Ramapo College of New Jersey Student Newspaper.

The Ramapo News 03.01.12

XLII NO. 15

A PUBLICATION BY THE STUDENTS FOR THE RAMAPO COLLEGE COMMUNITY the rundown

THE BIRTH CONTROL DEBATE

Students recognize the pros of making birth control more accessible to low-income women. Page 3

arts

&

entertainment

sports

TUESDAY NIGHT SERIES

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD

Two musicians played tribute to legendary jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Page 13

For the first time in Ramapo’s history, the women’s track and field team finished first in the NJAC tournament, ending TCNJ’s 14-year winning streak. Page 13

Groups Organize Week to Celebrate Healthy Body Images

By BRITTANY SCHROEDER Staff Writer

Keynote speaker Lesley Kinzel spoke as part of the College’s Eating Disorder Awareness week. Kinzel, a body acceptance activist, encouraged students to disregard unrealistic body images that are portrayed in today’s popular culture and instead “remember the awesome things you do.” Photo by Brittany Schroeder

Shame.

Guilt.

Negative stereotypes.

All contribute to making the overweight invisible in society.

Those attributes, along with how eating disorders are portrayed in popular culture, were the themes of a speech on Tuesday by body acceptance activist Lesley Kinzel, who gave the keynote speech for the week.

The event was sponsored by Feminists United, Theta Nu Xi, the Heath Awareness Team, and the Social Justice Coalition.

“Eating disorders are fueled by shame,” Kinzel said, adding that the fear of being overweight comes from the shameful pressures seen in television, movies, and fashion magazines. Throughout these forms of media, overweight women are not displayed because our culture believes that these individuals do not deserve to be represented.

According to Kinzel, being skinny is a more ideal image in

society, and therefore, overweight women are almost an invisible group of people. Kinzel said she believes that the media does not provide empathy for a diverse group of bodies.

“Fat people have the right to be seen,” she said.

In her talk, Kinzel said that body acceptance is for everyone, and she encouraged people to reject the unrealistic images depicted by culture and set their own boundaries. This allows people to treat their bodies with love, instead of guilt.

Kinzel further asked the audience not to judge people based on their personal health, and instead urged people to pay attention to how their body feels in order to let it grow naturally and healthily.

Kinzel concluded her discussion with the universal idea of acceptance. She said that overweight people should not contribute to the vague and negative stereotypes that are created in culture, calling instead for individuals to adopt a more see SPEAKER on page 5

CASH, SGA Urge Students to Help Ramapo Earn More Funding

By RACHEL WINTERMUTE Staff Writer Students gathered in J. Lee’s for a Roundtable Discussion on higher education on Monday.

The event, “Why Do I Pay So Much To Go To Ramapo? What Can I Do About It?” was hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) and featured panelists Pat Chang, associate vice president of Student Affairs, and Jon Marcus, president of the Alumni Board.

The event was coordinated by College Advocates Supporting Higher Education (CASH), a division of SGA, and moderated by student trustee Erin KaplanBurns and alternative student

trustee Nicole Panzica. More than 50 students attended to listen to the panel address the latest funding issues hitting Ramapo, especially after the governor’s recent Budget Address and proposed increased educational aid.

“The good news is that we didn’t get cut,” Chang said of the governor’s proposed budget. “The bad news is we didn’t get any more money.”

In fact, Kaplan-Burns said that Ramapo has received the same flat funding from the state since 1990, despite the College’s growth.

She also said that The College of New Jersey, one of Ramapo’s top competitors, receives about twice as much funding, even though it enrolls 1,000 less students than

weekend weather

Ramapo.

Marcus pointed out that New Jersey has no funding formula to determine financial distribution to the state colleges. Instead, he said that budget allocations function off of precedents with little reevaluation year-to-year.

Therefore, it is the duty of students, alumni and supporters to campaign for Ramapo.

“We’re a small school; we’re young,” Marcus said, noting that Ramapo only has about 28,000 total alumni. “We’re growing and our alumni are passionate. They feel like they helped in founding the college.”

Chang, Marcus, Kaplan-Burns and Panzica all emphasized that see CASH on page 5

HIGH 47

F RID AY LOW 40

College Advocates Supporting High Education (CASH), a division of SGA, hosted a roundtable Monday to discuss Ramapo’s funding situation and how students can help raise more money for the College. Photo by Rachel Wintermute

HIGH 56

S AT U R D AY SU N D AY LOW 33

HIGH 47 LOW 29

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page 2 The Ramapo News

The Ramapo News Robert A. Scott Student Center 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

201 - 684 - 7842 rcnjnews@ramapo.edu Elyse Toribio Editor-in-Chief Nicole Alliegro News Editor Danielle Reed Arts & Entertainment Editor Andrew Gould Sports Editor Stefanie Mauro Photo Editor Matt Giuliari Melissa Piombo Creative Directors Kaitlin McGuinness Web Editor Ashley Jade Beasley Business Manager Dan Sforza Technical Advisor

★

INSIDE: the rundown Page 3

Viewpoints Page 7

Arts & Entertainment Page 8

SPORTS Page 13

★ POLICY Whenever necessary, The Ramapo News will publish corrections or clarifications in the following issues. All corrections must be brought to the attention of the editor as soon as possible. The Ramapo News strives for accuracy. In keeping with journalistic standards, pre-publication review of any article, quote or editorial is not allowed. Viewpoints may be dropped off at SC-218 or e-mailed to rcnjnews@ ramapo.edu. The Ramapo News reserves the right to edit viewpoints for content, style and space. Anonymous viewpoints will not be accepted. Paid advertisements are accepted at the sole discretion of The Ramapo News staff. Rates are available by contacting the editorial staff by phone or e-mail.

Commuters, Residents Alike Slowed by High Gas Prices, Forced to Cut Costs Elsewhere

By ASHLEY INTVELD Staff Writer Gas prices are on the rise again, with expectations that they will continue to increase, according to NJ.com. In Mahwah, prices have ranged from $3.48 up to $3.60 per gallon this past week, and for some, commuting to Ramapo— and even living on campus—has taken its toll.

Commuter Kelsey Higgins said moving off campus has caused her to spend more money on gas.

“When I lived on campus, I got gas every other week,” Higgins said. “Now that I’m commuting from almost an hour away, three days a week, I fill my tank at least once a week.”

“TO SAVE MONEY FOR GAS, I TRY TO MAKE COFFEE AT HOME AND BRING IT IN A TRAVEL MUG, INSTEAD OF STOPPING AND DUNKIN DONUTS, AND I ALSO PACK MY LUNCH SO I’M NOT INCLINED TO BUY FOOD ON CAMPUS.” -Kelsey Higgins, commuter

Filling a 16-gallon tank once a week, depending on miles per gallon of the vehicle, would cost about $56. Using that example, monthly gas expenditures spike to nearly $223 a month, which is roughly $3,564 per semester, not including extraneous driving trips.

The high price of gas across the country is holding travelers back nationwide.

Experts identify the fluctuating prices, especially along the East Coast, as a result of receiving oil from the North Sea oil fields. Middle states, conversely, use lower-cost sources in Canada, keeping the prices slightly lower.

According to world sustainability professor John Daley, there are multiple causes of the ever-increasing price of fuel.

“I don’t know if people have the power to change [the gas prices],” Daley said. “I think a lot of this comes from Wall Street speculation, so the necessary

thing is to reform Wall Street.”

Even on-campus residents are feeling the effects of the high gas prices.

“The fluctuation between high and insanely high gas prices keeps me on a pretty thin budget,” Bob Nowatnick said. “It’s a shame gas has to be a problem when I have things like school and bills to worry about.”

Some commuters, however, said that the expenses saved living at home offset the increasing price of fuel.

“Commuting to campus has affected my wallet negatively in the short term, but positively in the long term,” Cole Patterson said. “I spend a great deal of money on food and gas. However, this is offset, I believe, by the lower overall cost of attending school, after subtracting the housing expenses of Ramapo.”

Still, as Nowatnick said, “Whether you live on campus or not, if you travel or have a car, the prices will inevitably affect you.”

While students can’t control the price of gas, they can save money in other areas to counterbalance their expenditures on fuel. As a means to take control of the fluctuating fuel prices, drivers are taking strides to cut corners and conserve costs.

“To save money for gas, I make coffee at home and bring it in a travel mug, instead of stopping at Dunkin Donuts, and I also pack a lunch so I’m not inclined to buy food on campus,” Higgins said. “I try not to let my car heat up for too long before I start to drive, and if I sit in to study or eat lunch between classes; I always leave it off.”

For other students, saving money means less driving all

$4+ (ouch) $3.90+ $3.80+ $3.70+

together.

“To save gas, I try to limit my trips back and forth to campus, which decreases the accessibility of Ramapo’s resources,” Patterson said.

According to Daley, for the price of gas to stop escalating, the country has to be more fuel-and energy-efficient.

“If we keep consuming at these levels, we’re just going to run out of oil faster,” Daley explained.

“We’re going to see greater gas spikes on the downslope. I think that in 10 years, you will have to be pretty rich to take an airplane flight.”

According to “The Story of

Stuff,” an online documentary, the United States accounts for only 5 percent of the world’s population, but 30 percent of the world’s waste. Thus, at this rate of consumption, there would need to be three planet Earths to accommodate the whole world, if it consumed at the United States’ level.

“We have a lot of developed countries with high populations who are all looking to drive cars like the Americans do,” Daley said. “There’s a huge consumption spike coming, which is dependent on the prices of gas.” aintveld@ramapo.edu

Gas prices across the country have steadily increased, often forcing travelers to alter their commutes or plans to save fuel. Photo by Ashley Intveld

HOW MUCH WAS YOUR LAST FILL UP (PER GALLON)?

$3.60+ $3.50+ $3.40+ less than $3.40 (woo hoo!)

In a Facebook poll, Ramapo students reported paying between $3 and $4 per gallon at their most recent trip to the gas station.

