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Former Brandywine Students Get Engaged at THON

Posted By under Campus News

THON is a very special event for many of people, especially for former Brandywine students Rich Lion and Jess O’Lock.

Lion, who is a member of the special interest THON group called FOTO, served as the outreach officer and dancer for their organization.  After the pep rally on the second day of THON, with all of his close friends watching from the stands, Lion got down on one knee and proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Jess O’Lock.

Lion, a Kinesiology senior, was at Penn State Brandywine from Fall 2010 until Spring 2012.  He proposed to O’Lock, a journalism senior, who was also at Brandywine at the same time.  They have been dating for about 8 years.  They first met at the local St. Kevin’s dance in 8th grade.  While both are officers in their organization, THON met something very special to both of them.

“It’s about time, it’s been about eight years,” Corey Bates, Lion’s roommate and also a former Brandywine student, said.  ” It wouldn’t have been a better place than THON because they both love it.”

At first, only a few select few were told it was going to happen, but soon everyone knew except O’Lock.

“He told me ahead of time and he wanted to keep it a surprise to everyone,” Nick Jeffkin, Lion’s roommate and former Brandywine student , said.  “This (THON) is something very important to the both of them.  I think it couldn’t not have been a better setting.  I can’t tell you how excited all of us(Lion’s roommates) are for them.”

“We joked about it when we found out he was dancing, and he said he might.  He just hinted at us that he was going to do it,” Sean Klause, another of Lion’s roommates and former Brandywine student, said.

It seemed from O’Lock’s roommates that she did not know it was going to happen.

“I don’t think she knew it was going to happen this weekend,” Marina Asslania said.  “They are awesome and I am just excited to see what’s in store for both of them.”

During the weekend a total of three couples became engaged, making THON a truly special event.

To view exclusive video of the engagement:  tinyurl.com/psulionseye

 

Eric Warner

Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, ehw5023@psu.edu

First Dance — the Back Story According to Her

Posted By under Campus News

Cheers about the record breaking $13 million THON raised!  And cheers to three lucky couples who got engaged the same weekend at the end.  One lucky couples — Brandywine’s former couple, Jess O’Lock and Rich Lion.

“It was more like a set up and ‘okay we go out now’ kind of thing,” the bride-to-be said about the beginning of their relationship.  “He was calling me weeks before trying to talk to me though and I really wasn’t paying him any mind.”

That persistent calling sure paid off for Lion.   Starting off in two different schools, Jess and Rich met at a Saint Kevin’s dance in eighth grade, just a few short months before they started dating.  They officially started dating at another Saint Kevin’s dance, April 6, 2006 to be exact, thanks to her best friend Molly.

Not expecting him to propose so soon, Jess had the surprise of her life.  Rich had it all figured out when he found out he was a dancer and THON. Thankfully for Rich, after a bit of trouble, Jess was finally able to get onto the floor to see him.  She had a pass for six hours of floor access, which expired at midnight.   Nerves and exhaustion held Rich back until the final half hour.

Finally around 11:30, it was do or die time for Rich Lion.  After taking a trip to the ladies room with her friend Megan, which was all part of the plan, Jess met Rich back on the floor to where she thought she found him acting delirious.

“He started saying all this cute stuff and I was like yeah yeah you’re delirious,” O’Lock reminisced.

At that time, Rich started searching through his fanny pack where Jess couldn’t help but find a box hiding.  In such disbelief, Jess watched Rich get down on his knee and ask her the question she has been waiting 8 years for.

“I lost it! The whole time my eyes could only see him.  I couldn’t even hear the yeah chant going on,”  O’Lock said.

Cheers filled the Bryce Jordan Center as Rich and Jess took the first step in spending the rest of their lives together.  Eight years and one puppy later, he finally put a ring on it.

Photo courtesy of Ana Elmasllari
Photo courtesy of Ana Elmasllari

Amanda Lynn Rasley

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, alr5394@psu.edu

Brandywine Weighs in on ’14 Phillies

Posted By under Sports

Although it may not seem like it, spring is just around the corner, and that means baseball is already underway. Just let it sink in for a moment.

