Ramapo College of New Jersey Student Newspaper

The Ramapo News 04.19.12

XLII NO. 21

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

arts

PHI BETA DELTA

This International Honor Society is reactivating in the hopes of expanding international education on Ramapo’s campus. Page 3

&

entertainment

sports

MR. & MS. ROADRUNNER

LAX BLOWOUT

Students Dan Kropa and Cait Bragg were named the winners in the first Mr. and Ms. Roadrunner competition. Page 8

The Ramapo women’s lacrosse team beat Sage College 19-2 on Saturday. Page 14

Monks Visit Campus for ‘Discovering Burma’

Local News Anchor to Speak at Graduation

By CANDACE MITCHELL

Staff Writer

Yesterday, monks from the All Burma Monks Alliance presented at Ramapo College to discuss the crisis occurring in the country and how America can help. The Alliance’s mission is to support the monks who are being held as political prisoners in Burmese jails and support refugee monks, among other goals. See more photos on page 5. Photo by Steve Fallon

Professors Working without Contract since Last July

By CARRIE SLOME Staff Writer Since July 1 of last year, fulltime faculty, staff and adjuncts belonging to the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) have been working without a contract in New Jersey. Ramapo’s Union members, belonging to AFT Local 2274, have continued to stand firmly behind the notion that the State’s offered contract contains no benefits for them. In fact, they have met on various occasions to decide how to further boycott the resistance of the contract and promote awareness on these pressing issues.

“If the State won’t negotiate with the faculty, we can’t grow as a college,” said Ed Shannon, professor and convener of literature. “You can’t make the offer they made and think people are going to take it.”

This was the general feeling amongst many of the professors and faculty who spoke with Ramapo News, saying the State was acting “disingenuously” and “not in good faith” when referring to the offer posed for the new contract.

A main issue concerning full-time faculty, is the loss of pay raises and

health care benefits as compared to prior contracts. In addition, professors will no longer be able to take sabbaticals for off-campus research, which many feel will not only negatively affect the college, but the students as well.

Irene Kutchta, librarian and president of AFT Local 2274, said, “Faculty has to do research to keep up with their field, otherwise [students] are being taught with people who learned something back in the ‘60s, and I know everything I learned in college is now wrong because knowledge advances.”

“The most important stuff that’s done here is teaching and learning,” said Jennefer Mazza, associate professor of political science. “If you don’t pay attention to that, it’ll hurt the institution in the long run.”

Adjuncts, or part-time faculty, are also experiencing problems with not receiving a pay increase.

“It’s really hard to pay your bills on an adjunct salary anyway,” Kathleen Shannon, vice president for adjuncts with the AFT, said. “A zero dollar increase is like a pay cut.”

The Union collaborated in order

weekend weather

F RID AY

to create boycotting initiatives.

They started by wearing pins around campus stating that they were working without a contract, rallying in October for support, and even deciding to not participate in college recruitment event, which were not even previous contract obligations.

“As long as the Union says stop going to open houses, I won’t go,” said Ed Shannon. “I think it’s really unfortunate because I think one of the reasons students come here is because of the faculty.”

Kathleen Shannon further stated that this was done “to show the administration that we do a lot of extra work for the college without being paid for it.”

Another issue still being decided upon by the Union is whether or not to participate in this year’s graduation. While the decision has not yet been reached, many feel it would be an effective boycott initiative. However, the faculty and staff do not want to negatively affect the students in doing so.

“It’s particularly hard for us to agree to do anything that hurts the students,” said Kutchta. “I’m suspecting that this is a lot worse

HIGH 72 LOW 55

S AT U R D AY

for the administration because it demonstrates to the public a lack of support on the part of the faculty.”

A day of action will be taking place at all nine colleges involved in negotiations on April 25, in which the Union will rally out by the Arch.

“We’re asking students to participate and support us,” Dr. Eileen Quaglino, assistant director of Career Services, said. “They just need to be there to say they want improvements for their higher education.”

Many agreed in saying that it is important for the students to become more aware of the issue, because it is affecting the education they are paying for, as well as their futures.

“If the administration [and] the government chips away at worker’s rights and the fair treatment of workers, that’s going to affect [students] when [they] get out there in the workforce,” said Kathleen Shannon.

“If [the state is] not supporting the faculty, the staff, and the people who are on the front line for student services and teaching, they’re not

As announced, Ramapo College has changed the location of the Commencement ceremony to the Prudential Center, and as graduation rapidly approaches, many details of the ceremony are coming together.

One of which is the decision of the Commencement speaker.

“The President’s Office is pleased to share that Ramapo College’s 2012 Commencement speaker is news anchor Chris Wragge,” Brittany Goldstein, special assistant to the President, said.

Wragge is New York’s WCBSTV News’ co-anchor alongside Dana Tyler on weeknights at 6 p.m. He has also been a morning co-anchor of “The Early Show,” a correspondent with “Entertainment Tonight,” and a reporter with NBC Sports. He is a graduate of Mahwah High School and the University of New Hampshire.

Holding Commencement at the Prudential Center will add one additional cost to the families of the graduates: parking at facilities near the Center.

Parking will be available for various fees, ranging from $11 to $30 in various lots and garages surrounding the area.

Nevertheless, Goldstein said that the Center’s accessibility makes up for the added cost.

“Prudential Center is one of the most easily accessible arenas in the country with over 3,500 parking spaces within two blocks,” Goldstein said.

Besides the cost of parking, there will be no additional fees as a result of the change in

see CONTRACTS on page 6

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SU N D AY

see GRADUATION on page 6

HIGH 57 LOW 45

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 2 The Ramapo News

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

2012

r e m e m b r a n c e day c e r e m o n y

Ramapo College honors the memory of:

Richard C. Anisfield

Marilyn Sacchi

director of payroll

college benefactor

201 - 684 - 7842 rcnjnews@ramapo.edu

Jacob Halle

Sarah Stulik

student

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

Adjunct Professor

Barbara Keeler

Katherine Talbird

sr. operator auto typewriter

director of budget

Francine Livreri

Florence Josephson Thomases

Richard J. Martel

Stephen Warren

banner applications support

mayor of mahwah

Frederick Powell

Founding Trustee

Comptroller

Judy Webster

carpenter

College Benefactor

Kevin James Reinhard

Edward Zarnock

student

Trustee

Eleanor Ross clerk typist

Ashley Jade Beasley Business Manager Dan Sforza Technical Advisor

★

INSIDE: the rundown Page 3

Viewpoints Page 7

Arts & Entertainment Page 8

SPORTS

Ramapo held its annual Remembrance Day celebration yesterday in the Sharp Theater, honoring departed members of Ramapo and the community. Photos by Steve Fallon

★

Ramapo Students, Faculty Protest Pipeline

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.

By DIANA STANCZAK Contributor Pop quiz: Where does the name “Ramapo” originate from?

The answer is from the Ramapough Lenape Indians, and Ramapo College shares more with these Native Americans than just a name.

For the past few months, a handful of students and professors have been working with members of the Ramapough Lenape tribe to protest the expansion of a gas pipeline. The pipeline, proposed by the Tennessee Gas Company, would run through about 1.4 acres of the Ramapo Valley County

Reservation, Bergen County’s largest park area located down the street from the College. The pipeline has raised concerns about the destruction of cultural and historical sties, as well as possible water contamination, among residents of Mahwah and surrounding towns.

Chief Mann of the Ramapough Lenape is trying to raise awareness about the pipeline in order to stop its construction.

“What we are standing up against now is only the tip of the mountain,” Mann wrote in an email. “If we don’t all fall in line to protect our Grand Mother Earth now, they will be giving the green

light to continue to destroy Her. We all will be the ones left here to die for the lack of having a clean drinking water supply if we don’t stand together as one.”

The concern about water contamination stems from the fact that the proposed pipeline would transport gas obtained by induced hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” Fracked gas is obtained by injecting highly pressurized fluids into methane gas deposits to draw out the valuable natural gas. The problem lies within the methane leaks and the fractures to the earth caused by the pressure, contaminating the surrounding site.

“During this process [fracking], over 700 chemicals are forced into the earth, causing the shale to crack,” Mann explained. “There is no way to control where or what these chemicals crack, such as the bedrock, which opens the door for these chemicals to enter into our water supply.”

Some Ramapo professors, like Neriko Doerr, Jan Barry Crumb, and Chuck Stead, are incorporating taking a stand on these issues into their classes.

Students in Doerr’s World Cultures class had a discussion with Chief Perry, also of the Ramapo Lenape. Students in see PIPELINE on page 6

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 3

the rundown International Honor Society Restarts, Soon to Hold Induction PHI BETA DELTA REACTIVATES AFTER EIGHT YEARS WITH 20 NEW MEMEBERS

By NICOLE ALLIEGRO News Editor In a campus-wide effort to broaden Ramapo’s international education program, the Phi Beta Delta International Honors Society is being reactivated and has just accepted a new class of about 20 students.

The Zeta Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Delta was chartered at the College in 2004, and a number Ramapo’s faculty and staff members have since been inducted, according to Ben Levy, director of International Education.

Due to personnel changes, however, Phi Beta Delta “kind of fell to the wayside,” Levy said. “We’ve been working to re-launch the [Roukema] Center and re-launch the whole idea of international education on campus.”