In Mahwah, the average price of regular fuel ranges anywhere from $3.50 to $3.60 per gallon, according to Patch.com.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 3

the rundown Obama’s Free Birth Control Plan to Benefit Students, Nation

By CARRIE SLOME Staff Writer

· N ATI O N A L NE W S · It’s no secret that many college girls choose to take birth control for one reason or another, but the high cost can be a burden for some.

To combat this, the Obama Administration has proposed a new birth control plan to make contraception more accessible to the public by requiring insurance companies to cover its associated costs. This, essentially, would make birth control free to many people and certainly take a load off of college students.

Obama’s bill, however, has created controversy nationwide and even some debate among the campus community.

“I think that girls who are sexually active should have options — free ones — to protect and help themselves,” junior Marissa Fox said.

Her views were echoed by other Ramapo College women.

“I am fortunate enough to be able to afford birth control, but not everyone is as fortunate,” junior Abby Rochford said.

Many said they were spending a

lot of money on birth control.

Rochford, among others, said that the main benefit of free birth control would be to help lowincome females, in particular, prevent unwanted pregnancies.

“This theory is mainly focused on the poor and urban communities who have a large portion of teens having children and not being able to support them,” said junior Jamie Bachar. “People who cannot support themselves should not become parents. It overall negatively affects society.”

Rochford said the country needs to realize these affects on society and do something about it.

“The government has to be more realistic,” she said. “Young girls are going to have sex, and girls who cannot afford birth control and are uneducated about it might have unprotected sex.”

The potential improvement to society was another benefit students cited.

“I feel it would also help end the teen pregnancy cycle, and the abortion rate would decrease,” Rochford said.

Women’s Center coordinator Jill Gramaldi felt that this type of legislation was long overdue and would “open the avenue” in providing women with proper

health care treatment.

“Both access and education is very important,” Grimaldi said. “Aside from contraception, there are other medical reasons for women to take birth control.

All of these reasons, including contraception, are equally valid and deserving of coverage.”

“I THINK THAT GIRLS WHO ARE SEXUALLY ACTIVE SHOULD HAVE OPTIONS-FREE ONES--TO PROTECT AND HELP THEMSELVES.” -Marissa Fox, junior Some students, like junior Janelle Carasco, expressed other ideas about how the bill would affect our society. Carasco said that although she would appreciate not having to pay for birth control, there are other medications pricecuts that could be made that would benefit this country more during such a rough economic time.

“People have to choose to buy their meds or eat,” Carasco said.

“It’s ridiculous.”

President Obama proposed a new birth control plan, which would require insurance companies to cover the costs associated with contraception. Thus, birth control would be free to many women. Photo by Stefanie Mauro

Carasco also considered the danger of having birth control become too available to young people, who may be more influenced to abuse it.

“Like any other medication, birth control has serious adverse affects. Make it free, fine, but not over-the-counter,” she said.

Political groups on campus also contributed their thoughts on the matter.

Chris Gabbett, president of the College Republicans, agreed that “private health care companies should offer contraceptives in their packages as a means to prevent those who cannot care for a child from having that child without resorting to an abortion.”

He felt, however, that this should be limited to private health care companies only, rather than for health insurance purchased from the U.S. government.

“I do not feel that those who object to birth control on religious grounds should have to fund the birth control of others,” said Gabbett. “If they wouldn’t spend that money on those products for themselves due to moral or religious objections, why should the government be allowed to take their money to purchase it for others?”

In opposition, president of the College Democrats Chris Chapman felt that Obama’s proposal would most primarily affect students in a positive way.

“The ruling provides for women who need STI counseling, domestic abuse screenings and counseling, and many other issues, to receive that benefit from their health insurance,” Chapman said.

“To make sure women’s health is comprehensively covered is of course a good thing.”

Rochford said it’s also important for the government to not only provide birth control but further enforce policies that stress the importance of sex education in schools.

“The more educated young people are,” Rochford said, “the smarter the decisions they will make.”

@Lala: why is government even involved here though? planned parenthood has been giving out free birth control for years..... @Megan Kiebzak: Okay catholic church, we get you’re all for abstinence. But people are going to have sex regardless, so stop whining about birth control. @Kimber McLeod: RT @ MotivatedInOhio: If Viagra is covered, Birth Control should be. GOP is clueless @Sally Henley: RT @ MMFlint: The law is clear & the overwhelming majority of Americans support it: Equal access to birth control for all women-no matter where they work. @Eddie Lawson: RT @smosier: 7 Billion people on the planet and counting and we are still debating birth control? #brainpain @Christopher Pike: If you don’t like the policies of your Catholic employer, you are welcome to look for a job elsewhere. #contraception. #thisweek @sfpelosi: #Contraception a fundamental freedom under attack by right wing ideologues who declared a “war” on women: politico.com/arena/ perm/Ch... via @POLITICO @riz: I am Catholic, I am a mom, and #Iusebirthcontrol.

And there are a whole lot of folks like me in the US. @Tiffany Montgomery: #iusebirthcontrol for reasons that have NOTHING to do with pregnancy prevention and so do millions of other women

cslome@ramapo.edu

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

THURSDAY’S CHILD

TODAY IN HISTORY

joke of the day

“We have no comment.” - Stacey Wechsler, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s rep, on whether or not the “Jersey Shore” star is pregnant

Justin Bieber turns 18 today! He’s no longer a “baby, baby, baby.”

While some thought he’d never reach adulthood, we say, “Never say never.”

Today in 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed the executive order establish Peace Corps.

Hey did you see that oxygen and magnesium are Facebook official?

OMg

s

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page 4 The Ramapo News

New Book Recognizes Ramapo as ‘Disability Friendly’ College OSS SERVICES HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN ACADEMICS

By CANDACE MITCHELL Staff Writer Ramapo College was recently named one of America’s most disability-friendly colleges in a new book called “College Success for Students With Physical Disabilities,” published by Prufrock Press. It was distributed in bookstores nationwide this month.

The book aims to give students with disabilities guidance in picking a college, preparing for life at a university, and making the most of their college experience. The book also informs students of their rights under the laws governing education and disability self-advocacy, how having a physical disability affects admissions testing, and what the responsibilities are of the college to make sure students get everything they need for their education.

Ramapo College was listed as an “ADA-Plus” College; these are colleges that offer more than just the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act when it comes to providing services to students with physical disabilities.

Ramapo College was listed among 71 other schools, two others of which were in New Jersey: The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University-Camden.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits schools from discriminating against students with disabilities and requires certain accommodations to guarantee the students’ access to the college’s programs and services.

“Reasonable accommodations at Ramapo have included such things as textbooks in audio formats, extended time for tests, copies of lecture notes, sign language interpreters, and accessible housing,” explained David Nast, director of the Office of Specialized Services at the College.

However, what got Ramapo College recognized in the book was the services it provides beyond what is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Ramapo is fortunate to have a Federal TRIO Student Support services grant that allows us to provide services beyond just accommodations,” said Nast.

These extra services include computer instruction and

tutoring. Students in need of assistance are paired with another student to help take notes, explain assignments and provide any academic assistance that the student may need.

“OSS provides me with note takers so I don’t fall behind,” Adam Landesman, junior, said. “They allow me to reach my full potential by putting me on the same playing field as everyone else.”

Chrise Wise Tiedemann, the author of “College Success for Students With Physical Disabilities,” named Ramapo as one of 71 schools that go “above and beyond” the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Photo courtesy of Lacy Compton

Ramapo College also provides counseling services in several areas, including academics, independent living, career development, financial aid, and financial literacy.

“By assigning me a case member to meet with regularly, I can share my weekly struggles and be pointed in the proper avenues of support,” Landesman added.

According to Nast, Ramapo College has a history of going beyond what is legally required by them under disability accessibility laws.

“These additional services have had a positive impact,” Nast said.

Students also recognize how services provided by the College have made a difference.

“I’ve been to other schools besides Ramapo that haven’t offered anywhere near the level of assistance I get from Ramapo,” said Landesman. “It puts me at an academic disadvantage when I am not being accommodated.”

The book, “College Success for Students With Physical Disabilities,” recognizes all that OSS does to provide all the services possible to help the experience of students with physical disabilities at Ramapo College.

“It is wonderful to be acknowledged by an outside source for the positive environment that we have at Ramapo for individuals with disabilities,” says Nast.

Nast also noted that it’s the cooperation of the College as a whole that made this recognition possible.

“While the Office of Specialized Services may be thought of first in regarding such an acknowledgement, it is important to understand that it is the commitment of the College as a whole that made it possible,” said Nast.

Ramapo College is still taking steps to continue to help students get the best experience possible at Ramapo. In the fall, Ramapo is launching a Peer Academic Coaching program for new students who have disabilities.

“The coaches will be working with students regarding such things as time management, study strategies, test taking skills, and acclimating to Ramapo,” said Nast. cmitche3@ramapo.edu

Survey Measures Student Participation, ‘Pushing Boundaries’

By BECKY PENHAKER Staff Writer Freshmen and seniors checking their Ramapo email will find a request to fill out the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). This survey is meant to help administrators and instructors measure the level of student participation at a college and judge how that participation and learning is fostered and developed through the school’s resources and curriculum.

NSSE gathers information about student participation programs and activities that institutions provide for the learning and personal development of its students, according to the organization’s website. These results then provide an estimate of how undergraduates spend their time and give institutions a better understanding of what students gain from attending their college.

This year at Ramapo has been all about the new slogan “Pushing

Boundaries,” and this survey is just one way the College hopes to reach its new goals.

“Because we are a Liberal Arts College, we do attempt to push boundaries in all areas,” Provost Beth Barnett said in an email.

“We know that engaged students are better able to develop a personal code of values and ethics – we push, through experiential learning and experiences inside and outside the classrooms, to facilitate this development in all Ramapo students.”

