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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.
Categories
Sports

Fifth Down: LLWS

By Greg Stevenson

Senior Writer

It’s where dreams of playing baseball on the grandest stage on television in front of the entire world begin. It’s where boys that haven’t even reached their teenage years come to play the national pastime. It’s where fans can enjoy the ideals that baseball is supposed to promote—like fair play and sportsmanship—but fail to get watching the pros. It’s why people congregate by the thousands to central Pennsylvania every August. It’s the Little League World Series.

Every year, right about the time University students return to school and start classes, 11- and 12-year-olds from eight regions in the United States and eight regions around the world travel to Williamsport, Pa. for the most notable championship in all of youth sports. Even ESPN and ABC bring camera crews to televise each of the games.

Teams this year came from the far reaches of the United States and the globe. The United States was represented by one team from each region—Fairfield, Conn. (New England); Toms River, N.J. (Mid-Atlantic); Columbus, Ga. (Southeast); Plymouth, Minn. (Midwest); Auburn, Wash. (Northwest); Waipahu, Hawaii (West); and Pearland, Texas (Southwest); Hamilton, Ohio (Great Lakes).

In the international bracket, the eight regions were represented by teams from Vancouver, Canada; Tokyo, Japan; Manati, Puerto Rico (Caribbean); Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei (Asia-Pacific); Chitre, Panama (Latin America); Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (MEA); Nuevo Laredo, Mexico (Mexico); and Ramstein AB, Germany (Europe).

This World Series was the first to be played with a double-elimination format. In the past, the championship rounds were determined based on teams’ records in pool play, but the 2010 tournament was changed to more of a knockout-style.

The teams from Japan and Chinese Taipei emerged victorious in the opening rounds of the international bracket to set up what became an epic battle for the international championship last Saturday. Trailing 2-1 for most of the contest, the Japanese knocked home the tying run with one out in the bottom of the sixth and final inning of regulation. Japan capped off the come-from-behind win with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, earning a spot in the World Championship game.

Later on that day, for the U.S. Championship, Hawaii turned in an all-around offensive performance en route to a 10-0 victory that ended in the fifth inning due to the Little League’s 10-run mercy rule. This was Waipahu’s second World Championship appearance in three years, after their 12-3 victory over Mexico in the championship game in 2008.

This year’s championship was not as favorable for Waipahu. The Japanese scored first and did not let the lead go, winning 4-1. It was the seventh time a team from Japan won the Little League World Series, and the fourth time since 2001.

But, just like it has been since it began in 1947, there were no losers this past weekend. The experience of reaching and playing in Williamsport puts the sixteen teams in an elite fraternity of athletes. And for the families of the players and fans, there is nothing better than watching our national pastime in its purest form.

Categories
Arts & Life Movies Review

When Jacob ‘Eclipsed’ Edward

By Tracy Lum

Editor-in-Chief

“Eclipse” is a battle between fire and ice. And fire definitely wins.

In the film, the third installment of Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, the love triangle linking Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) heats up as the deadline for Bella’s transformation into a vampire nears.

While both stunning men vie for Bella’s unsteady heart, tensions between the Cullens and the wolves escalate as red-headed villainess Victoria, along with naïve lackey Riley, create a vampire army to exact revenge on Edward by killing Bella. According to Meyer’s lore, infant vampires are more powerful and blood-thirsty than the average vampire.

To fight for their territory and for Bella’s safety, the sworn enemies, Team Edward and Team Jacob, form a temporary alliance. But making matters worse, the cruel Volturi (the vampire overlords fresh off their stint in “New Moon”) lurk in the background, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce and destroy the Cullen coven.

That alone seems enough to make “Eclipse” the most intense film of the series. Accompanied by flashes into Jasper’s and Rosalie’s histories and glimpses into the Quileute legends, the movie is more thorough and complex than its predecessors. Yet it also manages to stay grounded as Bella contends with graduation and with the mixed emotions regarding her impending metamorphosis.

