www.theonlinerocket.com Friday, April 20, 2012

Sports B-1Campus Life C-1 Lacrosse team wins

third straight gameDancing YouTube star performs in MPR

Volume 95, Number 23

The Rocket Slippery Rock University Student Newspaper Est. 1934

Increase in demand leads to more online courses

Universities around the nation are continuing to implement more online courses each year, but skepticism amongst some students and faculty members alike bring concern that these new web based courses don’t hold up to the traditional classroom environment.

Slippery Rock University has increased their off erings for online summer courses over the past couple years and recently instituted a new web-only winter session between the fall and spring semesters.

Th e rise in the popularity of these courses comes from various factors. As they are typically less expensive for the university than their classroom counterparts, online courses serve as a good source of revenue for Pennsylvania schools being hit with state budget cuts to higher education.

Brian Danielson, the director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Slippery Rock University, said that the popularity of them amongst students is the key factor to their recent growth.

“I believe the primary reason for the recent growth in online courses at SRU is an increase in student demand combined with the ability of SRU’s professors to continue to deliver high-quality instruction online,” Danielson said.  “I think this is evident through the continued success of the online courses off ered during the summer sessions as well as the success of the new,

fully-online winter session.”Matching the increased popularity of web-based

courses is the criticism surrounding them. Th e fear of cheating is the major issue in web based courses, where students conduct all assignments away from the supervision of their professor, but other limitations such as the quality of education are concerns as well.

Despite the questions from the public, Danielson is confi dent the academic quality of online classes is equal to that of a classroom.

“When a student leaves a traditional classroom with an assignment or project, the professor doesn’t know who is actually doing the work.  Online courses share this,” Danielson said. 

“I think conversations on cheating should be less about fi nding ways to stop cheating and more about fi nding new ways to assess student learning - ways that don’t foster cheating.  Problem-based learning and authentic assessment are some instructional methods that work in this direction and fi t nicely in an online setting.”

Dr. John Golden, a professor in the School of Business at SRU, sees online coursework as a necessary part of academics in the modern world.

“Th e quality of online classes is as good or better than face to face classes,” Golden said. “Online classes

AVI makes effort to be more eco-friendly at SRU

Over the past year, food services at Slippery Rock University have implemented various environmentally friendly “green” initiatives to help improve the food and campus overall.

AVI Fresh, which supplies the food at the dining halls at SRU, has implemented initiatives such as composting, recycling, waste monitoring, food waste reduction, “Trayless Tuesdays,” and sustainable products.

A complete list of initiatives can be found on their website at www.sru.edu/sustainability.html. According to the website, AVI has partnered with the Macoskey Center on a composting project, which began as a grant program in 2004. Pre-production food waste is gathered from the dining hall for the production of compost, which is used on the Macoskey gardens and sold. Th e

compost helps replenish the soil with valuable nutrients to help future crops grow.

According to Kandace Kendall, marketing specialist for AVI, AVI Fresh is working with SRU’s Energy Action Campaign “Small Steps, Big Payoff ” to reduce their carbon footprint.“We want to educate our

students and employees on the important steps we are taking and the small steps they can take to reduce waste,” Kendall said. “We are making SRU and the earth a greener place to live. Every step counts. I feel this can only benefi t our future.”

According to Kendall, AVI works with a lot of local farms to bring in fresh produce and meat to students daily. “We make many of our

foods from scratch, for example, fresh ground hamburgers, made-

By Steph Holsinger Assistant News Editor

By Will DeshongRocket Staff Reporter

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKETThe dance group lllstyle performed at Slippery Rock University Tuesday night in the University Union Multi-Purpose Room. They are an upbeat, high energy dance group that incorporates different costumes and outfi ts throughout their performance.

Condravy steps down as

SRU APSCUF President,

recommends Burkhart

The 2012 Spring Academic Assembly was held in Swope auditorium Tuesday in order to discuss the “State of the University” and to honor SRU’s long term faculty members.

After being APSCUF President of the SRU chapter for nine years, Dr. Jace Condravy announced that she would not be running for the position again next year. She stated that she hopes that Dr. Patrick Burkhart will be elected.

“I see that we have many talented faculty members that are passionate about APSCUF and make a real commitment to APSCUF. The chapter and the faculty deserve a fresh perspective and new energy to bring. I believe that Patrick Burkhart can provide that perspective and that energy.”

Condravy also reflected on how strange the campus is without Dr. Robert Smith “bouncing around.” With that said, she is optimistic about SRU’s newly elected president, Dr. Cheryl Norton. Former SRU interim president Dr. Robert Aebersold has worked with Norton before and said that Norton was the best president that he has ever worked with.

“We won’t really know what we have in Dr. Norton until she arrives,” Condravy said. “But everything in her background, her experience and her interactions on campus indicate that she understands the special nature of Slippery Rock, the historic ‘let’s work together to achieve our goals’ attitude, and the need for political activity and the resources that the institution needs not only to survive, but to continue to excel.”

Condravy also announced that there will soon be a new Dean for the College of Education as well as a new Provost. She stated that she hopes that faculty members will take the time to get involved with finding the new Provost.

Then, faculty members who have been with the university for 10, 15 or 20 years were called to the stage to received service awards, and faculty who have worked at SRU for 25 years were presented with personalized medallions. Special awards were given to Dr. Nanette Kaplan Solomon of the music department and Sharad Joshi from the computer science department for having 35 years of service, and Michael Matambanadzo of the history department received recognition for working at SRU for 40 years.

SRU Acting President Dr. Charles Curry then began his “State of the University” address by mentioning a few highlights of the university’s spring semester.

Earlier this year, three SRU student teams competed in a Mathematical Modeling Competition against 37,000 other

By Jonathan JanasikRocket News Contributor

SEE INSTRUCTORS, PAGE A-2 SEE AVI, PAGE A-2

SEE CURRY, PAGE A-2

Faculty confi dent in abilities to provide a quality education online

in-house pizza dough and sauce, fresh chicken tenders, house made ranch dressing, hummus, homemade doughnuts, and etcetera,” she said.

The main initiative that AVI is currently working on is their “High Tunnels” project. The company is working with Lengel Brothers Farm located in Mercer to build “High Tunnels,” which are greenhouses that extend the growing season by three to four months.

“Next semester, we will be able to have fresh, local vegetables throughout October, November and December,” she said. “Our future plan is to implement a herb garden adjacent to Boozel.”“We are doing a lot of things

at SRU to help improve the environment and to make the food as healthy as possible with the freshest ingredients,” Kendall said.

During the month of April, AVI has made an eff ort to celebrate Earth Day by off ering sustainable snacks. The cafés have been featuring a variety of pretzels that feature packaging made from a minimum of 50 percent post-consumer recycled content as part of ongoing eff orts to buy green products when possible. More information can be found at www.AVIloveoft heearth.com, which is AVI’s corporate website on their commitment to going green.

Slippery Rock "Rotaract" ClubThe Slippery Rock Rotary Rotaract Club met for the first time this past Tuesday with a total of 17 charter members. Rota-ract is an international organization of adults ages 18 to 30, sponsored by a local Rotary Club. Members are dedicated to serving their community and strive to promote international understanding through the ideals of friendship and service. At the past meeting, Rotaract Club elected an executive board including Erica Bristor, President; Jenna Nyce, Vice President; Brittany Harrington, Secretary; and Zach Dornisch, Treasurer. As a developing club, anyone is welcome to join even as the semester comes to a close. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, April 24th at 5 p.m. in the University Union. A reminder including the room number will appear later in Top of the Rock.

Financial Aid Deadline ApproachesStudents who want to be considered for financial aid for the 2012-13 academic year must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line at www.fafsa.gov<http://www.fafsa.gov> by May 1st for maximum aid consideration.

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ROCKNOTES

Index

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NewsA-2 April 20, 2012

contact us

Curry discusses new developments, changes at SRU

teams across the globe. The students were rewarded with a Meritorious Honorable Mention for placing in the top 11 percent as well as a successful participation award.

SRU junior computer science major Kelly Smith placed first in the SIGCSE (Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education) 2012 for her research in Platform Independent Cloud Scripting. The contest was sponsored by companies like Microsoft, Google and Intel.

For the second year in a row, SRU has been placed on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This list highlights universities across the United States that have exceptional amounts of students that participate in community service.

Curry said that SRU’s campus has recently been developing. The newly renovated Weisenfluh Dining Hall opened earlier this semester. A baghouse filter was recently installed in

order to decrease coal emissions from the boiler plant next to Morrow Field House. Patterson Hall’s new addition will be finished in fall, allowing more space for the exercise science program. The Robert M. Smith Student Center is expected to be complete by this summer. Also, the Miller Auditorium renovation will begin soon. Diane Galbraith, professor from the School of Business, was named regional recipient of the 2012 Teaching Excellence Award from The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and she is now a candidate for the International Teaching Excellence Award.