Ramapo has been utilizing NSSE since 1999 with the survey’s “pilot study.” Since then, the College has been distributing it to its freshmen and senior students every other year. The College looks at this survey as an opportunity to strengthen its academic support for its students.

“The student responses inform the institution how well it is doing in different areas,” Barnett stated.

“This information contributes to an institutional cycle for

continuous improvement.”

Students that have filled out the survey see it as a chance to have their concerns be taken in account.

“If the school is really taking into consideration our suggestions, then we should take the time to do it,” Christina Urciuoli, senior, said. “If people are looking for a change, then this is a good place to start.”

The results of the past 10 years of the survey are all posted on the Institutional Research website under “Student Involvement and Satisfaction.”

An area that Ramapo has seen some improvement in is working with other students outside of the classroom. In 2010, 42 percent of first year students said that they had made a class presentation, up from 35 percent in 2000; seniors were at 70 percent, considerably higher than their 45 percent mark 10 years earlier.

Some of the lowest numbers in the NSSE findings dealt with student participation and the lack

of involvement for on-campus events. Only 29 percent of first year students and 26 percent of seniors attended an art exhibit, play, dance, music, theater, or other performance in 2010. But on the positive side, these numbers are up from the 2005 survey, where 16 percent of freshmen and 20 percent of seniors reported going.

One area that always seems to receive high marks is in regards to the quality of relationships students have with available or helpful faculty members.

Seventy-one percent of freshman felt they had pleasant experiences in 2010, up from 65 percent in 2000. The senior class responded with 81 percent, an increase from 79 percent.

However, some students still have not filled out the NSSE survey and report that they have no intentions of doing so because of the time restraints within their schedule. Although the survey is only about 15

minutes long, students trying to balance homework, work and extracurricular activities can see it as a burden.

“I just don’t have the time to sit down at a computer and take it,” Lynsey Boss, freshman, said.

“I have a lot of work with all my midterms right now.”

Others that have filled out the questionnaire wonder how much of their input actually makes a difference to making changes to the school.

“These types of surveys are not much of a representation of the student population because not a lot of people actually take it,” Megan Minneci, freshman, said.

“If they really want to better the school, it should be mandated instead of having us just take it if we want.”

rpenhake@ramapo.edu

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 5

Senior to Speak at Human Rights Conference in Scotland TRIPLE MAJOR BRENDAN FLANAGAN EAGER TO RETURN ABROAD

By JULIANNE INNAMORATO Staff Writer A Ramapo College senior, Brendan Flanagan, has been accepted to the International Studies Association’s Annual Human Rights Conference in Glasgow, Scotland this coming June.

At the University of Glasglow Flanagan will be presenting his paper entitled “Applying Insights from Recent Transnational Justice Scholarship to the Northern Irish Case,” among many of today’s important international human rights scholars.

Flanagan, a triple major, said he has always been interested in the field of human rights.

“I’m fascinated by the innateness of the concept,” he said.

“I also love the interdisciplinarity of the field; everyone talks about human rights. Although my background is in international politics and literature, I’ve taken courses in history, sociology, anthropology as well as political science courses, on the topic of human rights. Human rights are everyone, and I always knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Flanagan considers his acceptance to the conference a big honor and is excited to participate.

“In Scotland, I’m mostly looking forward to the dialogue I hope to have with human rights scholars from around the world, and particularly in the United Kingdom,” he explained. “Since my research focus is on Northern Ireland, it will be very exciting to see what those who actually influence human rights in Northern Ireland think about my project, as well as very constructive, as I imagine their feedback will be invaluable. In short, the people are what I look forward to most, and what I hope I will take away from interacting with them.”

Fellow senior and classmate Max Klube gave Flanagan praise for his accomplishment.

SPEAKER continued from page 1

positive perspective.

“Remember the awesome things you do,” she summarized.

Students who attended this event said that the talk helped them realize why eating disorders are still an important issue for the campus community to consider.

“On campus, we are given the opportunity to eat whatever we want,” freshman Jess Ritter said.

“We don’t have our family to notice any unusual eating habits.

Also, people are more concerned about self image when they’re surrounded by peers.”

Junior Jess Vazquez said Kinzel’s lecture helped raise awareness about being happy in one’s own skin.

“I have lived with negative comments in regard to my body,” she explained. “I believe that many people have experienced similar feelings even if they do not look the same [as what is portrayed in the media].

Therefore, we need to get the message out.”

According to Women’s Center publicist Jill Grimaldi, Kinzel’s speech served to support people who struggle with, or know others with, eating disorders and to give people the resources they

“I think Brendan deserves it,” Klube said of Flanagan’s acceptance. “He is hardworking, involved with campus community, and is an advocate of human rights. He loved Ireland, and I’m sure he’ll love Scotland. He does a great job representing Ramapo.”

As Klube mentioned, Flanagan studied in Limerick and Dublin, Ireland during the summer two years ago, and said that he is excited to go back abroad.

“Although I do admit some nervousness about presenting my research to such a distinguished crowd as that which will be at Glasgow, I’m mostly excited,” Flanagan said.

“I’ve wanted to go to Scotland for a while, and this conference is such an incredible opportunity in and of itself, I’m just grateful I get this experience.”

As Flanagan has always been passionate about human rights, he has been working with Rebecca Root, assistant professor of International Studies and Political Science, since freshman year. Now, Root is Flanagan’s faculty mentor for his presentation in Scotland.

Flanagan said he owes much of his success to Root and his two faculty readers, Clifford Peterson, professor of International Politics, and Keisha Haywood, assistant professor of International Studies and Political Science.

“Through their guidance and tutelage, this project has really gotten off the ground, and I given me the confidence I will need to represent Ramapo well in Glasgow,” he said.

“I owe them much, personally as well as academically, and thank them very much.”

need to get help.

“Eating Disorder Awareness Week’s aim is to go beyond awareness raising, to provide useful information and emotional support to help students deal with disordered eating in their lives,” Grimaldi said.

Aside from Kinzel’s body acceptance presentation, several other events will be held on campus as part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Today has been dubbed “Love Yourself Day,” an all-day event that promotes relaxation and positive body image. Later that night, the Brown Girls Burlesque will also be celebrating their cultures, sexuality, and diverse bodies on stage at 9:30 p.m. in the H-Wing Auditorium.

Then, on Friday and Saturday, students will be performing “The Body Image Monologues,” which has been also written and directed entirely by students.

In their show, these students will reveal their stories, struggles, and celebrations of body image. Inspired by Eve Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues,” the performance will be held in the Sharp Theater at 7:30 p.m.

jinnamor@ramapo.edu

Senior Brendan Flanagan will travel to Scotland this summer to present a paper at the University of Glasgow at an international human rights conference. Photo courtesy of Brendan Flanagan

CASH continued from page 1

donations are crucial to the success and growth of the College.

Despite common misconceptions, capital improvements are not the pure product of student dollars.

CASH member Valerie Canubas said that one of the main purposes of the entire event was, in fact, to clarify the financial process at the College.

“By doing this, we really just want to get students aware of what their money is going to,” Canubas said, such as the fact that the money from student violation fines is not financing the current roof construction.

Panelists agreed that Ramapo students must continue to campaign for the College to incite donations that will benefit capital improvements. Though Chang acknowledged that the College’s infrastructure is aging, Marcus pointed out that ultimately donors decide what projects they will support.

“Nobody wants to donate money to fix a roof,” Marcus joked. “But roofs still cost millions upon millions of dollars to repair.”

Kaplan-Burns ended the program by urging students to sign a Garden State Student Alliance form to show their support for accessible and affordable education in New Jersey.

“All politics are local,” KaplanBurns said, inciting students to contact local Bergen County legislators to start. “Talk up Ramapo. Talk up our funding issues. We still do need attention.”

CASH’s Higher Education Week continued with a Board of Trustees Meeting Monday night and a “Hear It Through the Grape Vine” event Wednesday afternoon.

CASH will also sponsor the film screening of “Sydney White” Thursday night and the return of “Fundless Fridays” beginning tomorrow. rwinterim@ramapo.edu

bschroed@ramapo.edu Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Pat Chang and Student Trustee Erin Kaplan-Burns spoke at CASH’s roundtable, “Why Do I Pay So Much To Go To Ramapo? What Can I Do About It?” Photo by Rachel Wintermute

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page 6 The Ramapo News

The Office of Residence Life will be conducting for the upcoming FALL 2012 HOUSING SELECTION PROCESS Please be sure to join us at one of the sessions listed below: SESSION FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS WHO RESIDE IN PINE HALL March 6, 2012 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Alumni Lounges) SESSION FOR NEW TRANSFERS IN HOUSING March 7, 2012 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Pavilion) SESSION FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS WHO RESIDE IN MACKIN HALL March 8, 2012 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Alumni Lounges) OPEN SESSION FOR ALL RESIDENTS March 14, 2012 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Friends Hall)

The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is hosting a housing mixer on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 9:00 pm until 10:00 pm (for ALL STUDENTS) in the Pavilion and on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 9:00 pm until 10:00 pm in the Alumni Lounges (for ALL FRESHMEN RESIDENTS). The housing mixer is to help residents meet potential roommate(s) for the Fall 2012 Housing Selection Process.

If you have any questions regarding the housing mixer please email the Residence Hall Association (RHA) at rha@ramapo.edu.

Campus views are the sole opinion of their respective authors, submitted to The Ramapo News and in no way reflect the views of either The Ramapo News or Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 7

VIEWPOINTS Bullying Doc is Rated ‘R’ Chris Christie’s Gay Marriage for All the Wrong Reasons Bill Veto Shows a Lack of Good Leadership

By ELYSE TORIBIO Editor-in-Chief

Last Thursday the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) gave an R rating to “Bully,” a documentary produced by the Weinstein Company. The documentary was meant to be screened in middle school and high school classrooms, where bullying seems to be running rampant lately -- rampant enough to be called an epidemic by many.