And then there’s the heat that draws not only from Jacob Black’s seldom-clad form, but also the action-packed battle sequences. The Cullens zip through forests at lightning speed while the still imperfect CGI wolves leap and bound with ferocity. Vampire limbs crack like marble and fly everywhere, obscuring the screen in a sea of white. The best part? The complete absence of gore—the vampires have no blood of their own.

Stewart has finally lost the stutter, completing her immersion into the role of love-torn damsel-in-distress. She no longer merely plays the part, but actually becomes Bella as she grows more confident and comfortable in her relationship with Edward.

Pattinson and Lautner meanwhile provide the Twihards with adequate eyecandy, though Edward’s character has become more subdued while Jacob seems to steal the show. “Don’t you own a shirt?” Edward asks Jacob. While trying to convince Edward that he can provide for Bella, he asserts, “I am hotter than you,” which, in a literal sense, he is.

At times the film is self-critical and even unintentionally hilarious, as when the Volturis simultaneously and over-dramatically flip back their hoods. But overall, director David Slade’s work has given the fans everything they could want from this installment of “Twilight.”

Eclipse

Directed by David Slade

Release date: June 30, 2010

4 out of 5 stars

Categories
News

University panel presents findings in study of sexual assault on campus

By Christina Oddo

Contributing Writer

The University community is constantly searching for ways to improve sexual assault awareness, supply support for survivors and enhance educational services, said guest speakers at the 2010 Sexual Assault Discussion, held Tuesday, Aug. 31 in the Elaine Langone Center Forum.

Bill Flack, associate professor of psychology, joined a group of University faculty and staff to present the 2009 survey results for sexual assault at the University.

The October 2009 and early November 2009 survey consisted of a web-based lottery system. The total sample included 342 women (ranging from sophomores to seniors). First-year students were excluded from the survey. There was a 38 percent response rate. The Sexual Experiences Survey (nation-wide for sexual assault researchers), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Hooking Up Questionnaire were measures included in the survey.

The results of the survey show that sexual assault victimization (experienced one or more times while at the University, which does not include breaks or summer vacations) ranges over a variety of different sexual assault forms. One hundred and seventy people claimed that they were victims of “Touching.” One hundred and two were victims of “Attempted Rape.” Sixty survey participants said they were victims of “Completed Rape.”

Flack made a continuous effort throughout the presentation to make the connection between alcohol, and the more recently used term, “hooking up,” crystal clear.

“Hooking up” is a risk factor of sexual assault, and 80.4 percent of the sample members had hooked up one or more times while at the University. Correlations between alcohol consumption and different types of hooking up were investigated in the study, and highlighted throughout the presentation. Hooking up with a stranger, “Type 1,” is related to higher levels of alcohol consumption. People are less likely to hook up with their “default partner,” or “friends with benefits,” if they have been drinking.
Victims report that virtually all of their perpetrators are male University students. In the 2001-2002 survey, 10 percent of men and two percent of women admitted to being perpetrators. In the 2005-2006 survey, two percent of men and four percent of women said they had “touched” someone, when that person they perpetrated clearly did not want to be touched. Seven percent of men and one percent of women attempted unwanted sex, and five percent of men admitted to having completed unwanted sex. In both the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 surveys, only males admitted to such offenses.

Risk factors for sexual assault victimization at the University include: being female, high alcohol consumption, hooking up, Greek membership and time of year. Sorority members are significantly more likely to report any victimization. The “red zone” means the first semester of the first year of college.

Tracy Shaynak, director of the University’s Women’s Resource Center spoke about the National College Health Assessment, administered electronically by the American College Health Association at the University in the spring of 2009. The entire undergraduate population was surveyed, and 545 surveys were completed.  Shaynak discussed drinking habits, stating that many students believe that other students drink far more than they actually do. She connected this misconception to the hook up culture, emphasizing the nature of assumption, and the pressure a student might feel in a social context, under the overarching umbrella of the prevalent hook up culture.

