FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2001 And now the madness begins! What's ' My Point? Kim Zuck Oh, yes. We are in the home stretch. Just think, only two more weeks of classes, and then one week of finals. After that it will be smooth sailing! Do you think you'll make it? I'm hoping that I will, but when it gets to this hectic time of the spring semester I often wonder, how am I going to make it out of here alive (and sane for that matter)? You know how it goes, the semester seems to be dragging along and then all of a sudden you realize that we're almost done with this semester. At first, an overwhelm ing sense of relief sets in and you're so happy that it will all be over soon. For awhile your face is set in a perma-grin as you daydream about the upcoming summer and all the awesome things you're going to do in the warm weather. But then, undoubt edly an impending sense of doom sets in as you realize that you've got so much stuff to do in these next few weeks that you feel like crying, kicking something, or drinking heavily. Then, maybe you do one or all three of these before you force yourself to deal with the reality of end of the semester projects, term papers and finals. This is definitely one of the most stressful times in a college student's life. So, how do we do get through it? Well, we stay up until all hours of the night, reading, highlighting, chain smoking, writing, typing, and swearing. We drink lots of caffeine or pop some Vivarins and pray for the end of this madness. We wonder where we went wrong and why this hell is being bestowed upon us. We question how our teacher can be so heart less. We complain that we have done nothing to deserve these mammoth projects and endless term papers. We cringe at the word cumulative and declare it blasphe mous. We can't find time to go out with our friends and even quarter draft night isn't in the cards. It is a sad time in a college student's life. I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little nervous right now because I have a lot of stuff due in the next two weeks that I could have been working on a lot earlier in the semester. But, I had other things to do, and who likes to do things in advance? No one I know. I think I must like the pressure, it's a motivator. I don't do a lot of my things until the last possible second, when I know that if I procrastinate one minute longer, then there's no way I'll get it done in time. That usually gets my butt moving, but until that point, it's like I'm in slow motion. Please tell me that a lot of you do that, too. This might be off the subject, but take my foreign language class for example. I had two years of Spanish in high school, so I was supposed to start off in Spanish 11, unless I wanted to take Spanish I as a refresher, but not get credit for it. Well, my sophomore year I thought I'd jump right into Spanish 11. But, on the first day I was lost and really didn't feel like putting the time into studying, so I dropped it. So, I scheduled it again my junior year, but guess what? I was lost, and I wasn't thrilled with the teacher, so I dropped it again. Okay, the second half of my junior year I scheduled it again. I was set on really trying and putting a lot of effort into it. I even went for the first two weeks, but then guess what I did? I dropped it! Why? Well, because we were having a test the next week and I didn't remember anything from high school and I was sure I was going to fail. So, that same week, I enrolled in Spanish I and it was so much easier! This semester, I'm in Spanish II and I'm doing pretty well and I'm so proud of myself for staying in the class. So, what I'm trying to say in this long and drawn out story is, if I hadn't been so stubborn and just taken Spanish I as a sophomore, then I could have breezed into Spanish II and then trudged my way through Spanish 111 and right now I wouldn't have to worry about taking it this fall during my last semester. I could have had an easier senior year and just focused on my major classes, if I hadn't been so set on procrastinating. Also, if I would have dropped Spanish II one more time I wouldn't have graduated on time. How crappy is that? I could kick myself sometimes So, what's my point in all this? Just to sympathize with all the overwhelming stress that you're probably enduring and to wonder aloud about the sick practice of procrastination. Let's hope that these next few weeks fly by, and that all the effort will have been worth it. Good luck! Zuck's column appeared every three weeks. e t,im (WO t 46 SATURDAY ----,, DELI VC-1 2 -Y 13ECAv56 of ,__ _____----- ---------- StowiNC2 (3u5it.)655' ISN'T i GO(NC2 Ovel2-- WE'RE g~i(t.4(7 SWAMPED MTH --------_-,..------- 6-MAC V, -------:-. ::-....7---7 - ~__:. Tell us whatyou think! Send a letter to the Editor! Send all letters to: behrcoll2.@aol.com Prepar In honor of the record-breaking weather last week (both on the high and low scales), I have decided to devote my last editorial of the 2000-2001 school year to the "essentials of summer preparation." Now as I'm sure you all remember, you did this same thing in preparing for the winter weather like last September, was it?? But instead of weather izing your car, wardrobe, and shoe selection for hazardous situations, it's time to just cut it loose. Pack away those mittens, throw away those salt-destroyed sneakers, and remove those snow tires, because as the meteorologist said, we're done with the snow for this winter. Now if you haven't been exactly on the active side during these past few blustery cold months, it's time to start. Even if it means taking a mile walk a couple times a week, you've got to do something. I know that the end of the semester pressure and Memories... I know that everyone will be sad to know that this