As it stands now, no one under 17 will be able to see the film once it’s released. Harvey Weinstein rejected the rating, and as a result most theaters will likely treat the film as an NC17 movie that is considered to be “patently adult.”

“IT’S NOT AS IF THE KIDS IN THE FILM CHOKEHOLDING AND SHOVING THEIR CLASSMATE WERE FOLLOWING STAGE DIRECTIONS.”

By MPAA standards, “Bully” features strong language that isn’t appropriate for adolescents to be exposed to, which is why the proposed PG-13 rating was denied. That’s right, the documentary that features schoolage children dropping occasional f-bombs shouldn’t be exposed to the school-age children who probably do the same on a daily basis. A work that brings awareness to an issue most prevalent in young adults is not suitable for people in that same demographic.

Not to mention, of course, that

the content and behavior in this movie is purposely disturbing and inappropriate because (pause for effect) it’s real life. It’s not as if the kids in the film choke-holding and shoving their classmate were following stage directions. These actions shouldn’t be viewed by young audience? Yeah, no doubt.

On Monday morning, a high school student in Ohio pulled out a gun in the school cafeteria and fired 10 shots at his peers.

Three of the five most seriously injured have died. Prosecutors said at a court hearing for the suspect on Tuesday morning that the shooting was a random act of violence, but classmates of the suspect, T.J. Lane, have described him as being an outcast who was occasionally bullied.

A school of teenagers witnessed a violent act by a severely troubled peer, but can’t handle a film that could potentially prevent something like this from happening again. All because a group of adults in some screening room in Hollywood thought the language was too crass.

This isn’t a call for the disbandment of the film ratings system (Well, maybe. Have you seen the documentary, “This Film is Not Yet Rated?” Whoa, boy). Mostly, my concern is that millions of people have to be witnesses and victims to school shootings, suicides and self-harm because no one with the authority to change standards thinks anything is wrong. Or if they do, it’s something completely insignificant. If anything’s an epidemic, it’s the sheer magnitude of irrationality taking over.

etoribio@ramapo.edu

By JAKE HYMAN Staff Writer Most of my life I have been proud to call New Jersey my home. I never quite saw New Jersey the way the rest of the country did: polluted, over populated, and full of terrible drivers. I saw New Jersey for what it truly was: a cultural hub with diverse set of people that almost mirrors New York City at times. However, our big mouthed governor has completely embarrassed us to the point where I am now hesitant to say I am from here.

About two weeks ago, Governor Chris Christie vetoed a bill that that would have allowed for same-sex couples to marry in the state of New Jersey. As you may be able to tell from previous columns, I totally disagree with this decision. As governor, he has a right to do that and I respect that. My problem is not entirely the fact he vetoed the bill, but what he proposed prior to it hitting his desk.

Christie, the fearless leader who emphatically told shore dwellers to “get the hell out,” before Hurricane Irene in August, proposed that the issue of gay marriage be decided by a voter referendum. That is, he is encouraging a popular vote on civil rights. Many New Jersey residents in regards to same-sex marriage favor a referendum.

Also, polls show 54 percent would support the passing of a bill to legalize gay marriage.

However, with this being said, a voting referendum on civil rights is not the just way to decide something of this stature.

Mayor of Newark Cory Booker responded to Christie’s proposal for a referendum by saying, “No minority should have their civil rights subject to the passions and sentiments of the majority.” The gay community is a minority, so why should their basic human rights be subject to the approval of the majority? There is a reason why citizens elect governors

and other government officials: to make decisions in the best interest of the people. Governor Christie failed to do that. He, instead, made a decision that would best serve his and his party’s interest. By sticking to his conservative guns, Christie has proved his potential as a possible GOP Vice President candidate for the 2012 election.

“A VOTING REFERENDUM ON CIVIL RIGHTS IS NOT THE JUST WAY TO DECIDE SOMETHING OF THIS STATURE.” Christie went even as far to say, “I think people would have been happy to have a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South.”

Look, I know week after week I point out the incredibly dumb things that Republicans say, but it is now getting to the point where it’s too easy. Christie later apologized for making the inference that civil rights for African Americans in the South could have actually been favored by a voter referendum.

See, it’s that blatant lack of knowledge of basic American history that allows for these statements to be made.

As other parts of this country attempt to push forward in the area of human rights, New Jersey lags behind because of Chris Christie: one man stopping progress. I already knew Christie could be used as a one-man stopgap for many things, but progress? If Christie continues to stand in the way of equal rights for all citizens of this state, then that’s all he will be: a fat joke. jhyman@ramapo.edu Have an alternative point of view? Email the editor at rcnjnews@ramapo.edu with a counterpoint.

Letters to the Editor (Viewpoints) should be brief and must include the name and contact information, including a phone number of the writer. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters with multiple signatories must provide proof that every name listed agrees to the content of the letter. If one name does not agree, the letter will not be printed. For this reason, letters must be submitted by 7p.m. on Monday to allow for verification. Letters containing obscenities, profanity or libel will not be published. The Ramapo News reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, content or space purposes.

E-MAIL: RCNJNEWS@RAMAPO.EDU

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THERAMAPONEWS CORRECTION An article in the Feb. 23 issue in the Arts and Entertainment section misstated the number of people who attended the After Dark event on Feb. 17.

More than 400 attended the event. The article also portrayed statements by senior Danielle Mazza as a quote, when the information should have been paraphrased. The Ramapo News regrets the error.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page 8 The Ramapo News

Arts & Entertainment Musicians Honor Jazz Legends at Tuesday Night Series

By KRISTINE DONOVAN Staff Writer The Center for Student Involvement held their weekly Tuesday night series in Friends Hall with their tribute to some of the most legendary women jazz musicians. The event was comprised of the legendary voices of Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Home, Billie Holiday and Natalie Cole.

The event, hosted by Bill Brown and Carolyn Hester, started with a short presentation on the history of both African American men and women jazz musicians. The presentation focused on how these women paved the way for many female artists of today.

The vocal performance kicked off with a lively tribute to the renowned jazz singer Billie Holiday. Inspired by blues singer Bessie Smith, Holiday became a

major influence on aspiring jazz vocalists. Holiday was known as one of the first women blues singers of her time. Hester treated the audience with a taste of true jazz as Holiday’s songs recreated themselves.

Lena Horne, another remarkable woman jazz musician, was not only a strong performer but also worked hard as a civil rights activist. Starting at 16, she performed at the illustrious Cotton Club before moving on to Hollywood and making awardworthy films and albums. Hester treated the audience to Horne’s hit, “Stormy Weather.”

Ella Fitzgerald, widely known as the first lady of song, was also featured. Fitzgerald’s first performance at the Apollo Theater in New York City ended with the audience booing her off stage, but

after her second performance the audience threw flowers at her feet.

Her career continued to skyrocket afterward.

Fitzgerald was best understood for her impeccable diction, particularly her stylistic scat diction. Brown intrigued audience members by adding that a vast majority of people thought that she was a Caucasian woman because of the lack of “ethnicity” in her voice. Throughout her 59year career Fitzgerald won several awards for her unique sound.

The performance featured not only women of the early 20th century but also some recently passed musicians, Etta James and Michael Jackson. Hester sang the famous “At Last,” which received strong feedback from the audience.

In continuing the celebration

Performers at the Jazz event paid tribute to legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne. Photo by Steve Fallon.

of Black History Month, Brown and Hester both sang songs from artists like Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Dianna Ross and Alicia Keys. Fan favorites, “What’s Going On,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “No One,” “I’ll Be There,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Last Dance” were all performed in a tribute to these renowned musicians.

Both the presentation and performance gave a tasteful touch of the progressive jazz era. The transition from jazz’s past time to the voices of today added to the performance for all audience members. Keep a look out for the upcoming Tuesday Night Series performances. kdonova2@ramapo.edu

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Thursday

Friday

Saturday

“Brown Girls Burlesque” @ 9:30pm, H-wing auditorium

“Call of Duty Charity Tournament” @ 7pm, J.Lees

“The Body Image Monologues” @ 7pm, Sharp Theater

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 9

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

“Mann v. Ford” @ 1pm, Ramapough Lenape Nation tribal office, Mahwah

“2012 Presidential Debate” @ 8pm, J.Lees

“Beauty Shop Stories” @ 7pm, Sharp Theater

“Nappy, Kinky, Curly” @ 9pm, J.Lees

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page10 The Ramapo News

Students ‘Have a Heart,’ Write Cards for Children Battling Cancer

By NICOLE MAZEWSKI Staff Writer If Wednesday night proved anything, it showed that Ramapo students really do “Have a Heart.”

Students came out to support the residence hall program put on by resident assistant, Asal Salah. The event objective was to make cards and posters for children battling cancer at St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

“As a childhood cancer survivor, I know how happy children get when they receive cards and words of encouragement,” senior Maggie Rogers said.

Students crammed into Laurel Hall’s first floor lounge at 10 p.m. to pick up a blank greeting card and select a set of initials from the list, which was provided by the hospital. From there, they could decorate the cards with pictures and inspirational messages.

“I was just hoping to fill out the 30-40 cards needed so that every name on the list from the hospital would get one,” Salah said. “I’m glad that we could exceed that.”

Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) co-sponsored the event, which Ashley Beaton, junior and president of the club, said matched their organization’s mission.

“It was a great first event as an RA and we were happy to have our name associated with it,” Beaton said. “We have always wanted to co-sponsor with an RA. They have limited budgets, and we can share ours. They have the perfect location for these types of events.”

“AS A CHILD CANCER SURVIVOR, I KNOW HOW HAPPY CHILDREN GET WHEN THEY RECEIVE CARDS AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT.” - Maggie Rogers, senior

CAC has never held a cardmaking event before. They do, however, make holiday cards during one of their winter meetings.

Because of the success they saw at this event, they are considering

planning another in the near future.