The Phightin’ Phils are set to start up the 2014 season after dwindling in the standings the past 2 years, and missing the playoffs. And it seems as though there’s only one huge change that has been made.

For the first time since 2004, the Phillies will be led by a name other than World Champion winning manager, Charlie Manuel. Ryne Sandberg has since taken over the duties after the Phillies fired Chuck late last season.

Sandberg offers a hard work ethic, and a different type of energy when he comes to the ballpark every day. This new approach may be what the Phils need.

The Phillies are an old team, who, if anything, have gotten even older. The signings of AJ Burnett, Marlon Byrd and Bobby Abreu have certainly added to that. All, of which, are in their late 30s.

On the positive side, the health of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Ben Revere is rather encouraging. Howard hasn’t been 100-percent since 2011 and is said to be in the best shape he has ever been in. Utley has also showed that his knees may actually be able to handle the grind of a 162-game season last year, while Revere is also fully healed after returning from a broken ankle that kept him from playing nearly five months.

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon has seen a rise in his velocity after that had become an issue last season. This will certainly help the Phillies when it comes to finishing off close games. They need a great closer, because with this team’s age and ability, they won’t be putting up 5 runs a game like they did between 2007-2011.

When things really shake out, depth is going to be an issue with this team. After the top three in our rotation (Lee, Hamels, Burnett) there are a lot of question marks. The Phillies’ Cuban rookie right hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez has looked very average after the praise he received since his August signing. This could be because he hasn’t pitched much since 2011.  It’s only March and he has plenty of time to get back to where he was. The only problem is that he is making $12 million over the course of the next 3 years. He could end of being one expensive minor leaguer.

Looking ahead to the 2014 season, the NL East is going to be tough. The Braves and Nationals are fielding stronger teams on paper once again and are expected to be battling each other for the division crown.

Penn State Brandywine student Brian DeJohn, 20, isn’t so sure the Phillies have what it takes to compete.

“As a fan, I always have hope,” DeJohn said. “But this team doesn’t look much different than it has the past 2 years. It all depends how well our core players play.”

DeJohn might be alone since the general consensus on campus surprisingly believed in this team.

Let’s be honest — it really comes down to one element: HEALTH.

The season is set to kick off on March 31 with interleague play against the Texas Rangers.

As the Legendary Joe DiMaggio once said, “You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

Maybe, just maybe, something wonderful is going to happen this year for the boys in red pinstripes.

Ryan Tuttle

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, rjt5281@psu.edu

Tàijíquán, fun for everyone

Posted By under Campus News

Students have to fill 3 credits of Physical Activity in order to graduate, and the possibility exists weight training or yoga might not sound enticing. However, PSU Brandywine has an alternative Kinesiology class.

Kines 076 is the introduction to Tàijíquán. Tàijíquán is a type of martial arts that focuses on following a form of movements. This art has been proven through medical research to improve balance, psychological health and other general health deficiencies. But most important, it’s fun! Students meet new people, make new friends and unwind from the many stresses of college life.

Since the fall semester of 2011, the class has been taught by Professor Niiler.  In one class, Professor Niiler may focus on the movements in the form, whereas in another, he may focus on the self-defense side of Tàijíquán.  One class might need a slower pace to perfect the first few movements where another class might blow through the whole form. Professor Niiler has a very hands on teaching method and takes the time to go around the room and help each student individually.

Niiler has studied Chinese martial arts for more than 30 years and has been teaching it for 26 years. He is proficient in many other martial arts forms.

“I started learning Southern Shaolin Kungfu from my first Sifu, Anh Nguyen, while I was in high school,” Niiler said. “And then began concurrently studying Taekwondo.  After earning 2nd degree black belt levels in both styles, I began studying Tian Shan Pai, a Northern Shaolin derivative, in college where I also began to teach Chinese martial arts.”

Niiler has since continued to hone his talent and accomplished feats of helping form the Kungfu Arts Club at the Boston University, competing in US Wushu Kungfu Federation tournaments and placing 3rd place in the 1998 Pan American Traditional Wushu-Kungfu Championships in Toronto.

What he hold students will take away from his class is an easy answer.