“I THINK THAT AN ISSUE WITH A LOT OF HONOR SOCIETIES IS THAT PEOPLE GET INDUCTED, AND THEN YOU NEVER SEEM THEM AGAIN. IT SORT OF JUST BECOMES A LINE ON THEIR RESUME.” - Brendan Flanagan, senior

Levy, together with professor of anthropology and faculty adviser Susan Hangen and seniors Brendan Flanagan and Dan Loughery, have worked with the society’s national office since last spring to reinstate the chapter on campus. This process was long and involved, and included completing necessary paperwork to reestablish the requirements of the organization, creating an application, advertising during the recruitment process, putting up a website and planning an induction ceremony, Flanagan said.

“We really had very little to go off of, in terms of the previous

chapter,” Flanagan explained. “It was a little bit of reinventing the wheel, but in a good way, because we got to shape it as we pleased, and there wasn’t any onus of the previous requirements and previous standards.”

Aside from having a 3.25 overall GPA and completing a minimum of 32 college credits, students must have “significant international experience at the college-level,” according to the Phi Beta Delta page on Ramapo’s website.

This includes participating in study abroad, an international alternative spring break, or an internationally-focused internship, co-op or volunteer program. The organization also accepts international students currently studying at the College.

However, Phi Beta Delta is more than just a group for students who have traveled abroad, according to Flanagan.

Another one of the honor society’s requirements is that students must demonstrate “a continued dedication to internationalism and internationality on Ramapo’s campus,” he said.

“One of the big things for the honor society is a continued involvement in International Education,” Loughery explained.

“I’d like to see some of the club members involved in… advocacy in general, as well as just promoting it around campus.

One of the stated goals on the website, even, is just to integrate International Education as much as possible into Ramapo culture.

The more [Phi Beta Delta] can do of that, the better.”

For Flanagan, the organization requires students to go above and beyond one international experience. “[Phi Beta Delta’s] main focus is on international education [and] international exchange, so as long as that’s an aspect of a student’s college life—and they demonstrate that continued dedication to it—then we feel that they should be recognized by the organization,” Flanagan added.

Levy agreed, saying these exceptional students deserve to be formally acknowledged,

along with inducted faculty, to foster a community of individuals dedicated to International Education.

“International Education is academic in nature,” he said.

“We’re not a travel agency. It was very important to reactivate [Phi Beta Delta] so that we provide a space to really celebrate the achievements of our students who are engaged with International Education…within an academic framework as well.”

The chapter, once fully established, will plan to bring International Education awareness to campus and become a strong presence at the College, by organizing on- and off-campus activities and events in and out of the classroom.

“We would co-sponsor with a lot of the events run out of the Roukema Center and a lot of the events with an international focus,” said Loughery, “getting them off the ground, keeping them going, and trying to expand them as much as possible.”

Flanagan said that by remaining involved with the campus community, students will be encouraged to broaden the international education program at Ramapo, which has lately been expanding under Levy’s threeyear direction.

“I think that an issue with a lot of honor societies is that people get inducted, and then you never see them again,” he said. “It sort of just becomes a line on their resume, and that’s certainly not what I hope for Phi Beta Delta.”

Flanagan cited the Global Roadrunners, which was officially recognized as a campus club last year, and the International Student Organization (ISO) as two important players that have been developing international education at the College, but added that he hopes Phi Beta Delta will bring these two groups together.

“My personal ambition is that Phi Beta Delta will be a bridge between the two of them and focus international education more broadly,” Flanagan said.

“I’d like to see enhanced or more coordination between the two through Phi Beta Delta. I think that there is room to grow together, and that’s what I hope to see. I’m confident in the future of the organization.”

Loughery hopes Phi Beta Delta will help students realize the benefits of International Education.

“The world’s getting to be a smaller place,” he said. “We’re getting more and more students coming from abroad to the United

States, and the United States is sending more and more students abroad. Even despite that, less than 2 percent of all college students in the U.S. study abroad. … It’s definitely important because we’re having more and more interaction with the outside world, with other countries all over the place, much more than there has been in the past. I feel like that works both ways. By making everybody a little more culturally competent, we can bridge that gap and make it easier.”

The chapter’s induction is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2, and will feature guest speaker Mary-Frances Wain, the deputy executive director of the U.N. Association of the USA. In all, Levy said the reactivation of Phi Beta Delta will only provide students with another outlet to make a commitment to International Education.

“We’re giving students more opportunities to engage internationally and get a better awareness of the world [and] other cultures,” Levy said. “Students don’t need to necessarily leave the world in order to experience it.”

nalliegr@ramapo.edu

Seniors Brendan Flanagan (left) and Dan Loughery helped re-launch the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society this semester.

The organization was chartered on campus in 2004 but was dropped due to personnel issues over time. Photo by Nicole Alliegro

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

THURSDAY’S CHILD

TODAY IN HISTORY

joke of the day

“All the rights we have achieved so far were as a result of hunger strikes--not because of the Israeli government.”

- Qaddura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club

Happy 34th Birthday to James Franco!

We’d cut off our right arms to attend his birthday bash.

Today in 1956, Grace Kelly married the prince of Monaco. Must be nice, huh?

What did one DNA strand say to the other?

“Do these genes make me look fat?”

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 4 The Ramapo News

Students De-stress with Active Minds’ Wellness Wish Event

By DANIELLE REED A&E Editor For many students, April can be the most stressful part of the semester, with final papers and exams filling most days. On Tuesday, Active Minds tried to ease some of this stress with their event Wellness Wish, held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. near the Arch.

“Active Minds is all about erasing the stigma associated with mental illness, and we wanted to create an event where students can

attend and become more aware of their mental health and personal wellness,” junior and public relations officer of Active Minds Stephanie Hios said. “Everyone struggles with something, whether it be as severe as a disorder or everyday stress. We can all relate to the significance of wellness in our lives as college students.”

Wellness Wish is an event that Ramapo’s chapter of Active Minds created on their own, without input from the organization’s national office.

“Wellness Wish was our second big event as a club on campus,” explained Hios. “Active Minds hosted a large event from the national office called Send Silence Packing last spring. However, Wellness Wish was our first event that we formulated ourselves as a club. It was not given to us by the national office, so everything that students and faculty saw displayed outside was our club members’efforts and dedication at work. We hope that the national office will adopt our event idea as

their own.”

Other clubs, including You’re Not Alone, Psychology Coalition and Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, cosponsored and participated in the Wellness Wish event.

The event worked to bring awareness to mental illness, a main goal of Active Minds, and gave students the opportunity to express something that they wanted to change in their lives by writing it down on a leaf and placing it on t he Wellness Tree.

“We hope that students who attended Wellness Wish take a step back from their every day routine and see that inside of everyone, there is a wish for something to change in their life for the better, whether that be for themselves, someone they know, or for the world,” Hios said. “In other words, a wellness wish.” dreed1@ramapo.edu

Ramapo’s chapter of Active Minds hosted Wellness Wish on Tuesday, where students could relax outside the Arch and make a wish “for something to change in their life for the better,” according to Stephanie Hios, the club’s public relations officer. The activity was also sponsored by You’re Not Alone, the Psychology Coalition, and Psi Chi, the pscyhology honor society. Photos by Kristen Smith

Event Encourages Students to ‘Sleep’ Outside Comfort Zone

By ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ Staff Writer To kick off Civic Engagement Week, the Community Service Center hosted “Night Without a Home,” a camp-out encouraging students to understand what it might be like to be homeless or to be without shelter.

“We will be sleeping outside on Laurel Courts to simulate life without a home,” according to CSC’s Org Sync. “Students will be free of luxuries such as iPods and cell phones, and really spend the night understanding this all too common struggle.”

Students who participated spent the night of April 14 in boxes, though they were allowed to bring with them a pillow and a sleeping bag.

Homelessness in the state is still a growing problem, according to the New Jersey Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), an organization that helps provide housing to communities.

“Across the state, 12,825 homeless people were counted this year,” said Colleen Velez, CSH’s count coordinator, in an NJ.com article.

CSH also reported that in 2008, there were 10,947 homeless people in New Jersey, 12,035 in 2009, 12,035 in 2009, and 12,569 in 2010.

Hitting closer to home, the National Association of Education of Homeless Children and Youth reported to the “Star Tribune” that in 2009, 47,204 college students who applied for financial aid identified themselves as homeless.

“It’s scary to think about how many students are going through this,” said sophomore Ashleigh Ritchie. “Something should be done for students in this position.”

The “Night without a Home” event is one such activity that hoped to help, or at the very least, raise awareness for, the cause.

“We can end homelessness by coming together as a nation and realizing that being greedy like we are is getting us no where,” said sophomore Pamela Durran. “I think Night without a Home is an amazing project, because it really is a good sense of what people go through, but at the same time, it might not be effective because it is just one day.”

Senior Lauren Haag agreed.

“I think the Night without a

Home event would be beneficial if there was a renting charge or fee,” she explained. “I think we could end homelessness by creating a volunteer program to teach skills to people who don’t have them to hold a job, and therefore, a home.”

On the other hand, some students were skeptical how one event could make a difference.

“I just don’t think [students]

are truly learning how these people live,” said freshman Marc Figueroa. “One can never understand how the other side lives until you’re in that position.”

