The very first ever episode of “Community” was full of references to the 80s movie, “The Breakfast Club,” and from there, the episodes were filled with references to everything from “Star Wars” to “Pulp Fiction.” That, along with the over quirky characters, might have been the alienating factor that kept the show from catching on.

Fans of the show disagree with this alienation. In fact, the show has gathered a cult-like gathering of people who enjoy the show’s creativity.

“I love the originality of the show.  The characters and storyline are insanely quirky, however retain being relatable. The reference humor adds extra depth to the show.  The last two minutes of the show usually have a skit with the characters Troy and Abed doing ridiculous antics and is almost as funny as the rest of the episode,” said Kelly Hollis, freshman engineering major.

NBC is known for its quirky comedies including “The Office,” which is in its last season, and “Parks and Recreation.” The difference with “Community,” however, seems to be the depth of the humor, often requiring more consideration than your typical television show.

“It’s like, each time I re-watch an episode, I get new jokes that I’ve missed or flew over my head, because even the fast paced sentences contain lines of humor,” said Stephen Harvey, junior music education major.

It would seem that most television watchers want to dedicate that much effort into their comedy. Still, pushing back the season seemed like an injustice to dedicated fans.

“I had been anticipating the premiere of the series for months, like always, and they blind sided me last semester but putting it on hiatus while they had shows like “Whitney” or “Animal Practice” on the air. Until they had announced the February date to celebrate October 19, I was very upset with NBC. I was convinced they had it out for their fans,” said Harvey.

The consensus is that the first episode didn’t really deliver, however. Its usually quirkiness seemed to be pandering to get a bigger audience.

“I think that the first episode was amusing, but I think the writers tried to fit in too many ideas into one episode, which could have led to it coming off flat,” said Hollis.

“The first episode of season 4 gave me a bit of a scare, especially with the whole laugh track gag they had in Abed’s ‘happy place’,” said Harvey.

The writers themselves were concerned about dealing with the new staffing and the concentration of jokes per episode. It would seem that everyone fears the show ending before all of the funny ideas are explored.

In a Reddit AMA with the “Community” writing staff, producer Andy Bobrow said:  “We didn’t think our goals for the season were that sweeping or ambitious. We found ourselves scrambling to tell those stories and we had to cram some stuff in, probably poorly, towards the end.”

Episode two seemed to be more along the lines of traditional “Community” humor. Not only was it amusing to watch a Halloween episode in the middle of February, but it also had a definite Scooby Doo feel. Overshadowing the fun vibe, however, was the featuring of Chevy Chase’s character, Pierce, who is even more infuriating when you know his actor suddenly quit the show on not-so-friendly terms.

The show has experienced a lot of turn around, and it’s still unclear whether it will survive season four. The writers have admitted that the season finale could be a series finale, but isn’t necessarily. Fans will have to stay in limbo for a while.

“Well. Actually go to class and actually do the work.” Brie Dambra, Sophomore

“Keep a schedule of classes, assignments and obligations. It’s a lot easier to function that way.” Stephen Harvey, Junior

“Freshman should start the year cautiously. The first couple of weeks need to be utilized in a way to adjust to college life and get ahead in classes. Relaxation can come afterward. Using the first couple of weeks as an outlet for a good time will only put you behind. Start the year off right and gradually learn what you can handle instead of the other way around. Also…Listen to your RA. They know all.” Adrienne Bracken, Junior

“Don’t procrastinate. On top of decreasing your stress, if you manage your time well, you end up with a lot more free time. Ex: Got a lot of reading for your class? Divide the amount of pages you have to read by the amount of days you have to read it. That way, you’re only reading a few pages a night instead of trying to read the entire thing the night before.” Stephanie Wilson, Senior

“Be organized and really take advantage of free time. And of course take plenty of naps.” Paige Alviani, Junior

“Dear freshman, everyone told me “college will be the time of your life”. After my experience of being here for now three years I can say that the only way it can be enjoyable is to take up all the fun and exciting experiences you have here. If you live on campus stay the weekend and do all the activities offered. Join tons of clubs that interest you. Change your major if you don’t like the one you have! This is an unwritten rule that basically everyone does at least once in college it is ok! All I can say is don’t wait for the experience to come to you, because it won’t you have to grab it for yourself.” Annie Beckel, Junior

