Volume 54, Issue 27
Thursday, January 28, 2010
STAYING HEALTHY IS A POSSIBLITY ON CAMPUS By Ivanna Avalos
Arts and Entertainment Editor
KENNETH HO / THE STATESMAN
Although some students might not think so, the Roth food court is one of many campus locations that offer healthy alternate choices.
In the Quest for Marriage Couples Face Long Path By Frank Posillico News Editor
ISSUE
IN THIS
All Daniel R. Pinello and Lee Nissensohn wanted was to get married. In protest, they walked through the doors of Oyster Bay Town Hall two summers ago asking for a marriage license. They were denied, and all they could do was stand there in civil disobedience and be issued summonses for trespassing. “On that day, everything kind of changed dramatically for us,” said
Pinello, a non-practicing attorney, who before that day never broke a law in his life. Pinello and Nissenshon are just two of the thousands who are unable to say ‘I do’ to the one they love. Across the country, marriage equality has become a heated issue. In the last year alone, Iowa and Vermont have legalized same-sex marriage, while in New York the bill was defeated 38 to 24 in the senate, ending the debate until the next election. In New Jersey a bill was also
recently defeated in January. Marriage, or the ‘M word,’ as Pinello puts it, has a religious meaning to people. According to a May 2009 Gallop poll,, 47 percent of people in the United States believe that marriage between couples of the same sex should be legal. But when the question is reworded and the word marriage is taken out, 56 percent said gay and lesbian couples should be legally recognized. Marriage has a rich religious history and a more modern legal definition.
The debate that many hear is about religious issues rather then legal rights. They want the ability to care for their dying spouse and not worry about medical insurance coverage. “Marriage is complicated,” said Michael Kimmel, a professor of sociology at Stony Brook University who studies gender. “It’s two things at once and we have a hard time disentangling them.” The reasons for marriage See MARRIAGE on 3
The line for the salad station at Roth Food Court, one of Stony Brook University’s dining halls, has grown longer each day throughout the semester, as students try to eat healthily on campus. Freshman Denise Conejo, from Manhattan, said maintaining a healthy lifestyle during college is important to her. “I have an under-active thyroid; it affects my weight gain,” Conejo said. “I have to be careful what I eat. I gain weight rapidly because of my thyroid.” According to a recent study, conducted by four researchers in collaboration with The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, there is more to the notorious “Freshman 15” than most students are aware of. Despite the common weight gain among college students, especially among freshmen, the university provides students with the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle during college. The research was based on two studies, which focused on the weight gained during students’ freshman and sophomore years. In the first study, the researchers used a group of 382 students from an unnamed public university in Indiana, from 2002 to 2003. The second used a group of 382 students from an unnamed private Northeastern college, during the 2005 to 2006 school year. Their study found that students gained weight during
their freshman year, but not necessarily 15 pounds. A student is more likely to gain five to seven pounds his or her freshman year, but will continue to gain more weight the following year—two to three pounds more. Students at the public university gained more weight than those at the private college, though the study does not suggest why. “Students complain about weight gain every year, it’s not limited to first year,” said Stony Brook Campus Nutritionist Leah Holbrook. She works as a part of Student Health Services. “I’ve gained 20 pounds since high school,” said senior Alex De Leon. “I’m just trying to watch what I eat now,” he added. Holbrook helps students with various health issues and personal diets. She sees students in a one-on-one session and assesses how much help they need, whether they need quick tips on how to eat healthily on campus or long term help, such as those who are excessively overweight or obese. “I’ll generally see a patient two or three times depending on their case,” said Holbrook. Holbrook’s sessions are a free service provided by the university for undergraduate students. Students can meet with her for 12 sessions a semester. Exercise was a big factor in weight gain among college students. Holbrook said many students tend to become less active during college than they were in high school. She said See HEALTHY on 6
Chilling Out When the Heat Is On
La Roux Emerges From Mainstream
INDEX
Academics are the reason that all of us came to college. Sometimes though, the work gets so intense and prolonged that our grades actually begin to suffer. A student
Having dominated the British airwaves with infectious electro pop beats and ethereal, yet aggressive vocals for the past year, La Roux is set to break the American Top 40 this
News...............3 Opinion...............5 Arts.....................7 Sports ................11
today faces so much stress and pressure that it begins to take a serious toll on their attitude and day to day well being... See HEAT on 5
year, if her rise from the underground keeps up. The 21-year-old London native Elly Jackson, known for her androgynous looks... See LA ROUX on 7
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The Statesman
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Presidential Mini-Grant Program 2010
President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching as Part-Time Faculty
A
s part of President Stanley’s commitment to improving the student classroom experience and furthering diversity at Stony Brook, the President’s Office is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Presidential Mini-Grant program.