SRU was named one of the top 100 universities in the north, and one of the top 30 universities in the region by US World News Report. GI Jobs magazine named SRU as a military-friendly university, and the Princeton Review announced that SRU was included in a list of 322 green colleges in the country.

Other highlights included SRU’s

first winter semester, the creation of an official SRU Facebook page and that students in the SRU Public Relations program won three National Higher Education Marketing awards.

“Clearly we have a lot to celebrate,” Curry said. “However, it’s no secret that two of our biggest challenges will be the budget, and the declining number of students graduating from high school. I know that each of the colleges has a plan to sustain and grow, and I am confident that those goals will be achieved.”

Curry said that both the House of Representatives and the Senate have indicated that they plan on reducing Governor Tom Corbett’s proposed 20 percent budget cuts to education. He urged faculty to continue to advocate, lobby, and maintain state support.

According to Curry, the State of the University for the 2012 spring semester is “very, very good.”

He has confidence that SRU will continue to thrive throughout the rest of the year.

AVI working on greenhouse projects at SRU

Instructors defend the academic integrity of web based courses

require more self-discipline and they require more scholarship.”

Golden also isn’t buying into the notion that an online course opens the way to more cheating by students.

“Th ere’s not any more than in face to face classes,” Golden said of cheating in web courses. “It is incumbent on the professor to make clear which quiz, assignments, exams and papers online are collaborative and which ones are not.”

Golden referenced several tools at professors’ disposal to monitor students’ activities when they are doing graded material online, from having diff erent versions of exams to monitoring the mouse of the student to try to prevent web browsing during an exam.

“Th ere’s no way to make a 100 percent no cheat environment, just like it isn’t possible to do so face to face,” Golden said. “Professors need to make clear in their syllabus that there is a zero tolerance for cheating."

Danielson mentioned how online tools are provided to professors and students to make interaction a part of online courses.

"When working with faculty members, the Educational Technology team at SRU likes to break technologies into two main categories, presentation technologies, collaboration technologies, and online learning environments to host it all," Danielson said.

"An example of a presentation technology, many faculty members use Mediasite to capture lectures that can be streamed online. Th is technology benefi ts the student because they can watch their professor’s lecture anywhere,

anytime. Tools like Wimba and Adobe Connect are web-based collaboration tools that allow the students to interact with each other and their professors face-to-face, online. And of course, Desire2Learn is SRU’s online learning environment - the place where our professors pull everything together."

Danielson and Golden are both part of a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education grant to help develop a new type of online course to test out aspects of virtual reality.

Alongside Dr. Maria Harrington and another professor at California University of Pa., Danielson and Golden are working on a web course on sustainable entrepreneurship, which they hope to have completed sometime in 2013.

According to Golden, the course would create a virtual world in which students would get the face-to-face experience missing from current web courses.

“Th e goal is to test the eff ectiveness of teaching in a virtual environment,” Golden said of the project that would have professors and students create personal avatars which would interact in real time on a virtual campus.

Golden said the project is important because students in college now learn diff erently than they did in the past, dating the traditional setting of a professor at the front of a classroom to the eighteenth century.

Web based courses may seem far diff erent than classroom courses, but Danielson sees them as being more similar than not.

“In reality, the process for developing

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SEE NEW, PAGE A-3

Borough

April 14- John Muron Jr., 24, was cited for an open container of alcohol.

April 14- Lauren McIlravey, 21, was cited for public drunkenness.

April 14- Robert Emig, 22, was cited for public drunkenness.

April 15- Roy Robert Grooms, 20, was cited for underage consumption of alcohol.

April 15- Trevor J. Miller, 18, and Nicholas J. Garuccio, 18, were cited for underage consumption of alcohol.

April 15- Adam C. Miller, 18; Kelly L. Cundiff , 18; Nicole A. Smith, 18; Natalie I. Carroll, 19; Th omas J. Sheets, 18; Geoff rey J. Forney, 18; Ryan J. Barancho, 19; Bridget M. McClure, 18; Kelsi E. Fisher, 20; Meghan S. Drambel, 18; Meghan N. Hunter, 19; Levi T. Primel, 19; Stephen P. Donnelly, 19; Christopher L. Davis, 18; Zachary M. Evaline, 18; Kenneth B. Moore, 19; Filip R. Dyminski, 19, and Emily J. Snyder were cited for disorderly house.

April 15- Luis C. Santos, 22, was arrested for a DUI.

April 15- Tyler Scott Horton, 19, was cited for underage consumption of alcohol.

Campus

April 12- John Adomaitis, 18; Tyler Briggs, 18, and Matthew Christopher,

18, were cited for alcohol violations aft er report of a noise complaint Building A.

April 13- Th ere was a report of damage to a parked vehicle at Kraus Hall. Th e case is under investigation.

April 14- An officer confiscated two knives from a person attending a dance at the Union.

April 14- Aaron King, 19; Deon McCoy, 19; Daniel Morgan, 19, and Cody Peebles, 20, were cited for alcohol violations aft er an offi cer responded to intoxicated individuals behind North Hall.

April 14- Zachary Russell, 20, was cited for a drug violation and Joseph Shapaka, 19, was cited for an alcohol violation aft er a traffi c stop in the Lower Stadium Lot.

April 15- Lucy Hannon, 20, was cited for an alcohol violation at Rhoads Hall.

April 16- Tateana Turner, 18, Haley Robertson, 19, and Kristen Wojtila, 19, were cited for alcohol violations aft er a traffi c stop on Green and White Way.

April 16- There was a report of harassment at Morrow Way. Th e case is under investigation.

April 16- Th ere was a report of sexual assault at North Hall. Th e case is under investigation.

April 16- Th ere was a report of theft at the track area at Old Th ompson Stadium.

NewsApril 20, 2012 A-3

Police Blotter

Compiled by Stephanie Holsinger

New 'virtual reality' course currently

being designed by SRU faculty members

an online course is not that diff erent than developing a traditional course:  select the content, analyze the learners, design the learning activities, develop the instructional materials, deliver the course, evaluate the course, and revise,” Danielson said. “Th e main diff erence is in how you move through the development process and the tools that are used.  Th is is what makes online course development unique.”

Whether a virtual campus catches on in the next few years or not, SRU has no plans on reducing their online studies.

Accompanying public assertions that online courses are cheaper alternatives for universities currently in budget troubles, Danielson supported them for their fl exibility in pacing and location of study as an advantage for students, as well as benefi ts like more opportunities for direct interaction with a professor and an increased sense of ownership in the learning process.

“In my opinion, one of the biggest impacts that technology has had on education is its ability to expand the classroom beyond the traditional 60 minute class period,” Danielson said.  “What I mean by that is -- student-student and student-professor interactions are no longer limited by the physical classroom.  Technology allows the teaching and learning process to continue online, 24/7.”

Continued from Page A-2

OPINION A-4The Rocket

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

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

The Rocket receives approximately five percent of its funding from the SGA General Service fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

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

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

Volume 94, Number 23

About Us

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

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

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Brian Brodeur News Editor

Our View

Will Deshong News Reporter

April 20, 2012

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

are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

Harmony KasperFreshman journalism majorHometown: Ellwood City, Pa.

Matt SnyderSophomore computer

science majorHometown: Franklin, Pa.

Katie KingSophomore political science

majorHometown: Carlisle, Pa.

“In a classroom. When I go online, I get distracted and procrastinate until the last minute. There’s a better learning experience in a classroom.”

“I prefer in the classroom. I think you learn better when you are actually in the class with a professor, and it’s just a better overall experience.”

“I think you learn better face to face. Plus, I’d put things off until the last minute online.”

This week’s question: Do you prefer classes taught online or in a classroom?

GRAPHIC BY LIANA PITTMAN

Traditional classes still more valuable than onlineHow many times has someone

older said to you, “college isn’t the same as it used to be?”

We’re guessing you’ve heard that quite a few times.

Well, they’re right. It isn’t. Think about it. This is the

technology age. Our generation has seen the rise of the Internet first hand.

The culture of college has simply jumped on the bandwagon – with online classes.

Now we recognize that there are pros and cons to taking a class online.

In most cases, it’s easier. That’s a big plus for students. You don’t have to go sit in class and listen to a professor lecture. You get to take a short cut to your diploma.

And let’s be honest here – another main pro is that you can help yourself. Google is a wonderful tool that you have at your disposal during your online class. As is your phone, your book and any notes you’ve taken.

Who’s going to know, right?If that’s why you’re taking an

online class, stop it. Just go and

sit in class and pay attention like everyone else. You aren’t the target audience for online classes.

So who did colleges have in mind when online classes were first introduced? Besides putting some extra cash in their pocket, we’re thinking they had non-traditional students in mind.

Those brave souls that somehow balance a family, a real job and classes. For them, it’s not always easy to make it to campus. The time just isn’t there. In that case, online classes are a wonderful alternative to the traditional method.