“Be yourself and you’ll learn to love to live.” Natalie Spanner, Junior

“Get involved! There are so many opportunities to be apart of something here at SHU. Join a club, be in a musical, volunteer, watch your favorite sports team. Take advantage of what this campus has to offer!” Sarah Oldham, Junior

“Fake it ’till you make it. Even if you’re really shy, just pretend you’re self-confident and unafraid, and friends will come along eventually.” Shannon Bork, Sophomore

“My advice would be to always look on the brighter side of a situation.” Corie Berry, Sophomore

“Don’t be afraid to try new things. Be adventurous. Otherwise you are deemed boring. And boring people lack friends.” Nicole Dadey, Junior

“I would say, for all freshman to get their homework done ahead of time. Procrastination does not work well at SHU.” Jezelle Migdalia, Junior

“Be your own person and don’t be afraid to try new things!” Taylor Jansen, Junior

“My advice to freshman, make sure you keep a good head on your shoulders. Don’t be afraid or feel weird about speaking up in class, no one will make fun of you, after all this is college. Oh, and ALWAYS make time for fun.  And the most important thing, a nap a day keeps the stress away.”  Lauren Jodzis, Sophomore

“They should have their schedule written down so they won’t forget what assignment is due.” Jared Davenport, Junior

“Make sure you really like your classes. When you look forward to your classes everyday you know you are pursuing what truly makes you happy in life.” Sara Tantlinger, Junior

“Make sure you join a club and get involved in some school functions. That way you’ll meet a bunch of new people.” Chris Boucher, Junior

The group was honored at a banquet held during the PMTA State Conference at West Chester University and was awarded $500 towards attending the conference.

The Collegiate Chapter Award was given based on participation and creativity regarding chapter activities. The SHU chapter submitted activities such as bake sales which were held during choir concerts, and master classes by professional musicians.

“Bringing so much of the community (non-PMTA members) into workshops and master classes helped solidify our chances,” said Matthew Colson, senior and president of PMTA.

“Without participation from the other students and faculty at our workshops, we would not have a chapter,” said Kellie Johnson PMTA treasurer.

“Members and non-members attend our events which encourages us to organize more and more. Also, with the support of the community in our fundraisers, PMTA will hopefully be able to continue our annual trips to conference,” said Stephen Harvey, a junior and vice president of PMTA.

Johnson and Harvey both attended the PMTA State Conference June 8-10. While there, they learned about private music instruction and networked with other professionals in the field.

“In our events, in our conferences, and between our members’ personal experiences, there is a constant state of learning. With all of these educational experiences, myself and other members of the chapter have no choice but to grow as musicians and teachers,” said Harvey.

“It is always a treasure to have the opportunity to talk to so many intelligent and wonderful people, people who share the same vision and love that we do,” said Johnson.

According to Colson, PMTA promotes the importance of music education by educating the future instructors.

“PMTA is a group which gets people involved with knowledge of owning, running, or working in a private studio to teach private lessons in their primary instrument. Music ed. is just as important as any education; it involves a lot of social work, and can be like learning a new language,” said Colson, who aspires to teach piano lessons.

PMTA’s conferences and workshops are a large part of how the group brings together future music educators.

“I love traveling and listening to the thoughts of others from around the state. I always learn something new or discover a new way to teach something. I value my education, but the workshops and sessions really enhance my education. It is the sessions and workshops that will help me continue my education after Seton Hill,” said Johnson.

The group has plans to further their involvement in the coming year.

“We are looking forward to holding another workshop as well as looking into completing a nursing home or Christmas caroling activity,” said Johnson.

“Community outreach, Music Teacher’s National Association Conference, and more informational sessions are definitely a must. Hopefully student membership will increase and our presence at conferences and PMTA events will grow. The class of 2016 is coming to Seton Hill, and upperclassmen are always welcome to join,” added Harvey.