“I would like them to gain an appreciation for the art of Taijiquan, understand how its practice can improve health and learn a bit about its usage in self-defense,” Niiler said.

Aidan Keenan

Lion’s Eye staff writer, apk5152@psu.edu

School Canceled, Classes Not

Posted By under Campus News

This winter has already caused Brandywine to close, for at least day classes, eight times. These many school closings have caused professors to look for alternative ways to make-up classes.

Typically “snow days” are a minor inconvenience that professors and students both embrace because they provide an unexpected break during the week. However, after so many days off, many classes are behind on their syllabuses, and professors are looking for ways to catch up.

As is often the case in the modern classroom, professors are looking to technology to aid in the education process.

In the past the only way to make up something as interactive as a lecture would be to have a make-up class period. With so many classes being missed this would prove to be an inefficient method.

In an act of clairvoyance, professors were asked to familiarize themselves with ways to have class online. One of the most popular methods of hosting online lectures is through Adobe Connect. Using Adobe Connect allows teachers to post both pre-recorded and live lectures on ANGEL.

Dr. Mark Boudreau is a Biology Professor, and has been using Adobe Connect to compensate for missed classes.  Dr. Boudreau has more than 20 years of teaching experience, and explained how course material would have to be made up before everyone had ready access to the Internet.

“You would have to do make up lectures, or have written assignments, or just tell people to read the book,” Dr. Boudreau said. “That’s all you could do.”

Despite the convenience factor of having an online lecture some students are still not on board with the new technology.

Freshman Christian DeLuccia is a student in one of Dr. Boudreau’s biology classes, and says he prefers the old-school methods of making up work.

“I’d rather have the lesson in person having the teacher teach me it instead of it being online,” DeLuccia said.

DeLuccia also noted that he felt that the online lectures had a negative impact on his test score.

Dr. Boudreau was aware that some students would not be fans of the online lectures, and adjusted the first exam accordingly.

“I made the test easier than I usually make tests because of all the weather and the disruption,” Dr. Boudreau said. “And then people didn’t do any better.”

Though it is unclear why students did not do any better on the easier test, it does raise questions about changing technology in the classroom. The most difficult aspect about having online lectures to subsidize regular classes seems to be making sure students actually participate.

Keith Petersen

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, rkp5118@psu.edu

“State Patty’s Day: The Good, The Bad, and The End?”

Posted By under Op/Ed

On Saturday, March 1, State College featured its 7th annual ‘State Patty’s Day’ Celebration, a student-invented holiday dedicated to what college students do best — partying.

In 2007, the actual Irish holiday of Saint Patrick’s Day fell on a day during the University’s Spring Break, leaving no room for celebration with friends. The students of Happy Valley rallied together to make the alternate holiday, traditionally falling on the weekend after THON.

In recent years, State Patty’s Day has gained more attention than Saint Patrick’s Day itself, with students flocking from all over the commonwealth campuses, and even other universities, to University Park to engage in a full day of non-stop drinking and partying starting in the early morning hours. There are even t-shirts made every year.

State Patty’s Day has historically been known to bring large crowds of students, both of legal and illegal age to consume alcohol, and cause insane riots in the streets of downtown State College.

Expectantly, a drinking holiday such as this one does not show Penn State students at their best. In order to combat this, and in attempt to lower the crimes, hospitalizations, and absolute craziness in State College, university officials took extreme action.

Similar to last year, Penn State paid 34 out of the 35 bar establishments in State College to shut down for the entire holiday, in attempt to decrease the amount of drunken students. Reportedly, the amount spent on this could have paid for 24 semesters of tuition.

Different organizations minimized guests dorm rooms and sororities could have during the weekend to help deter students from flocking Happy Valley, and in hopes to end the damaging holiday.

So how did this year’s State Patty’s go with the bars closed? Naturally students just went the liquor stores beforehand to stock up for the drinking marathon. Police can arrest as many people as they want for underage drinking and public intoxication, but they cannot ban people of age from drinking in their apartments.

I traveled to State College for this holiday to (soberly) observe all the shenanigans, and am happy to report that there was barely any public commotion. The streets of Happy Valley were no more ‘crazy’ than that of a football weekend, and seemed relatively calm compared to past years.