Certain classes also lend themselves to an online presence better than others.

A lecture class, for instance, makes a better online class than say, public speaking, which believe it or not will be offered online in the summer.

If you need to fill a liberal arts block and you’re signing up for a class with 100+ people that consists only of PowerPoints and lectures, we agree that you might as well take that online. What’s the point in actually going to class?

Public speaking, however, or a discussion class of any kind, should not be offered online.

How can you possibly get the same experience through a computer screen as you can sitting in an actual classroom?

Let’s take public speaking for example. The online class this summer will have to find a group of people to give their speeches to, and then video tape themselves speaking.

That just doesn’t have the same feel to it as standing up in the front of a classroom and speaking not only to your peers, but directly to your professor as well. Plus, if you’re taping yourself and you think you did badly, you can scrap it and start over. You can’t do that in a traditional classroom. Another shortcut.

You also lose a large amount of the social experience when taking an online class. You will most likely never come face to face with your professor or anyone from the class. You can’t network or make friends that way.

Another advantage to the

traditional classroom environment are discussions. If you have a truly interesting class, something like ethics or government, a heated debate often erupts. We think those classes are usually the most interesting of the semester, and when you learn things you’ll actually take with you after graduation. Online, you miss out on that.

We understand the allure of online classes to the university – money.

It’s much cheaper for the university to pay for an online class than a traditional one. No electricity, no building maintenance, and the class size is potentially unlimited so they can pack it full of paying students. And students will still pay the same amount in tuition for a lesser educational experience. So why not make some extra cash?

But the truth is, you really are paying for a less comprehensive education. If you want your money’s worth, and you have the ability to make it to campus, do yourself a favor and take the traditional class. Don’t take a shortcut online.

Sarah Black Assistant Advertising Manager

Opinion A-5April 20, 2012

Campus should be consulted about art displays

Before I am accused of being a boor or a cultural snob, permit me to mention that I love art. I have for many years appreciated the talent and skill it takes to create works of art, and art serves many purposes in our society. Public art, especially, is a necessary and important part of a common culture that also enhances the beauty of public spaces. That being said, I know I am not the only one who is disappointed with the choice of rusty metal posing as public art that now adorn the green spaces of our university’s quad. I am referring most specifically, of course, to that thing in front of Vincent.

While there is certainly a place in this world for modern art and abstract representations of what we perceive slices of reality to be, it is not on Slippery Rock’s quad. Our campus is noted for its beauty, and I will admit one of myriad of reasons I chose to attend this university was that I would be in a place surrounded by nature

and greenery. To have this pleasant view interrupted by metal absurdities, entirely out-of-keeping with their surroundings, is most jolting indeed.

Perhaps I didn’t get the email, but if I recall correctly there was never a hearing or open forum about where the potential art would be on display for the students and other campus-goers to see and make comments on. If such a forum were to be had, I know, once again, that I would not be the only one to strenuously object to the pieces. This university takes a handsome sum of money from the bank in the name of providing me an education and an experience, and yet I could not give my opinions about an imposing piece of art that now bothers me every time I walk passed it.

In keeping with the spirit of public art, I beg the progenitors of the new quad pieces to take a moment and think what the public wishes to digest as their art. While a paraphrasing of the term “fashion forward” may be the raison d’être for these pieces, and indeed college campuses are excellent petri dishes for new conceptualizations of art, if it is to be public art, let the public be consulted on what it wishes to consume. Or, at least, have some sense of milieu when constructing and locating such works so they aren’t marring the face of a previously harmonious quad.

Be proactive, help save the Earth

There’s nothing like waking up on a spring morning with the window cracked , a l lowing a crisp, relaxing breeze to rejuvenate your daily life.

But what if it all was swept away?

What if the source of our world’s freshest air and most unique biodiversity were all destroyed in the next 40 years?

Would you be willing to make a change now to save the future?

The Amazon Rainforest is home to thousands of rare species of plants and animals--many of them in danger of extinction.

In fact, rain-tree.com reports that the Amazon used to cover 14 percent of the world, but has been reduced to a mere 6 percent due to deforestation and climate changes.

At this rate, as previously stated, the Amazon will be completely destroyed in 40 years.

That’s in our precious lifetime.

So why is any of this relevant to the average college student?

Truth is, we are the

future. We are the only people who can pick up the pieces of our broken world and put it back together.

Clearly, there is no way to revive the many species that have gone extinct.

But there’s also no time to waste in order to save endangered species, either.

And I ’m not jus t referr ing to animals. Plants are more near and dear to our existence than any other thing on earth.

I don’t know about you, but nothing is more exhilarating than spending time outside to reconnect with Mother Earth.

Nature is far too valuable to our existence, and I wouldn’t give up fresh air for anything.

But what can us poor, s t r e s s - l a d e n c o l l e g e students possibly do to better this situation?

Well for one, in lieu of Earth Day (April 22 in case you missed the memo), I suggested planting a tree, flowers, herb garden, etc. There are hundreds of seed-varieties offered that can be purchased anywhere from Walmart to online vendors. And there’s no time like the present to do so.

Another way to combat the de te r iora t ion of our world is to join or cont r ibu te to ear th-friendly organizations. Greenpeace, for example, is an organization that promotes green living and encourages others to

take action. By donating or volunteering with an organization, you can help make the world a cleaner, friendlier place.

Lastly, “going green” is as simple as recycling your beer cans and turning off the water when you brush your teeth.

In the end, it’s the subtle, simple changes that make a huge impact.

Maybe try contacting your electric company with inquir ies about energy-eff ic ient l ight bulbs?

Or get a group of friends together to walk around town picking up litter (while, of course, separating the recyclable items from garbage).

If we don’t take action now, life on Earth may cease to exist, as we know it.

The more pol lu ted and contaminated our waterways and national reserves become, the faster our Earth will deteriorate.

Now, I’m not asking anyone to drop out of school and save the rainforest.

But I do s t rongly encourage others to be more mindful of their day-to-day activities.

You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to change the world, all you need is the motivation to care about the future.

Newspapers, media making transition to online

Bottled water isn’t always as safe as it sounds What you’re probably holding in your hands and reading right now, a newspaper, is slowly becoming a dying media form.

On the flipside, if you’re reading this on a computer then you’re utilizing the fastest growing media form.

It’s all pretty crazy. In the past, newspapers were one of the only ways to communicate news to people in a way that they could handle.

Mos t peop le were literate, could afford a few cents, and would find something to catch their interest in a newspaper.

Magazines are very similar.

It’s as easy as choosing from the different types, thumbing through and gathering information.

As we move along, these print publications are slowly fading away and being replaced by digital publications.

Many magazines and newspapers, such as The Rocket, have the right idea.

Offer the traditional print media to those who still use it while also offering the same articles and content online for those who are a little more tech-savvy.

Sometimes this content comes with a pricing system that causes the user to pay for each article they want to read.

Other publications use a blanket price for a number of articles or time spent reading articles.

Still other publications, like The Rocket, offer the same content as the newspaper online for free.

Obviously this isn’t the best example since it’s free

already, but I think you get the idea. I believe these systems are great ways to adapt to the current climate and keep business fresh. But is the movement from print media to digital media a good thing?

Some say it’s not. Many people worry that putting everything on the Internet and computers puts us at risk.

What if these devices stop working or have irreversible bugs?

Al though compute r errors and lock-ups happen less often now, we can probably all remember the Microsoft blue error screen, or the “blue screen of death.” What happens if something like that happens on a massive scale?

What comes to mind is the Y2K scare. The proposed problem was the date switching from 1999 to 2000.

Many bel ieved this change would cause computer bugs and errors.

Luckily, this wasn’t the case for the majority of computer users.

Despite this, it’s possible something similar could arise in the future. Where would that leave us?

On the other hand, many believe as I do.

T h e y s e e t h e t e c h n o l o g i c a l s h i f t , despite small issues like technology dependence and less face-to-face interaction, as a beneficial one.

The mos t obv ious posit ive effect I can think of is in terms of the environment.

N e w s p a p e r s a n d magazines take up tons of paper and ink, for better or for worse. The Internet, on the other hand, does not utilize these resources. Instead of sending out how many newspapers and magazines, all someone has to do is type an article on a word processor and have it published online.

Another positive effect is the astounding amount of convenience we have in getting information.

Current news can be accessed instantaneously, without waiting around for TV news or a newspaper.

We are able to receive information about things happening in that moment.

Furthermore, digi tal media publications can have a vast array of contributors.

People millions of miles away from each other can send what they want to be published in seconds with e-mail. After some editing, their articles can be placed online seamlessly.

We are able to see outside a bubble and gather information from a diverse range of people.

In addi t ion, onl ine publications give us the ability to read a lot more, as well as offering a real choice in whose work we choose to read.