is my last semester on campus and also my last article (I know, try to hold back the tears until the end). So I guess I should probably write about all the friends that I have made and all the good times and fun that I've experi enced during my four year stay. The problem is, that kind of mush makes my stomach sick so I'll bring light to some people and memories that will probably stick in my head for the next ten years until I'm forced to fry them out with drugs to ease the pain of my wife divorcing me, losing my job, and being forced to sell pencils on the sidewalk to scrounge up enough money for another jug of whey protein. Plastics Engineering Faculty These EDITORIAL t it • • 44" ng forthe summer...if it ever comes to Erie t Chat tension is mounting, and your boss still insists that you put in a full 40- Change hour work week, but a little exercises will make a world of difference. Not istine only is it a way to shed those ck unwanted winter pounds, but it's also a great stress reducer, and honestly, who couldn't use a little fresh air and sun. The point is to find an activity that you love, and I do mean love, because you will be more likely to stick with it, and eventually see results. A progressive, time-conscious, and inexpensive activity that you know you'll always want to do, will be a guaranteed winner in the fight against the leftover winter bulge. Everyone knows that the sun (in any form) is damaging, but everyone could use a little pink on his or her cheeks. If you limit your outdoor time, use a hat, and apply a light sunscreen, your sun time will go from skin threatening, to skin saving. If you know that you are going somewhere very warm and sunny this summer, it may be a good idea to get a little base color, only so that you don't totally burn. By that. I mean a few times out back in a lawn chair or maybe a 10 minute session or two at your local tanning salon. Anything more than that, and you a really taking a skin risk. If the sun isn't for you, and you've already gotten your summer body back, then a new do is calling your name. The key for summer is low maintenance. Perms, heavy professors were the center of my aca demic college life. They truly had a one on one with all the students, Potatoes and this really meant a lot to can Gravy me. So often we are overlooked as students, and Matola its a nice feeling to have mit,v your professor walk by and be able to joke with them instead of the awkward "Hello Mr. Smith, fine weather we are having today, isn't' it?" Dr. Koch and Mr. Beaumont are by far two of the finest professors on this campus. I'll often sit in a S/H/A class watching the professor read the Power Point presentations to us putting me to sleep, while Koch and Beaumont were able to keep me alive, awake, and interested. My Senior Plastics Class I think our class was the loudest and most out of control to ever come through the program and still able to get our work done. Spending nights in the labs, screwing around before class, our trip to Egypt, and spending four years acting like we own the campus are all things that I will think back on, when some Jag-off says "Hey, watcha go to skewl for?" Also a shout to Jacob Rowley, who was able to loosen up the tightness that is often a part of the typical classroom setting, and on Gam'-.~._-- - 6 0 4 4 5 te AG 5 6.0 1 TArle4- I '-r - ovrif- The Hot Debate of The Week' Now, let it be known that I have no problem with stripping. If I had the bod I'd probably do it myself you can make some serious cash doing the little behind shake for the menfolk However, take into consideration that this girl was a representative of her school. Her track team, the University of California, the NCAA 11i d,to =nut, studcnts, players, atiktatheir The Ad: own * , • --- that one of their was mg heistottl itm, e e s n ol ti)o r for l n m io a n y e b y e l i s t not exactly a'desired isn't right that they do so, but that is not the argument And to top it off, this girl signed a code of conduct contract, which should have prevented this very situation. She violated the rules that she agreed to. End of story. Now, the guys who attended the strip club and caught her should also be held accountable under the same rules. But that doesn't make her any less guilty. Don't think the reputation of the school is a legitimate excuse? Just remember the outcry over the sex fair at University Park earlier this semester. People argued that it wasn't right that such a controversial and arguably obscene event be held with the backing of a govern ment-funded university. Students, faculty, and administration on our own campus questioned the legitimacy of the event because it aftCcts Behrend's funding. Should that group's funding be cut to salvage our own reputation and state funding'? Every week, two editors from the staff will debate a topic• that is hot. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to email sugges tions for the hot topic. Send ideas to behrcoll2@aol.com dyes and goopy styling products are not traditional summer looks. Short, cropped, cooler, more naturally flowing hair makes summer styling a breeze. If you are afraid to go too drastic with your summer do, try a good trim, and maybe a few highlights. Just like your body, winter hair can sometimes weigh you down. Crisp, light colors, and shorter, more free-flowing styles are sure to be the answer to all your winter hair blues. A state of the art summer wardrobe is an essential part of anyone's warm weather preparation, but who has the money? You do! A lot of chain stores like K-mart, Wal- Mart, Target and Ames sell their own versions of designer styles for a fraction of the cost. Get creative! If you spent a lot on a designer shirt, or pair of sunglasses or sandals last year, find more inexpensive coordinates