Nevertheless, according to Union County Director of the Department of Human Services Frank Guzzo, efforts to reduce homeless have been working.

“Although the number of first-

time homelessness is growing, those chronically homeless has been trending downward for two years,” Guzzo said in an NJ.com article. “Homelessness grew by 10 percent from 2008 to 2009; by 4.4 percent from 2009 to 2010; and by 2 percent from 2010 to 2011.” ahernand@ramapo.edu

The Community Service Center hosted “Night without a Home” on Saturday, inviting students to camp out in boxes at Laurel Courts to raise homelessness awareness. Photo by Steve Fallon

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 5

Banquet, Tricky Tray Raises Over $1,000 for Paterson Pantry SENIORS PARTNER WITH FRATERNITY TO FIGHT HUNGER, HELP LOCAL FAMILIES

By RACHEL WINTERMUTE Staff Writer Six months-worth of planning for four Ramapo seniors culminated in a large food banquet and tricky tray Monday night.

Communication Arts senior project students Adam Porcelan, Rob Nalesnik, Jordan Yellen and Tara Schmitt have prepared since November for the Fight Hunger Food Banquet, a charity benefit for Paterson food pantry CUMAC/ ECHO that was also cosponsored and hosted by fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE).

“CUMAC/ECHO really stood out to us as the food pantry we wanted to work with because of the amount of people that they service and the uniqueness of the technology they have available, like refrigerated trucks,” Porcelan said.

The event, which was held in Friend’s Hall Monday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., intended to raise hunger awareness as well as money for the CUMAC food pantry, which services more than 30,000 lowincome people in Paterson each year.

The banquet featured food platters donated or discounted from more than a dozen local restaurants, including appetizers, entrees and desserts. An entrance ticket, $7 presale or $10 at the door, guaranteed one full plate of food. Additional plates of food could be purchased for $2.

Thanks to around 110 tickets

sold, the event raised $1,066 for CUMAC/ECHO. Porcelan said that the event was a big success, in part due to the group’s extensive six-month preparation.

“I think that the typical planning period [for senior projects] is probably about four months,” he said. “But we were four people, so we wanted to go above and beyond and that took some extra planning.”

In addition to the food, the event also featured a tricky tray table, at which guests could deposit a raffle ticket into the bowl of one of seven different prizes, ranging from nail salon gift certificates to spinning classes to restaurant gift cards.

The final component of the group’s project was the campaign for hunger awareness. The students researched hunger, prepared research kits and developed a preliminary curriculum to spread hunger education.

Fellow senior project classmate Megan McHugh said that while the event was fun and wellpromoted, there was opportunity to spread more hunger awareness at the event itself beyond the informational handouts that were distributed.

“I felt like they had some information there, but they definitely could have done more,” she said. “Maybe a PowerPoint, maybe a speech, a speaker, a panel, I don’t know. Even something like food hunger trivia just so you can learn some statistics.”

Though overall, McHugh said she was impressed by the group’s efforts.

“I think they had a good attendance, and they’re probably going to make a lot of money, which is really good because they’ll be able to donate that to their fundraiser,” she said. “I think they did a good job.”

Senior Tiffany Fischer, another senior project classmate, said that

she attended the banquet to support her friends and intended to take the CUMAC/ECHO information with her after the event to learn more about the cause.

“I had never been to something like this, what they did, and I think it’s for a good cause,” Fischer said.

Overall, Porcelan said the largescale event was a success. The group also averted a potential food

shortage by ordering more food during the event when attendance exceeded expectations.

“It was absolutely successful,” Porcelan said. “We really showed our ability to promote and to use advertising and to do research on the success of our event.” rwinterm@ramapo.edu

Four communication arts senior project students organized the Fight Hunger Food Banquet and Tricky Tray on Monday, cosponsoring with Tau Kappa Epsilon, to raise money for the CUMAC/ECHO food pantry in Paterson, N.J. Photo by Rachel Wintermute

The Global Roadrunners, History Club and the Civic Engagement Center hosted “Discovering Burma: The Saffron Revolution” yesterday, a screening and discussion of Burma VJ and a guest presentation by the All Burma Monks Alliance. This is the second “Discovering Burma” event hosted on campus; earlier in December, the advocacy director for the U.S. campaign for Burma visited the College. Photos by Steve Fallon

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 6 The Ramapo News

GRADUATION continued from page 1

location for the Commencement ceremony. As usual, graduates will be required to pay the graduation fee, and those participating in the actual ceremony have to pay the extra costs for academic regalia.

As far as the cost of actually renting the Prudential Center for the Commencement, Goldstein said she does not think it will amount to any more than in previous years. The total cost of

This year’s Commencement speaker will be news anchor Chris Wragge. Photo courtesy of Brittany Goldstein

renting the space, however, is not available yet.

“The College does not expect the costs associated to rent Prudential Center to exceed previous year costs associated with event space, equipment, and furnishings,” explained Goldstein.

While so far the College has not signed any contracts with external venues, including the Prudential Center, Goldstein added that she does not anticipate the immediate return of the Commencement ceremony to campus.

“Given that construction demands on the Ramapo campus are expected to continue for the next three years,” she said, “the College does not anticipate returning Commencement to campus during that time.”

Thus, the site for future ceremonies will rely a lot on the feedback from those who attend the 2012 graduation at the Prudential Center.

“Assessment of this year’s event including, faculty, staff, graduates, and guest feedback, will help determine the site for future Commencement ceremonies,” Goldstein said.

Another small change with this year’s graduation lies in the Senior Send-Off Packages. Different from in previous years, Ramapo will now offer one free package.

“Two of the packages are ticketed and one is free,”

Goldstein explained. “In previous years, graduates were offered two ticketed packages. The packages are designed to provide our graduates with choices, flexibility, and an on-campus farewell experience.”

The most expensive package, priced at $50, includes a semiformal dance, hotel stay, Dave & Busters, Arching Ceremony and barbeque, and Celebration at Sunset. Another costs $20 and includes the Arching Ceremony and Barbeque and Celebration at Sunset.

Students also have the choice of a free package, which only includes the Arching Ceremony and family barbeque.

Todays, seniors attended the Graduation Fair today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This “one stop shop for all graduates,” according to Goldstein, allows students to finalize all the details related to Commencement, such as scheduling exit interviews, paying off outstanding balances, picking up caps and gowns, and registering for Senior Send-Off. Also at the Graduation Fair, seniors can record a video farewell message, which will be played on the Prudential Center Jumbotrons as a part of the Commencement ceremony. cmitche3@ramapo.edu

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PIPELINE continued from page 2

Crumb’s and Stead’s classes attended environmental lectures and were invited to participate in protests against the pipeline.

Senior Jillian Banks said she supports the pipeline protests. “[It is important] to make the students aware of the threat and possible injustice to the people being affected by the pipeline, and how the environment will be impacted negatively,” Banks said.

CONTRACT continued from page 1

supporting the students. So they’re not supporting higher education,” said Quaglino.

The union expresses the belief that Governor Christie and the state do not support higher education, and they feel that President Mercer and the administration are not doing all they to support for their faculty, staff, and students.

“This administration in particular doesn’t want to fund higher education, which means tuition increases for students because the money has to come from somewhere,” Kathleen Shannon said. “It’s almost like privatizing public colleges.”

Kutchta believes that the President is put in a difficult position due to the contract

In January, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission determined that the pipeline would not have a significant impact on any surrounding land, but not everyone seems convinced.

“We are asking that humans take a stand not just for what we think is right, but for one the very essential part of life.... our water, and to stand with those who are fully committed to protect it as well,” Mann wrote. dstancza@ramapo.edu negotiations.

“President Mercer and I obviously have our differences and this is one of them,” Kutchta said, “but he’s not a bad guy.”

He’s a good guy, and he really cares about this place.”

On the other hand, Mercer said he meets with faculty and professional staff regularly for communication meetings. He also maintains an “open door policy” for all.

“Because I’m not at the table, I really can’t add to the communications about the collective bargaining issues,” Mercer said.

Nevertheless, Mercer hopes an agreement is reached soon. cslome@ramapo.edu [See a letter to students from Ramapo Faculty and Staff on Viewpoints, page 7]

Congratulations! to the 2012 student employees of the year

Jacqueline Katz & Danielle Mazza and all the nominees: Courtney Brach, Jill Grimaldi, Harley Masiello, Rebecca Panitch, Anthony Pensabene, Maria Poznahovska and Julie Truong.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

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.

The Ramapo News Page 7

VIEWPOINTS Candidates Can’t Face the Facts An Open Letter to Students:

By JAKE HYMAN Staff Writer Facts: aren’t they a beautiful thing?

What makes them even more precious is that they are so rare these days.

With Rick Santorum suspending his campaign, we are essentially down to a two man race. It will be incumbent Barack Obama, versus the first ever robot candidate: Mitt Romney, or as some like to call him, the Romney3000.

Political campaigns often stray away from the issues that concern our country the most and in many cases, eventually begin to revolve around bashing the other candidate.

In other words, folks, prepare yourselves.

The third grade schoolyard fight that is the general election is underway and of course, it was Mitt Romney firing off the first crap-filled missile.

On April 6 the Romney campaign released a statistic claiming, “Women account for 92.3 percent of the jobs lost under Barack Obama.”