As opposed to choosing between two or three physical newspapers, we can now choose between hundreds upon thousands from almost all parts of the globe.

T h e e m e r g e n c e a n d e v o l u t i o n o f new technolog ies i s unavoidable . We are now living in the digital age and as such the way we consume media is adjusting.

While a lot of newspapers and magazine publications have gone under due to these changes, many are adapting and offering online content to their subscribers and new users.

Although some believe having media online poses a risk, others are in favor of the opposite opinion. I fall into the latter.

I b e l i e v e p u t t i n g media online makes us more environmental ly conscious.

It also gives us more information from a variety of different people.

We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds for media in all of its forms.

There is a large concentration of articles in the news world that seem to focus on the negatives that the world has to offer and often times they are speculative at best.

Obviously, on a slow news week the newspaper will still require readership, so sensationalism is the fallback for some reporters to still get articles out.

The problem lies in when these begin to get taken as 100 percent truths rather than either opinions or speculation and prediction, and a reaction occurs.

The best example of this that I have recently stumbled upon is the rebuttal of multiple water myths that have cropped up across the Internet over the last year.

They all involve a certain amount of speculation and blind repetition of statements until they seem to be fact.

For example, one of the largest myths that seems to be backed up by people’s reactions here on campus is that of bottled water’s safety as compared to tap/municipal water.

When taken at face value, obviously bottled water seems like a better choice. It didn’t climb through pipelines and treatment plants to reach your cup but rather it came from an isolated bottle from a plant somewhere that isn’t as exposed to the elements.

Unfortunately, the truth is contradictory largely because of the FDA and government regulations that are levied against each sector here.

As a municipality, the site and waters must be tested within every couple of hours, reporting any issues or violations within two days.

Depending on how you view things, this is either incredibly strict or incredibly lax.

If you’re a member of the latter, take into consideration that a private bottling company must only report testing once a week and has no direct requirement to report any problems that it finds.

The tap water in the United States ranks amongst the top in the world for safety and cleanliness.

Granted, the smell of some of Slippery Rock’s water is enough to trigger people into believing that bottles are safer, but if you are able to get a pitcher filter or use a commercial faucet then you are doing yourself a favor.

Taste of water is another turn off to some, but it is also important to remember that you can have somewhat of a placebo effect dictating the taste, and even the circumstances under which you needed or ingested the water can have an effect on flavor.

Usually you would grab a cold bottle of water when you’re thirsty or need it, making it obviously more pleasing than lukewarm or relatively cold tap water.

However, under multiple blind taste tests with the same temperature waters, people had difficulty distinguishing different expenses of bottles from each other, including tap water, which is free.

As a final note, plastic bottles sit in landfills and hardly get broken down over long periods of time.

Yes, recycling has picked up in recent years due to the new information available to us about the environment.

However, think back to how many bottles you’ve tossed away because you couldn’t find or didn’t look for a recycling bin, then multiply that by a large portion of the population.

It’s quite an astronomical amount of waste that could have been avoided.

So the next time you’re thirsty and a drinking fountain or faucet is nearby, do yourself a favor and skip that bottle of water and pull out a glass or carry a refillable bottle.

Not only are you helping the environment that way, but you’re also decreasing the risk of exposure to foreign bacteria.

Dare and ShareNicole Crevar

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

Dr. DanDan Gladis

Dan Gladis is a freshman history major from Aliquippa, Pa.

IntrospectionJake Olson

Jake Olson is a junior secondary education English major from Grove City, Pa.

Observation StationMichael Santoro

Michael Santoro is a junior public relations major from Pittsburgh, Pa.

CLASSIFIEDS A-6January 27, 2012

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COMICSApril 20, 2012

Blundergrads Blundergrads By Phil FlickingerBy Phil Flickinger

SudokuSudoku By Michael MephamBy Michael Mepham

Solution

The Rocket

By Nancy BlackTribune Media

Services(MCT)

To day 's Bir thday (04/20/12). Birthdays are an excellent time to consider one's own health, wellness and vitality. Reassess your practices. Are they as fun as you want? Access your enthusiasm and optimism. Play with friends. A relationship could get more committed around the solar eclipse on November 13. Abundance is yours.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Your attention is on finances. Don't let it slip through your fingers ... pay down bills, stash some, replenish reserves. Stick to your plan, and grow your nest egg.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Take it slow, and avoid mistakes that would cost far more time overall. With both the Sun and Moon in your sign, your confidence could make you cocky. Focus on love.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Spend

less and save more. For the next two days, review the financial and logistical plans. Conserve resources, shop for bargains, and you can make it all work out.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- These days are great for having friends over. Schedule meetings, as you network with ease. Many hands make light work: Take on a joint project, and celebrate.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Thank someone who's been a nag for reminding you. You may be tested over the next few days. Stay practical and focused, and make a good impression on an observer. Smile.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Travel and adventure lie on the horizon. Read the small print. Double-confirm arrangements. Include study and research in the mix for a plot that makes a difference.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Don't balk at an unreasonable request. Consider options carefully. Don't worry about status. The next two days are hot for business. Get into action!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov.

21) -- Today is a 9 -- Let go of old self-imposed barriers, and open the door of your heart to love. The more you give, the more you'll receive. Find power in balance.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- For the next four weeks, it's easier to bring passion to work. If you get stopped, ask yourself, "What do I love most?" Bring photos in to remind yourself.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Find comfort in your home. Repair what needs fixing. A female increases the excitement. Take suggestions, get practical advice and you love the results.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- The person yelling the loudest isn't always right. Stop and think. Strive for balance and fairness. Get into a home project, and clean up a mess. Create love.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Keep focused on creating income, despite distractions. Someone may want more of your time. Balance. Use what you've learned and keep studying. You can do this.

HoroscopesHoroscopes

A-7Life in HellLife in Hell By Matt GroeningBy Matt GroeningBliss Bliss By Harry BlissBy Harry Bliss

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

A-8April 20, 2012

April 20, 2012

SPORTS B-1The Rocket

By Madeline WilliamsAssistant Sports Editor

The Slippery Rock University women's lacrosse team won its third consecutive game on Sunday with a 22-13 victory over Shepherd University.

The Rock went on an 8-0 run midway through the fi rst period to score a season-high 17 goals in the fi rst half.

SRU improved to 8-4 overall and 4-4 in league play with the non-conference win. Shepherd dropped to 10-4 overall.

Head coach Emily Hopkins said that the team meshed well on Sunday.

"Shepherd was important because we were really clicking on the off ensive end as well as in transition," Hopkins said.

Th e Green and White had a 41-24 total shot advantage, 33-18 in shots on goal, 26-18 in ground balls, and a 25-11 advantage in draw controls.

Senior Amy Halls led the Rock with a game-high six points on three goals and three assists. Halls leads the team in scoring with 39 points this season.

Junior Holly Webb scored four goals and had one assist and sophomore Morgan Pettit tallied three goals and handed out two assists to fi nish the game with fi ve points apiece.

Sophomore Lauren Laubach added a goal and had passed out a game-high four assists and had an impressive nine draw controls.

Seniors Emma VanDenburg and Casey Quinn each fi nished the game with three goals and one assist each. Freshman Katie Cook scored two goals and sophomore Brittany Jaillet scored one goal and had one assist to wrap up the multi-point scorers for the Rock.

Senior Katie Roof and freshman Lydia Heishman each tallied one goal apiece.

Junior goalie Natalie Crenshaw earned the win aft er recording three saves and allowing nine goals in the

45 minutes that she played. Freshman Elizabeth Byrne came in to play the fi nal 15 minutes, allowing four goals and recording two saves.

Crenshaw believes that the team has the talent and skill to fi nish the season strong and make it to playoff s.

"I think the only obstacle that stands in our way is ourselves," Crenshaw said. "We need to keep our intensity up and fi nish out the season strong and we'll reach our goals."

The Rock will take on East Stroudsburg University today and Bloomsburg University tomorrow for two crucial PSAC matchups.

Halls said that the team has been working hard during practice this week in preparation for this weekend.

"We had two tough days of practice this week where we focused on specifi cs for off ense and defense," Halls said. "Th e team is really pumped up for this coming weekend. Th ey're both huge games and as long as we stick together, we believe that we can continue on our quest for playoff s."

Rock loss ends eight-game winning streak

Lacrosse scores 22 goals, wins third consecutive match

By Mike HurlimannRocket Contributor

Slippery Rock baseball split their four-game series against No. 23 Mercyhurst with two home losses on Friday and two road victories on Saturday.

Mercyhurst showed their

dominance early on by shutting out Slippery Rock in the fi rst game of the series, 10-0. Th e Green and White was only able to get four hits against last year's conference champions.

Senior Zach Jeney allowed three earned runs through six innings pitched on six

hits. Jeney struck out nine Mercyhurst batters while on the mound, three of which came in consecutive fashion in the fourth inning.