According to Shaynak, more meaningful work needs to be done on campus. She said the University needs to give more support to survivors, empower its students to make a change, and work hard to tie resources on and off campus.

University Staff Psychologist Dr. Mary Elizabeth Shaw spoke about continuing a group initiated early last year, a survivors of sexual assault support group.  Shaw emphasized the importance of “working for prevention efforts, promoting consent and healthy relationships, and collaborating with different groups on campus to truly make a difference.”

The lecture also consisted of information about the sexual assault advocate program, a program that provides critical information in order to ease difficult decision making for victims including counseling, academic and legal advice.

Concluding the night, all lecture participants, student and faculty agreed on that many students go into college full of expectations, most of these expectations derived from different modes of the media, from films to music. Many agreed that these expectations should be disregarded as they are often fictitiously based.

University representatives stressed the importance of communication and said that the resources and contacts on campus are abundant, and the psychologists, peer educators, advocates, and other workers, are dedicated to ensuring proper prevention, education, safety, guidance and care.

Categories
Arts & Life Featured

A semester in Bath

By Brenna English-Loeb

Senior Writer

When I was in middle school, I read the “Song of the Lioness” quartet by Tamora Pierce and I was hooked. I wanted nothing more than to become a knight in medieval England—but if that wasn’t possible, I wanted to at least visit England. By the time I was able to go to England this past semester, I had learned that the Middle Ages were not exactly a time period I really wanted to visit (no personal hygiene, for one), but by then I had discovered the glories of British and Irish accents. So I achieved a practically life-long goal when I was able to spend a semester abroad in Bath.

Bath is a World Heritage Site because of the Roman Baths, a natural hot spring that the Romans seized from the Celtic peoples as a much-appreciated reminder of warm Italy. Bath is also the sometime home of Jane Austen (although it turns out she didn’t really like the city all that much) and centuries of culture. Because of its World Heritage status, Bath has remained in much the same condition as it was during Austen’s day, with walkable streets and beautiful stone buildings.

The program I attended, Advanced Studies in England, housed us in real homes across the city, and our classes took place in one of the last remaining houses that belonged to Lord Nelson (which features many portraits of the man decorating the building). I lived with seven other students from several different universities in the United States. We became a very close-knit group, traveling and experiencing the country together as we did. Our house was on the opposite side of town from Nelson House, about a mile’s walk.

My route took me near the Royal Crescent and through the Circus, both prominent Bath landmarks, as well as the city center. The city center had tons of truly British pubs and shops as well as gifted street performers. The Roman Baths, the Pump Room and Bath Abbey are all in this area. Almost all the buildings in Bath are made of the same distinctive stone, and that in combination with the many green and flowering parks makes Bath one of the most bewitching cities I’ve known.

But my time abroad was much more than sightseeing. By spending so much time living among the British, I got a taste of what life there is really like. I now know the value of constantly having a cup of tea and what real chips are like (Hint: They’re not thin and crunchy; we’re talking about what we call french fries, only better). I even mastered the act of looking the right way when crossing the street.

Besides visiting England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, I also toured Greece and France. It was my first time going anywhere so far away or for so long without my family. In addition to experiencing the vastly different cultures of all these places, I learned to have confidence in myself and my ability to navigate the often confusing and intimidating adult world.

I am most proud of my trip to France, which I took when my semester in Bath ended, because I went completely alone. I was forced to practice my rusty French and found that people were really impressed with my speaking ability. While visiting the Louvre, I spent a half hour talking to a man about the differences between France and America as well as our favorite art.

Now that I’m back in the United States I miss England terribly. I miss the way everyone walks or takes the train instead of driving, the sense of history and the way one minute I could be in serene countryside and the next in the middle of a thriving city. I miss all the great friends I made in my program as well as the Bathonians I got to know. Needless to say, I have been planning my return since I got back.