Whoa, fancy numbers, it must be true!

Well, Politifact.com, a non-partisan group that aims, according to its website, to find the truth in politics gave that statement by Romney a rating of ‘Mostly False’ on its Truth-O-Meter. The Romney campaign used January of 2009 as their starting point for this statistic. What they fail to point out or realize is that Obama’s policies had not yet taken affect, and the recession had already begun prior to Obama taking office.

In January, Romney said at a Republican presidential debate that, “We’re only inches away from no longer being a free

economy.” So what are we inches close to being? Socialist? Communist? Facts point elsewhere. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, ranked the US ninth out of 179 nations on what they called an ‘economic freedom index for 2011’and gave America a rating of ‘mostly free.’

Yes, it is true, America is not completely a capitalistic economy. Our economy is mixed, just like the statements being thrown around by our politicians: some truth mixed with a whole lot of BS. The National Rifle Association (NRA) claims that there is, “…a massive Obama conspiracy to deceive voters and destroy the Second Amendment in our country.” Yes, NRA. You have discovered the underground Kenyan, Muslim, and Communist conspiracy to take away your guns, your freedoms, and your right to own a gas guzzling pick-up truck.

President Obama has done nothing regarding the Second Amendment. This may be in part because of the heavy lobbying done by the NRA and other pro Second Amendment groups. However, during his presidency, Obama has had opportunities to step up and do something about the gun violence in this country, especially after the Tucson shooting in January 2011 that left six dead and severely injured 14, including U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The tragic story of Trayvon Martin has only added more fuel to the fire that is the gun control debate. Despite this, to my dismay, President Obama has not stepped up to fight for new gun control legislation. jhyman@ramapo.edu

WHY WE ARE BOYCOTTING THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

By RAMAPO COLLEGE FACULTY and PROFESSIONAL STAFF We believe that our students are entitled to an excellent education at a reasonable fee.

However, the state of New Jersey is causing tuitions to rise to almost unaffordable levels by decreasing funding. We are now in a position where less than 25% of our budget comes from the state. How can we still be considered a state school?

We are committed to our students. In addition to the work we do for you every day in our professional capacity, as union members of The Ramapo Federation of State College Teachers, AFT 2274, we set aside a portion of our dues money to present $7300 per year in awards and scholarships to deserving Ramapo students. We care deeply about you and your academic success.

We are also committed to fair and equitable working conditions, salaries and benefits. We have been working without a contract since July 1, 2011, and the state has directed the administration at Ramapo College to withhold some benefits. It is clear Governor Christie is determined to place New Jersey’s financial problems on the public employee unions.

This is not valid as we do not receive a pension from the state, our salaries are paid by Ramapo (remember less than 20% of Ramapo’s budget comes from the state) and we pay a portion of our healthcare premium.

We are withdrawing our participation

in Commencement at the Prudential Center to bring attention to our issues.

We need a contract settlement.

Not having a contract diminishes our academic freedom,decreases our ability to deliver a high quality educational experience, and dramatically hurts our competitiveness in attracting and keeping highly qualified faculty and staff. We have already lost young, talented faculty over these issues.

A demoralized faculty and professional staff cannot inspire and educate students.

We believe we are doing everything in our power to support our students’ educations and prepare them for a challenging future; however we believe we must take steps to call attention to the injustices in public higher education and to the State’s failure to offer us a decent contract. We will share in the achievement of your graduation by celebrating with you at the Arching Ceremony on May 15 on the Ramapo campus.

We hope that you will stand with us in our mutual goal: a more affordable, better funded public higher education system in New Jersey.

Let President Mercer and Governor Christie know that you support the people who have contributed so much to your education. Please sign our petition by going to www.change.org (browse Ramapo College).

See related news article on page 1 for more information.

Media is Losing Focus on What Issues Should Matter Most

By MIKE MCILRAITH Staff Writer The contraception controversy involving radio host Rush Limbaugh and Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke might have been entertainment for some, but the harm in the trash talk was ignoring an actual conversation on medical ethics and how contraception is not just for abortion purposes.

Nevertheless, media outlets focused on Limbaugh’s comments while avoiding a debate on what Fluke was stating when she testified in front of Congress months ago.

Last week, a similar back-and-forth on women’s issues was all over the television.

Hilary Rosen, a Democratic pundit who is not associated with President Obama’a reelection campaign, appeared on CNN and commented on how Ann Romney, who is Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt

Romney’s wife, said that, even though she reports to her husband about economic issues women face, she “has actually never worked a day in her life” and that she’s never had to deal with economic issues that women face in America.

Predictably, outrage ignited after Rosen’s CNN appearance. Ann Romney responded by saying “I made a choice to stay home and raise five boys. Believe me, it was hard work.”

The Obama campaign blasted Rosen and said the comments warranted an apology. The Romney campaign took advantage of the opportunity to take a shot at Democrats. Rosen ultimately apologized.

While this might have been leisure for those interested in political drama, this scene was nothing but a massive distraction from what issues really matter to women.

Rosen’s comments were almost completely

uncontroversial.The context of her comments was that even though Romney might be a hard-working mother at home, it does not qualify her to discuss economic matters and how it affects women because she is not part of the work force. If the media had not tagged along and made this headline news given the context, this would have been a non-issue.

As Jessica Valenti writes in her blog for The Nation Magazine, “Rosen was referring to the fact that Ann Romney – an incredibly rich and elite woman – likely does not understand the economic concerns of most American women.” These concerns, brought up in ABC’s “The Week” over the weekend, include equal pay, sick pay leave, and access to contraception. Instead, this was a sideshow which, not surprisingly, disregarded core women’s issues and was a media circus.

Nobody wants to berate those who raise

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

children and stay at home. Nonetheless, there is a issue when a politician like Romney uses his wife as a puppet to report on what women feel are vital when she, as Rosen said in not the best fashion, is not qualified to discuss.

One could conclude that, because Romney uses his wife on women’s issues instead of engaging with them directly, he is continiung his disconnect with female voters.

The media thrives on petty drama and this week’s spectacle was a prime example.

Women have been exploited for years and issues concerning them in the workforce are still critical to solve and debated.

Instead of the reactionary revolt coming from political pundits, those focused on Rosen’s comments should have looked between the lines and understood the context. mmcilrai@ramapo.edu

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 8 The Ramapo News

Arts & Entertainment Mr. and Ms. Roadrunner Creates School Spirit, Support Charities

By DANIELLE REED A&E Editor On Friday, the first annual Mr. and Ms. Roadrunner was held in the Auxiliary gym at the Bradley Center at 8 p.m. This event worked to help create community through the competition to find students to represent Ramapo as Mr. and Ms. Roadrunner.

“THE COMPETITION WAS REALLY COOL TO BE A PART OF.” - Sara Gordon, junior

Fourteen individuals from various organizations across campus, including Student Government Association, InterGreek Senate, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Black Student Union and the College Programming Board, formed the committee that organized the event, and members were very passionate in increasing school spirit at Ramapo, according to the chair of the event, Clifton Shambry.

“I think that the main obstacle in running this event was the fact that it was the first year that it has occurred,” Shambry said. “This inaugural event was very much successful due to it accomplishing the goal the committee set out.”

Students who attended were charged $2, which gave them a chance to vote. The money was later divided between the winners, to be donated to a charity of their choice.

“We wanted students from different facets across campus to come together and just have old fashion fun,” Shambry said.

“The contestants seemed to have fun as well as the audience, judges, committee and hosts throughout the evening.”

The evening began with a performance by Ramapo’s a

Students got a chance to vote for their picks for Mr. and Ms. Ramapo throughout the competition. $214.90 was donated, which was divided between the two winners for their respective charities. Photo by Danielle Reed

cappella group, 4gotten Suitcase, who sang the school alma mater, followed by a medley which included “Runaround Sue” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

There were five candidates for Ms. Roadrunner, including Cait Bragg, Wendy Castro, Olivia Evans, Sara Gordon and Janeille Lewis and three candidates for Mr. Roadrunner, including Jim Callandriello, Dan Kropa and Jorge Ruiz. Each contestant was nominated prior to the competition, based on specific criteria which included school pride, civic engagement, being well rounded as a student leader and obtaining a 2.5 GPA or higher. At the competition, students competed in three categories, wow wear, talent and formal wear. “[The competition] was really cool to be a part of. I thought Cliff did a great job organizing and facilitating the whole

process,” junior Sara Gordon said. “Preparing was a bit overwhelming since we didn’t have much prep time, but it was worth it in the end because everything turned out great.”

In between the wow wear and talent portions of the competition, the Fooligans gave a performance of some of their comedy sketches.

Students were able to vote during the entire event and at the end of the night, their votes were tallied and added to the scores given by the judges. Cait Bragg was crowned Ms. Roadrunner and Dan Kropa was crowned Mr. Roadrunner, with Janeille Lewis and Jorge Ruiz coming in as the runners up in both categories. Both received $107.45 for their charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and EcoHealth Alliance, respectively. dreed1@ramapo.edu

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 1 9 2 01 2 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM SC-219 (FRIEND’S HALL)

Ramapo College

CO M E TO T H E O N E STO P S H O P F O R A L L G R A D UAT E S :

OT H E R AT T E N D E E S I N C LU D E :

• • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Schedule exit interviews.