Mercyhurst added insult to injury by tacking on fi ve unearned runs on fi ve hits in the seventh inning off sophomore

relief pitcher Anthony Naso to put the game out of reach.

Th e loss snapped Slippery Rock's eight-game winning streak.

Game two in Slippery Rock was a rout as Mercyhurst scored 19 runs to Slippery Rock's six. Th e second inning and the fi ft h

inning were the two biggest innings for Mercyhurst, where they scored seven runs and nine runs respectively.

Th e Rock scored in the fi rst inning aft er senior centerfi elder Derek Carr walked, advanced to third on a Lee Foxton single, and crossed the plate as John

Shaff er grounded into a double play. Slippery Rock was only able to score one more run in the fourth inning before Mercyhurst extended its lead to 19 to 2 in the top of the next inning.

In the seventh inning, Slippery Rock was able to score four runs on fi ve hits, but the lead Mercyhurst built was insurmountable.

Freshman Garret Peterson was given the loss aft er going one and two-thirds innings and allowed seven runs, two earned, to score on eight hits.

Kyle Schneider came in relief and allowed an additional seven earned runs to score on six hits. Freshman Anton Constantino and Naso also received action on the mound.

Left fi elder Austin Benshadle led the way off ensively for the Green and White with two hits and two RBI’s in three at-bats.

Slippery Rock was able to turn their fortunes around in Erie on Saturday, April 14 with back-to-back victories over Mercyhurst to complete their four-game series.

Sophomore pitcher Lou Trivino earned PSAC West Pitcher of the Week honors this week for his eff ort on the mound Saturday afternoon. Trivino pitched a complete game, two hitter and had seven strikeouts and earned his seventh victory of the season.

Foxton said that the team has high expectations for the rest of the year.

"Our ultimate goal for the remainder of the season is to make the PSAC playoff s and win them," Foxton said. "We plan on achieving this goal by playing with confi dence and believing in one another."

Also looking forward to the rest of the year, Peterson said the league competition is very close this season.

"We are looking at the games from here on out with the mentality of one game at a time," Peterson said. "The PSAC competition is so close this year, and a few games here and there could take us from being fi rst in the conference to last relatively quickly and vice-versa. I believe that the team has come together over the last few weeks to be contenders in the PSAC."

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKETSenior catcher Matt Accardi prepares to fi re a ball to second base against Fairmont State University. Accardi has 20 hits this season for 12 runs and 12 runs batted in.

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKETSophomore Lauren Laubach drives down the fi eld against Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Laubach has 32 points with 17 goals and 15 assists this season.

By Kristin KaramRocket Contributor

Th e Slippery Rock outdoor track and field teams dominated the competition at the Dave Labor Invitational last Saturday.

The home invite was renamed this year aft er the late Dave Labor. Labor was an assistant coach with the program for 17 years and died last fall aft er battling cancer.

Th e men’s team won nine events, and the women recorded eight wins.

Fre s h m a n Hu nt e r Williams won the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.31 seconds. Williams took third in the 200-meter dash, clocking in a time of 22.78 seconds.

The Rock swept the top four positions in the 110-meter hurdles and

the top three spots for the 400-meter hurdles.

Junior Dan Hedglin won the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.46 seconds. Hedglin was followed by junior Ethan Geisler in second at 15.71 seconds, sophomore Jonathan Boyd in third at 15.77 seconds, and senior Joe Spears at 16.04 seconds.

In the 400-meter hurdles, sophomore Trevor Foley claimed the win with a time of 53.56 seconds. Geisler followed in second place with a time of 54.42 seconds and Hedglin took third at 54.60 seconds.

Freshman Theodore Reynolds won the 10,000-meter run with a time of 33:56.07.

The 4x400-meter relay team of Williams, Geisler, Foley, and junior DJ Chisom completed the event with a time of 3:18.99 to record

their fastest time of the season and the win.

Chisom fi lled in for the injured junior Mason McLaughlin.

“Chisom stepped up big time to help our guys to that season-best time. Th at shows our depth as a team that on any given day one of us can step in for one another and be ready to compete,” McLaughlin said.

Slippery Rock had a good showing in the fi eld competitions as well, winning four out of eight events.

In the hammer throw, junior Joseph Kelly took fi rst with a throw of 50.58 meters. Junior Kyle Toms threw for 47.08 meters to place fourth.

Senior Chad Noce won the shot put with a distance of 15.83 meters and was followed by Toms in third at 15.20 meters.

Sophomore Sam Lotz won

the triple jump with a leap of 12.79 meters.

Two of the Rock’s pole vaulters were part of a three-way tie for fi rst place. Sophomore David Caldwell and senior Ryan Camody cleared 4.30 meters to tie for the win with Edinboro’s Nick Turner.

The women’s team was also well-represented in the fi eld events.

In the high jump, sophomore Jamie Rylands took the win with a mark of 1.57 meters. Freshman Kirsten Fuller tied for third with Walsh’s Catie Shears with a mark of 1.47 meters.

Freshman Br ittany Christiansen threw for 48.45 meters to win the hammer throw. In second place was senior Cassie Carrow with a throw of 45.11 meters.

Senior Sandy Kakraba took wins in the triple jump and the shot put.

In the triple jump, Kakraba had a leap of 10.60 meters. Second place was taken by sophomore Dilshani Madawala at 10.25 meters.

Kakraba threw for 12.50 for the win in the shot put.

Junior Lexi Arnold won the javelin with a throw of 41.05 meters.

Slippery Rock’s pole vaulters had another strong showing, taking second through fi ft h place in the event.

Th e vaulters were led by junior Angela Schroeder’s clearance of 3.50 meters.

Schroeder was followed by sophomore Julia Cain at 3.35 meters, senior Kelly Fischer at 3.20 meters, and freshman Emily Schubert at 3.10 meters.

“Everyone on the pole vault team is dedicated to the event and will support and push everyone to do their best,” Cain said.

Freshmen Katelyn Wetzel and Samantha Zampetti earned top-10 spots in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash for the Rock.

Wetzel took first in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.82 seconds, while Zampetti took fourth at 13.33 seconds.

In the 200-meter dash Wetzel placed third at 26.81 seconds and Zampetti took seventh at 27.33 seconds.

Sophomore Stephanie Turak took first in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 5:10.99.

Receiving top honors and a win in the 5,000-meter run was junior Jordan Hausladen with a time of 19:13.89.

Slippery Rock also sent a few multi athletes to the Mondschein Multi Event in Kutztown, Pa. last Th ursday.

Former Rock athlete Kim Stitt won the heptathlon with a score of 4,358 points.

Junior Tara Catone took seventh in the event with a total of 3,689 points, while freshman Amelia Wren placed 11th with 3,257 points.

Catone’s total was the fi ft h-highest total for PSAC athletes this season. Top-14 scores advance to the PSAC championships at the end of the season.

Representing the Rock in the decathlon was junior Andrew Greenslade, sophomore Derick Fiedler, and freshman Adam Brenneman.

Greenslade placed third with his career-high total of 5,840 points.

Fiedler earned 5,733 points to place fourth and Brenneman took 16th with 3,991 points.

Th e Rock rounded out the weekend’s competition by sending their top 800-meter runners at the Bison Outdoor Classic on Sunday.

Freshman Janine Powis, senior Caitlin Hancox, and junior Kevin Jewel represented the university at the meet.

Powis ran her season-best time of 2:16.21 to finish ninth and Hancox took 16th with a time of 2:14.95.

Th ere were 66 competitors in the women’s event.

Jewel ran the event in 1:56.04 to place 29th in the 63-man fi eld.

Slippery Rock was well-represented amongst the other athletes at the meet.

T h e t e a m’s b e s t performances are yet to come, Cain said. Everyone wants to qualify for the PSAC championship meet, so there should be some great performances coming up.

Slippery Rock will head to Indiana, Pa. for the IUP Invitational this Saturday.

Green and White dominates Dave Labor Invitational

By P.J. ShipeRocket Contributor

Slippery Rock’s softball team began the final week of the regular season by sweeping Clarion in a non-conference doubleheader with a 2-0 win in game one followed by an 11-2 victory in game two on Tuesday.

With the victories, Slippery Rock improved its overall record to 15-16 while Clarion saw their overall record fall to 8-28 on the season.

Slippery Rock was led by Jenna Geibel, who went 5-7 at the plate with one home run, three RBI’s, and one run scored.

Teammate Katie Saluga went 5-8 at the plate with three RBI’s, three doubles, one stolen base, and three runs scored. Geibel and Saluga lead the team with 10 and nine multi hit games, respectively.

Also, Slippery Rock’s 11 runs on 18 hits in game two were the most this season in either category.