But that wouldn’t make a good story. So I traveled around State College, stopping at different apartments, bus stops, restaurants and parties with obvious drunken college students to observe. Per request of the students, names have been omitted.

Girl in ‘Party Rock’ shirt with skinny jeans: “I woke up on this State Patty’s with a bowl, vodka, and the yams!”

Boy in red button-down: (Attempts to drink a whole bottle of hot sauce) “HOLY (obscenity) GIVE ME SOMETHING TO DRINK!”

Friend:  (Hands him bottle of dish soap) “Here this should help!”

Boy in red button-down: (Proceeds to drink entire bottle of dish soap) “We’re geniuses.”

Girl in footie pajamas: “I was just sitting there and this random guy comes crashing through my screen door of the apartment, no one even knew him! He landed on my couch and passed out, so now I’m going to go back and kiss his face.”

Boy in football jersey riding the CATA bus blue loop: “Where are we going?”

Friend in blue stripes: “My apartment”

Football jersey: “We’ve been on this bus for an hour and a half.”

Blue Stripes: “I know, I figured eventually I’ll remember where I live.”

All of these people were observed before noon.  I then took a second trip around 9 p.m. to witness stage two. Among the weirdness witnessed was a guy who hit his friend over the head with a belt and then attempted to cuddle with him on the couch right after. Outside of frat row, a girl dropped a box of wings on the sidewalk. A groups of teenage boys walking behind her proceed to eat them off the ground…like dogs.

State College Police reported that the total crime rate from previous years went down by 47-percent, total arrests were down by 61-percent, and there was one reported sexual assault offense. The medical center also treated 27 students for alcohol-related issues, nearly half of last year’s number.

Maybe the university’s attempt to shut down the student-run holiday isn’t absolutely horrible if that means people are being safer. Rumors have circulated that a task force has been created to attempt to turn this traditional weekend into a safer “Winter Arts Fest.”  Although no details have yet been released, students seem skeptical.

“We raise 13.3 million dollars for childhood cancer. We can’t be perfect,” a drunken frat boy outside of Canyon Pizza said.

We can’t be perfect, but apparently we sure as heck know how to be drunk.

Rosemarie Owoc

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, rvo5048@psu.edu

The 86th Annual Academy Awards

Posted By under Entertainment

The Hollywood stars were out on the red carpet March 3 for the 86th Annual Academy Awards hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.

Big name stars like Matthew McConaughy, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence, Brad Pitt,  Bradley Cooper, Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett, just to name a few, enjoyed the prestigious night.

The beginning of the show started off with Pharrell Williams.  He had the house rockin’ as he performed his new hit single “Happy,” which was featured in the new film “Despicable Me.”

As the night went on “12 Years a Slave” had the last word so to speak, but the epic drama shared the night’s rewards with the film “Gravity.”  The top-grossing profitable space tragedy won a leading seven Oscars, including best Director, whereas Steve McQueens’ “12 Years A Slave while Years A Slave” won three – best supporting actress for Lupita Nyong’o, best adapted screenplay and the night’s top honor – Best Picture.

“Dallas Buyers Club” also prevailed, winning three Oscars, including best actor and best supporting actor, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.

The popular film, starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, “American Hustle,” was nominated in 10 categories, but came up short in all of them.

Also going home empty handed was “The Wolf of Wall Street” crew, which had five nominations, “Philomena” which had four, and “Nebraska” and “Captain Phillips,” which both had six nominations.

“Frozen” scored the best animated feature award and best original song. “Her” won best original screenplay.  Meanwhile, “The Great Gatsby” which wasn’t nominated for best film, won two Oscars.

As to no surprise, Cate Blanchett added a best actress Oscar to her collection of several trophies for her fascinating and riveting performance in “Blue Jasmine.”

Host Ellen DeGeneres entertained the audience with skits, including one with references to nominated films. She made the audience laugh as usual as she repeatedly poked fun at stars.

DeGeneres who first acted as an MC several years ago, proved popular inside the auditorium as well as on social media, engaging the crowd by snapping selfies and even ordering pizza (delivered by a bonafide delivery man).