Bring your resume for a 5-minute resume review Pay your outstanding balance. Checks accepted on the spot.

Register for Senior Sendoff Take the senior survey Pick up your cap and gown Order a class ring and other mementos.

Order personalized announcements, diploma frames and class rings!

Get your 10% Alumni Discount in the Campus Store!

Sign up for the Senior Legacy Fund Drive.

Get your Class T-Shirt printed with your name!

Fun, Free Food and prizes giveaway!

V I D E O TA P I N G F O R G R A D UAT E S : Shared academic and social memories from your College years will be videotaped in the next few weeks at the College’s Media Center and at Grad Fair. The completed Senior Memories Video will be played on the JumboTron before the processional begins at the May 16 Commencement Exercises at the Prudential Center.

Contact Media Center Studio in H-217 between noon and 2 pm on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, March 14, 15 or 16 to tape your memories or arrange to tape your video memories at Graduation Fair on April 19 in Friends Hall.

EvAenMtPsUS

oN C

Thursday “Night of Noise” @ 7pm, J.Lees

Office of Financial Aid Bursar’s Office Center for Academic Advising The Cahill Center EOF Graduate Programs The Alumni Office

R A F F L E P R I Z E S I N C LU D E : • • • • • •

VIP Parking space for one student family.

2 seats at The Etiquette dinner.

Alumni Basket from Campus Store Free Cap & Gown Diploma Frame And much more…

DON’T MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN!

Friday “Cherry Orchard” @ 8pm, Adler Theater “Greenfest” @10am, Bandshell

Saturday “Wag-a-thon” @10am, North Field

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 9

Last Thursday, students got the opportunity to attend the first World Peace Day, which worked to raise awareness for non-profit causes and organizations (left and below). Photos by Steve Fallon.

Students got the opportunity to attend The Pool, an After Dark event held at the Bradley Center (above) on April 12. Prizes that were given away included Kindles, iPads and Ramapo Dollars. Photo by Steve Fallon.

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Sunday “Friends at Ramapo Concert” @3:30pm, Berrie Center Rehearsal Hall

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

“Shielding the Heart” @7pm, Alumni Lounges

“Katie Armiger” @9:15pm, Friends Hall

“World Cup Soccer Tournament” @2pm, Bandshell

“A Night Out” @ 9:30pm, J.Lees

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 10 The Ramapo News

Rutgers Grads Use Hip-Hop Influences in Spoken Word Poetry

By KRISTINE DONOVAN Staff Writer The Tuesday Night Live Series held another spoken word performance, this time featuring The Mayhem Poets, cosponsored by the College Programming Board and Brothers Making a Difference. The three spoken word artists performed at the Pavilion, treating audience members to a stylish piece.

“Poetry is our religion,” the members of The Mayhem Poets said.

The group consists of Kyle Rapps, Scott Raven and Mason Granger, all graduates of Rutgers University. All three poets turned simple phrases into smooth and rhythmic lyrics, captivating the audience one word at a time.

Rapps performed slams at famous venues across the globe, including Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City. Not only does Rapps do spoken word, but he is also a hip-hop artist. Under the name Black Skeptik, Rapps released hip-hop singles “Rent” and “Frankenstein” in which he collaborated with proclaimed hip hop artists KRS-ONE and Blockhead.

Raven pursued theater and journalism throughout his college career, and after graduation he joined The Mayhem Poets, thus letting him follow both of his dreams, acting and writing. Raven also performed in spoken word plays, and he recently wrapped up a commercial and two independent films.

Granger studied poetry, took his creative skills to The Mayhem Poets, and he impressed audiences with his stylish rhymes and lyrical explosions. Granger also operates a T-shirt and hat company, and all proceeds go back to human rights foundations.

Currently the poets are on a 50-gig college tour with a majority of the shows held at inner-city schools. The three of them love to inspire and teach kids the power that a word can hold.

Brothers Making a Difference co-sponsored a performance by The Mayhem Poets, a trio of spoken word poets. Photo by Steve Fallon.

Sharing poems about love, the environment, race, roaches, food, women, Dr. Seuss and one word poems the three poets completely engaged the audience with their theatrical show.

All of the performers’ poems related to real life experiences, and truly gave the event a personal touch. Their key message is to spread the word of contemporary arts.

While featuring many poems throughout the night, a poem dedicated to the women in the room inspired the entire

crowd. A poem “Martin Luther Queen” explained that there are many strong women within our world that should not be forgotten. The poem also reached out to women saying that they can be whoever and whatever they want.

All three of the poets incorporated a theatrical performance into their spoken word act. Their mission is to change society’s views of poetry and theater, and with their performances, influence the college crowd. kdonova2@ramapo.edu

Multicultural Org Puts ‘Urban’ Spin on Spelling Competition

By ERICA BUCHMAN Staff Writer On April 11, the girls of the Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. gathered in J.Lees to host a “Spelling Butterfly” in honor of Founders Week.

Founders Week, which takes place every year during the week of April 11, is the time when Theta Nu Xi observes its tenets by hosting events throughout the week that represent what the sorority stands for: scholarship, sisterhood, multiculturalism, leadership and service.

Spelling Butterfly, a spelling contest, represented the sorority’s tenet in multiculturalism. The contest, unlike traditional spelling competitions found in elementary schools, was based off of words found on Urban Dictionary, a website that specializes in the spelling and definition of colloquial words and phrases. Keeping with the organization’s tenet, however, several of the spelling words were rooted in multiculturalism as well.

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO SEE HOW OTHER CULTURES BEHAVE; IT GIVES PERSPECTIVE TO HOW YOU DO THINGS VERSUS THE WAY PEOPLE OF ANOTHER CULTURE MAY DO THINGS.” -Ysabel Dela Riva, spelling contestant Myisha King, a Theta Nu Xi sister, believes that Urban Dictionary ties in with their tenet. “[Urban Dictionary is] essentially a dictionary of lingo.

They’re words that you may hear in one neighborhood, but not another,” King said. “Many of these words may even be exclusive to America only. We thought it would be funny to add a twist to the spelling bee. Urban Dictionary is a great website filled with unusual words that are sure to throw off even the most confident speller.”

Among the unique words used in the competition

Members of Theta Nu Xi held a unique spelling competition on April 11 as part of their Founders Week celebrations. Events like the “Spelling Butterfly,” revolved around the theme of multiculturalism, one of the fundamental beliefs of the multicultural sorority. Photo by Stefanie Mauro.

were “Mompetition” and the sudden death word, “Christmahanukwanzaakah.”

Prizes included gift baskets filled with popcorn, candy, soda and the coup de grace, two free AMC Gold Experience Tickets. A donation box was also featured during the contest, prompting anyone who wished to donate to Girls for a Change, an organization that provides workshops, classes, and counseling, all geared towards the empowerment of women.

Ysabel Dela Riva, a spelling contestant, believes that

it is important to host events like this, that promote multiculturalism.

“It’s important to be able to see how other cultures behave; it gives perspective to how you do things versus the way people of another culture may do things,” Dela Riva said.

In continuation with Founders Week, Theta Nu Xi showed “In the Time of the Butterflies” on Thursday night in Laurel Hall at 9 p.m. ebuchman@ramapo.edu

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 11

Familar Scares Presented in ‘Cabin’

By SHANNON COLLINS Staff Writer At this past weekend’s opening of “The Cabin in the Woods,” audiences crowded theaters to see what made this movie a new kind of horror flick.

Written by Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon, “The Cabin in the Woods” was hyped up to be a new genre of horror film. However instead of creating its own genre the movie takes all of the cliche components of a slasher movie and piles it into one movie.

The movie begins like many teenage murder movies do, five friends make their way to a remote “cabin in the woods” where it’s painfully obvious people will die, no shocker there. But we can’t forget the part where they stop at what seems to be an abandoned gas station. Here they come by the creepy, dirty gas attendant who ominously warns the kids what they are getting into. Without giving away too much, most of the lead characters die, but how? Was it a pair of mad scientists, or some zombies, or even a werewolf?

It was, in fact, all of these things. “The Cabin in the Woods” can be depicted as a horror movie within a horror movie. It takes a quintessential component from every horror movie we have ever seen and shoves into a one and a half hour movie. Each character at some point in the film is faced with a horror movie staple in which they either overcome, or succumb to. Not unlike the movies “Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil”, and “Fright Night,” this movie includes an underlying sense of humor, where you just cannot help but laugh at the idiocy. The only “clever” aspect, and I use the word clever loosely, was that each character picked their own fate, but was unknowingly be-

ing controlled by some strange men in a room somewhere.

The only thing worse than the beginning of this movie was the end. The ending is definitely not expected. It’s also one you wish you’d never seen. There is no big “Aha!” moment, and there is most certainly no definitive winner, or loser.

Three words, Sigourney Weaver, deity, I shall say no more.

‘American Bandstand’ Host Dick Clark Dies of Heart Attack at 82 Career Highlights •

THE IDEA OF MOLDING A MILLION HORROR MOVIES INTO ONE IS HUGELY UNSUCCESSFUL AND WASTE OF YOUR TIME. Moviegoers who have seen this movie know the secret is that there is no secret. This “horror” movie dances around having an actual plot, and is easy to follow in the sense that it doesn’t matter what happens. There’s far too much going on at one time, and there is no theme. The idea of molding a million horror movies into one is hugely unsuccessful and a waste of your time.