Salah was grateful for the cosponsorship. He said a motivating factor for holding the event was because of a personal connection with the disease.

“Almost everyone has had an experience with cancer. Whether it’s a grandparent or other relative, there’s always somebody who has dealt with it. My uncle passed away from the disease, and I know a lot of the CAC members know someone too,” Salah said.

Students drew colorful pictures on cards and posters while enjoying some of the pizza and refreshments provided by the sponsors.

“I am doing this because you never know the difference you can make in someone’s life and even if you don’t know them personally, you can still show how much you care,” junior Sara Gordon said.

“It’s good to know that people care,” said Salah.

About 82 students participated in this event and 100 cards were filled out, along with seven posters.

CAC also held a fundraising event, called “Karaoke for a Cure,” for

J.Lee’s was filled with Ramapo students, food, laughter and music on Thursday night as College’s Against Cancer (CAC) hosted Karaoke for a Cure, raising money for the American Cancer Society.

The event is in its third year, and slowly it is gaining popularity amongst students.

“This [is] our third year doing the event.

The first year was fun and different, we did an American Idol type thing with judges, it didn’t work that well, but people love to sing,” said junior Ashley Beaton, who is president of CAC. The students at the event certainly did love to sing, but it’s safe to say they loved ganging up on each other more.

“I FOR ONE LOVE TO SING, SO I CAN IMAGINE A LOT OF PEOPLE SHOWING UP AND KARAOKE-ING FOR A CURE. IT’S FUN TO SEE EVERYONE OUTBIDDING EACH OTHER AND SINGING.” - Jessica Napolitano, sophomore

“I for one love to sing, so I can imagine a lot of people showing up and karaoke-ing for a cure,” sophomore Jessica Napolitano said. “It’s fun to see everyone outbidding each other and singing.”

In order to sing, students must donate the minimum of a dollar to a bucket and pick their song of choice. Students could also donate money and sign up someone else to sing. In this case, the person volunteered must sing unless they are able to outbid the original person’s donation. If they cannot outbid, then they must sing.

Students had fun outbidding each other and volunteering, all while making money for the American Cancer Society.

“I think it’s really fun,” Napolitano said.

“I have no doubt that they’re going to make tons of money.”

“IT HELPS RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE RELEVANCE OF CANCER AND PREVENTION.” - Sara Gordon, sophomore

CAC estimates to make around $100 to be put towards their Relay for Life team.

Relay for Life is CAC’s main event this spring, which will be held in the Bradley Center on March 30-31.

The theme for this year’s Relay for Life is Olympics, with each team representing a different country in honor of the Olympic Games that are being held this summer in London.

Beaton says CAC has some other events in the works for the spring but right now Relay is their biggest event, takes the most time to plan and is projected to raise the most money.

This year, CAC has hosted the Pink Tie Formal and Smash the Habit Volleyball tournament, both very successful events, also raising money for the American Cancer Society.

CAC’s impact on Ramapo’s campus is widespread and extends to inform students, faculty and the community about cancer.

“It helps raise awareness about the relevance of cancer and prevention,” junior Sara Gordon said. llohman@ramapo.edu

Relay for Life on Thursday night. (see related story).

They plan on holding another event before Relay, which will be held on March 30 in the Bradley

Center Arena. Colleges Against Cancer has weekly meetings on Monday nights at 9:30 in B-224. nmazewsk@ramapo.edu

Going, Going, ‘Gone.’

Ramapo Karaokes for a Cure

By LARISSA LOHMAN Staff Writer

Over 80 students gathered in the first floor lounge of Laurel Hall to write cards and posters for children being treated for cancer at St. Jude’s Research Hospital as part of a residence hall program co-sponsored by Colleges Against Cancer. Several posters and over 100 cards were completed. Photo by Nicole Mazewski

By JEREMY KELLY Staff Writer

A suspense thriller is supposed to toy with our emotions, make us feel on edge, keep us guessing and provide a fair share of surprises.

Summit Entertainment’s “Gone,” released on Friday, doesn’t do any of that.

It has no surprises, no suspense and no thrills. Everything in this story about a young woman named Jill (Amanda Seyfried) trying to find her missing sister Molly (Emily Wickersham) plays out just the way the characters say they will. It’s no fun; it’s like getting a crossword puzzle that’s already been solved for you. What’s the point?

As already explained in the previews, Jill was apparently kidnapped two years ago and thrown down a hole in the woods, where she had managed to escape. The police, however, found no evidence to support her claims. Now Molly has disappeared, and when they scoff at Jill’s claims again, she decides to solve the crime herself.

Now, why would they immediately turn her away, and why would they just assume there is no kidnapper just because they never caught the guy? Apparently because Jill has a history of mental illness that emerged after her parents died within six months of each other, and she has also been on suicide watch for a while. This back story was all crammed into about 15 seconds of exposition in a conversation between the police after Jill leaves the station.

The way Jill tries to piece together Molly’s disappearance is interesting, but also really strange. With every new person she asks—first a neighbor, then a plumber, then a hardware store owner, etc.—she keeps changing the

story. She says her bike was stolen, then a car was stolen, then her grandfather. Seyfried is somewhat convincing in this role and has a few bright moments, but the execution on her character is really clumsy.

Amanda Seyfried stars in “Gone,” playing a young woman searching for her missing sister.

The rest of the supporting cast in “Gone” is forgettable, to say the least. No one aside from Seyfried has more than a few minutes of screen time, and they only serve to move the story along ever so slightly. The cops are typical movie cops; they don’t help and are just meant to be a nuisance so Jill has to do everything by herself.

Even with a relatively short runtime, numerous scenes play out with little or no purpose; they just take up time and grind the whole movie to a halt. Some end up getting unintentional laughs.

This film failed to impress at the box office on its opening weekend, grossing $4.8 million and finishing in ninth place. Although Amanda Seyfried has plenty of potential— look for her in the upcoming “Lovelace” and “Les Misérables”—she can’t save a movie with a lazy script that’s basically a Lifetime movie dressed up for theatrical release.

There’s drama, but there isn’t enough reason to care. jkelly7@ramapo.edu

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 11

l iv in g Spring Trends Return with Old Favorites and a Blast of Color

By AMANDA DALEY Staff Writer With spring quickly approaching, many retail stores are starting to get in new spring fashions. This season has many new trends that every girl will love.

Neutral tones such as mauve, pink, ivory, and taupe are in style for peasant tops, tissue tees, and floral denim. Peasant tops are are loose and flowing shirts with a romantic style. Tissue tees are thin shirts with sheer looks, and they come in solids and patterns.

Neon colors are also in. Leggings and tops in these colors can be found in many stores, such as Mandee. For tops, neon stripes and screen tees are big for the spring, and knitted mini skirts with bursts of bright colors. Color blocking and geometric stripes in shirts, skirts, and dresses are everywhere, and high-waisted shorts in red and blue are also very popular.

The nautical look is also back in style, and nautical stripes can be found in red, navy blue, black, and yellow. For a more casual look, button-down cropped shirts that tie on the bottom are in this season.

It looks like animal prints are on their way out and the Aztec look is trying to move in. This and other tribal prints appear in many bright colors this year, and the

This spring bright colors and bold patterns are going to be big. A variety of trendy tops and jackets, like those pictured above, can be found at Mandee’s stores. Photo by Amanda Daley

Aztec look is featured not only in tops but also maxi skirts, dresses and sandals.

Cobalt blue is a huge color for dresses this year, and basic print dresses are still in and can be paired with colored denim jackets. These denim jackets are cropped with shorter rolled-up sleeves. In addition to colored denim jackets, colored blazers are also in style. These blazers can be in any color from white to green, and range from styles like cropped to the “boyfriend blazer.”

Basic wedges, flats, and pumps are in, but as in last spring, a lot of sandals are also taking on the Aztec look. This year, many gladiator sandals will have feather and tassel details as well as color blocking. In addition to pumps, the stacked heel is also in style. A stacked heel has both a heel on the front of the shoe and a chunky heel on the back of the shoe.

Scarves will continue to be popular, and can be found with any type of pattern imaginable. This season holds many

opportunities for new styles to take the floor, but many past styles are still around.

Don’t be afraid to play around with your wadrobe and change it up. Even if shopping spree isn’t in your budget, you can spruce up the choices you already have with these new, fashion forward tips.

adaley@ramapo.edu

Back to Basics: Serial Winners, Trusted Host and Silent Film at Oscars

By KELLY RUSSELL Staff Writer With all the media hype leading up to this year’s awards ceremony, the Oscars certainly had some outstanding expectations to fill.

The 84th annual Academy Awards, viewed upon as “Hollywood’s Biggest Night,” brings together writers, directors, actors and actresses from all genres and honors their outstanding achievements in the film industry throughout the year. The glitz, glamour and fashion of the red carpet has proven year after year to be just as imperative as the actual ceremony.

Host Billy Crystal’s humor was the perfect fit for a crowd filled with cinematic geniuses. Crystal’s somewhat corny jokes kept audience members and the 39.3 million viewers who tuned in from home laughing throughout the night. Perhaps one of the most memorable and unexpected moments of the evening, however, was an incredible performance by Cirque du Soleil. Aside from a few wardrobe malfunctions (sorry Jennifer Lopez), and a Halle Berry no-show, the ceremony went on pretty seamlessly.

This year’s Oscar winners were somewhat surprising and often times unpredictable.

Silent films were extremely prominent in Sunday’s Academy Awards. “The Artist,” a black and white silent film about the 1920’s, struck gold for Best Picture.

Michael Hazanaviciu won Best Director and Jean Dujardin earned Best Actor also

for the film. In his acceptance speech, French native Dujardin exclaimed, “I love your country!” For a genre that had fallen on deaf ears for most of the last century, winning a total of five Oscars won this year is quite an achievement.

Junior Rachel Brant was a little disappointed with this year’s winners for Best Picture.