At the end of the show, Ellen’s “selfie” featuring Bradley Cooper, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and more was proclaimed the most retweeted picture of all time.  Her effortless photo fame was achieved around an hour after it was tweeted.

Victoria Marotta

Lion’s Eye Staff Editor

Media Restaurant Week

Posted By under Entertainment

It’s an opportunity to wine and dine in Media!

More than 20 restaurants participated in Media Restaurant Week from Sunday, March 9th until Thursday, March 13th. Participating restaurants offered three to five course meals for just $30.00.

The one restaurant I’ve always wanted to try was Picasso, located on State Street. My coworkers and I have ventured in there after work for drinks but I’ve never known anyone who has tried the food.

The layout is very open and modern. In the summertime, they have a glass wall in the front of the restaurant that they open and there is outside seating.  The bar is very well lit, showcasing the beers and liquor.  The restaurant has 13 beer taps, which are always interchanging, along with wines, cocktails and bottled beers.

During Media Restaurant Week, Picasso put together a separate menu. It offered a choice of soup or salad, an appetizer, a choice of one of two entrées and a choice of dessert.

I picked the salad, which had mixed greens, plum tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette. The next course I chose a flatbread that was on the special menu. The flatbread consisted of arugula, gorgonzola, prosciutto and fig with a balsamic reduction. It was very sweet and I love how well gorgonzola pairs with sweet things, like honey.  My brother chose the grilled calamari for this course and I tasted it and the olive oil, lemon and chili peppers made it very flavorful.

For the entrée course, diners could either pick the fish of the day or the free range chicken breast. Since I am a huge fish fan, I went which the fish of the day, which happened to be grilled swordfish topped with a dragon fruit and mango salsa. The swordfish was also served with asparagus and potatoes. The plate was so full of flavor and the salsa worked really well with the fish. My brother chose the chicken, which was stuffed with sundried tomatoes, manchego cheese, wrapped in prosciutto and served with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. He must have enjoyed it because by the time I looked at his plate, it was clean.

While enjoying the meal, there was live acoustic music playing in the front, which made the meal relaxing. The artist played popular music as well as music he has written.

Other patrons agreed with me.  This meal was great.

“Well four courses for $30.00 was a great way for me to try new things off the menu I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise,” Brittany Maloney said.

Picasso is open Tuesday through Sunday with live acoustic sessions on Tuesdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Chelsea Ebling

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, cme5177@psu.edu

New President Seeks to Move Forward

Posted By under Campus News

Current Florida State University President, Eric Barron feels that he has a huge task at hand when he becomes the 21 President of the Pennsylvania State University on May 12. Shifting the spotlight from a university that has had the likes of a nationwide child sexual abuse scandal, and students making bombs on campus is certainly an uphill climb.

Penn State’s image has suffered greatly from these instances amongst others, but Barron is here to restore it, and move on.

One of his main goals is to improve student engagement outside of the classroom. Barron feels that there is evidence that students perform better, are happier and get better jobs if they participate in worthwhile activities outside the classroom. He also aims to improve their career success and capitalize on the intellectual property that the university produces.

Cost of attendance is also something Barron wishes to address. During a phone interview conducted by the Associated Press, Barron addressed this issue.

“You’re serving the state of Pennsylvania, and the university is expensive,” Barron said. “Are we doing all the things that we can and want to do to make sure that no one decides against Penn State because they can’t afford it?”

Even when it comes to student athletes, Barron’s goals are in the right place. While he acknowledged that the Nittany Lions football program plays a huge positive part financially for this university and is also the reason so many alumni come back to campus, Barron stresses that education “is and will come first.”

Barron himself is a former Nittany Lion himself. While he did not receive his education here, he was an employee of the university for 20 years.

He joined the university’s faculty in 1986 as director of the Earth System Science Center and associate professor of geosciences. In 2002, he was elevated from director of the university’s Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Environment Institute to dean of the school’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

During his tenure here, he recognized the fast paced growth of the university, and expects it to be the same when he rejoins PSU.

