Cauldron The | News by Steve Thomas

Cauldron

MONDAY | December 10, 2007

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Cleveland State is A-Changinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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For the Students...By the Students

Editorial Staff: Francis X. Bova III, Editor-In-Chief Andrea Mitchell, Managing Editor Jayson Gerbec, Advertising Manager Madison Rabbitt, Advertising Rep. Ebony Cash, News Editor Ilona Westfall, Culture Editor Nick Camino, Sports Editor Steve Thomas, Layout Editor Michael Quintero, Cartoonist Jeff “Z” Stoskus, Distribution Manager Anne Werner, Business Manager Staff Writers: David Imburgia, Mark Jablonski, Faith Larraine, Laura Dynda, Jamie DuBois, Mark Katzbach, Christopher Enoch, Reid May, Scott Arko, Andrea Cervenak, Gary Typerstone, Robert Ivory, Sabrina Peacock Foreign Correspondent: Amanda Richards Contributing Writers: Dave Orzechowski, Alex Friedman, Audrey McCrone, Roman Verzub, Charlotte Morgan, Shanette D. Buford, Dan Hollowell, James Kneblik, Andrew Jonke

This Week

VOL. 105, NO.XVI

December 10, 2007

Contents T he Melting Pot

Culture

From the Editor’s Desk Andrea’s Anecdotes The Cauldron Bullhorn

Winter Fashion Forecast Are They Worth a Listen? CSU Chic CD Review A Christmas Story Lights Up the Stage with help from a Leg Lamp “Dewey Cox” rocks the Rock Hall CSU Pep Band is Prepared to make Cleveland State Rock

News Highlights of the Year Semester Recap New Development on Jena 6 SGA Roundup Don Imus Returns

Feature Cleveland State is A-Changin’

Sports CSU Basketball Notebook Jackson Shines as Vikings Fall Five Quick Questions with Dallas Lauderdale Women’s Basketball Squad Ready for Conference Play

Cleveland State University 2121 Euclid Avenue UC 10 Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (216) 687-2270 / (216) 687-5155 www.csucauldron.com www.myspace.com/csucauldron The Melting Pot The Cauldron reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All entries must include your name, year-in-school, and daytime phone number for verification purposes. All entries must be submitted by Friday at 5 p.m. To submit editorials, articles, etc. cauldroneditors@hotmail.com Campus Life Releases 100 words or less: Organization name and phone number must be included. Releases are for student organizations only and should include the event date, time, and location. Letters to the Editor 800 words or less: Letters must be in response to a written article or campus issue. Student Columns 600-800 words: Columns can be submitted by students regarding campus issues, positive or negative, and will be sent directly to President Schwartz in order to bring more student awareness. Advertising Policy For advertising inquiries e-mail cauldronadvertisements@hotmail.com or call (216) 687.2270.

Happy Holidays From the staff at the

Cauldron!

SeeYou Next Semester!

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Andrea’s Anecdotes Story by Andrea Mitchell | The Cauldron Managing Editor It was just one of those days, where I woke up way too early, had gone to bed way too late and by 11 a.m. I was in dire need of caffeine to even begin to keep my eyes open. After braving the cold and snow outside I found my way into Café ah Roma, where I ordered my grande mocha latte with whipped cream for lunch and had paid, just as a thought occurred to me. My habit of buying increasingly expensive coffee has become a strain on my wallet. Now realizing this early I’m hoping to curtail it before it becomes a strain on my waistband as well.

My little coffee trips, depending on where I go, range in price from one to seven dollars, and sometimes more. This semester my coffee splurge has put me into gear as the cold months now here, the coffee makes me think I’m energized in the morning. The only problem with it is it is addicting and expensive. So in response to the little light bulb that went off in my head last week I’m making an early New Years resolution. No more buying coffee (after I finish these last few sips of course). Therefore you will no longer see me in the halls carrying a

Starbucks cup, or across the street with a coffee mug in my hand. Tea, yes I will continue to buy as a drink, but coffee no. I really don’t want to become one of those college kids (no offense to those who are this way) who’s neighborhood Starbuck’s guy knows him or her and every morning asks them ‘The usual?’ I can’t, I refuse, and even though the aroma of coffee is scintillating, my budget will no longer allow. Drinking Starbucks every morning at $3 a pop costs $15 per week. Now multiply that by an entire year

and you’re looking at a whopping bill for something you can make on your own, gives you bad breath (I loathe coffee breath) and is legally addicting. Today I’m done with the ‘posh’ coffee house scene and although I enjoy my coffee and enjoy my friends at the coffee house, no longer am I paying five bucks for a drink that doesn’t do anything except make me ‘think’ I’m more awake. So if you’re brave enough, if you’re broke enough, join me in my anti-expensive coffee campaign. Let’s see if we can make it to next semester.

era. Unfortunately SGA does not care about US Military Veterans or doing a darn thing for CSU students. Have any of them risked their lives in defense of the United States? Do they understand that the American Soldier gives up so much and given so little in return? Veterans like me have a story to tell and need a voice, and its pretty clear SGA will be that voice. I don’t know if the student government is biased against US Soldiers or President Bush. Regardless of what you believe in politically, it’s

the American Soldier who is dying and protecting your freedoms [that] we all enjoy here in the United States and at CSU. Take my word for it, Soldiers don’t want to go to war, but we have a job to do and that is protecting YOU! So if SGA won’t be our voice then check out our website at www.geocities.com/ helpohiovets. Thanks SGA for No Representation! Please SGA for homework read the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

From the Editor’s Desk Dan Langshaw, Sophomore I am a 21-year-old United States Army Veteran. I am currently a student at Cleveland State University. I was just outraged how the Student Government Association does not care to help the CSU US Military Veteran/ Student Population with getting the administration at CSU to provide better transitional assistance and university scholarships to US Military Veterans like myself. Other universities in Ohio offer additional assistance and university

aide beyond the Federal GI Bill, because the federal government is failing in providing adequate care for its Veterans. The University of Akron has a much better program and University aide to its Vets. When I contacted SGA I was dismissed as not important. I even urged SGA to support my efforts in a resolution to get the Ohio General Assembly to create new legislation that helps give additional educational assistance to Veterans like myself as a result of this post 9/11

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The

Cauldron Bullhorn

Topic: Students sound off on the demolition and future rebuilding of the UC

Story by Roman Verzub | The Cauldron Staff Writer

John Rios, junior

Traci, junior

Xavier, sophmore

Harsimrandeep, sophmore

Jon, junior

“I think that it’s annoying and pointless”

“Where are we supposed to hang out between classes if it won’t get done for another two years?”

“I think that it’s not a bad idea, though I’d hope that they work more quickly than to be done in 2010. It’s unfair to the people going to the university right now.”

“There’s no place on campus like the UC, they shouldn’t tear it down.”

“It’s definitely necessary, as this building is antiquated and certainly not pretty. The new student center is going to be an improvement. The only bad thing is the transitional period. CSU is a commuter school and there isn’t much to do outside the UC. [It] won’t destroy, but will certainly harm student life, as there will not be as many places for students to meet”

Sara, junior

Mark, sophmore

Nael, junior

Rob, senior

Shannon, junior

“It will be inconvenient for a while, but beneficial to the future of the university.”