Its biggest failure was in the fact that it made no sense.

This movie would not be recommended for anyone who does not enjoy perpetual confusion and nonsense. The only thing that made this movie bearable was the gorgeous Chris Hemsworth and his mediocre acting. scollin1@ramapo.edu

• • •

•

Dick Clark became a legend in the broadcast industry, starting as a game show host and going on to start his own production company.

Photo by Alan Light, Flcikr Creative Commons.

By DANIELLE REED A&E Editor Broadcast legend Dick Clark died yesterday at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, according to an article on CNN.com.

Clark was well known for hosting the dance show “American Bandstand,” starting in 1956 and continued on to become a producer and businessman.

Beginning in 1972, Clark began host-

Quiz show host for “The Object Is” and “Missing Links” before going on to host “Pyramid” and $10,000 Pyramid in the 1970s.

Hosted several Radio shows, including a “Top 40 Countdown.”

Hosted “The Dick Clark Show” from 1958-1960 on ABC. Won Emmy Awards in 1979, 1983, 1985 and 1986, a well as the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1976), National Radio Hall of Fame (1990) and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences & Sciences Hall of Fame (1993), among others.

ing “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve,” on ABC. He continued to act as host until 2004, when he suffered a stroke, returning as co-host with Ryan Seacrest from 2005 until this past year.

Clark is survived by his wife and three children. It has not been announced whether a public memorial service will be held. dreed1@ramapo.edu

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 12 The Ramapo News

l iv in g stop st r ess w it h h iking

By BRIANNA DONOVAN Staff Writer The spring weather is beautiful and there is no better way to enjoy it than to spend it outside.

If you are sick of staring at the walls of the gym and need a change of pace, do your work out in the fresh air. Hiking is one of the best workouts you can enjoy outside, whether it is just around campus or through a nature trail or state park.

I have been hiking since I was a kid; it is quality time I spent with my family and I have been able to see some amazing things from it. I’ve hiked trails in New Jersey and New York and I’ve been fortunate enough to hike around the Canadian Rockies and Yellowstone National Park.

distances or uphill can build tone in the legs and improve the heart. Hiking is healthy for the bones and will strengthen your body to prevent and reduce future chances of arthritis, osteoporosis and heart disease. This will keep you in shape and improve your body.

Since college brings stress and sometimes unhealthy eating habits, hiking can be a fun, simple workout that will tie in both your body and mind to improve your health.

“Working out is important, but the gym stresses me out,” said junior, Shannon Collins, “I’ve always found hiking more fun and relaxing, even though it’s not easy.”

American Hiker Magazine reported that hiking “releases adrenaline…if the adrenaline is not released from the body, it accumulates, causing muscle tension and feelings of anxiety.”

This type of exercise will clear your head and calm you down when it is time for finals or term papers. It is healthy to take a break from the computer and your dorm and to get outside.

Hiking can bring real happiness; your body will feel good and will want to do it again. Setting aside time for a hike every week will give you something to look forward to and will be stress-free and guiltfree alone time, or a chance to enjoy being with friends or family in a different way.

Not only is hiking good for the people doing it, but also for the environment.

Walking the distance that would replace a car drive will lower air pollution and is safer for our lungs.

The Ramapo Reservation is just one place to go The Ramapo Reservation is just down the road hiking around campus. Photo by besighyawn, Flickr Creative and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon Commons. or take an hour break away from homework.

In the New Jersey and New York area there There are over 20 trails to hike. The trails are hundreds of hiking trails, one of which can be anywhere from .3 miles to 6.5 miles. is right next door to the Ramapo campus. Some trails connect to other parks, if you want Hiking is beneficial to the mind and body. a challenging, long day exercise. A hike will According to the Livestrong website, clear your mind, boost your endorphins and “outdoor activities such as hiking reduce will be a workout you will have fun doing. feelings of tension, anger and depression.” bdonova2@ramapo.edu Hiking is a cardio workout. Walking long

D uch es s o f Des s erts

By LAUREN SANTANIELLO Staff Writer

Fruit Pizza Do you remember your excitement when Congress declared pizza a vegetable in November 2011? Well, what if I told you pizza can now considered a fruit? Yes, it’s true!

With a bit of imagination and cutting corners, you can make a tasty fruit pizza. This fruit pizza is delicious and although I’ll admit it’s not technically a fruit, perhaps Congress should consider it. After all, in the traditional sense of this Italian favorite, tomatoes are fruits, not vegetables.

What you’ll need for the base: • • • • • • • •

½ cup butter ¾ cup sugar 1 egg ½ tsp vanilla 1 tbsp milk 1 ¼ cups flour ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp baking powder

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

What you’ll need for the topping: • • • •

This fruit pizza tranforms a traditional dish into a delicious dessert. Photo by Lauren Santaniello.

8 oz cream cheese 1/3 cup sugar ½ tsp vanilla Assorted fruit (kiwi, strawberries,blueberries, bananas, you decide.)

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Preheat oven to 375 Cream butter until light and fluffy Beat in sugar Add egg and vanilla and beat thoroughly Add milk In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking powder Stir dry ingredients into the butter mixture and blend well Spread mixture onto a buttered pizza tray Bake for 12 minutes or until giant cookie is golden brown Cool completely In a small bowl cream together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla Spread cream cheese mixture over the finished pizza as “sauce” Cut fruit and arrange it in a circular pattern on the pizza Chill to desired temperature Serve and enjoy lsantani@ramapo.edu

yo ur wee kly h or osco pes Aries: You are setting something in strong motion and things are sure to pick up speed, perhaps more than you have time or room for in a day. There still may be a few wrestling matches on the horizon, but the future is looking brighter indeed.

Leo: This week will offer you a new lease on life which includes laying down a foundation of change, one that supports where you are headed. There is plenty of doubt in your midst, but soon rough terrain will be replaced with the land of opportunity.

Sagittarius: You are in position to out think, out smart and out move the rest as you find yourself several steps ahead of the game. The progress becomes profound this week as a repeating theme finally gets left in the dust.

Taurus: New starts are a good feeling, especially if the old grind was getting to you.

There can be nothing better than a do over, a chance to get it right this time or an opportunity to do whatever it is that moves you, better. Be ready to step into the new you.

Virgo: Recently, you have been making choices that will ultimately reflect the evolutionary pace of your future. You are back on track as you turn a significant corner - releasing the past and racing full throttle toward your desired future.

Capricorn: This week you just may not have it in you to keep that predictable pace going. There will be a real freedom in releasing the mundane and stepping into a spontaneous release of unfiltered passionate emotional content.

Gemini: Relationships of the heart and in the home are high in focus now and a great deal of personal effort has been put forth. Now that you are clear about where you have been and what needs to change, it is time to set in motion the way it is going to be.

Libra: No matter how tough it may be or feel, knowing now what is riding on a choice is key.

However, it is essential that you clean up and clear out whatever you have been collecting that is only adding undesired weight.

Aquarius: If something is not sitting well with you, in time it will. Nothing comes easy or for free but it does come and it will happen if you slay the inner dragon that is attempting to manipulate your mind.

Cancer: You have a good opportunity to make some inner adjustments and you will soon be able to view your life from outside yourself without any emotional attachment. Your public self is stepping out into a greater piece of light and whatever project you have been energizing is about to take off with a speed of confidence.

Scorpio: Considering we live in a world of relationships the key comes down to who to trust. Not everyone who enters your world should be trusted, but there will be some that you can trust not only with your heart but in some cases with your life, and you will know without question who they are.

Pisces: You have been having your fair share of relationship wars as of late and there may be a few more battles left. This week will give you a strong leg to stand on and it will come through your message, your words backed by your actions. horoscopes courtesy of http://www.madalynaslan.com

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 13

SPORTS Dance Team Takes Home Division III National Championship ROADRUNNERS CAPTURE NDA TITLE FOR FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL’S HISTORY

By RICHIE SORCE Staff Writer

The team practiced three times a week, and conditioned on off-days in dedication to winning their first ever National Championship.

Before taking the stage for their performances, Ver Hage noticed the team was “very calm, and had a peaceful mindset.” This served as the key factor of their success. Their motto is “To maximize is to be calm at mind,” and they followed through in impressive fashion.

The Ramapo Dance team made history this past weekend in Daytona Beach, Fla., by winning its first ever National Dance Association Collegiate Division III National Championship.

“AS A SENIOR, FINISHING WITH A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS A DREAM COME TRUE. ALL OF OUR HARD WORK PAID OFF, AND I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER FOR OUR TEAM.” - Haley Gott, senior

The Roadrunners were led by the Ramapo grad, sister coaches, Michelle and Idania Fernandez, and senior captains Rachael Trover, Lauren Ver Hage and Haley Gott.

“This was by far the most talented and motivated team that I’ve been around,” Trover said.

“THIS WAS BY FAR THE MOST TALENTED AND MOTIVATED TEAM THAT I’VE BEEN AROUND.” Ramapo’s dance team poses with the trophy after winning first place in the National Dance Association Collegiate Division III National Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla. Photo courtesy of Angela Mossa

Fifteen teams from around the country, including schools from Kansas, California and Texas, competed, but the Roadrunners came out on top in both the preliminary and final rounds of the tournament. They also took home the Most Innovative Choreography Award.