In addition, Geibel is batting .411 this season and four home runs in the last five games to move her to 10 on the season. She becomes only the third player in SRU softball history to have at least 10 home runs in one season as well as only the second player to do it

multiple times. In game one, the

scoring started early as Slippery Rock got on the scoreboard early with two runs in the first inning when Saluga and Natalie Atkinson drew consecutive walks.

Then, Geibel connected on a RBI single followed by a Clarion throwing error, which scored Atkinson.

Slippery Rock pitcher Emily Lobdell earned the win while pitching four innings, giving up zero runs on five hits with two strikeouts.

In game two, the Rock had some offensive magic as runs came early and often with two runs in the first inning, one in the third inning, three in the fourth inning, one in the fifth inning, and four in the seventh inning.

The top of their lineup was on fire as they went a combined 14-23 with 10 RBI’s. Saluga and Taylor Welch both had three RBI’s each. Saluga had three hits with two being doubles while Taylor Welch went 2-4 with a double and a triple.

Also, swinging the bat well was Geibel who had a home run and two RBI’s while Brenna Tongel went 2-2 with a RBI and a walk.

Slippery Rock pitcher Shaylee Ianno (9-7) earned the win while pitching

seven innings, giving up two runs on four hits with eight strikeouts. Clarion pitcher M. Daley suffered the loss while pitching four innings, giving up six runs on 10 hits with one strikeout.

Slippery Rock’s softball team had their five game winning streak snapped after being swept by Mercyhurst on the road Friday afternoon.

In game one, Slippery Ro ck had mu lt ip le chances to avoid the shutout but left runners on first and second with one out as well as the bases loaded in the third inning.

M e r c y h u r s t t o o k advantage as they scored one run in the in the first four innings to take a 4-0 lead. Slippery Rock had a golden opportunity in the seventh inning after consecutive walks to Alaynna Beers and Lobdell, but stranded both runners.

Ianno took the loss while pitching seven innings, giving up four runs on three hits with two strikeouts.

In game two, Slippery Rock jumped out to a 2-1 lead with Geibel’s solo home run in the third inning and Brenna Tongel’s RBI double in the fourth inning. They kept the lead until the sixth

inning when Mercyhurst exploded for six runs, which included Megan Smith’s two run RBI double to take a 7-2 lead. Slippery Rock was never able to recover as they only managed three hits

over the final two innings. Slippery Rock pitcher Ashley Knight (5-6) took the loss while pitching five innings, giving up five runs on five hits with three strikeouts.

The Green and White

played against Gannon today but the game ended after the paper went to production. The Rock’s final game will be against California University of Pennsylvania tomorrow at 1 p.m.

SportsB-2 April 20, 2012

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKETSenior pitcher Shaylee Ianno looks to throw to fi rst base to cut off a base runner. Ianno is 9-7 on the season with a 3.09 earned run average.

Rock softball prepares to fi nish season on high note

ALEX MOWREY/ THE ROCKETJunior Eric Geddis competes in the 1,500-meter run at the Slippery Rock Open Invitational. At the Bison Outdoor Classic last weekend, Geddis placed 24th in the 3,000-meter steeple chase with a season-best time of 9:30.29.

Penguins v. Flyers doesn't even look like hockeySportsApril 20, 2012 B-3

By Tim DurrSports Editor

Aft er an off ensive onslaught by the Pittsburgh Penguins in game four against the Philadelphia Flyers, I still don’t see any way for Pittsburgh to come back from this 3-1 defi cit that they face.

Coming into game four, the Penguins were scoring four goals per game and giving up over six goals per game.

The last time I checked, d e f e n s e s t i l l w i n s championships and neither the Flyers nor Penguins have shown much defensive play at all. Most of the time it’s hard

to even tell if there are goalies and defenders on the ice.

Every single game has had at least seven goals scored total between the two teams with the Flyers winning games one, two and three by fi nals of 4-3, 8-5, and 8-4, respectively.

Wednesday night, the

Penguins off ense showed up stronger than it had in the entire series and won by a fi nal of 10-3 and set a new NHL record of 45 total goals scored through the fi rst four games of a playoff series.

It’s difficult to make comments on the actual play of the game because of every

game having such sporadic play throughout. Th e fl ow of the series has been completely ridiculous.

The wild scoring, fights, dirty plays and cheap shots, have made the series look more like a circus in the arena over a hockey game being played.

Any true hockey fan shouldn’t be excited to be watching this series. This series for a true fan of the game of hockey is a nightmare for you.

I knew that coming into this series we were going to see crazy hockey after the way that the regular season concluded but I suspected that both teams would step up their defense and play in some 4-3 and 3-2 games.

Instead of that happening, both team’s defenses have played sloppy all series, goaltending has been nonexistent, especially from Marc-Andre Fleury and while it might be exciting to watch, it’s not good playoff hockey.

Whether the Penguins pull off this most unlikely comeback and win three more games, or the more likely scenario that the Flyers will close out the series in game five in Pittsburgh, neither one of these teams are playing defense at a level that’ll get them past the next round.

Every other playoff series that I have seen so far in the 2012 NHL playoff s has had good defense, close games, and while there have been fi ghts and big hits in these other games, I haven’t seen any of them get out of control like the Penguins v. Flyers.

As a Penguins fan, I’d love to see them comeback and pull off a great upset but at this point, I just want to see this terrible series end. So, in the hope of this ending soon, Go Flyers!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS Several Philadelphia Flyers, including former Pittsburgh Penguin Jaromir Jagr, celebrate after scoring a goal in the fi rst round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Flyers took the fi rst three games in the series to open a 3-0 lead, but the Penguins rebounded last night with a 10-3 victory.

SportsB-4 April 20, 2012

Tier 3 inline hockey team wins championship over PSU-Beaver

By Tim DurrSports Editor

In i t s e ig ht h ye ar of existence, Sl ipper y Rock University’s Tier 3 White inline hockey

team defeated Penn State University of Beaver in three games to win the Western Pennsylvania Area Collegiate Roller Hockey League Championship.

Inl ine Hockey Club

P r e s i d e n t C h r i s t i a n Ricketts said that the team has been working together since day one to put together a championship capable team.

“We built the team to

win a championship since day one,” Ricketts said. “Most of the guys have played together before so we knew that chemistry was strong going into it. The team was full of heart

and determination and that’s what led us to the championship.”

In the championship game of the playoffs, Brandon Erskine scored the game-winning goal while the SRU White team was shorthanded. John Senn also added a goal for SRU to give them a 2-1 victory.

Erskine rel ived his moment of getting his game winner and said that the game was intense the entire time.

“The game was intense from start to f inish,” Erskine said. “We got a penalty and I knew that it was their chance to take the lead. We couldn’t let that happen. I rushed down the sideboards with the puck and then was checked by a defender. I was able to get up and get the puck back off of him, make a move on the goalie and put it in the back of the net. I was in disbelief, because I don’t score often, so it was a miracle.”

Captain Joshua Raibick said that one of his main duties during the season was to keep the team at an even keel and when they had their low points, they had to keep their heads up.

“Being a captain, you have to do your best to keep the team’s emotions in check,” Raibick said. “There are points when the puck doesn’t bounce your way and you can’t get too down.”

In net for the SRU White

squad was Austin White who had a 2.40 goals against average in the playoffs, and only allowed one goal by Penn State Beaver in game three of the championship.

Ricketts added that one of the most difficult things for the team to deal with throughout the season was that several players dropped off of the team before the season started.

“We had a few players drop before the season started so they were short a few players,” Ricketts said. “Playing with a short bench can take a toll late in games, but the group was strong and held together well.”

Raibick said that his favorite part of the season was how the team rallied back after a 1-3 start to the season.

“The best part of playing for this team was going from 1-3 to start the season to playing for the championship with a noisy SRU crowd gathered around us,” Raibick said.

The inline hockey club is the largest club sport on SRU’s campus and the biggest inline hockey club on the east coast with over 60 members in the organization.

The entire club consists of five teams that play in three different divisions.

The Green and White travelling team made it to the National Elite-8 last season where they lost to the University of Southern California.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN RICKETTSThe Tier 3 inline hockey team defeated Pennsylvania State University - Beaver to win the Western Pennsylvania Area Collegiate Roller Hockey League Championship in three games.

CAMPUS LIFE C-1The Rocket

April 20, 2012

By Rebecca MarcucciRocket Contributor

“Life isn’t always the party we’d hoped for, but while we are here…might as well dance!”

This quote from YouTube sensation Judson Laipply – the star of “Evolution of Dance,” a video with over 190 million hits – was shared with SRU students Wednesday evening in the University Union MPR, just before Laipply performed his YouTube-famous routine for the Slippery Rock campus.

Before busting out the iconic dance moves within his repertoire, Laipply provided comic relief and motivation to the SRU audience.

“Here’s how to enjoy life as much as possible,” Laipply said. “Whatever you’re stressing about, number one, let it go. Or number two, do something about it. And if that doesn’t work then do number three and shut up and go away.”