“It’s depressing. [The UC] brings people together, and while it’s gone it won’t be the same. This is a historical landmark for Cleveland State. Not to mention that it’ll destroy our InnerLink, forcing many to go out during the freezing cold winter season.”

“This building is a little bit too old, so just as long as they have a spot for us in the MC [it would suffice].”

“I really like the UC, it attracts a lot of people and a lot of people hang out here.”

“I don’t think they should tear it down, I love this place, it’s where I met all of my friends.”

Other student’s reactions … “I don’t know if it’s going to be a good idea. [CSU is]... a commuter campus and it’s going to be hard for people. The UC usually houses a lot of activities, and it’ll be hard to find places willing to do this. They should have something built before they tear this place down.” ~ DaLisa, freshman “I don’t think it’s necessary. This building is fully functional.” ~Christina, junior “Where are people going to go? Where are all of the offices going to go?” ~ Sarah, freshman “I think it’s terrible of them to do such a thing without asking. It’s not going to be the same. I care about my immediate present and future, which are not good.” ~Piyali, senior

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Highlights of the Year Semester Recap Story by Ebony Cash | The Cauldron News Editor Barnes and Noble Grand Opening Barnes & Noble at University Lofts Bookstore has finally arrived. The store officially opened Aug. 17. The national bookstore chain is settled in at 2020 Euclid Ave. directly across the street from the Cleveland

children ranging from five to six years old, as well as incorporate a summer program for children six to eight years old. Directed by Dawn Clough, the main goal of the Child Development Center is the children. She says, “The goal of the center is not to just provide child care, but also to develop the child.” Construction Destruction: The Euclid Corridor Project

State campus. Barnes & Noble used to occupy the CSU Bookstore. Their contract with Cleveland State expired after the first summer session in 2006. However, they refuse to get into a book war with CSU bookstore. CSU Child Development Center Open Cleveland State, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, has created a child care program that will help relieve the stress of students that have small children. The Child Development Center opened to the student population on August 27. The center provides child care to Cleveland State students and employees, and the program accommodates children six months to five years old. As of fall 2008, the program will expand to accommodate

Euclid Avenue

The purpose of project is to improve transit service and provide shorter travel time and better access to work or school for the community of Greater Cleveland. The goal is to have 61 new bus stations placed every 1,500 feet for the ability to board in every direction. Safety is also a priority. The new bus stations will include security cameras and improved lighting. What is Mobile Campus?

Located at the kiosk under the stairs in the University Center atrium, Mobile Campus is a program involved in loaning laptops to students for four hours at a time. Run by the Information Services and Technology Department and funded by the tech fee portion of tuition, Mobile Campus is the solution for students who do not wish to be confined to a computer lab or the library. Mobile Campus Continued on Page 8

New Development on Jena 6 Story by Sabrina Peacock | The Cauldron Staff Writer If you thought that the Jena 6 saga was over, you were wrong. Within the past month, there has been activity with the case, including reduced charges for one of the accused and a lawsuit has been presented by the victim. Justin Barker B r y a n t Purvis, one of the students accused with attacking a white student on the grounds of Jena High School, had his charges reduced from second-degree attempted murder and conspiracy charges to aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery. During his November 7, 2007 arraignment, Purvis pleaded not guilty. There is a trial date set for March 24, 2008. One of the other students tried in this case, Mychal Bell, pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree battery. According to Bell’s attorney, in order to accept the reduced charges, Bell had to “agree that he ‘hit Justin Barker, knocking him unconscious.’ With this reduce sentence, Bell will be sentenced to 18 months, which can be served in a halfway house. Time previous served will be taken into account, reducing the 18 month sentence down to 8 months needing to be served. Bell will also be required to pay $935 to the family of Justin Barker and court cost. Also, as part of the plea deal, Bell would have to testify in court against the others involved in the Jena 6 cases. In another turn of events, the white student that was attacked, Justin Barker, has filed a civil lawsuit against the parents of the juvenile students that attacked him, the adult students that attacked him, and additional student, and the LaSalle Parish Board. The lawsuit states “petitioners show that Justin was singled out by Bell, Purvis, Robert Bailey Jr., Carwin Jones, Theodore Shaw and the two juveniles, and that the malicious and willful attack of Justin was of such extreme nature so as to require emergency medical care and treatment for the harm inflicted by the attack, and resulting in extensive and permanently disabling injuries.” Barker has had numerous medical bills as a result of the fight, and is trying to seek payment of these bills. The lawsuit also names the LaSalle Parish Board because they were not able to supply adequate supervision at the school to prevent this event from occurring. There have been no comments made by the defendants in this lawsuit.

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SGA Roundup Story by Mark Jablonski | The Cauldron Staff Writer If you’re reading this, then you may be putting off studying for your finals. Or, perhaps you’ve got a paper due this week that you’ve barely begun. Whatever the case, here is your Student Government Association (SGA) Roundup. Last Friday’s SGA meeting saw the ratification of three Constitutional amendments. With the sole nay vote coming from Graduate Senator Patrick O’Malia — whose term ends when he graduates later this month – the amendments became binding immediately after Senate confirmation. One amendment actually altered something that O’Malia has previously spoken out against; the constitutional mandate that students who wish to run for the office of president or vice president already hold elected office, either in the senate or executive board. Now, students seeking these positions need only to attend three SGA meetings before declaring candidacy. The second amendment did away with the Print Shop Committee. Additionally, the Print Shop Manager is now the chair of the Public Relations Committee, which promotes SGA on campus. Lastly, the attendance policy for senators was altered to allow them to miss up to half of all meetings to attend other university-related obligations, including classes. The Information Services and Technology division (IS&T) will be taking over the computer lab in the Urban Affairs building, Business Senator Donna Seemuth announced. The lab — now open exclusively to Urban Affairs students — is scheduled to be open to the entire student body. It’s said that budget shortfalls are to blame. Because the computers in the Urban lab use sophisticated soft-

ware programs and must be serviced by staff who are familiar with those programs, the concern is that the quality of the service will deteriorate once the lab is under new management. Urban students pay extra technology fees to maintain their lab. “One of the reasons that we’re able to retain our ranking is because we invest in ourselves,” said Sen. O’Malia, who’s working on a Masters degree at the College of Urban Affairs, which has programs ranked second in the nation. “[It’s] important that we retain our separate lab.” Vice President Thompson also expressed concerns, saying that it didn’t “seem fair” that they would lose their lab. Seemuth said she will discuss the matter further with the Computational Services Committee. Senate Speaker Paul Patterson has calculated the Senate Awards – stipends received by all senators – that each senator will receive. Patterson says that a third of the senate fulfilled only half of their duties, and another third had average performances. Two senators – Science Sen. Khadidja Benmerzouga and At-Large Sen. Kimberly Carr – received the “Spirit of the Senate” award for excellence in constituent service. Urban Affairs Sen. Abdul Ameen introduced a resolution that would create a Diversity Committee, which would work to “create an educational environment that will foster academic achievement and increase retention and graduation rates of ethnic and minority groups.” The resolution seemed to have the support of much of the senate, and has been sent to the Investigation and Legislation Committee for further consideration.