N
ominees must have taught at least four semesters within the four years preceding the academic year in which they are nominated. Files should include a letter from the chair of their department addressing their outstanding role in the classroom, student course evaluations, and letters from individual students and colleagues that address evidence of superior teaching and other professional activities.
This grant program focuses on improving teaching and learning at the University by providing funding and recognition to those departments and individuals who undertake projects designed to advance the Diversity aspect of the University’s mission.
Nominees must demonstrate: ability to incorporate their professional background and experience outside of the classroom into their teaching by connecting students with the world beyond the University setting; ability to generate innovative curriculum or new teaching approaches by incorporating contemporary material from their professional experience; ability to serve as mentor or role model in an area in which the part-time faculty member has extensive nonacademic and/or practical experience.
Departmental Diversity Initiatives Mini-Grants are designed to facilitate the re-evaluation and restructuring of a department’s educational philosophy and/or programs with regard to diversity. The deadline for application for a Mini-Grant is February 22, 2010.
Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 09120547
Monday, January 25, 2010
Award amount is up to $10,000 per grant. For application forms and further information, interested faculty and/or department chairs should visit our Web site, www.stonybrook.edu/pres, or contact George Meyer in the President’s Office at 632-6270.
Nomination packets must be submitted to the President’s Office no later than February 22, 2010, and should comprise ten copies of each: a letter from the chair of the nominees’ department primarily addressing the part-time faculty members’ outstanding role in the classroom, as well as evidence of other significant contributions to the department; student course evaluations reflecting the qualifications listed previously, either computer-tabulated or narrative; letters from individual students and colleagues that address evidence of superior teaching and other professional activities.
Please send the applications to: Presidential Mini-Grant Program 310 Administration Building Z=0701
For further information visit our Web site, www.stonybrook.edu/pres, or contact George Meyer in the President’s Office at 632-6270. Award amount is $1,000. Please send the nominations to: President’s Award for Excellence as Part-Time Faculty 310 Administration Building Z=0701
Stony Brook Pride... It Has a Nice Ring To It
The Dr. William McAdoo Presidential Award for Excellence in Diversity and Affirmative Action
S
tudents, faculty, and staff are invited to submit nominations of full-time students or full-time employees to be considered for the Dr. William McAdoo Presidential Award for Excellence in Diversity and Affirmative Action.
To speak with a Balfour representative, visit: Student Activities Center Lobby Monday to Wednesday February 1 to February 3 Student Union Thursday, February 4
Ring Week, February 1 to February 4. The tradition begins with you.
Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 09120547
S
tony Brook is proud to present its official class ring manufactured exclusively by Balfour. Designed in classic signet style, the ring is a unique reflection of Stony Brook pride.
Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.
Nominees must be individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of equal opportunity and affirmative action at Stony Brook by enhancing the University’s ability to respond to the needs of all its constituents. Nominations must be submitted to the President’s Office no later than February 22, 2010, and should comprise ten copies of each: a onepage letter supporting the nomination, an up-to-date and detailed vita, and letters of support from individuals with the University attesting to the contributions of the nominee to the goals of equal opportunity/affirmative action. For further information visit our Web site, www.stonybrook.edu/pres, or contact George Meyer in the President’s Office at 632-6270. Award amount is $1,000. Please send the nominations to: Dr. William McAdoo Presidential Award for Excellence in Diversity and Affirmative Action 310 Administration Building Z=0701
The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
3
NEWS In the Quest for Marriage Couples Face Long Path From MARRIAGE on 1 have evolved over time, from the need for procreation and arranged pairings for economic growth to the unyielding love that two people have for each other that we find in today’s world. According to Kimmel, same-sex marriage is just taking the next step in its evolution. In many areas of the world, this process has already taken the next step. In most European countries, like Spain, the Netherlands and Canada, same-sex marriage is no different from a traditional marriage under the law. Everyone needs to go before a public official to get married,but a religious ceremony is optional. Many opponents of samesex marriage say divorce rates will rise if same-sex marriage is legalized. But in Massachusetts, where samesex marriage has been legal since 2004, the divorce rate has actually decreased and continues to be the lowest in the country, according to the National Center for Vital Statistics. Although most states have yet to legalize some type of same-sex marriage, advocates are pushing even harder. People have been getting married for thousands of years, but the word marriage has a religious history that prevents people from thinking about marriage for what it really is, a legal certificate between two people. “Most people would support civil unions because they support the idea that gays and lesbians should have equal rights,” Kimmel said. “They get confused by the word marriage because it has all those religious connotations.” People on both sides of the debate seem to be in agreement when it comes to the legal issues. “I personally oppose it on a moral ground,” said Jonathan Pu, a student at Stony Brook University and president of the college Republicans. “But in the legal sense I don’t think there’s anything in the American form of government that prevents it, so long as it’s a states’ rights issue.” “What the gay community is looking for is the civil rights,” said Catherine MarinoThomas, the board president of Marriage Equality New York. According to a May 2009 Gallup Poll, 67 percent of Americans polled believe that gay and lesbian domestic