to go with it this year. Places like Value City and Dots sell products for the season, just not this year's season. As a result the prices are low, but the products are still name brand and fashionable. If you look for durable basics, in your favorite colors and styles, mixing and matching your wardrobe will be a key money saver you will be able to take advantage of this summer. What better way is there to get pumped up for the summer, than planning a road trip? I would advise doing this as soon as possible, though, because many family vacation planners have already begun this many many occasions able to make me wet my pants laughing. Behrend Weight Room I've spent four years in the Erie hall dungeon, in pursuit of pumping up and getting big. Every time you walk down the steps from the entrance, your hit by that god awful smell, that makes your eyes water, but you press on, only to see that it's closed for a basketball game that has less people watching it then would be in the weight room. This is gone since the addition of the ARC, but those veterans who know the smell and have put up with the 1970 s vintage garbage equip ment can appreciate the character that's been built from training in this rat hole. SKA and Porcupine Hall Crew I'm in the shower only to look out and realize my towel was taken, and am forced to walk to my room to get it by covering up with a newspaper. The wrestling, putting huge holes in the walls, referrals, holding down chase, and Beast Ice. These all go hand in hand with the group of guys I lived with my first two years. "And who says all that plastics guys do is screw off?" The Campus Well it has its faults, and they are numerous, but it also has its one good point: The....hmmm, I'll get back to this one later. it off! Take Leilani Rios is no different from any other student on the University of CalitOmia's college campus. She attends class, participates heavily in collegiate athletics, and holds d u a job. Iler job as an exotic dancer may not he an admirable one, but it pays her bills. As a student who has been the first in her faintly to attend college, she has recently been kicked off of the school's track team because her coach found out she was a stripper outside of school. Hey, it's "stoney isn't it? Since when is the source Dia student's personal cash flow the concern of a track coach'? Sometimes, overly-paid and overly-pompous collegiate athletic coaches forget that students aren't raking in big paychecks like they are. Students study, hence the tent similarity. In Leilani's case, she was able to use her God-given abilities to earn decent money so she could allot time to study and participate on the track team. Personally, I believe it is a violation of her rights. Apparently she was legally hired at a legal establishment in California, so what's the probleM? Well, the other side of the argument will say that she signed a code of conduct. This code basically says that a student athlete should represent the school in good taste outside of the campus. This may he legitimate, but how come nothing happened to the other athletic team members who were attending this strip club that first saw her performing? I suppose it's okay that they actually paid money to attend this place. L. Haves task months ago. An affordable, interesting route will not only make for a memorable journey, but the unexpected is almost always guaranteed to happen. Do some web browsing to find the best hotel rates and the most intriguing places to visit. There is a catch. though. In order to have money to travel you must have the dreaded 3-letter word, a job. Earning the cash to travel will not only make it more meaning ful, but it will also give you a huge lesson on budgeting and living within your means. If you haven't landed that dream summer job or internship yet, I wouldn't delay or put that off any longer. Most colleges have about the same end of the year schedule that we do, so if you wait too much longer you will find your self mixed in amongst the masses of other college students that didn't seek employment earlier. Not only that, hut with Easter breaks and spring breaks among us, high school students will be on the prowl for the jobs that you should have gobbled up months ago. As you can see, summer preparation should be a time to refresh, renew and revive your life, your health, and of course your style. With a little creativity and a lot of fun, you can make this summer (and every thing that comes along with it) inexpensive, intriguing and of course memorable. Be safe, and have a great summer!! Kleck's column appeared every three weeks Ben Kundman week's article was to stick to positive happy things, but I'm at a loss for words when I think about the emotional damage he has imparted by his presence on this campus. The whole mullet ordeal was his most recent exhibition of profound expression. Ben has been known to kick dogs, steal candy from babies, and was the originator of the infamous group named MATF (Men Against Toilet Flushing). If I've left anyone out it is most likely due to the fact that you are a loser. No, seriously although I would love to go on it has to end somewhere. If I've learned nothing else it has been that it is possible to gain muscle mass (you wouldn't believe this from looking at the weight room characters), and it's very easy to tick off a significant portion of the campus, along with the whole Beacon staff, because you get some positive responses, then your head gets big and you think you own the whole paper, and start bashing the editors because they censor out everything that got you the responses in the first place. Well that's about it, Matola out. Matola's column appeared every three weeks. R. Wynne My scope of this
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