Don Imus Returns Story by Emily Ouzts | The Cauldron Contributing Writer Shock jock Don Imus made a cautious return to radio Monday morning, eight months after being banished from the airwaves for calling the Rutgers University women’s basketball team a bunch of “nappy-headed hoes.” He made an on-air reference to his April dismissal and subsequent apology, once again calling his comment reprehensible and issuing yet another plea for forgiveness. Then, basking in his comeback glory, he took warm phone calls from fans, called Hillary Clinton “Satan,” and continued with business as usual. There is something inherently wrong, however, with Don Imus’ business continuing as usual. I don’t mean morally wrong just yet, although we’ll get there, but logically wrong. You see, the logic of these things dictates that, at the very least, someone who has been fired must do something redeemable in order to be reinstated. After all, Kate Moss went to rehab, Bill Clinton accepted impeachment, and Miss USA cried to Donald Trump. It’s only fair. So what exactly was Don Imus’ redeeming act? What has he done in the past eight months to earn a comeback sponsorship and all? And looking at the bigger picture (because there is always a bigger picture), what have we all learned? Apparently, not much. As everyone knows, the Don Imus scandal was bigger than Don Imus, and he took that in stride. He issued his apology, accepted his dismissal, and appeared contrite. He endured a public scorning at the hands of the Rev. Al Sharpton (patron saint of minding other people’s business), and watched his decades-long radio career wither away in the wake of one comment.

The comment in question was, of course, atrocious, managing to mix a special blend of obnoxious misogyny and blatant racism. But for all its surface deplorability, society’s response was worse. Faced with a public manifestation of the ignorance that still somehow exists in 2007, America responded by pretending to be appalled for about twenty minutes, then moving right along. Want proof that we haven’t learned from the Imus fallout? Just flip your radio upwards into FM territory. Currently, seven singles on Billboards’ Hot 100 Chart, which spans every musical genre, contain derogatory words. Check out the rap/hip-hop charts, and it gets even worse. Imus’ show had some notable additions on Monday morning – Karith Foster and Tony Powell, two comedians who are (surprise!) African American. The question remains whether or not CBS, Al Sharpton, or whomever else is pretending to be Christian that week will step in when either Foster or Powell use racial slurs on Imus’ program, which given its controversial nature, is bound to happen. In fact, it seems as though adding two African American comedians to Imus’ show was merely an excuse to up the scandalous ante by allowing the use of racial slurs in a more socially acceptable way. Firing Don Imus reveals itself to be nothing more than a check on our collective conscience. We, as a nation, told ourselves that we were moral upstanding citizens because we painted an old cowboy with some scarlet letters to take the glare off our own. Then, as quickly as we condemned Imus, we went back to calling our girlfriends “bitches” or “hoes” and Continued on Page 9

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Highlights of the Year Semester Recap Continued from Page 6 Hard work and dedication has former Cleveland State basketball player Patrick Tatham in Europe pursuing professional career

Hannah Montana

computers all have internal wireless cards allowing them to connect to the Internet from anywhere on campus. The laptops are also loaded with the latest Microsoft Office software and other useful tools. Generally Speaking A new program has been added to Cleveland State with the interest of international students in mind. Conversation Partners Program (CPP) was created to build the speaking level of students taking English as a second language, mainly international students. The concept for CPP was adopted in fall 2006, with the program starting last spring. The program has 25 international students, and the interest for native speakers is growing rapidly. Living a Dream;

Tatham graduated this past May and even though he can’t play for head coach Gary Waters, he’ll still be playing basketball. Only now, he’ll be getting paid to do it. “P.T.” as friends call him, is pursuing his dream of playing professional basketball in Europe for the Sion Herens, a team located in Valais, Switzerland. Euro-Ball, as it is called, is merely one step behind the NBA. In fact, many players who play in the European League with Tatham also competed in the NBA Summer League located in Las Vegas, where the post-college players display their abilities. The summer league just happens to be where LeBron James began his career as a rookie in 2003 with the Cavaliers. The opportunity to play professional basketball fulfills a lifetime goal, Tatham said.

lamp and non-grounded electrical timer to the socket. The grow lamp then emitted a surge of electricity of approximately 400 volts through his body. Sanchita Mal-Sarkar, Dr. Mal’s widow, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Cleveland State. Mal-Sarkar claims Cleveland State’s negligence caused her husband to be electrocuted. She also says that the school failed to recognize the hazardous outlets and install an updated electrical system in the 35-year-old lab, and that Dr. Mal was not given proper safety training. Cleveland RTA Receives Top Award The Greater Cleveland RTA received top honors for being the best public transportation system in North America How Hannah Montana sold out ‘The Q’ in minutes The Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Tour concert to be held January 3 at the Quicken Loans Arena sold out in a matter of minutes on September 29. Destiny Hope Cyrus,

Cleveland State sued for electrocution Two years ago, tragedy occurred on the Cleveland State campus. Associate Professor Dr. Tarun Mal was found on the floor of the science lab on Aug. 16, 2005 unresponsive. He was later taken to St. Vincent Charity Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Dr. Mal was electrocuted while setting up a biology experiment using a non-grounded electrical device that adapts a three-pronged plug for a two-pronged outlet. He used the plug to connect a homemade grow

better known as Miley Cyrus, plays on the hit Disney channel show Hannah Montana, where she plays a teenage pop singer with a hidden identity. Quicken Loans arena houses 20,500 seats. Every seat was sold out between the times of 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Multiple venues for Cyrus’ 54-date tour, beginning October 18 in St. Louis, sold out in this way. The Hannah Montana tickets

Former CSU Viking center Patrick Tatham will play power forward for the Sion Herens this coming season in Switzerland

were going on sale for $26, $40.50 and $56. Sergio, a Cleveland Ticketmaster representative who was not allowed to give his last name, was one of the associates that worked the day the tickets went on sale. “They seemed to sell out in a matter of seconds,” Sergio said. “It was five minutes tops. And that’s pushing it.” There were many parents calling Ticketmaster that day, wondering how a 14- year-old Disney Channel star’s tickets could sell out in such a hurry. “The people would say that it was ridiculous,” Sergio said. “They said that it was impossible and that they had been waiting so long.” Sergio had gotten a lot of bad phone calls. But some of the worst were the presale

The Way of the Gun Issue 8

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customers calling in claiming that they couldn’t get tickets either. “The pre-sale tickets sold out just as fast,” Sergio said. “These were customers with codes who couldn’t even get tickets. It was absurd.”