Categories
Sports

Women’s soccer goes 1-1 in Gamecock Cup

By Rob Duffy

Managing Editor

The women’s soccer team fell to Louisville 2-0 Sunday in the championship game of the Gamecock Courtyard Cup in Columbia, S.C. The Bison had advanced to the championship with a 1-0 victory over Ohio on Friday.

“I won’t say that we were satisfied with the loss on Sunday because we truly do believe that we have the depth and experience to earn a result against a Big East team such as Louisville, or any team for that matter,” said Kelliann Doherty ’11, who along with Megan DeGennaro ’12 and Caitlin Holtz ’11 was named to the All-Tournament Team. “Having said that, we did a lot of great things throughout the tournament and had moments of brilliance in both games.”

The Bison fell behind early when Louisville midfielder Angelika Uremovich notched a goal from 35 yards out in the 19th minute. Lousville struck again in the 72nd minute when Julie Casselman completed a successful counter-attack for the Cardinals.

Cardinals goalkeeper Taylor Vancil, who was named Tournament MVP, kept the Bison off the board with four saves. Bison goalie Sandita McDermott ’13, making her first start in net, recorded seven saves.

The Cardinals outshot the Bison 9-3 in the first half and 10-5 in the second, but the Bison just missed on several close opportunities in the second half.

“Though we didn’t get the result we wanted against Louisville, it was a game that was much more equally matched than the 2-0 score shows,” DeGennaro said.

Louisville defeated No. 13 South Carolina 1-0 in the first round to advance to the championship.

A goal by DeGennaro in the 73rd minute lifted the Bison to their opening-round victory over Ohio. DeGennaro dribbled in from the left side and crossed a ball into the far upper corner of the net from 20 yards out. fact-checked.

The Orange and Blue defense kept the Bobcats scoreless, holding them to just one shot the rest of the way. Colleen Garrehy ’12 recorded six saves in net for her second career shutout.

DeGennaro’s goal broke open what was previously an even game. Ohio outshot the Bison 10-5 in the first half and finished with a 16-13 shot advantage, but the Orange and Blue got more shots on net and forced Bobcat goalie Mattie Liston to make seven saves.

“We looked extremely comfortable in our formation and were able to execute many of the principles which we have been focusing on at practice,” Doherty said.

The Bison, now 1-2 for the season, will face Duquesne in their home opener at 7 p.m. tonight. They will then remain home to take on Rutgers at 2 .m. on Sunday and Binghamton at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

“I think we can walk away from the weekend knowing that we had a respectable showing in South Carolina, and we are ready to move on and look forward to our games this week,” DeGennaro said.

Categories
Sports

Sports – Men’s soccer week 1

By Eric Brod

Sports Editor

Coming off an impressive season in which they captured the Patriot League title, the Bison men’s soccer team opened their season with a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Villanova Wildcats Wednesday night at Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium.

Throughout the first half, neither team was able to generate much offense as both defenses worked hard to keep the ball out of their goal. But with nine seconds left in the first half, Ryan Sappington ’12 netted the first goal of the season for the Orange and Blue. The play was set up by a flawless throw-in deep in Wildcat territory by Tommy McCabe ’11.

In the opening minutes of the second half, goalie Tommy Caso ’12 made a series of spectacular saves, but Villanova player Dylan Renna found the back of the net seven minutes into the second half. Neither team was able to score the rest of regulation, which forced the first game of the season into tense sudden-death overtime.

Villanova first-year Joseph Schmid scored the game–winner 6:18 into the overtime period after the Orange and Blue struggled to defend their own end of the field.

The game was played evenly throughout, with the Wildcats edging the Bison in shots 12-11.

The Bison return to action today at 7 p.m. as they travel to Philadelphia, Pa. to face off against the La Salle Explorers.

….Sports Writers, how about CHECK YOUR FACTS.

1. We didn’t win; we LOST.

2. Joseph Schmid is not a Bison player, nor did he win us the game. He won the game for Villanova, WHICH IS HIS ACTUAL TEAM.

3. Don’t copy off the Bison Web site and perhaps you’ll get your facts straight.