NICK GENOVESI / THE STATESMAN
Signs piled on the sides before a marriage equality rally in October 2009 as students ralied around the Student Activities Center. partners should have the legal rights to health insurance and other employee benefits. Nearly three quarters of Americans -- 73 percent -- say gay couples should have legal inheritance rights. “There is typically a very strong majority support for that,” said Pinello, who is a professor of political science at Manhattan’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice, about giving gays and lesbians the legal rights of marriage. “But you ask them if they should be able to marry then there is not, and it is the word that is this touchstone of meaning.” The only real objection to marriage equality is religion. According to Pinello, people who use this argument really have no validity to what they preach. “If people have strong religious convictions that same sex couples should not marry, then they should not marry someone of the same sex,” he said. “They should not impose their religious beliefs on someone else.” When an argument is based on a moral issue, it is even harder to convince either side that they are wrong. “If you try to convince someone they’re wrong, based on what they believe deep down in their hearts, you will never get anywhere,” Pu said. Gay rights and marriage equality seem to some to be a repetition of the civil rights movement and interracial
marriage during the 1960s. Pinello took his inspiration for his act of civil disobedience directly from the protests of that time. “My feeling is if other same sex couples do a similar kind of thing, it could have a really important snowballing effect.” However, the analogy doesn’t entirely hold up, according to Pinello, when comparing civil rights and gay rights. “Black people really had an overt kind of discrimination against them that was truly harsh and was experienced on a daily basis,” the activist said. “Today we can pass. We can get by without all that much of a struggle.” Only a few decades ago, it was illegal for two people of different races to get married in the United States. Henry Ha, a student at Stony Brook University who organized a marriage equality rally last month said he encountered a couple at the equality march on Washington D.C. who had a sign saying our marriage was illegal too. “Each time a new group comes up with the strength to fight for their rights, we go through the same process,” said Marino-Thomas, pointing out that all civil rights movements eventually worked when the time was right. Although marriage equality in the last year has had its ups and downs, there are still many that hope for a positive future. “My prediction is that
there will be gay marriage, or something equivalent, in the United States by 2020,” Kimmel said. In New York, however, Pinello is less optimistic about the future of a gay marriage bill because of the recent failure of the bill to pass in the Senate and the possible change in the political landscape with the upcoming elections in 2010. When the news broke that the Senate voted down the marriage equality bill, MarinoThomas was heartbroken. But after 15 minutes she picked herself up. “I am not discouraged about it,” she said. “It energizes me because we know where we stand and what we have to do.” The hardest thing, she said, was telling her daughter. “I have to go home now and tell my 10-year-old that the government says her family is not equal to others.” What some on both sides of the issue agree on are civil unions for all. “It should be where marriage is strictly religious with no barring on legal standing and have civil unions for everyone,” said Katie Knowlton, a member of the Stony Brook University Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance. Although he agrees, in theory, that this is a good idea, Pinello says that it will continue to be a uphill battle in our country due to our history of what marriage means to people.
ALEEF RAHMAN / THE STATESMAN
Henry Ha and Chris Moran at the rally they organized in October 2009. “Ideally that is the best solution I think that should keep everyone happy, but it’s not going to,” Pu said. “The reason for that is because the word marriage is so important.” After Pinello and his partner were issued summonses and
the case dismissed, they flew with family and friends to California to get married. Although happily married, they continue to live with the fear that someday their legal rights as a married couple may be taken away.
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The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
FirstAidfortheFinanciallyChallengedStudent • • • • • • • •
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PLUS …
• A dedicated office that deals exclusively with addressing your needs and issues • Multiple convenient locations and schedules • Wide range of job choices in Dining Services
WANT TO LEARN MORE? FSA Student Staffing Resources Office Stony Brook Union Building - Room 250 (631) 632-9306
www.campusdining.org
The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
5
OPINION the stony brook
Statesman
Unhappiest School In America?