See a living tribute to Chas’s memory at chastribute.com. Porn Nation: One Student’s Reaction

The Way of the Gun

Euclid Corridor Project Ends Early

October 10’s weather set the mood for what was about to take place later that day. The skies were gray, the wind was sharp and the rain was steady. The most terrifying moment that Cleveland Public Schools has ever faced happened at approximately 1:15 p.m. A 14-year-old boy shot up Success Tech Academy, and then killed himself. His name was Asa Coon. Cleveland State loses a great professor Cleveland State professor Chas Smith was loved by many, in particular his students. Smith, 50, taught the lectured music course, “The Roots of Rock and Soul.” The course teaches students the history of American music from the Civil War era to Woodstock. Smith originally started teaching a course in classical music and then got the idea to revamp a rock and roll history course that hadn’t been taught for some time. The class started off much smaller than it is today with approximately 80 students. Now, the course has had well over 300 students at one time. Smith died on Oct. 16.

the only sources that he used was Webster’s Dictionary. He said that according to Webster’s Dictionary “pornography is any material designed with the expressed purpose of arousing you sexually.”

Wouldn’t it be cool if there was a discussion about porn at school? A discussion about how the industry and America have both changed over the years. You know what I mean, a liberal discussion about sexuality at CSU. It doesn’t seem so far-fetched does it? Well apparently it is, because there was recently a discussion about pornography at Cleveland State that had nothing to do with any of this. Porn Nation’s speaker was Michael Leahy, a recovering sex addict who in 1999 dropped his porn habit for God. Since then Leahy has been to over 100 college campuses speaking about the destructiveness of pornography in the United States. The 90 minute discussion was interesting to say the least. Leahy quoted sources sparingly throughout the entire presentation. One of

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has opened a section of the Euclid Corridor Transportation Project a year ahead of the Dec. 2008 scheduled completion. This means no more irritating orange barrels and confusing traffic signs in some stretches. But before you jump for joy, Euclid Avenue is only opening from East 17th Street to East 55th Street. The Battle of Ohio: Vikings and Buckeyes Ready for Showdown

the Cavaliers will play host to the biggest college basketball game the city of Cleveland will witness this winter. On Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. the scarlet and gray will invade Northeast Ohio to play in the inaugural CSU McClendon Scholarship Classic. The game will mark just the sixth time the two squads have faced each other on the hardwood, and only the second time the Buckeyes have ever come to Cleveland. Ohio State, coming off their third straight Big Ten title, a National Championship appearance last season, and a runner-up finish in the Preseason NIT at Madison Square Garden this season are 5-1 all-time against the Vikings and have won the past two meetings. In 1995 the Buckeyes zipped past Cleveland State 75-52, and just last season Thad Matta’s squad defeated the forest green and white 78-57.

Crime Prevention Tip Cleveland State University Police

Carry only what you absolutely need.

Large amounts of cash and multiple credit cards are unnecessary.

The home of LeBron James and

Remember to use CSU Safety Escort service (216-687-2020)

Don Imus Returns Continued from Page 7 rapping along to the chorus of Kanye West’s “Gold-digger.” And when the thrill of our public condemnation was over, when we felt that Imus had been good and punished for carrying the weight of our collective ignorance, we

let him back on our radio and in our lives. Why? Because he apologized of course. Never mind the fact that his apology was superficial, pressured, and mostly staged. Never mind that he failed to

address why felt the need to rely on slander to achieve humor. But the biggest hole in Imus’ apology was his failure to address where his comment came from, and why it came as easily as a slip of the tongue. Was it his own bigotry

speaking, or was he just chiming in on a current trend that rules bigotry as acceptable? Either way, Imus’ return to radio signals that we as a nation feel that he has served his time and learned his lesson. Have we?

Feature

Main Classroom (now)

Main Classroom (future)

Cleveland State is A-Changin’ By Francis .X Bova III| The Cauldron Editor-In-Chief Cleveland State is a-changin’ for the better if you can handle the trumpeting sounds of construction. The current construction on campus rivals the boom from 1969 to 1977 when the university spent over $100 million on seven new structures. In an effort to prepare for the inevitable changes, The Cauldron takes a sneak peek into what is going to happen over the next four months and beyond. Goodbye UC, Hello MC The University Center, a hub for

The New Student Center (back)

Gwathmey Siegel &

PERSPECTIVE

students and CSU organizations since 1974, had a nice run. For freshmen and sophomores, roughly 100 credit hours away from now, a bustling new student center will replace the UC by 2010. But current students should be prepared to hang out in the renovated Master Classroom Building for the next three years. “The idea is over spring break for everybody to move into the [MC] Plaza,” CSU Director of Capital Planning and University Architect Edward Schmittgen said. The MC renovation has a price tag of about $22 million. “[The cost] includes the elevator tower, the atrium, everything that was built out of the plaza level which is about 60,000 square feet, the auditorium renovation … and we had to put a fire suppression system on all four floors and a fire alarm system in order to bring it up to code,” Schmittgen said In addition, it will feature a student lounge area and have campus dining.

The MC will temporarily house Campus 411, Campus Activities Board, Bursar’s Office, Student Government Association, Student Life, Women’s Comprehensive Program, Black Studies Program, Viking Card, the Dean of Students, Disability Services, Enrollment Services, Mobile Campus, the Tutoring Center, student organizations and more. The UC will remain open as usual for foot traffic, loitering, events and organizations until the move to the MC is complete. SGA Vice President Peggy Thompson encourages student organizations to start planning for events later in the spring semester now. “The spaces are not going to be what are used too, but it will be okay,” Thompson wrote via e-mail. “If student organizations have trouble reserving spaces, they need to let student government know so we can address their concerns.” Future events can be held in the lobby of the Science and Research

New Student Center (front)

Building, as well as MC classrooms. Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects

Kaput! llc

Cleveland State University Student Center

The process of razing the UC will begin right after spring break, according to Schmittgen. “After all the people are out we’ll have to do asbestos abatement,” Schmittgen said. “There is some asbestos in the building which is typical of any building built in that period. So, they have to clean that out and that takes three to four months. Then the building will start being demolished somewhere around

PERSPE

June.” The complete removal of the UC will take three to four months. Concrete from the UC will be recycled. Air handling units, elevator equipment and internal furnishings will be salvaged. The new student center, the permanent home for many of the displaced UC occupants, will cost roughly $40 million.

