Regular season action for the  team starts Saturday when the Orange and Blue host Canisius. The Bison will be tested early to begin the season against two strong Philadelphia teams, first at home against the Villanova Wildcats on Feb. 26 and with an away contest against the Penn Quakers on March 1. The Orange and Blue open league play March 5 at Navy and get their first chance at revenge from last year’s league tournament when they travel to West Point to take on Army April 9.

Redemption will be the story for the 2011 team as they look to get over the massive hump that is the Patriot League Tournament and return to the NCAA tournament. The players who went through last year’s up-and-down season, from the one-point loss against Duke, the eventual National Champion, in overtime to the thrilling 8-7 overtime win over Colgate just to make the league tournament, are prepared for a grinding and grueling road. For this team, the time is now to claim the Patriot League Championship as their own.

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Sports

Lady Bison led by strong juniors

By Joyce Novacek

Writer

Stephanie Fulmer ’12 and Emily Liggett ’12 led the Bison strong races in the 3,000 meters and 1,000 meters, respectively, as 12 members of the women’s track and field team traveled to New Haven, Conn. for the Giegengack Invitational hosted by Yale on Feb. 5.

“While only a small group of athletes from our team traveled to the Giegengack Invitational, it was a great opportunity and motivator to help some individuals qualify for the IC4A/ECAC meet or run a faster time for a better seed at the league championships,” Fulmer said. “After running a PR for the season, it was encouraging to see many other teammates perform well in the same events, showing that we have strong depth leading into the championships.”

Caroline Tolli ’13 also finished 15th overall for the 800 meters at Yale behind teammate Amanda Steinke ’11, who finished 14th.

The meet provided a chance for the Bison to prepare for the upcoming league championship, which will be hosted at Navy.

“Getting experience on a banked track [like Navy’s] is an important part of the preparation for Leagues, especially for the underclassmen who haven’t run indoor before,” Tolli said. “We also came out of the meet with some fast times, including a few IC4A/ECAC qualifiers. Our team is extremely excited to chase after a pair of indoor titles at the Patriot League meet.”

“I think that it will be key for everyone to remain healthy and focused as we get ready to compete at Navy in two weeks,” Fulmer said.

The Orange and Blue will host the Bucknell Winter Classic in Gerhard Fieldhouse on Saturday before traveling to Navy for the Patriot League Championships on Feb. 18-20.

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Sports

Men’s track competes at Yale

By Colin Fields

Contributing Writer

The men’s track and field team sent several competitors and strung together a solid performance at the Giegengack Invitational at Yale University this past weekend. Several Bison runners posted personal bests, and sprinter Kamal Riley ’14 returned from injury in great form.

Jordan Donaldson ’12 was the top performer at the invitational, finishing fourth in the 500-meter dash. Donaldson just missed his personal best with a time of 1:04.43. His teammate, Johnny Picardo ’11, finished behind him in eighth with a time of 1:05.12.

Donaldson and Picardo also competed in the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden a week before the Giegengack. Despite the contrast in environments, the two competed well at both events.

“Madison Square Garden was filled with excitement. Although our team was new to the 145-meter indoor track, the Millrose Games proved to be an exhilarating experience to compete in,” Picardo said.

At the Giegengack Invitational, Robert Yamnicky ’13 and Dustin Horning ’13 set personal records in their respective events. Yamnicky ran a 8:41.72 in the 3,000 meter and Horning clocked a time of 2:30.50 in the 1,000 meter.

Riley, in his first meet back from injury, put up one of his better times in the 60-meter dash. Riley’s time of 7.20 just missed his personal record but was enough to advance him through preliminaries.

“I am pretty happy with my performance, especially after coming back from injury. I believe we have a very good chance at winning the championships provided everyone performs at their best,” Riley said.

The Orange and Blue will host the Winter Classic tomorrow and then travel to Annapolis, Md. for the Patriot League Championships.

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Sports

Women’s basketball drops two

By Eric Weiss

Senior Writer

The women’s basketball team had a rough time this past week, dropping a tough loss to Navy, 66-45, on Saturday at home and swallowing another loss to American on the road Wednesday, 66-38.

The Navy game started off well for the Bison as they put the first nine points on the board and seemed to be playing staunch defense against the Midshipmen. But beginning at the 17:21 mark, the Bison went on a gut-wrenching 12-minute scoring drought, allowing Navy to score 27 unanswered points.

The Bison did not manage a set of back-to-back field goals until the 10-minute mark in the second half and found  it difficult to recover from the deficit they had fallen into in the first half. The closest the Bison would get in the second half would be 13, but anemic shooting plagued the Orange and Blue as they attempted a comeback.

Shelby Romine ’14 led the team in both points and assists while Joyce Novacek ’11 and Cosi Higham ’11 were tied with six rebounds each.

“At this point, we really need to focus on stringing together 40 minutes of solid play,” Novacek said.

Against the American Eagles the Bison started slow as they only scored 12 points in the first half. American got hot early and continued shooting well throughout the game, shooting 52.0 percent from the field.

Turnovers plagued the Bison all night and they could not seem to find their groove after the long bus ride to Washington, DC. After halftime the Bison did improve their shooting as a majority of the team recorded field goals, but the deficit was too much for the team to recover as American held a comfortable 20-point lead for the game.

Once again Romine was the leading scorer for the Bison, but even she was unable to break into double digits, scoring just nine points. Also, Higham was again the leading rebounder for the Orange and Blue, pulling down eight boards.

“I would say that our team’s biggest strength is our ability to score in transition,” Novacek said.

The Bison hope to bring that strategy to the table as they face Patriot League rivals Holy Cross on Feb. 12 and Lafayette on Feb. 16, both at home.