“As a senior, finishing with a National Championship is a dream come true,” Gott said. “All of our hard work paid off, and I couldn’t be happier for our team.”

The road to this monumental victory was not an easy one, and it required hard work that started all the way back in August.

- Rachel Trover, senior

As this momentous season has come to a close, the team is already beginning to plan for their title defense next year. Tryouts for the 2012-2013 squad start April 30. rsorce1@ramapo.edu

Roadrunners Show No Chivalry in Wins over Gothic Knights BASEBALL RAISES WIN STREAK TO NINE WITH NJAC TOURNAMENT BID IN SIGHT

By BILL PIVETZ Staff Writer

The baseball team expanded their winning streak to nine games after defeating Drew University yesterday. Photo by Steve Fallon

RAMAPO

sports

Ramapo’s baseball team won both games of a doubleheader against New Jersey City University on Saturday.

The Roadrunners came into Saturday with a 4-4 New Jersey Athletic Conference record and 18-7 overall mark. The NJCU Gothic Knights entered with a 1-7 conference and 11-16 overall record.

Entering the day with a four-game winning streak, the Roadrunners looked to keep their momentum going as they try to make a bid for the NJAC tournament.

The game started off on the wrong foot for the Roadrunners, as the Knights scored two runs in the first two innings.

The Roadrunners tied the game at two in the third inning with hits by junior Dave Jacob and seniors Marco Carolla and Dan Moreno.

The Knights took the lead when Alex Weinstein scored off a wild pitch. They added another run when designated hitter Mike Paterson scored off an error. Junior Christian Spurr cut the lead in half with an RBI double, scoring Jacobs.

The Roadrunners broke the game open in the sixth inning. Freshman Chris Werr started the inning with a single, later scoring off a single from sophomore

FRIDAY Softball at. Hunter College (doubleheader) at 3 p.m.

Baseball vs. Rutgers-Newark at 3:30 p.m.

Men’s Tennis vs. The City College of New York at 4 p.m.

John Capuano. Carolla hit an RBI single, bringing in Capuano. Spurr got another RBI with a single, driving in Jacob. At the end of the inning, the Roadrunners were up 8-4. Ramapo added three more runs in the eighth inning for some insurance, making the final score 11-4.

“THE DUGOUT ATMOSPHERE IS POSITIVE. IT’S GOOD. IT FEELS GOOD TO START WINNING AGAIN.” - Chris Webb, freshman

The second game was a little closer than the first. The Roadrunners took a 1-0 lead in the second inning with a run from junior Matt Hancock. The Knights took the lead back by scoring two runs in the third. The Roadrunners exploding in the sixth inning again, scoring three runs to take a 4-2 lead.

NJCU scored one run in the seventh to cut the lead in half, but Ramapo answered with one in the eighth to seal a 5-3 victory.

The Roadrunners defeated Baruch College Sunday afternoon by a score of 227. Ramapo produced 19 hits with 18 RBIs. Freshman Kevin Case had three hits and

SATURDAY Baseball vs. TCNJ at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Men’s Tennis vs. York College at 1 p.m.

Softball vs. Rutgers-Newark at 1 p.m. (DH)

SUNDAY Softball vs. Albright College at noon (DH) Men and Women’s Track and Field - Roadrunner Express

three RBIs. The Roadrunners showed great plate discipline by walking 10 times.

With the sweep of NJCU and wins against Baruch College and Drew University, Ramapo improved their overall record to 23-7. They are tied for third place with William Paterson and The College of New Jersey. The Roadrunners have now won eight in a row.

“The dugout atmosphere is positive. It’s good,” freshman Chris Werr said. “It feels good to start winning again.”

Despite the winning streak, head coach Rich Martin feels the team can improve.

“We’re making too many mistakes,” Martin said. “We need more concentration in our at-bats.”

With only nine games left, the Roadrunners have their eyes on the NJAC tournament. “Every game is important. Our goal is to get back into the tournament,” Martin said. “If we continue to play hard, we’re hoping the sky is the limit. We just have to avoid the injury bug.”

The Roadrunners face Rutgers-Newark on Friday and TCNJ in a doubleheader on Saturday. wpivetz@ramapo.edu

TUESDAY Softball at Montclair State University at 3 p.m. (DH) Men’s Tennis vs. Manhatanville College at 3:30 p.m.

Baseball at Manhatanville College at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 14 The Ramapo News

Men’s Volleyball Falls Short in Skyline Championship Finals

By DAN GEARY Staff Writer The men’s volleyball team’s hopes of reaching the Division III Championship Tournament were crushed following their heartbreaking loss in the finals of the Skyline Conference Championship.

Number one seed Kean University overpowered Ramapo, the number two seed, in the four-team tournament. Kean won the match 3-0 with set scores of 25-21, 25-18 and 25-23.

“They came to play in the early sets, and we didn’t,” head coach Don Vanderbeck said. Ramapo, the early favorite to win the Skyline Conference, earned a number one ranking in the preseason that was one win away from proving true.

“IT WILL BE REDEEMING FOR OUR FOUR-YEAR GUYS [COLIN MCNEILL, MIKE HREHOVCIK AND PAUL KONOPACKI] TO END THEIR CAREERS WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP.” - Don Vanderbeck, head coach

Vanderbeck added that Kean’s home court advantage played a factor in Ramapo’s loss.

During the season, the teams met twice, with the home team winning each time.

Kean ultimately won the tiebreaker, which gave them the number one seed and home court advantage in the tournament.

Ramapo lost a lot of close matches during the season and also battled through other

obstacles. The players suffered many injuries, especially during the middle of the season.

“It wasn’t an easy season injury-wise, which made it hard to keep a steady lineup and practice routines,” Vanderbeck said. He also believes that with “a few points scored here or there” the team could have earned “maybe four more wins.”

On Saturday, the team will travel to Beverly, Mass., to participate in the fourteam Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship. Ramapo, the number one seed, will play against fourth seeded Daniel Webster. The winner of that match will face off against the winner of the Endicott/Albertus Magnus match for the championship.

Although Ramapo did not play Daniel Webster or Albertus Magnus this season, they defeated Endicott 3-1 in Florida on March 16.

“It will be redeeming for our four-year guys [Colin McNeill, Mike Hrehovcik and Paul Konopacki] to end their careers with a championship,” Vanderbeck said.

Konopacki was recently named to the First Team of the Skyline Men’s Volleyball All-Conference Team. He tallied 222 kills, and his 15 service aces rank him third on the team.

The ultimate success level of the men’s team for the season will be determined after the ECAC Tournament, and their head coach is very confident in his team’s chances.

“If we play the way we are capable, we should have no problem winning.” dgeary@ramapo.edu

Softball Stomps NJAC Rival Stockton in Doubleheader

By LARISSA LOHMAN Staff Writer The Ramapo softball team beat Richard Stockton College in a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon with a 4-3 victory in game one and a 2-1 win in game two.

The Roadrunners gained an early lead in the bottom of the first inning when senior outfielder Tiffany Fischer hit her first home run of the season to left-center field to score a run for the team.

Immediately after, senior outfielder Danielle Rothenberger hit a home run to left field, bringing in another run for the Roadrunners to raise the score to 2-0 at the end of the first inning.

Stockton retaliated in the third inning, scoring one run to decrease the deficit.

Rothenberger answered right back in the bottom of the third inning, hitting another home run, her seventh of the season, to bring the score to 3-1.

Stockton picked up the momentum in the sixth inning, scoring three runs to tie the game after a walk loaded the bases. The Ospreys then hit two in a row, quickly tying up the score to 3-3.

With both teams not letting up any runs, the game went into eight innings until Fischer made contact again to score the game winning run for the Roadrunners to make the final score 4-3.

In game two, the Roadrunners kept up the pace set by their previous win, scoring two runs early. Rothenberger had an RBI, followed by junior catcher Lisa Orlando’s RBI, making the score 2-0.

The Ospreys scored their only run in the top of the seventh inning, ending the game

After beating New Jersey City University in a doubleheader on Tuesday, the Roadrunners have bolstered their record to 23-5. Photo by Steve Fallon

with a 2-1 loss.

Senior pitcher Lauren Shaw gained two wins for the Roadrunners, pitching 10 innings combined to increase her win total to 13. She relieved sophomore pitcher Nicole Schneider in the sixth inning of game one and returned to the mound for the second match to hurl a complete game.

After sweeping New Jersey City University in a doubleheader on Tuesday, Ramapo’s record now stands at 23-5 overall and 8-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, where they are ranked in fifth place behind Montclair State, Kean University, William Paterson and Rowan.

The Roadrunners return to play today on the road against Moravian College in a doubleheader beginning at 3:30 p.m. llohman@ramapo.edu

Women’s Lacrosse Dominates Sage College in 19-2 Beatdown TEPEDINO SCORES EIGHT GOALS IN RAMAPO’S HOME FINALE, SENIOR DAY

By KATIE BRUNO Staff Writer The Ramapo College women’s lacrosse team had a successful outing against Skyline Conference rivals Sage College, defeating the Gators by a score of 19-2 on Saturday.