T h e Continuation of the Construction Blues

The UC project will be occurring right in the heart of campus. But Ed Schmittgen foresees no problems with parking. Besides noise disturbances from beeping Where in the trucks and the World is Student occasional street Media Going? delay, one issue sticks out. Cleveland State University Student Center SP-P Cleveland State University Student Center SP-E Some current “The biggest occupants of the problem is going Current Interlink Proposed Interlink UC are already packto be the inconing, while others are venience of the penciled to move the InnerLink being location with PBS next to Playhouse in the MC. week of March 8th to new loca- Square. disrupted. The InnerLink clearly WCSB, currently on the ninth tions. The Cauldron and Vindicator will floor of Rhodes Tower, will get to goes right through the UC. What is For example, the Counseling and be moving over winter break, but The Cole Center eventually. going to happen is there is going to Testing Center and the Division of will retain their offices in UC10 for “By the summer, hopefully, the be an exterior detour from the MC Student Affairs and Institutional meeting space. When the UC is decision is out of my hands,” Student plaza over to the music building.” Diversity will move to the 12th floor closed, The Cauldron and Vindicator Media Specialist Daniel Lenhart said The InnerLink detour of Rhodes Tower. will begin on the first floor of the will have a remote computer station of WCSB’s move. But student media is heading far MC by the clock tower, run outaway eastward. side the library in front of Rhodes The new student center, the The Cauldron, Vindicator and WCSB Tower, and continue under a temare moving into the revamped fourth porary structure to the Music and permanent home for many of the floor of The Cole Center. Communication building. displaced UC occupants, will cost The radio station, WCPN, for Or you could just follow the merly occupied The Cole Center yellow dots. roughly $40 million. before they moved to their current Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects llc

SITE PLAN EXISTING

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University Center in the 70’s

Construction in progress

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Winter Fashion Forecast Story by Illona Westfall | The Cauldron Culture Editor When one thinks of Cleveland, they usually don’t think of it as a fashion capitol. Possibly the sweatpants capitol, but certainly not a bastion of cutting edge style. This is especially true in the winter, when most Clevelanders resemble Randy from A Christmas Story with their many layers of sweaters, scarves and gloves. For those of you that are actually interested in fashion trends, here are some of the current ones to spruce up your winter style. Staying Warm Rather than freezing in scant clothes to look fashionable, this season women are shopping for warmth, says Brooke Nieves, proprietor of The Powter Puff Boutique in Tremont. Her top sellers right now are sweater dresses and tights. “Tights are crucial,” she emphasizes. Nieves’ store sells tights in a variety of prints, colors and lengths ranging from bicycle short styles to footless. There are several fashionable options if you need a new coat to fight off the chill brought on by surprise lake effect snow. The plaid bomber coats

that the onset of fall brought us don’t appear to be going anywhere soon. Nor do the military styles that have been ever present for the past few seasons. Look for peacoats and details such as brass buttons and epaulets. The newest trend in coats is definitely the ladylike styles cropping up in stores that are reminiscent of bygone eras. Channel your inner Hitchcock heroine in belted forties inspired styles like trench coats in tweed and herringbone. Or try a voluminous swing coat much like what Jackie O. wore back in the sixties. Dressing Down Certainly appropriate for a Cleveland winter, grey seems to be the color of the season. Stop in your local H&M and nearly everything around you is in a shade of grey. Strangely, the color adds a sophisticated touch to garments and isn’t nearly as gloomy as it seems like it should be. Try it on pants or sweaters to update your everyday look.

A Christmas Story Lights Up the Stage with help from a Leg Lamp Story by Laura Dynda | The Cauldron Staff Writer Clevelander’s are rejoicing now that A Christmas Story is back at the Cleveland Play House this holiday season. A Christmas Story tells the tale of Ralphie Parker and his family during the holiday season of 1938. All that Ralphie Parker wanted for Christmas was “a genuine Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.” The only problem with getting it is the assumption made by multiple people that he will shoot his eye out. The lovable story of Ralphie and his quest for the Red Ryder BB gun

has been a favorite of Clevelander’s since the 1983 movie was filmed on location here. Christopher McHale narrates the play as an adult Ralphie. His narration sets the tone. The enthusiasm that he has when looking back at his favorite Christmas is hard to ignore. As Ralphie makes his way from scene to scene, new characters and situations are introduced. Billy Lawrence plays Ralphie. As Ralphie, Lawrence makes his character come alive with the various situations that he is met with. One of those situations is seeing his friend Flick (Kolin Morgenstern) stick his

Plaid, traditionally relegated to old lady Christmas sweaters, punk rock zipper pants and nineties flannels is currently the pattern of choice. It’s showing up in a full spectrum of colors and on all kinds of clothing and accessories from shirts to headbands and shoes. Why not try plaid on tunics, which are one of the biggest trends right now according to Nieves. “Tunics are good because you have the versatility to wear them over jeans or whatever you want,” she explains. It will instantly make you look a little more dressed up than just throwing on a ratty old t-shirt without sacrificing comfort.

Nieves’ The Powter Puff Boutique

Party Time Menswear, while always popular for fall, is a huge trend right now for special occasions. Vests and tank tops made to resemble men’s tuxedo shirts can be found amidst the party dresses at H&M. Try a satin tuxedo tailored for a woman with a sparkly top under the jacket instead of a dress for a party or New Years Eve. Everything sparkly is without a doubt one of the biggest trends for the season. Glitter, gold lame, rhinestones (even on headbands), and silver

are everywhere you look. Studio 54-ish sequined dresses are a sure bet for the many parties you are sure to attend for the holidays. Don’t have a party to go to? Wear one out to the bar for the hell of it. There’s no better place to go for fashionable holiday season finery than Nieves’ The Powter Puff Boutique. After all, the store was voted as having the best dresses in the area by Cleveland magazine. With a wide range of unique party dresses you’re sure to find one that makes you stand out from the sweatpants-wearing masses.

tongue on an ice-cold light pole. This immortal scene is hysterically funny to watch. As Ralphie and his friends wonder what to do about Flick, the recess bell rings and they have to leave him. What a bum deal for Flick: to be “triple-dog dared” to stick his tongue on a light pole and be left outside by his friends. This, among others is a favorite scene to watch. The Play House makes the scene changes as seamless as possible. There are no bulky movers on stage, changing the scenery. The audience doesn’t even know that the scenery was changed until light comes onto the stage when it changes from Ralphie’s kitchen, to his imagination where he is protecting his family with his imaginary Red Ryder BB gun.

The set for the play was one of the best that I have ever seen. Ralphie’s house is the stage, with its kitchen, living room and Ralphie’s bedroom. The transitions from one room to the next were done well. The stage transitions from Ralphie’s house to his school classroom were great. To see his teacher’s classroom move flawlessly from the behind the stage to the front was the best. Ralphie and his quest for his Red Ryder BB gun leads him all the way from asking his parents to asking the big guy in charge, Santa Claus. The scene with the Higbee’s department store Santa Claus is by far one of the funniest things in the play. Ralphie and his little brother Randy (Joey Stefanko) travel from their house to meet their idol. As Randy puts it, “Santa, Santa!” As Randy comContinued on Page 16

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“Dewey Cox” rocks the Rock Hall Story by Christopher Enoch | The Cauldron Staff Writer At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a red carpet lay situated on the ground. The guest of honor walked upon it, hard upon it, none other than a man of fiction. Dressed in tight black pants, the vest of a Mexican bandito, and with rock star shades to match, the man was Dewey Cox. This character, a rock star played by actor John C. Reilly in the new film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is the latest creation from Judd Apatow, the crowned champion of Hollywood comedy, known for his work on Knocked Up and Superbad. This Dewey Cox walked, indeed, he walked hard. The name of his story is testament to his conduct. So go ahead, pick your rock and roll cliché. This fictional rocker tries all of them on for size. He’s Elvis. He’s Johnny Cash. He’s Muddy Waters and he’s Jim Morrison. This illusory, comedic embodiment of rock and roll made his red carpet debut Wednesday. He made his presence felt on the carpet and on the Rock Hall’s stage, where he played some of his “greatest hits.” This particular evening would be the beginning of a seven-date tour, starting here in Cleveland, the rock and roll capitol of the nation and spanning onward across America. Cox’s catalogue was extensive, including such rock satires as his claim to fame track, “Walk Hard”, his Bob Dylan mock, “Royal Jelly”, his political message; “Letter to the President”, and his innuendo-laced duet with Andrea Correa, “Let’s Duet”, (get it?).