“This group has had it’s ups and downs, and we have lost members, but I plan on bringing this group back in full-force next semester. We have great officers. I’m excited to see where we will be heading next semester,” said Colson.

“What does ‘stop’ really mean?”

“Getting hammered, getting nailed…what, are we having sex in the Home Depot?”

The above quotations came from Sex Signals—the two person show held at Seton Hill University (SHU) Friday, Feb. 10 featuring actors Cameron Miller and Fawzia Mirza.

Mirza and Miller acted out comedy sketches with help from the audience to show the workings of the male and female minds in the midst of relationships. Together, the two actors provided examples of what could make or break a relationship as well as gave light to the expectations potential dating partners have for one another.

The topics covered by Mirza and Miller ranged from meeting potential significant others to long-term relationships. The actors improvised situations in which their characters exhibited awkwardness from the other’s actions, experienced pressure from the other sex as far as what was expected of him or her and showed how important it is to know when to say ‘stop’ or when to help a friend if he or she is in an uncomfortable situation.

Annie Beckel, a sophomore, commented as well, saying: “I liked how much [the actors] interacted with the audience.”

“I think the two actors put an interesting spin on an awkward topic to talk about. But it’s totally necessary to get the message out,” said Stephen Harvey, a sophomore music major.

“It was very informative and educational,” said Sammy Brant, sophomore accounting major.

Jordan Forney, a sophomore English major also responded: “All of the improv was great; it was hysterical to watch them act out scenes the audience helped them to make.”

“The show was very entertaining, informative and the actors were very engaged to the audience; they kept my attention the whole time,” said junior and Resident Assistant, Samira Parrilla. “It seemed to me that they were trying to demonstrate how ridiculous individuals look when violating the space of others looking for immediate sex and not caring so much about verbal and physical consent.”

“It’s a good message and we have fun doing it. With comedy, people tend to remember [the message] better. It really resonates with people,” said Mirza.

Not strangers to the stage, Mirza has been acting for about five years and Miller for about two years.

The show also included the many stereotypes that face men and women today and provided ways in which they can appear less daunting to the average dater.

“My favorite part was when the actors portrayed a non-traditional rape scene in which the victim was under the influences of alcohol. It was a very delicate topic to go over, but the actors were sensible toward the audience and provided accurate information about why sex with ‘consent’ under the influences of alcohol is not consent,” said Parrilla.

Amanda Ries, a member of SHU’s Residence Life, attended the show as well.
“…[Mirza and Miller] opened with so much humor and talked about things [students] needed to hear.”

Sex Signals kicked off the Red Flag Campaign, an event held the week of Valentine’s Day that supports and encourages healthy relationships.

Willochell Ice is tucked away on a quick alley corner just a block from the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center (SHUPAC).

“There high quality items for a very good price,” said sophomore (for Fall 2011) Kellie Johnson. “It is within walking distance of SHUPAC and a fabulous place to stop by.”

Willochell Ice has been an ice producing business for 44 years. The company specializes in carved ice designs and also provide ice for area businesses. In the last eight years it has branched off to offer tasty treats.

Cake balls, baklava, canollis, shaved ice, smoothies and bubble tea are all available and made on the spot in front of customers.

Smoothies can be made with whole milk, soy milk or almond milk. All dairy products used at Willochel Ice are local and from Kerber’s Dairy in North Huntington.

Each day a dollar cone is offered with different ice cream flavors for each day of the week.

“The place itself is very quaint,” said sophomore (Fall 2011) Stephen Harvey. “The first time I was there it was for 20 minutes, the lady is so nice.

The inside of Willochell is small and cozy, almost like a grandmother’s kitchen. The walls are adorned with bursts of color, newspaper clippings and photos of ice carvings.

Aside from typical frozen offerings there are items like frozen hot chocolate and homemade ice cream sandwiches.

The homemade ice cream sandwich is made from a brownie cookie with various ice cream flavors and garnishes.

Willochell Ice is located between the bus station and parking garage near Bell Ave. and Pittsburgh St. It is located on Union Ave. alley.

During the summer Willochell is opens its doors every day except for Sunday at 10 a.m.