“I was rooting for “Bridesmaids” to win Best Picture. But it was really surprising how silent films really dominated the evening; that’s something I really didn’t see coming,” Brant said. “So seeing “The Artist” win Best Picture was a little bit of an upset for me, because I didn’t feel like it was all that deserved.”

The animated 3-D film, “Hugo,” also struck gold this year. Within the first minutes of the show, it had already picked up two Oscars, one for Best Art Direction and another for Best Cinematography.

The movie, which is Martin Scorsese’s pride and joy, took home a grand total of five Oscars, specifically for its technical accomplishments. Most surprising for “Hugo” however, was winning an award for Visual Effects.

New York University Tisch School of the Arts film student, Robert Wood, had predicted a big Oscar win for “Hugo.”

“It really was a no brainer. The sound and picture in this film is absolutely incomparable,” Wood said. “Scorsese is an artist, everything he touches turns to gold, so you know “Hugo” was nothing less than

Meryl Streep was thrilled to accept her first Oscar in 29 years.

Photo by Kevin Winter, Flickr Creative Commons

perfection.”

Meryl Streep proved to audience members that she’s still got it. Streep took home the Oscar for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in “The Iron Lady.” Many predicted Viola Davis from “The Help,” a fan favorite, to win this category. With tears in her eyes, Streep, a 17-time nominee, graciously accepted her first Oscar in 29 years.

As predicted, Octavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for her incredible acting in “The Help.” After announcing her win,

the crowd rose to their feet. Touched by the outpouring of support, Spencer broke down on stage while accepting her award.

Christopher Plummer earned Best Supporting Actor for his amazing performance in Beginners. Plummer, 82, is the oldest person to ever receive an Oscar.

Brian Berman, a film studies and production major at Hofstra University, was surprised by some of the Oscar winners this year.

“It was shocking to me that Viola Davis didn’t win. I’m a Meryl Streep fan, don’t get me wrong, but Davis’ performance was immeasurable and absolutely phenomenal,” Berman said. “I think that, for me, was the biggest upset of the night. It seemed like the older actors ruled the night. Many of my predictions were totally off the mark, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised most times by the results.”

Woody Allen’s film, “Midnight in Paris,” won the award for Best Original Screenplay.

This is Allen’s fourth Oscar win out of 23 total nominations throughout his career.

This year’s Oscars ceremony proved to be a real nail biter. As always, the Oscars were an unpredictable and exciting evening celebrating extraordinary talent and devotion in the film industry. krussel1@ramapo.edu

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page 12 The Ramapo News

My th s S p r e a d L ike GER M S

By ERICA BUCHMAN

Staff Writer With a majority of Ramapo students living on campus, germs can spread around far to quickly for students’ own good.

Student Ysabel Dela Riva shows prudence during cold and flu season.

“I’m asthmatic, so when I get a cold, it’s very difficult to breath and I have to use my inhaler 10 times more often than usual,” Dela Riva explained. “So when I hear of a cold going around, I get very cautious. I’m very careful about who I share food or drinks with, I wash my hands constantly (probably more often than is good for them), and I always carry antibacterial gel in my bag.”

Keeping your hands clean is one of the most crucial things to do if you’re exposed to germs. Cristina Stearns, a professor of Nursing and the Nursing Skills Laboratory Coordinator, stresses it in her classes.

“The single most important thing students can do is frequent hand washing: 15 seconds, soap and warm water, rubbing hands together to create friction. It is so important that in the nursing department, we dedicate an entire lab session on hand washing.”

Stearns also maintains that the transmission of germs can be reduced in several key ways.

“Covering your nose when sneezing and coughing, and frequently wiping down common surfaces like doorknobs, phones, keyboards and countertops with an antimicrobial product (like Lysol) when you or others in your dorm are sick greatly lower your chances of catching someone else’s cold.”

While frequently disinfecting surfaces and hand washing can minimize the risk of catching a cold, there are in fact countless of common misconceptions regarding ways to avoid getting sick. Debra Lukacsko, a Nurse Practitioner and Associate Director of Student Health Services, debunks some of these myths:

D uches s o f Des s erts

MYTH: PEOPLE GET MORE COLDS IN THE WINTER THAN ANY TIME OF THE YEAR.

Most colds are not caught in the winter. In fact, most colds are caught in the spring/fall seasons and not winter at all. This is because the virus becomes much more active in those seasons and seems to become largely dormant in the winter.

MYTH: COLD WEATHER CAUSES A COLD Most people have been told at one time or another, not to go out with wet or damp hair, or to wrap up warm so you don’t catch cold.

In fact, the body temperature (or ambient temperature) makes no difference at all. You catch a cold when you come into contact with the cold virus – once the virus gets into your system you will get sick. It doesn’t matter if you are hot, cold, warm, or dry.

MYTH: KISSING OR BEING IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS A COLD, WILL MAKE YOU CATCH THE COLD. The reality is that the quantity of virus on the lips and mouth is miniscule and a much larger dose would be required for you to become infected. It is the nasal mucous you have to worry about – so no nose kissing.

While no one can deny the importance of personal hygiene, a healthy diet can play an equally important role in staying well.

Adriana Zuniga, a nursing major, extols the virtue of liquids.

“Fluids are key. Maintaining good fluid status within the body allows for proper body systems to function,” Zuniga claims. “I always make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid skin dryness and nasal dryness.”

Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid getting sick this winter, always be aware of others; all it takes is one violent sneeze to go from healthy as a horse to sick as a dog. ebuchman@ramapo.edu

Looking to try something a little outside the box? This is the recipe for you! Photo courtesy of Lauren Santaniello

DELECTABLE BRIE

•

1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

•

Who said dessert had to consist of icing, sprinkles, and batter? If you’re craving something a little more exotic with all the class and satisfaction that the Birch lacks, try this recipe. It’s inexpensive and fun to make with someone else!

1/2 cup nuts of your choice (I used almonds)

DIRECTIONS:

INGREDIENTS: •

Brie cheese

•

1 apple peeled, cored, and chopped

1. Put Brie in a oven-safe pan.

2. In separate bowl mix all the dry ingredients.

3. Pour ingredients over the Brie and let marinate in a refrigerator for 2-8 hours.

•

1 pear peeled, cored, and chopped

•

Roughly 12 figs chopped

•

1/2 cup orange juice

4. Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 25 minutes.

5. Serve hot with crackers.

6. Enjoy! lsantani@ramapo.edu

yo ur wee kly h or osco pes Aries: It is important to note that things can sweep in and out so easily and effortlessly at this time that you may miss an opportunity when it is staring you straight in the face. You must recognize the gift in order to experience the gain.

Taurus: If you are aching to grow and yearning to love and be loved, this is your month. You must give up something first, as in a bad habit or a troubling relationship, in order to make room for the abundance that is trying to reach your door!

Gemini: One of your strengths is in your ability to multi task and for some of you, the very speed at which you are able to accomplish more than one thing at once. As you tune in and attempt to calm the inner seas, stay clear on your vision and on your dream and direct your mind with a fierce focus. You are on fire!

Cancer: Your emotional body tends to lead the way but every once in a while it can be such a relief when the mind takes the driver’s seat and an air of objectivity finds you. It can feel as if you are removed from the river within you that ebbs and flows and you detach just long enough to observe your world and your way within it.

Leo: All sorts of potential changes are possible this week, ready or not. Not just change but rapid change with ripping speed. The kind of change that can make your hair stand straight up and your head spin. Life has an opportunity to turn upside down, inside out and right side up!

Virgo: You will not have a moment to think about a thing before you need to make a move.

Your instinct however is ripe and it is deep and it is coming straight out of you, so you can trust where it is coming from and it is critical that you follow where it leads.

Libra: You may impulsively say something to someone you may not have ever imagined would come flying out of your mouth, knowing you would be stirring a hot pot. You need it and so do they, so let er’ rip!

Scorpio: Nothing bores you more than superficialities. For you it is a pure waste of time to expend vital energy talking nonsense, it makes no sense. Something needs to be fixed in a key relationship, something needs to be said and strongly spoken.

Sagittarius: There may be something in your world that overwhelms you when you really grasp its magnitude. This truth will not only make life interesting this week, it will make your heart skip a bit!

Capricorn: When you have been traveling down a certain road for a good long time, habits are born and made and certain things simply become automatic. This may also be the time when you truly become known for something that you have been working on for a very long time.

Aquarius: It may appear that standing a good distance away, separate from your emotions is your safest bet, that by engaging in those inner waters will only lead to trouble.

The opposite however is true. At some point you will need to take a dip.

Pisces: This week new beginnings and fresh starts give you a new vantage point and a horizon of hope. Life is slowly but surely lining up well for you now and will secure something meaningful in your world. horoscopes courtesy of http://www.madalynaslan.com

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 13

SPORTS Women’s Track Team Wins First Indoor NJAC Championship ROADRUNNERS SNAP TCNJ’S 14-YEAR TRACK AND FIELD WINNING STREAK

By RYAN HOHNER Staff Writer The women’s track and field teams won the New Jersey Athletic Conference indoor track championship last Friday, ending The College of New Jersey’s streak of 14 years. The Roadrunners’ victory marks the women’s first NJAC championship in school history.

The Roadrunners edged out defending champion TCNJ at the New York Armory, scoring 198 points to the Lions’ 188.5.

TCNJ had previously won every NJAC title dating back to the 1997-1998 season.

Rowan captured third place with 119.5 points.

“After 16 events we were in the lead, and the fact that we were on track to win which had been our goal since day one, felt incredibly surreal,” junior Katie Walsh said.

The NJAC crown marks the first team championship for head coach Mike Jackson at Ramapo College, but the win was not one that his team saw as improbable.

“After being so close to winning last year, this was the first season that the whole team believed we could win it,” Walsh said.

The Roadrunners sought to make up for last year’s disappointing second place finish, in which they fell by just over 30 points to TCNJ. The team’s goal this year, however, was put on a display for audiences at the Armory.