Cox lit up the stage with his musical bravado, playing with his accompanying ensemble, the Hard Walkers. Reilly walked the walk of a rock star, and that night, he unquestionably talked the talk as well. Reilly didn’t just play his character that night, he was his character. In between songs on stage

like he wouldn’t let himself get too down. It was a lot of fun playing someone who is so oblivious to his own egotistic, narcissistic side. It is always fun to play someone so delusional. Q: What sort of rock stars influenced you in playing this role? Are their any rock biopics you sought to emulate? A: If you play them next to each other the plot similarities are almost ridiculously consis-

Dewey Cox Live

he would taunt the audience and make quip after quip. This fictional front man had stage presence enough to put some real-life talents to shame. When asked what his favorite musicians were, he named himself. When asked as to his musical influences, he responded as expected. ”Man, I’m the fountainhead, I don’t need no influences.” he declared. Reilly obviously felt safe in this character’s skin. For the tour ahead, he’d have to be. Speaking with the man playing the man behind the music, Reilly explained himself.

tent. The people we were thinking about when doing the movie were Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan, even some of the legendary stories of The Beatles and stuff, Mac Davis in the ‘70s, any musician that you are reminded of during the movie is probably someone we were thinking about. This was a dream job for that reason, because I listen to a lot of music from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Q: What was you favorite thing about playing Dewey?

Q: How do you prepare for a character that goes through a lot of transformation throughout a movie? And what kind of prep goes into the role?

A: My favorite thing about playing Dewey was getting to play a rock star. He was a flawed character, but always had a goofy optimism

A: Every part is different, you know, but what I try to do is to fill the gaps in my mind, in the areas where I don’t have a lot of expe-

rience. So, whatever I feel like I have to do for that character I feel qualified to be doing. Whether it is learning to be a sword fisherman or learning to be a porn star or whatever it is. I just fill in the gaps from my own experience. And I prepare. The real preparation for this movie was in the recording studio before we started doing it. We recorded the songs for like six months. I think we recorded 40 tracks, 30 of which were original, but some covers. Each time we recorded the song we had to make decisions about the character. How the lyrics were going to reflect what the guy was going through at the time. We ended up doing a lot of thinking about the plot of the movie and the character through the recording process. Q: This film seems to alternate seamlessly between the comedy of a fictional rock star and the drama of his experiences, how did that play into the filming process? A: In most of the scenes, we’d flip back and forth. I’d try to play the scene as emotionally honest as I could and as realistic as I could. We always found ourselves getting into these kinds of heavy dramatic situations and then take a full left turn at the end of a scene. Like there is a scene when one of my children comes in and I haven’t seen them in ages. And I’m crying because he asks me if I want to play catch. It is a wonderful father and son moment, and it really felt like a wonderful, dramatic scene. And at the end of scene, I go, “I’m sorry, what is your name again.” So, yeah it was a challenge, but a lot of fun. Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story hits theaters December 21st.

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Are They Worth a Listen? Story by Faith Larraine | The Cauldron Staff Writer Things are going to be switched up a little bit. This column is usually about an up and coming band, but this issue is going to be about someone who is already known…with a new project on the side which is up and coming. This guy reminds me of Andrew McMahon when he decided to do his side-project, Jack’s Mannequin, while his band Something Corporate went on hiatus. He’s solo, but he still has a band with him. So, let’s make a decision…is he worth a listen? Band of Choice: The Color Fred 10 Reasons Why You Should Listen to The Color Fred 1. Taking Back Sunday: The Color Fred is a side project created by the former guitarist and back up singer, Fred Mascherino, of the well-known band Taking Back Sunday. 2. Album: The debut album for The Color Fred titled Bend to Break was officially released on October 30 but it was leaked onto the Internet eight days prior to its release date. 3. Sound: This is definitely a poprock kind of album. I can already see the girls at concerts jumping up and down and slapping each other in the face with their ponytails. The sound is good and somewhat memorable.

4. Straylight Run: The Color Fred is on tour with previous band of choice Straylight Run and will be coming to the Agora Ballroom on December 9th. It is also rumored that The Color Fred will go on tour with Angels & Airwaves in early 2008. 5. The Color Fred: Mascherino posted a poll on the Internet that allowed his fans to vote on the name of his side project and The Color Fred is the name that won out. 6. Equal Vision Records: The Color Fred belongs to the Equal Vision Records label. If you remember from previous issues, the bands Circa Survive and Fear Before the March of Flames are on this label as well. Maybe good music comes in packs. 7. One Man Band: Mascherino is the main guy of the band of course, since it’s his side project. His voice has some interesting ranges. Most of the songs are mainly Mascherino singing and playing guitar. He has some great acoustic sessions. 8. Catchy: I must say that most of his tunes are quite catchy. It’s hard not to sing along…or listen to the same song multiple times. 9. Time Management: This guy has some great time management skills. While working on his side project, he was still working with his busy Taking Back Sunday schedule. I wish he could give me some tips.

1 0 . Environment friendly: Here’s a fun fact about The Color Fred’s new album…apparently the CD packaging is 100% recycled material, with an inlay tray made of cornstarch. Creative! 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Listen to The Color Fred 1. He left: Mascherino left Taking Back Sunday October 4th to focus more on The Color Fred. It doesn’t really seem so bad, but it makes you wonder if he just used TBS to get a little attention and planned to leave all along. 2. No Set Band: The Color Fred’s Myspace page indicates that the band is made of “Fred Mascherino & Friends”. The Color Fred has no committed back up band. That could be a problem in the future. 3. Strict Vegan: Mascherino is a strict vegan. I mean come on, meat is supposed to be in your daily diet, right? Even if it did go “moo” once. Of course…his music probably doesn’t have anything to do with him not eating meat. But, he drives a 25-year-old car that runs on vegetable oil. I guess we should congratulate him for at least being able to save money on gas. 4. TBS: In all seriousness, Mascherino’s music just sounds like Taking Back Sunday minus three other guys. It’s not too original. 5. Selfish: Mascherino was not the first to leave Taking Back Sunday to start anew. Jesse Lacey, who is now the lead singer of Brand New, and John Nolan, now the lead singer for

Fred Mascherino

Straylight Run, also left TBS to start new careers. However, Mascherino was the first to leave to start his own solo career. When you look at it, maybe from a distance, it seems kind of selfish. Luckily, he was replaced quickly. 6. Four Times a Charm: It took Mascherino four times to figure out where he wanted to be in the music business. He started off with the band Brody, and then moved on to the band Breaking Pangaea, later joining TBS, only to leave and finally start a solo career. I have a feeling he might be making some changes again soon. 7. Family Man: This is a fact for all the girls out there in love with The Color Fred’s leading man. Mascherino is married and has three children. This could be a big bummer for some. 8. Fruits: Mascherino has named two of his guitars after fruits and the names of his children. One is known as Scout the Pear and the other is Lily the Lemon. Odd…unless his children smell like pears and lemons. 9. Color: It is unknown what the color Fred actually looks like. It could possibly be yellow. 10. Sleepy: Mascherino has some serious sleepy time eyes. If he is smiling or simply straight-faced, his eyes are always droopy.