Within his first few months at the university, Barron plans on visiting each and every Penn State campus throughout the entire state in hopes of establishing a real time connection with the students and faculty that he will be the head of.

Barron has accepted the job knowing the challenges he faces, but it almost seems like the perfect fit. A former Penn State Alumnus, with the right mindset and proven success at a higher level, simply trying to make a difference. Then again, as faculty and students, aren’t we all?

Ryan Tuttle

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, rjt5281@psu.edu

Impossible Meets Possible: Women’s Semi-Pro Tackle Football

Posted By under Sports

When it comes to women playing sports, the most popular activities that come to mind are basketball, softball, volleyball, field hockey, etc. – the list goes on.

Men? The answers are usually more condensed into a smaller list compared to females.  Football ranks as one of the most popular sports in the entire country; it’s a male dominated sport known to be rugged, require tenacity and a sport that is physically demanding.

Many high schools offer females a chance to play what many call a “male sport” by participating in an all-girls football game known as “Powder Puff.” For most girls, this is the rare opportunity to play  in an organized football game. For others, it can mark the beginning stages of building a female athlete into a semi-professional football player.

That’s right. Women’s tackle football is on the rise and here to stay. When people think of women’s tackle football, some automatically think of the lingerie league. However, the lingerie league is based more on sex appeal rather than football skills.

The Independent Women’s Football League, or the IWFL, is a women’s semi-professional tackle football league in which women wear heavy duty football equipment from head-to-toe, just as men wear.   In fact, there are more 30 IWFL teams across the country including the Philadelphia Firebirds, a team based in this area.

Tawana Grayson, the current owner and former player of the Firebirds, shed some insight on the opportunity women have to play football.

“That first time you go out on the field, and in my case it was make a tackle, you know you had just done something you dreamed all your life of doing,” Grayson said.  “That first time you go out and actually play the game– that experience is like ‘wow.’”

A woman who has bled football since childhood, Grayson has invested many years of her life into playing and managing women’s football (five years as a player and an owner for nine years), so she is familiar with what it takes for female athletes to succeed as football players.

“It requires dedication, commitment and determination,” she said. “You have to want to do it, and to be ready to put the work in.”

In comparing the physical aspect of the game to the mental aspect, Grayson feels both can be equally challenging at times, although she admits the mental portion of football can prove to be more difficult at times for women football players to handle. Considering there are not separate leagues for girls and boys growing up, Grayson explains that learning the game and techniques in football give women a disadvantage.

However, Grayson is convinced that a late start does not exactly hinder a female’s ability to grasp football concepts.  She says having a passion and a mentality to want to get better, any female athlete can become a solid football player.

“For the most part women start (playing) in our league,” she said. “Women traditionally have not have had the opportunities men have had to play the game, so women read more into the coaching than men do… going into a game for the first time, all of that has to be taught. Their preparation to get ready for the season is different (than men) because they’re doing something they’re not used to, so women actually have to prepare harder in the beginning.”

Grayson is optimistic there will one day be a nationalized women’s tackle football league. Despite the fact that hasn’t happened yet, Grayson still feels women football players can have an impact on young male and female athletes.

“ It’s breaking down the barriers that football is just a man’s game,” said Grayson. “For male athletes, it’s one of those things where they think ‘women can do it too,’” she continued. “I always told people that question whether our game is real to come to a game, and if they’re not satisfied to let me know.”

The answer: she hasn’t heard any complaints yet.

Grayson prides herself on women being able to showcase quality football, especially when her Firebirds team is able perform at a high level. With 12 combined years being a part of the Firebirds organization, including two years where she was both a player and owner, Grayson believes it is the relationships players build on the team that makes it worthwhile.

“It’s a family,” she said. “You make great friendships out of this. We argue like a family, but we play like a family too.”

Grayson encourages women athletes who want to try it to explore available opportunities.  As an established Firebird, Grayson’s message to women is simple:

“If you have a passion for the game and always wanted to play, there is no other place than to come out and be a Firebird.”

For more information on the team: www.philadelphiafirebirds.com

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Lion’s Eye Staff Writer

Amanda Congialdi, amc6079@psu.dedu