Laipply’s motivations spoke of constant change and how people have difficulties with accepting change when things don’t go the way they planned.

“Kids laugh 300-600 times a day,” he said. “And it’s easy to see why, they laugh at everything! Th ey’re like, ‘Look! Ketchup! Hahaha!’ Th e average adult laughs 7-14 times a day. Th at’s because we fi nd that a giant stick has been shoved up our butts. And those of you sitting there thinking, ‘Well that’s not very funny.’ Th at’s because that stick is shoved even further up your butt.”

Laipply said we live in a comparative society where we notice those who have less than us and we want to be like those who have more than us, but this shouldn’t be the case, he said.

“We should think about the things we need to get us to where

we want to be,” he said.Laipply said he had always

wanted to be a motivational speaker.

“It was something I knew I would do eventually,” Laipply said. “So while I was in college and graduate school I was speaking and presenting whenever I could. I would have group projects and nobody would want to present, so

I did! And I didn’t have to do any of the work. Th ey would just give me all the information and I would present it and we got a good grade.”

Laipply went to Bluffton University in Blufft on, Ohio for his undergraduate degree in recreation management and to Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio for his graduate degree in education with a specialization in

recreation and leisure. “I studied games to learn how

to teach leadership and personal skills,” he said. “As a graduate student, I taught aerobic classes and then became certifi ed to teach aerobics as well.”

Laipply said aft er graduation he was able to manage a job while also being a motivational speaker.

“I painted houses while making

my own hours to also speak on the side,” he said.

Laipply said his idea and inspiration for the “Evolution of Dance” came from laughing at a stand-up comic’s routine.

“I was watching a black comic make fun of white people dancing at a wedding,” he said. “He had

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKETInspirational comedian and YouTube sensation Judson Laipply, famous for his “Evolution of Dance” video, came to SRU as a guest speaker Wednesday evening.

YouTube star Judson Laipply performs in MPR

By Rebecca MarcucciRocket Contributor

“Brave New Plays is going to be sweet,” a lollipop handed out to students in the dining halls assured. The students passing out the candy also revealed that the treats hinted toward a certain element that will be seen in the show.

“Brave Ne w Plays ,” an event held yearly during the Slippery Rock Kaleidoscope Arts Festival, is a series of student written, produced, directed and performed plays.

Junior English literature major, and playwright and actor in this year’s “Brave New Plays” Jon Luther David, 20, said he enjoys diving into two key elements in the theater process, writing and acting.

“I always like to tell a story in interesting ways without saying what’s going on,” David said.

David wrote two plays for this year’s event. His first, “Battlefield Blues,” is a somewhat comedic monologue, he said.

“The play opens with a guy setting up a table of army men,” he said. “After recently divorcing his wife he has created an army of green soldiers against an army of brown soldiers led by a Barbie doll.”

“Broken Hearts and

Bourbon,” also written by David, is a silent play.

“One guy is trying to get his wife back after she cheats on him,” David said. “It’s set up like a silent film with old music playing in the background.”

This has been David’s third time participating with “Brave New Plays,” and he said he has enjoyed performing the scripts others have written.

“During the first tech practice I got to watch all of the plays performed on stage,” David said. “They made me laugh and gave me chills.”

“The Bench and Raw,” two plays David will be performing in, are two among many that offered interesting perspectives to this year’s production, he said.

“I play the businessman in ‘The Bench,’” David said. “It is a ten minute play about one guy’s bad day because his tires got slashed and then it all unfolds from there.”

David said his character, Andrew, in “The Bench and Raw” is persuaded to reinvent his past by a random stranger. This however, causes problems for his character’s current girlfriend, he said.

David said the best way

SEE COMEDIAN’S, PAGE C-3

Alumni find success in paranormal seriesBy James Meyer

Assistant Campus Life Editor

The hosts of “Resident Undead,” YouTube’s most viewed paranormal series, visited campus on Friday the 13th for their presentation, “The Best Evidence So Far.”

For two of the hosts, it was a homecoming haunted with fond memories of their alma mater. Daniel Hooven and Adam Kimmell are both SRU graduates who first met as fraternity brothers in Alpha Sigma Phi.

Kimmell, who was a political science major, is the founding member of “Resident Undead.” He said that he became interested in the

paranormal while watching ghost hunting shows and did his first filming at Snyder Cemetery.

“I turned down an internship, though that might be the last thing I should say to students,” Kimmell said with a laugh. “The way I look at it, you only get one shot in life. You may as well go out having fun and doing what you want to do.”

Kimmell mentioned that he agrees with much of the criticism that skeptics make of popular ghost-hunting shows.

“Anyone can pick up a camera and say ‘I’m a ghost hunter,’” he said. “It’s like having a kid. You don’t need a license. But then again, who would be the one with the authority to

hand out licenses?”Daniel Hooven, who graduated

with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, said that working on “Resident Undead” has provided a fun and interesting way of putting his skills to work.

“I asked [Kimmell] if he needed a hand with Facebook or websites or anything, so I offered to help him out with the media stuff,” Hooven said. “Then we went to Villisca, Iowa. That’s where the axe murder house is. In 1912, a family of six was killed, four children, two adults, unsolved. All they found, evidence-wise, was the bloody axe and a slab

SEE YOUTUBE, PAGE C-3

Students run the show in latest “Brave New Plays”

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL HOOVENSRU alumnus Adam Kimmell conducts an investigation for signs of paranormal activity while aboard the warship U.S.S. Salem in Quincy, Mass. Kimmell is the founding member of YouTube's most viewed paranormal series, “Resident Undead.”

SEE SPRING, PAGE C-3

Campus LifeC-2 April 20, 2012

Dear Ana,Is it morally wrong to be

easily paid off with food?I’ll Give You a Sandwich if

You Shut Up

Dear Sandwich,For many situations, not

at all. Food is a delicious commodity that starving college students should only rarely deny.

I mean, sure, there are some times when you defi nitely should not be paid off in food – those are illegal circumstances. If that situation ever arises, I suggest the grand and perfectly-possible-in-my-head idea of going to the police and offering to help catch the off ender bribing you so that they can be arrested – but only if the police give you food in return, preferably Chinese, because Chinese is delicious.

Dear Ana,I’m a graduating senior,

and with the weeks winding down, I’ve been thinking – there are some people I hate on this campus and I don’t have to put up with anymore. They are mostly fellow students, but there are professors and others that

I’m relieved I won’t have to see again, too.

What I really want to do now is give these people – well, at least my fellow students I hate – a piece of my mind right before I graduate. I want to tell them exactly how much I don’t like them and what awful people they are and just walk away as my last hoorah.

Should I do this or could this cause me more problems than good?

Tired of Holding Back

Dear Tired,In theory, this is an awesome

idea. In practice, this is the worst idea ever.

First, you must think – do you really think they will just sit there and listen to your piece of mind and then just let you walk away? Trust me, they will make you miserable – and make you listen to exactly what they think about you, too. If you don’t want to walk during graduation with a giant headache and possible black eye, then don’t do it.

Second, you should keep in mind that you may see these people again. They could be future co-workers or connections of some sort. Do you really want to risk losing any contacts?

Dear Ana,Th is is a stupid question,

but I want to delete my Facebook. I’ve even deleted it a couple times before, once for only a week or so and once for over a month. I don’t keep coming back to it because I’m

addicted, because I’m not. Facebook keeps me from

getting work done and it is boring. But my friends always yell at me because it is inconvenient for them. It is easier for them to Facebook message me, apparently, than text me, and whenever I’m not on it I don’t even get invited to events sometimes.

I found out a while ago that I missed a party for my friend because no one thought to invite me otherwise. I hate it, but should I risk deleting my Facebook permanently? I don’t want to hear my friends complain anymore and I defi nitely don’t want to miss anything important.

Th e Facebook Hater

Dear Facebook Hater,No off ense, but you have

awful friends – not because they complain because everyone does that when a friend deletes their Facebook. However, if someone doesn’t think to invite you to an event just because they’d have to go out of their way to text you, you should ask yourself if you would even want to go to an event with these people there.

I know your type – there are always a couple of people on everyone's friends list who decides Facebook is stupid and so they delete it, only to come back to it aft er a short time. If you feel so confl icted, maybe just try having one but being inactive. Th is should be fairly easy if you aren’t addicted to it. Just check it once or twice a week and then it shouldn’t be as much of a hassle.

Ask Ana

"Ana Graham" is a senior public relations major and a regular contributor to Th e Rocket.

"Ana Graham"

Film: “Th e Cabin in the Woods”

What happens when you combine college kids with zombies and put them together in the middle of the forest? One insane comedic horror story that will have you covering your eyes and laughing at the same time.

“The Cabin in the Woods” is a horror/comedy in which fi ve friends – all of diff erent stereotypes – journey to a cabin in the woods for the weekend. Not much leads towards the cabin’s location but like any horror movie, it’s usually in the middle of nowhere.