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CSU Chic by Andrea Cervenak | The Cauldron Staff Writer Name: Alex Friedman Age: 20 Major: English/Criminology Style Inspirations: Catholicism, Gatsby Parties, WWI Favorite Clothing Stores: Goodwill, Unique Thrift, Macy’s Favorite Fashion Magazine: National Enquirer Favorite Fashion Eras: ‘20s and ‘50s Fashion Philosophy: “Wear clothing that blends in with the crowd you want to be paid by.” What He Loves About Fashion: “I love how much Cleveland seems to hate it.” What He’s Wearing: Tommy Bahamas Aviators. Grey Pinstripe Blazer, $1, BaldwinWallace’s Costume Shop. Van Heusen White Button-Up Dress Shirt, Macy’s, $20. Cross Necklace, gift from girlfriend. Black Dress Pants, $12, Macy’s. Cutter’s Corner Black Leather Belt, $17. Black Work Boots, $20, K-Mart.

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CSU Pep Band is Prepared to make Cleveland State Rock Story by Laura Dynda | The Cauldron Staff Writer fight songs is “Cleveland Rocks,” Nagy, said. “’Cleveland Rocks’ has become a secondary fight song to us. Because Cleveland Rocks.”

Cleveland State University has a Pep Band. If you did not know this, now you do. The Pep Band is a spirit group that performs at the men and women’s Basketball games.

about the Pep Band. Lumpkin says that one of the things that struck him was that the basketball teams were getting a lot of publicity, but the Pep Band was not.

Jerome Lumpkin, a junior here at CSU, who plays the drums said, “The purpose of the Pep Band is to provide quality sound for all of our events, we strongly support the men’s and women’s basketball.”

Going to a basketball game is a family friendly event. Andrew Nagy, assistant director of the Pep Band said, “We add to the college athletic flavor. It’s part of the experience of going to a college pep band. They try and make it a family affair. It is a family friendly event.” The Pep Band gives spirit to the home games.

Lumpkin (a.k.a Mr. Beats) has been trying to get the word out

CD Review

The Hives

The Black and White Album A&M/ Universal Records

44444 By Shanette D. Buford

The Swedish garage rock band The Hives just released their fourth album The Black and White Album, a great rock CD.

One of the Pep Band’s favorite The first single off the album “Tick Tick Boom” was featured on Madden NFL 08 soundtrack, and is one of my favorite songs off the album. On this release The Hives worked with various producers such as Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes, Jacknife Lee and Dennis Herring. The album is worth listening from track one to the end. The Hives kind of remind me of The Rolling Stones back when they came out. Even if you are not an alternative rock fan, then you may learn to love this genre because of the true musicianship, sounds, lyrics, and vibe of the album. The Hives consist of Nicholaus Arson (Guitar), Vigilante Caristroem (Guitar), Chris Dangerous (Drums/ Percussion), Dr. Matt Destruction (Bass), and Howlin’ Pete Almqvist (Vocals/ Lead). They are currently on tour overseas. Enjoy the new album!

The Pep Band performs 2030 songs a game. The song selection that they use is very eclectic. The song choices range from, The Beatles to Ozzy Osbourne. The Pep Band only rehearses a couple times a season. Nagy said, “We always say that we would like to rehearse more, and this season hopefully we will make it happen.” With the upcoming men’s basketball game vs. Ohio State, the Pep Band is going to be geared up and ready to represent Cleveland State University. A rehearsal was to take place last weekend to get ready for the big game. Since the Ohio State Band will not be at the game because they take a break in between academic quarters, CSU’s Pep Band will be the house band. When asked if the band might do an Ohio State fight song, Nagy said, “Absolutely not. We’re not Ohio State.” Lumpkin added, [we are] CSU, Vikings.”

The Pep Band can be joined by anyone in the community. Many members stay on for years. Scott Gray has been playing with the CSU Pep Band since he was in high school. Gray, a former CSU student, enjoyed his time with the band very much. He currently plays the euphonium, an instrument similar to a horn, for the Pep Band. The Pep Band has members that live as far away as Alaska. Tobias Lambert, who plays with the band whenever he visits, started the first marching band in Alaska. If you are interested in joining the Pep Band, not a lot of experience is required. As long as you can carry a tune, you’ll be fine. The Pep Band has flyers all over campus promoting the Men‘s basketball game vs. Ohio State. Check them out at the game and enjoy the song selection. For more information email csupepband@gmail.com or go to myspace.com/ csupepband

A Christmas Story Lights Up the Stage... Continued from Page 12 trayed older and younger versions of Ralphie. They played well off of one another throughout the production A Christmas Story is a play that should be another tradition added to your family’s holiday repertoire. With its wonderful story, acting, and staging, this play is a triumph. scene from A Christmas Story

plains that he has to go “wee wee,” it is his turn. I don’t want to spoil the scene, but it is one of the most hilarious things to watch. The casting of this play was marvelous. Each character, no matter the role was amazing. The best performances were by the actors who por-

A Christmas Story The Cleveland Playhouse Tickets are $10 with your CSU ID 8500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106 http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com Runs through December 23rd

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Viking Grapplers Off to Solid Start Story by Nick Camino | The Cauldron Sports Editor Right now the Cleveland State wrestling team is on a roll, not a Granby Roll (a famous wrestling move), but a great start to the 2007-2008 season that even has national wrestling media buzzing about the program off Euclid Avenue. After a solid 34-3 dual meet victory over John Carroll just a week ago at Woodling Gym, the Vikings traveled to State College, Pennsylvania to compete in the Nittany Lion Open, held on the campus of Penn State University. The tournament was host to over 600 wrestlers from some of the top teams in the country, and the CSU grapplers did not disappoint. With 11 wrestlers competing in the highly competitive field for 10th year Head Coach Jack Effner, the Vikings wrestled very respectable both individually and as a team. Cleveland State received

strong performances from Marcus Effner at the 165-pound weight class, junior J.T. Miller at 174 pounds, and sophomore Benny Balogh at the 184-pound weight class. Effner led the way taking a fourth place finish going 4-1 on the day in a weight class featuring 57 wrestlers. The coach’s son has been solid all season for the Vikings and looks to be the favorite this season at 165 pounds in the rugged Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) Conference. At this point, Coach Effner couldn’t be happier with his guys. “It was just an awesome experience to go to Penn State and compete against some of the top wrestlers in the country,” Coach Effner explained. “Marcus did a really good job today, and it was definitely respectable performing the way he did against such a tough field,” the coach added