“AFTER BEING SO CLOSE TO WINNING LAST YEAR, THIS IS THE FIRST SEASON THAT THE WHOLE TEAM BELIEVED WE COULD WIN IT.” - Katie Walsh, junior

Key contributions from Anita Rogers, Michelle Favre, Stephanie Encarnacion, Caitlin Jaremcak and Walsh played critical roles in propelling the women to victory.

Rogers was a standout performer with three first place finishes in the long jump, triple jump and the 4x200 relay. Rogers’ mark of 5.68 meters in the long jump and 12.16 meters in the triple jump are both new NJAC records.

Both jumps qualified Rogers for the Eastern College Athletic Conference championship this weekend, and her long

jump mark is the seventh-best mark in the country for Division-III. Rogers’ triple jump is a school record and the second-best jump in the country this indoor season.

Jasmine Hammonds, Alexandra Jacob, Chelsea Clark and Rogers took first in the 4x200 spring medley event with a time of 1:43.80. Clark also had a notable performance in the 60-meter dash, in which she finished in first place with a time of 7.98 seconds.

Encarnacion and Jaremcak finished second and third, respectively, in the women’s high jump, clearing 1.53 meters each and scoring 14 combined points for the Roadrunners.

Favre played an important role, adding a first place effort in her clearance of 4.01 meters in the pole vault, which set a new school record. Walsh contributed to the team effort with a fourth place finish in the 800-meter race, clocking in at a time of 2:20.62.

The next stop for the Roadrunners is the ECAC Championships this weekend. The team will aim to surpass their fourth place finish in the event last year.

rhohner@ramapo.edu

Anita Rogers set conference records in the long jump and triple jump during the NJAC Indoor Championships last weekend in New York. Photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics

Roadrunners Fall to Ducks in First Round of ECAC Playoffs WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FINISHES SEASON AT 15-11 AFTER 62-58 LOSS

By JONATHAN GONZALEZ Staff Writer

The Roadrunners lost a closely contested game to Stevens Institute of Technology last night to end their season with a 15-11 record. Photo by Steve Fallon

RAMAPO

sports

The Roadrunners hit the hardwood running fast, but the Ducks were just too quick and flew away with a 62-58 win.

With the season on the line, the Ramapo women’s basketball team walked into Wednesday night’s game at home as the second seed in the Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament against nonconference opponent Stevens Institute of Technology.

Riding a two-game losing skid, Ramapo came into the match against a much younger team in the Stevens Ducks, led by senior Dawn Garcia.

From the opening tipoff, the Roadrunners set the tone with aggressive play, led by junior guard Alexa Ryan, leaving the Ducks puzzled on the defense. Senior forward Lindsey Gripenberg made her presence known, forcing turnovers and leading a few fast breaks.

Still, the Stevens Ducks were able to hang in within the closing minutes of the half. With great swing play established by their offense, the Ducks managed to give themselves great scoring opportunities from beyond the arc.

THURSDAY Men Volleyball at Polytechnic Institute of New York at 7 p.m.

The second half began with a bang, as Ramapo created a six-point run led by freshman guard Jackie Jerkoivch. Coming out of the Stevens timeout, a fired up squad looked prepare for the rest for the half.

Praised by coaches after the game, Ducks sophomore guard Molly Spadaro did her part by blocking out and clearing a lane for her fellow teammates, as Ramapo was once again unable to stop the swings passes that led to uncontested layups. However the open swing passes did come at a cost, as the guards were able to pick them off at the perimeter.

“OUT OF THIS GAME, I THINK WE’RE GOING TO BRING BACK A LOT OF EXPERIENCE AND REALLY GET BETTER FOR NEXT YEAR.” - Alexa Ryan, junior

With Ramapo down by 11 with 12:11 left on the clock, the Roadrunners were unable to figure out the Ducks’ defense.

“I think a big part of it was that we

FRIDAY Men and Women’s Track and Field - ECAC Division-III Indoor Championships

had trouble getting it inside, and being productive inside,” head coach Mike Eineker said. “I believe that we were successful when the game was up and down as a full court game.”

“I BELIEVE THAT WE WERE SUCCESSFUL WHEN THE GAME WAS UP AND DOWN AS A FULL COURT GAME.” - Mike Eineker, head coach

After a technical foul issued to Stevens coach Bri Fecteau, the Roadrunners cut the deficit to 48-44 with 6:24 left. The crowd grew in angst as the pace grew.

Down by three with 2:06 left on the clock, Garcia extended Stevens lead to 57-54 before missing a free throw, which was rebounded and put in by one of her teammates.

The bucket fueled the Ducks’ victory and sealed the fate to the Roadrunners’ season.

“Out of this game, I think we’re going to bring back a lot of experience and really get better for next year,” Ryan said. jgonzal7@ramapo.edu

SUNDAY Men’s Volleyball at Kean University at noon in Union, N.J. Men’s Volleyball vs. The Sage Colleges at 2 p.m. in Union, N.J.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page 14 The Ramapo News

Player Spotlight: Dave Jacob

MEN’S BASEBALL OUTFIELDER STEALS SHOW

By JEREMY KELLY Staff Writer Ramapo outfielder David Jacob is described as a five-tool player: a player who can hit for contact, hit with power, run, throw and field.

His play in all five categories earned him the status as one of Ramapo’s Athletes of the Week for the week of Feb. 20.

“I’ve played ever since I was little,” Jacob said. “My dad coached me; I’ve been playing forever.”

In his first week as a Ramapo baseball player, Jacob traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for the Division-III Northeast Challenge. In four games, he hit 9-of-14, scoring seven runs and recording seven stolen bases as the Roadrunners won all four games.

He currently leads the team in batting average, runs, hits, stolen bases and is tied for the team lead in slugging percentage.

“HIS INTENSITY IS OUTSTANDING. HE’S VERY MUCH INTO THE GAME. HE SEEMS TO BE THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT MAKES EVERYONE AROUND HIM BETTER. HE’S A REAL BASEBALL PLAYER.” - Rich Martin, head coach

Head coach Rich Martin, in his 11th season at Ramapo, praised Jacob’s work ethic.

“The thing that stands out is he’s an oldfashioned player; he knows the game very well,” Martin said. “His intensity is outstanding. He’s very much into the game. He seems to be the type of person that makes everyone around him better. He’s a real baseball player.”

Jacob, from Vernon, N.J., transferred to

Ramapo from Sussex Community College this year, where he was a Second-Team AllAmerican. In comparison to the Roadrunners against the Sussex Skylanders, Jacob said, “There’s a lot more returners [and] veterans on the team. Between the age and talent and coaching staff, it’s drastically better.”

Martin added that he believes the Roadrunners have a good team despite injuries, most notably to Kevin Knox, and players have had to play out of position at shortstop.

“We have a good ball club,” Martin said. “We have some pitching, we can hit a little and we can field. [But] We have to stay healthy.”

“We should do big things,” Jacob said.

“There’s nothing that shouldn’t say we should be a top 25 team. It’s going to be hard work; it’s going to be tough to do.”

Jacob was one of two Ramapo baseball players to be named player of the week for Feb. 20. Senior pitcher Frank Baldini led Ramapo to a 3-0 victory in the second game of a doubleheader against Neumann University on Feb. 18. Through a seven-inning complete game, Baldini had eight strikeouts and gave up three hits while not allowing a base runner to reach second base.

Men’s basketball player Stephen Treadwell was also a player of the week, while freshman catcher Chris Werr earned the honor for the week of Feb. 27.

The Roadrunners baseball squad had an overall record of 30-14 in 2011. They currently stand at 4-0 and have their first home game on Tuesday, March 13 at 3:30 p.m. against John Jay College of Criminal Justice. They then travel to Winter Haven, Fla. for a week where they will play eight game in as many days.

jkelly7@ramapo.edu

Rangers, Devils Make Moves at Trade Deadline

By KATIE BRUNO Staff Writer The NHL trade deadline occurred this past Monday on 3 p.m. There were a few trades made, but some were more notable than others.

The biggest controversy arose when rumors swirled that Columbus Blue Jacket’s captain, Rick Nash, was going to be traded. As time crunched and the trade deadline rapidly approached, hockey fans found out that it was Nash who wanted to be traded. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson decided to go against Nash’s wishes and keep him as the team’s captain.

The New Jersey Devils acquired defenseman Marek Zidlicky in hopes of improving their current seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Photo courtesy of Joseph Cichomski , Flickr Creative Commons

It was rumored that teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks were all interested in acquiring Nash to their rosters. In a statement regarding Nash and the trade, Howson said

“THE NEW JERSEY DEVILS TRADED KURTIS FOSTER, NICK PALMIERI, STEPHANE VEILEUX AND THEIR SECOND AND THIRD ROUND PICK TO ACQUIRE DEFENSEMAN MAREK ZIDLICKY FROM THE MINNESOTA WILD.” that when the summer draft comes around and rosters open up, he would consider trading Nash.

There were many other trades made in the NHL this past week. The New Jersey Devils traded Kurtis Foster, Nick Palmieri, Stephane Veilleux and their second and third round pick to acquire defenseman Marek Zidlicky, from the Minnesota Wild.

The New York Rangers acquired the Chicago Blackhawks defensemen John Scott. The Rangers, who are first place in the Eastern Conference with 86 points, also traded left wing Wojtek Wolski, who has been out majority of the season with injuries, to the Florida Panthers in exchange for defensemen Mike Vernace.

With the trading deadline passed, all teams are ready to continue on with their season and continue to prep kbruno2 @ramapo.edu for the Stanley Cup.

WWE Brings WrestleMania to MetLife Stadium Next Year ‘SUPER BOWL OF SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT’ CAN BOOST NEW JERSEY ECONOMY

By RICHIE SORCE Staff Writer WrestleMania 29 has found a home, and it is right in New Jersey’s backyard in MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, N.J. The event, which is World Wrestling Entertainment’s biggest pay-perview event of the year, will take place on April 7 of next year.