In the beginning, you’re introduced to two scientists who are seen walking about in some building talking about life and what is going on with their lives in the upcoming weekend. Once the scene ends, the audience is introduced to the five main characters

and how each one brings about their own stereotype.

Shortly thereafter, the creepy gas station (like in every other scary movie, such as “Wrong Turn” and “The Hills Have Eyes”) appears and the characters get some lawful advice from the gas station attendant. Not taking his advice, the group continues on to the cabin. What seems to be paradise turns out to be the group’s untimely doom.

As far as plot goes, th is movie provides entertainment, even for those who dislike the horror genre. Even though people are being killed in strange and horrifi c ways, you can’t help but laugh at some of the stupid mistakes the characters make.

The movie itself is a little farfetched when such beings as ghosts, flying monsters and made-up creatures are introduced. Even though these aren’t presented until the end of the fi lm, one begins to pick up on the fakeness when the zombie family rises up from the ground.

Th ough there are some gory scenes and mild nudity, the stor yline between the college kids and the people behind the craziness is well explained.

Director Drew Goddard (“Cloverfield”) did an excellent job with camera angles. Although a little hectic, he knows where to put the camera at the exact time and moment to grab the greatest eff ect. Whether that is the close-up for the

killing of an individual, or the moving shot of multiple people running from fear of what’s behind, the camera angles say it all.

Negatives for me include the story behind the scientist’s job. Introduced at the end of the fi lm as well, you still can’t imagine that one would want to be involved with killing innocent human beings and using some of it as their own amusement. Luckily in the end, they pay for what they do and most of it turns out to be hysterical.

In another scene, three of the characters escape from the cabin and drive, what seems to be, miles back from where they came in the beginning of the story. Although a lot of movie time is taken up during this scene, a few scenes later, a character is confronted with past zombies from the cabin. How a zombie got there so quickly, I have no idea.

Th at and a few misguided l ines were the only downsides to this movie. Other than that, it does a good job trying to scare you when you might not even expect it. And though you’ll fall in love with all of the characters, you’ll know when it’s each one’s turn to die.

Or will you?

"Jimmy G's Rock Reviews"

Jimmy Graner

Jimmy Graner is a sophomore journalism major, a fi lm and media studies minor and a regular contributor to Th e Rocket.

“Cabin in the Woods” packed with high thrills

5 Stars

Campus Life C-3April 20, 2012

Comedian’s video reaches over 190 million viewsthis whole bit about how he went to a wedding and he was the only non-white person there, no other ethnicities were there at all. And he said the DJ would play a song and all the guests would get up, go to the dance fl oor, do the same dance, and then when the song was done they would just drop their arms and all shuffl e back to their seats.”

Laipply said aft er laughing, he got to thinking about how many songs have very specifi c dances.

“I thought it’d be funny to see some of those dances in a medley and in order,” Laipply said.

He said he then ran to his room and wrote down the fi rst 12 songs that came to mind, bought a mixing program the next day, and thus the “Evolution of Dance” was born.

As far as selecting the songs

people would respond most to and would work the best with his routine, Laipply said he had a simple theory.

“If you saw the dance but didn’t hear the music, could you still tell me what song was being played?” he said.

Laipply said there have also been many iconic dances or even songs that do not have the dance to go with it, so he supplied the moves. Among some of these were head nodding and “rock on” symbols, the sprinkler, the shopping cart, starting up the lawn mower, booty shaking, Shakira-esque hip rolling, and current popular favorites such as “Party Rock Anthem,” the “Bernie,” and many more.

Laipply said creating the “Evolution of Dance” was one thing that made him stick out.

“A good friend of mine told me, ‘You are your own product.

You have to do something that makes people remember you,’” he said. “I don’t have any distinctive things about me, I’m white and from mid-America. I’m as unmemorable as can be from a personality standpoint, so I came up with the idea for the dance.”

Laipply’s “Evolution of Dance” has been noticed by the Today Show, Oprah, Ellen, Inside Edition, and Tosh.O, as well as Weezer and Barenaked Ladies, who asked Laipply to be a guest or join in on collaborations.

Since his YouTube video took off by storm, Laipply also wrote a motivational self-help book, titled “Might As Well Dance.”

“Life is change,” Laipply said. “And that’s why the ‘Evolution of Dance’ goes so well with speaking about change. Th e things we do today might not be the things we do tomorrow, so might as well dance!”

Continued from Page C-1

Spring plays written, produced by students

of bacon in the backyard.”Hooven said that he went into

the experience as a skeptic, but hearing ghostly laughter in the Villisca house changed his mind.

“Resident Undead” launched in November of 2010, and within one year, became the most viewed show of its kind on YouTube, with over 100,000 hits. The group’s breakthrough to television occurred in June 2011, when they appeared on the Travel Channel’s “Paranormal Challenge.”

“They said we brought what they wanted,” Hooven said. “It was an all boy team versus an all

girl team, and they were really playing up the battle of the sexes. They hinted that they would like some more drama. I remember I said that if I wanted to watch three girls play with the paranormal, I’d watch ‘Charmed.’”

Hooven mentioned that while having a show on YouTube doesn’t make any money, it is a valuable resource that can lead to greater opportunities. He said that during a Skype call with producers, one of the producers immediately recognized them as “the YouTube ghost hunters.”

“That’s how people get noticed,” he said. “We realize that right now we don’t have a commitment

from a production company, but we have a lot of interest. They’re coming to us. We’re not handing in production sheets. In one year we’ve got a lot of attention for what we do.”

One aspect of the show that has gained attention is the technique that the hosts call “A Ripple In Time.”

“We suppose that you can l iterally revisit histor y by reenacting it,” Hooven said. “I’ve been dressed as a POW on a battleship. We reenacted a mob lynching at Prospect Place, Ohio. It’s a very sensitive thing, because the last thing we want to do is mock it. We want to basically

go undercover with the other side and get them to speak to us thinking that we’re in their time.”

Jordan Murphy, a graduate of West Virginia University, is the production coordinator and historian for the group. Murphy joined the team in February after communicating with Hooven and Kimmell on Twitter.

“I was trying to get four teams together to do a location,” Murphy said.

The location was the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV, a place that Kimmell said is full of paranormal activity both day and night.

“It’s awesome,” Murphy said.

“I haven’t met any two people nearly as hard working as those two. They joke around asking me what it’s like to go to a big school and what it’s like to have a real football team.”

Murphy said that she began taking a greater interest in what happens after death when her brother committed suicide in October 2009.

“I’ve learned that there is something out there,” she said. “I’ve experienced too much stuff to say that there isn’t. People would say that I’m weird and wonder why I’m doing this. At least I’m doing what I love and meeting some great people.”

Continued from Page C-1

ALEX MOWREY/THE ROCKETAfter giving a motivational presentation to students, Laipply performed the routine from his viral online video.

YouTube series leads to TV episodes for “Resident Undead”

for others to find out about “Brave New Plays” is simply by word of mouth and by bringing along a friend.

“These are people that students know who are producing and performing these shows. Give them some credit,” David said.

David said there are many ways the audience can get involved in the performances they will be watching.

“The stage is three feet away from the audience,” he said. “I won’t give anything away, but if you want to get involved with the performances, sit in the front row.”

Freshman theater and communications major, and production stage manager for “Brave New Plays” Samantha Kuchta, 19, said helping to manage “Brave New Plays” has been a whole other experience.

“I was assistant stage manager for ‘Strawberries’ in January and ‘The Merchant of Venice,’” Kuchta said. “But working with ‘Brave New Plays’ is fun and different, since no two plays are alike and the plots are constantly changing.”

Kuchta said that the behind the scenes work with production and rehearsal has been constantly moving and shaping up.

“Twelve sets of rehearsal are held all at once,” Kuchta said. “Each show has a

different directing style, too. I think it’s going to be a really good show and a great part of the Kaleidoscope festival.”

Sophomore arts administration and philosophy major Aaron Mild, 20, said he was excited that his script was chosen for “Brave New Plays.”

“I revised my play a lot while just watching rehearsals,” Mild said. “I based revisions off of the characters’ styles and delivery.”

Mild said he expected some hectic rehearsals with so many actors and directors, but he said things have come together very well.

“I am anxious to see the audience reactions,” Mild said. “I expect them to laugh at situations they never thought they’d laugh at before, and I should also warn that viewer discretion is heavily advised.”

Opening night for “Brave New Plays” is tonight at 7:30 p.m., with “Acts of Contrition” and “Raw” also on Sunday at 2:00 p.m., and Tuesday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m.

The student-written 10-minute plays will open April 22 through April 26 at 7:30 p.m.

An opportunity for audiences to comment and ask questions will also be held Friday evening after the performance.

Continued from Page C-1

C-4April 20, 2012