about the performance of his son. Junior surprise J.T. Miller fell just short of placing, however he boasted a solid 5-2 record in the tournament defeating tough wrestlers all day long. Two of his five wins were won by decisions over opponents from Rutgers and Michigan State, two excellent college wrestling programs. Balogh finally got into a groove after suffering the only loss in the dual meet to John Carroll. The sophomore grappler recorded two wins while suffering just two setbacks, and is beginning to look like the freshman surprise he was last season for the Vikings. Freshmen Josh Palivoda and Eric Schwartz recorded single victories for the Vikings; however several CSU grapplers went without a win at all in the open tournament. Some wrestlers did not record

a win and that gives this team a purpose, Coach Effner said. “The weekend was a real eyeopener,” he said. “This is valuable experience that will help us continue to get better as we get closer to the meat of our season, the dual meets.” The Vikings return home this weekend as Cleveland State will host the CSU Open on Dec. 15 at Woodling Gym. Following the open tournament, the Cleveland State wrestling team will take a brief break for Christmas, before heading to maybe their toughest competition of the season, the Midlands Invitational on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

get everything that the less-active teams did the previous year. Things like coming within one win of the World Series, dominating the New York Yankees in the first round, having two of the most dominant starters in baseball, or hitting teammates with a pie after a great game. The Indians did all this. They were one of the best two teams in baseball, but edged by the other one—a more experienced team—in seven great games. And with all the success had they still aren’t losing anything this winter. They will enter the 2008 season with every key piece of last years puzzle.

In my mind, that puts the Indians at an advantage this year. They have a deep rotation, featuring seven capable starters—all of whom have shown flashes of dominance. Their bullpen features two pitchers named Rafael—one from the left and one from the right (Perez and Betancourt, respectively) who were un-hittable late last season. The Indians also have the American League saves leader, Joe Borowski. And while Borowski may constantly get the raw end of the deal in comparisons to Mariano Rivera

When classes resume for the Spring Semester of 2008, be sure to check out Camino’s EWL Conference Preview. The preview will include team breakdowns, weight class forecasts, and predictions as well.

Cleveland Indians Column Story by Reid May | The Cauldron Staff Writer The Cleveland Indians watched the Detroit Tigers make a big splash this week acquiring Miguel Cabrera—a 24 year-old third baseman who had one of the more impressive (.320, 34, 119) stat lines in baseball—and Dontrelle Willis—a big lefthander who won 22 games two years ago, from the Florida Marlins. A trade like this makes you want to sell the farm and make a “big splash” of your own. But Indian’s General Manager Mark Shapiro has made it abundantly clear that the organization thinks the free-agent market is terrible, and ravaging the farm system for

a three-year lease on two players isn’t worth it. Cabrera and Willis make Tigers an early season favorite. Detroit has a stacked line-up with Gary Sheffield, Magglio Ordonez and Cabrera anchoring the middle. Their pitching rotation is deep enough to insert Willis in the number three or four hole, rather than expecting him to carry them. This is all for a team that one eighty-eight games in a down year. The Tiger’s are going to be good next year. But so are the Indians. The most fascinating aspect of a big off-season move like this one is that everyone seems to for-

Continued on Page 18

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Cleveland Indians Column Continued from page 17 and Jonathon Papelbon, he was the best at his job last year, not the guy in New York and Boston. The lineup scored 811 runs last season while dealing with a nasty slump from slugger Travis Hafner. Everyone keeps talking about the Tigers scoring 1,000 runs. The Indians could do that too, especially if Hafner returns to form as we expect him too. If Hafner doesn’t return, C.C. Sabathia tears is shoulder up, the sky falls, and the Indians can’t win

a game, well that’s the way it goes. If Detroit can beat us this year, let them live the moment. Because three years from now Cabrera and Willis will be free agents, Sheffield, Ivan Rodriguez, and Kenny Rogers will be ready to retire, if not gone already, Magglio Ordonez will be looking back on his best years, and Detroit will have no farm system to rely on. They will be back in the same place they were five years ago. The cellar.

Meanwhile, the Indians can afford to lose good players—be it to age, free agency, or a potato famine. Cleveland has a deep farm system with abundant talent that would allow them to contend for the next ten years. That’s something to take great pride in. This team shouldn’t have to fight for respect. They had a great year, they’re keeping their key players, and they haven’t made any silly off-season signings [90 million dollars for 34 year old

Torii Hunter?] When they come out this season they will be considered an underdog, receive no national attention, and keep playing their game, their way—despite what people say—or don’t say. And when the Indians take the field against the Chicago White Sox on March 31st they will start as my pick to win the AL Central Division, simply because they’re the best team. The Tribe proved that last year. They have yet to show me different.

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Women’s Basketball Squad Ready for Conference Play Story by Robert Ivory | The Cauldron Sports Writer With a 60-49 win in Indianapolis against IUPUI, the women’s basketball team jumped out to a 3-4 record. With only a handful of games left before the beginning of the Horizon League Conference part of their schedule, Coach Kate Peterson Abiad is trying to help her team ‘turn the corner’ and become a real contender at Cleveland State. “We’re in transition here. We are starting to believe that we can win our games,” Coach Peterson said of the team’s performance. And the corner may be closer than it appears. The team has made great strides to start the season, and have put forth a great effort to make sure a disappointing season will not happen again. Several key facts can contribute to the turn.

Sophomore Kailey Klein has made great steps as well, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. In addition, the team has hit their shots much more than last season. Knowing that the offence will be the key this year, the team is shooting 42 percent from the field, compared to an under par 37 percent average from last year, a difference of night and day. “We have had troubles with perimeter oriented teams, and well-rounded teams,” Coach Peterson said of the struggles. Stopping teams will have to get better during the year if the old cliché of ‘defense wins championships’ is true. Although the team has given up a whopping 80 points per game, including 37 alone to Wisconsin’s Jolene Anderson and 27 to Ohio’s Lauren Kohn, in the

four losses, the defense has been brilliant by stopping opponents to only 52 points when the Vikings come out on top. “We have gotten a lot of questions about height,” sophomore Angel Roque said when asked about the challenges of the year. “But with that challenge, our team defense is really good this year, we’re a lot quicker.” The team is continually trying to overcome that the lack of size in the paint. And the stats do not lie; the team has been out rebounded 72-119 on the offensive rebounds alone. Not great considering how much those rebounds can turn a game, teams can eat more clock and more importantly get more chances to score. The Vikings will head to the road after a 10 day layoff to face Buffalo on the Dec. 15 and then

to Niagara on Dec. 17. But most importantly, the game against the Purple Eagles will be a homecoming of sorts, as Angel and Jessica Roque will be playing only an hour from their hometown of Mississauga, Ontario. Even more exciting for the Vikings, recent signing Kaila Montgomery from Waterloo, Ontario (about 2 hours from Buffalo) and family may be in attendance. A very exciting two games in New York for the Vikings, with many more to come. A very bright future for the Vikings is in store, but especially in the near future. Get ready for the Horizon League Conference to be taken by storm by the Lady Vikes, sooner than many may think.