The Roadrunners got right to work with a goal 31 seconds into the game by senior Adrianna Tepedino, assisted by senior Amanda Barretta. The Gators quickly responded with a goal to tie the score at one.

“OVERALL I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH HOW OUR TEAM PLAYED TODAY. WE DID NOT STOP WORKING HARD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE GAME.” - Adrianna Tepedino, senior

Ramapo answered back with Barretta scoring off a pass by junior Amanda Ferry.

Just seconds after the draw was taken after

Barretta’s goal, Tepedino netted her second goal of the game. Sophomore Teresa Gustafson advanced the Roadrunners to a 4-1 lead with a goal off a free position shot, and Barretta made the score 5-1 off of a pass from Tepedino.

The Roadrunners’ lead increased to 9-1 before the Gators scored their second goal of the game. At the end of the first half the Roadrunners were up 13-2.

Ramapo showed no mercy in the second half. Within two minutes of play they tailed another goal, making the score 14-2. The Roadrunners accumulated four more goals, scored by Ferry, Barretta, Alyssa Krall, Lindsey Jachens and Tepedino, throughout the rest of the half. At the end of the game, the Roadrunners had a 17-goal lead over Sage, and Tepedino helped that by scoring a total of eight goals throughout the game.

Freshman goalie Reagan Vier tallied a total of 6 saves throughout the game.

“Overall I am so impressed with how our team played today,” Tepedino said. “We did not stop working hard once throughout the entire game.”

This victory puts Ramapo’s record at 5-7 overall and 2-5 in the Skyline Conference.

The Roadrunners are 5-8 this season after topping the Gators 19-2 last Saturday in their last home game of the regular season. Ramapo will close out the year on the road against Rowan University this Saturday at 1 p.m. Photo by Steve Fallon

Tepedino felt proud to win her last home game.

“This win was a great way to end my lacrosse career on our home turf, and I couldn’t be happier,” Tepedino said. “But I am really going to miss this season and the

great group of girls I was fortunate enough to play with.” kbruno2@ramapo.edu

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Ramapo News Page 15

Kentucky Basketball Starting Five Takes Talents to Next Level DAVIS, KIDD-GILCHRIST EXPECTED TO LEAD STRONG 2012 NBA DRAFT CLASS

By RYAN HOHNER Staff Writer University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari brought his five starters together to win a NCAA National Championship, and now their next challenge will be the NBA. On Tuesday, freshmen Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, along with sophomores Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb declared for the NBA draft.

Kentucky’s starters have drawn many comparisons to Michigan’s legendary “Fab Five,” which featured top college prospects and future NBA standouts Chris Webber, Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose, because each team put their egos and individual motives aside for the common goal of winning.

Granted, Kentucky may not have revolutionized the size of shorts on the court or originated trash-talking and passionate displays of emotions following marginal plays in the game of college basketball.

Kentucky’s three freshmen and two sophomores did something that Michigan’s team could not - they won a title.

The Kentucky Wildcats completed a 38-2 regular season, capped with a championship

The Kentucky Wildcats will have to find a brandnew starting lineup next season after all five of their regulars declared for the 2012 NBA Draft. Photo courtesy of Megan Robertson, Flickr Creative Commons

that sophomore sensations Jones and Lamb saw as destiny. Both Jones and Lamb were projected first round picks in the 2011 draft if they declared, but they chose to pursue a National Championship.

The Wildcats did just that, and now Calipari’s assembled squad of Davis, KiddGilchrist, Teague, Jones, Lamb and sixth man Darius Miller have their eyes on a new prize. And that’s a mighty fine payday before they grace the courts of the real show, the NBA. The NBA draft, which is set for June 28, 2012, however is not necessarily a sure thing for all of these top college players to be drafted in the first round as they begin the next chapter in their young careers.

Kentucky’s team, which drew a lot of attention as an NBA caliber team with five starters that all averaged double-figures in points, will certainly be drafted, but the question is where.

Although the NBA lottery, which determines the draft order for the top 14 picks in the draft, has yet to be conducted, Davis appears to be a shoe-in for the number one pick. Davis’ versatility and wingspan helped him averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks this past season, which will attract almost every team to invest in the big-man as their top selection.

Kidd-Gilchrist and Jones are definitive top-10 picks that could fit very well into teams that are seeking an agile, athletic presence at the small or power forward

position in their lineup.

Lamb and Teague will most likely be late first round picks, but there are no guarantees. Lamb, who is a knockdown shooter, will be an added commodity to any team at the next level seeking a player that can spread the defense.

“ON TUESDAY, FRESHMEN ANTHONY DAVIS, MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST AND MARQUIS TEAGUE, ALONG WITH SOPHOMORES TERRENCE JONES AND DORON LAMB DECLARED FOR THE NBA DRAFT.” Teague, whose older brother currently starts for the Atlanta Hawks, is an exceptional ball handler that navigates the court well.

Speculation will run rapid in the approaching months leading up to the draft, but one thing is certain: Kentucky’s National Championship starters will be wearing different jerseys next fall. rhohner@ramapo.edu

Fantasy Baseball: Breaking Down Early MLB Season Results JETER FINDS FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, JON SHOWS NIESE UPSIDE IN OPENING WEEKS

By ANDREW GOULD Sports Editor Two weeks into the season, fantasy baseball players are likely overreacting to small sample sizes and panicking if everything has not unfolded according to plan.

While it is important to not jump the gun and make a rash decision based on 11 or 12 games, this time of the year could be ideal to capitalize on another owner’s eagerness in a trade or add an impact free agent for the rest of the year.

Here are a few players that have jumped off to noteworthy starts. While some players’ early performance could indicative of things to come, others create a good opportunity to either buy low or sell high.

Who’s Hot Andre Ethier – The Dodgers’ outfielder has jumped off to a scorching start. In 11 games, Ethier has hit four home runs and a league-high 17 RBIs. After only hitting 11 home runs in a disappointing 2011 season, Ethier might appears poised to bounce back, but don’t get overly excited just yet.

Ethier, a career .323 hitter in April, usually starts the season strong, so people who roster Ethier should consider trading him while his value stands at its highest.

Derek Jeter – Midway through last season, the legendary Yankees shortstop looked down and out. At the All-Star break, he was hitting .270 with three homers, eight stolen bases, and a .353 slugging percentage. He fared much better in the second half, and he carried that momentum

into this year. “El Capitan” is hitting .389 in 12 games and has already smacked four balls out of the park. Talks of his demise were premature, but his tendency to hit ground balls and lack of speed cannot be ignored. Jeter can hit more than six homers this year, but he’ll probably peak at around 12. Somebody might overpay based on his reputation, so put him on the trading block.

Jon Niese – One of these years, the Mets’ young lefty will put everything together and develop into a dependable big-league pitcher. This could be the year. In his first two starts, Niese posted a 2.13 ERA, striking out 12 batters in 12.2 innings. It is a small sample size, but his numbers last season suggest that he suffered from a bit of unfortunate luck. He posted a 4.40 ERA, but according to FanGraphs his fielding independent pitching (FIP), which measures a pitcher’s performance without taking defense into account, stood at a more appealing 3.36. Owned in 46 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Niese would be a good addition to anyone’s squad.

Who’s Not Eric Hosmer – Many fantasy baseball analysts expected Kansas City’s young stud to set the world on fire in his sophomore season. So far, Hosmer is batting .167 with two home runs and a stolen base. If his struggles continue, all the preseason hype will turn into panics from owners thinking they instead reached for an improved commodity. While that remains a possibility, remember why everyone loved Hosmer so much a week ago. In 70 games after the All-Star break last year, Hosmer

tortured opposing hitters with a .314 average, 11 home runs, 44 RBIs and nine steals. According to FanGraphs, Hosmer’s batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is .176, which suggests that Hosmer’s slow start is the result of bad luck. There is still plenty of time for Hosmer to live up to the hype.

Tim Lincecum – Is anyone else worried about Big Time Timmy Jim? In each of the past three seasons, Lincecum’s strikeout rates declined and his walk rate rose, both negative signs for a pitcher. He hurled at least 212 innings in each of the last four years despite his small, 170-pound frame.

In three starts this year, Lincecum has a 10.54 ERA and 1.90 WHIP. Since he also struck out 16 strikeouts and only issued four walks in those appearances, there is still time before panic mode begins. He could be a good buy low option in a trade, but only if he can be obtained at a discount.

Francisco Liriano – He fooled everyone, yet again. A horrible 2011 season should have been enough to scare everyone away, but he reeled them all back with a dominating spring. Liriano allowed five earned runs in each of his first three starts and walked more batters (nine) than he stuck out (eight). Considering his 5.09 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, this probably should have been expected. Since two of his starts came against the Yankees and Angels, wait a couple more starts before cutting ties with Minnesota’s 28-year-old lefty. agould1@ramapo.edu

Former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum has allowed 16 runs in his first three starts for the San Francisco Giants this season. Photo courtesy of SD Dirk, Flickr Creative Commons

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Page 16 The Ramapo News

SPORTS

LATER, GATORS

The Roadrunners squashed The Roadrunners squashed the Sage the Sage College 19-2 on Saturday.

College Gators 19-2Gators on Saturday.

Photo by Steve Fallon