This momentous news was announced last Thursday at MetLife Stadium in a press conference held by Gov. Chris Christie, New York Giants owner John Mara, Jets owner Woody Johnson, WWE owner Vince McMahon and WWE superstars including John Cena, Triple H and former WWE Superstar turned-Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“I’m happy to announce that New Jersey will host WWE’s premiere event WrestleMania, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” Christie said during the press conference.

The last time WrestleMania was so close to Ramapo was in 2004, when Madison Square

CM Punk is one of many WWE stars who could compete at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. at WrestleMania 29 next year. Photo courtesy of Stephen Punk, Flickr Creative Commons

Garden hosted the historic WrestleMania 20. McMahon said at the press conference that this time, “WrestleMania comes

home.” The inaugural event was held at MSG in March of 1985.

This announcement is huge news not only for wrestling fans, but everyone within the Tri-State area, as it is expected to bring along a major economic gain.

According to Times Union.com, the weekend of events is expected to bring upwards of $62 million to the area’s economy. This is great news for the businesses in and around New Jersey and New York.

Local wrestling fan Dan Berardinelli, 22, of Vernon, N.J. expressed his excitement over the event taking place so close to home.

“Sometimes the little kid in you resurfaces, and this is definitely going to be one of those times,” Berardinelli said.

At the press conference, Cena addressed the issue of MetLife Stadium not having a roof, as previous events held in a dome or an outdoor stadium were located in a more temperate city during the early spring months.

“I’m happy you don’t have a roof on the

building because we would surely blow it off,” Cena said.

The WWE has turned WrestleMania into a week-long event with not only the pay-per-view event alone. Along with WrestleMania comes the annual WWE Hall-of-Fame induction ceremony held the night before and a week full of superstar appearances and meet-and-greets.

“SOMETIMES THE LITTLE KID IN YOU RESURFACES, AND THIS IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE TIMES.” - Dan Barardinello

As the event draws closer, the hype and attention is likely to grow.

“I’ve been a fan all my life and I can’t wait to finally get to attend the ‘Super Bowl’ of sports entertainment,” Berardinelli said. rsorce1@ramapo.edu

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 15

Sunday’s All-Star Game Highlights NBA Weekend Festivities DURANT, BRYANT LEAD WEST TO VICTORY IN 152-149 OFFENSIVE SHOOTOUT

By DAN GEARY Staff Writer The NBA All-Star Game actually saved the weekend for a change. The All-Star Weekend finale made up for the relatively unexciting skills competitions with a highlight reel full of amazing plays in the Western Conference’s electrifying 152-149 victory.

At first, the 61st annual NBA All-Star Weekend appeared to be headed down the sad, apathetic path of the NFL Pro Bowl. The dunk contest was full of no-name players, a

“KNICKS FORWARD CARMELO ANTHONY SCORED 19 POINTS IN HIS STARTING ROLE ON THE EASTERN CONFERENCE SQUAD. DERON WILLIAMS SCORED 20 POINTS COMING OFF THE BENCH FOR THE EAST.” power forward won the Three-Point Contest and “Super Lintendo” Jeremy Lin was finally shut off after he only managed two points in nine minutes in the Rising Stars Challenge. On Sunday, the real All-Stars hit the court.

Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and LeBron James headlined the high scoring thriller. Bryant, playing in his 13th AllStar Game, broke Michael Jordan’s previous record of most all-time points scored in the annual game. Bryant scored 27 in the game, which brought his total to 271 points, nine higher than Jordan’s former record. He accomplished the

feat through yet another injury, a nasal fracture received courtesy of a hard foul by Dwyane Wade.

LeBron James of the East and Kevin Durant of the West both led their teams with totals of 36 points each. Durant, the two-time defending NBA regular season scoring champion, took home his first All-Star MVP award. Wade recorded a triple-double, becoming only the third player ever to do so in an All-Star Game.

The local athletes also performed well during the game.

Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points in his starting role on the Eastern Conference squad. New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams scored 20 points coming off the bench for the East.

Williams, the 2008 Skills Competition winner, sought his second title in the contest this year. The Skills Competition consisted of timed runs for players to accurately complete precise bounce passes, chest passes, long-range shots and layups/dunks. Williams reached the final round, but he ultimately came up short. San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker edged out Celtics guard Rajon Rondo to win the event.

In the Three-Point Contest, Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love upset Durant to win the crown in a tiebreaker. Nets guard Anthony Morrow had a rough shooting day, failing to make the final round of the contest.

The Shooting Stars competition featured teams consisting of a current NBA star, a WNBA star and a retired NBA player from the same city. The players had to make shots from specified locations in order for their next teammate to shoot, and the contest ends with a half-court shot.

This year featured teams from Orlando, Atlanta, Houston and New York. New York’s combination of Landry Fields,

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade tightly guards Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during the All-Star game. Wade fractured Bryant’s nose and gave him a concussion during the exhibition game. Photo

by Lonnie H., Flickr Creative Commons

Cappie Pondexter and Allan Houston shot their way to an easy victory. They bested Team Houston in the finals by a respectable 10.3 seconds.

With the All-Star break now over, the second half of the season has now started back up with the teams fighting for playoff spots. The regular season ends on April 26. dgeary@ramapo.edu

Campus Clash: Does Manny Ramirez Deserve Another Shot?

MANNY DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE

By BILL PIVETZ Staff Writer The sports community is very forgiving.

There have been many other superstars who have messed up in the past that were given another try. Once that player gets back onto the field or court and proves himself to the fans, all is forgiven.

When America found out about Tiger Woods’ extramarital affairs back in 2009, he was one of the country’s most hated men. However, now that he is back on the course and saying all the right things, most sports fans are rooting for Woods to win another Major.

Alex Rodriguez is another polarizing sports figure. Rodriguez admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs from 2001 to 2003, and was under attack during his early years with the Yankees due to his inability to perform under pressure. After the Yankees won the World Series in 2009, Yankees fans forgave Rodriguez for his past wrongdoings.

Manny Ramirez is one of the most recent players accused of taking steroids. His latest positive test came in 2011 while he was on the Tampa Bay Rays, causing Ramirez to abruptly retire five games into the season. This was his second violation and thus, he would have to serve a 100game suspension.

After a year away from the game, Ramirez wanted to come back and play. He announced his return, and his 100-game suspension was reduced to 50. On Feb. 20, the Oakland A’s signed a minor league

contract with Ramirez for $500,000, if he makes the roster.

If a team is willing to take a risk on Ramirez, then why not give him a second chance? In recent interviews, he seemed to be a changed man. Ramirez has said all the right things to the press, leading the A’s to feel confident enough to sign him. Regardless of all the “Manny being Manny” nonsense, Ramirez was a crucial part of the Red Sox’s two World Series wins.

Despite being a nuisance in the clubhouse, there is no stopping Ramirez when he is focused. He has had nine straight seasons of at least 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in and is first in the league with 29 postseason home runs and 78 postseason RBIs. Ramirez is also a 12time All-Star and won the World Series MVP in 2004.

Ramirez seems humble enough to accept the small offer in order to clear the negativity from his name. The “Moneyball” team has also taken a chance on Cuban ball player Yoenis Cespedes, signing him to a four year, $36 million deal. Risks like these make the A’s a good fit for Ramirez, even if it’s only for one season.

Ramirez, although turning 40 at the end of May, would be a good designated hitter for most MLB clubs. It was very generous of Commissioner Bud Seig to reduce Ramirez’s suspension to 50 games. With a gift handed to him like this, Manny cannot screw it up, or this year may be his last. wpivetz@ramapo.edu

STOP LETTING MANNY BE MANNY

By RICHIE SORCE Staff Writer Newly signed Oakland Athletics outfielder Manny Ramirez does not deserve another chance. This is a man who has shown that he did not learn his lesson the first time he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2009 when he played with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He again tested positive for a banned substance at the very beginning of last season when he was with Tampa Bay Rays, and instead of serving what would have been a 100 game suspension, decided to retire.

I, along with other baseball fans, am having a hard time understanding what Billy Beane and Oakland’s front office can possibly see in Ramirez to even give him the minimum $500,000 salary and bring him into their locker room. Looking back to how his time with the Boston Red Sox ended, he has become absolutely nothing but trouble.

In the middle of the 2008 season with Boston, it was becoming pretty apparent that his days were numbered with the club.

In June, he began to have some form of a “knee injury,” and began to take himself out of the lineup.

This proved to be a false injury because when he was asked by trainers and his manager at the time, Terry Francona, about the injury, Ramirez forgot which knee was actually hurt. The Red Sox were ready to suspend Ramirez for refusing to play.

Later that season on a road trip in Houston, it was reported that Ramirez shoved the team’s 64-year-old traveling secretary Jack McCormick to the ground because McCormick might not have been able to accommodate Ramirez’s request for 16 tickets for his friends and family. This proved to be the final straw.

The Red Sox upper management had seen enough and traded him to the Dodgers in late July.

Since that trade in 2008, Ramirez has gone from team to team during his two separate suspensions, spending time with the Chicago White Sox and the Rays.

He has shown that his play on the field and his attitude off the field are not the standard he has shown over his career. At one point in his career he was an All-League, MVP caliber offensive weapon, but in the last three years he has become a shell of his former self.

With two positive performance-enhancing drug tests, one can ask the question; was any of that talent real?

Baseball is a funny game. We may be sitting here in June thinking how we wrong we were for doubting this signing and Ramirez could be putting up numbers like he used to, but the steroid cloud will always hang over the head and career of Manny Ramirez.

rsorce1@ramapo.edu

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Page 16 The Ramapo News

SPORTS

LEAP DAY DOWNER

Ramapo loses 62-58 to Stevens Institute of Technology in the first round of the ECAC Tournament. photo by Steve Fallon