Editors-in-Chief Bradley Donaldson April Warren
By Ravneet Kamboj
Opinion Editor Ravneet Kamboj
Stony Brook is titled the least happy college by the Princeton Review, this may be a little extreme but you have to admit that Stonybook sometimes lacks a strong sense of community. A part of this comes from the fact that a lot of the students commute. However, there is no reason that commuters and resident students can't still feel a strong sense of pride and community. A sense of community helps incoming freshmen feel like they belong on campus. There needs to be a feeling that other students are in the same boat as them. This can make the entire campus more social and fun. Stonybrook might have the reputation of being depressing, but in reality, there is a lot to do here and lots of people to meet. The only problem is that a freshman who is just entering
News Editor Frank Posillico Arts & Entertainment Editor Ivanna Avalos Sports Editor Sarah Kazadi Photo Editor Kenneth Ho Copy Editor Yasmean Tamoor Business Manager Frank D’Alessandro Accountant Arthur Golnick First issue free, additional issues cost 50 cents. GET INVOLVED The Statesman encourages readers to submit opinions and commentaries to the following address: Stony Brook Statesman PO Box 1530 Stony Brook, NY 11790 Phone: Fax:
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Email: comments@sbstatesman.org To view previous issues, extra material, and to learn about how to get involved with the Statesman, visit out website at sbstatesman.com. For advertising inquiries, call us at (631) 632 - 6480 or visit us online at sbstatesman.com. WHO WE ARE The Stony Brook Statesman was founded as “The Sucolian” in 1957 at Oyster Bay, the original site of Stony Brook University. In 1975, The Statesman was incorporated as a not-for-profit, student run organization. Its editorial board, writing, and photography staff are student volunteers while its business staff are professionals. The Statesman is published twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the fall and spring semesters. Disclaimer: Views expressed in columns or in the Letters and Opinions section are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Statesman. All content Copyright 2010.
Opinion Editor
school may not have the means or knowledge or desire to go out of their way to find opportunities to socialize and join organizations. College is a time that should be remembered for all the knowledge aquired, as well as the many experiences gained on the way. No one wants to look back on their four years in college and feel a sense of regret about not getting involved in clubs, or just generally getting involved with things happening on campus. The school administration makes a good effort by sponsoring events and trying to raise school pride for sports teams. There is also an involvement fair, where many different organizations and clubs come and show what they have to offer. However this fair only lasts a few hours at best and is crowded and hectic. After the fair, students don’t really have a way to find out about clubs and organizations other than word of mouth or Facebook.
The school needs a comprehensive catalogue of clubs and activities that lists exactly when and where different groups meet and what upcoming events they have scheduled, as well as events scheduled by campus. This information is somewhat available on the school website, but is scattered and hard to find. The combination of showing students where to find clubs, organizations and events all located in one place may be the thing we need to start making students feel more involved. This system would need to be regulated to make sure clubs keep their meeting times and locations current and their list of events updated. The school website about clubs on campus seems to have very old information and does not have any information on some clubs and organizations that do exist. Being involved on campus would benefit us all greatly. We all have friends who go to other schools and tell us the intense
enthusiasm that exists about their spors teams and campus. Students should make the effort to get out there and see what Stony Brook has to offer and campus itself should make it easier for students to do so.
Chilling Out When The Heat Is On By Ravneet Kamboj Opinion Editor
Academics are the reason that all of us came to college. Sometimes though, the work gets so intense and prolonged that our grades actually begin to suffer. A student today faces so much stress and pressure that it begins to take a serious toll on their attitude and day to day well being. Students with extremely challenging majors know that a student must take a break sometimes, even when there isn’t much time left. Students in medical school are advised on their first day and receive advice from professors to take time out to play sports or enjoy a hobby. This isn’t just feel good politically correct advice, but something that is actually very practical. Personally, what works best is something that completely gets my mind off of school work for a short time, something that gives me the realization that as important as school work is, there is more to your life story than just a grade on a transcript. Trying to do something that you enjoy so much that you forget about the stress for a while goes a very long away to keeping you from getting burned out. In fields where the stress is high and time to relax is in short supply, people often suffer something called
whealthyliving.us
‘burnout.' This is where they stop being able to enjoy things that they used to and feel stressed even when not doing anything. This is actually a major problem with people who have high intensity and very draining jobs like cops, physicians and others. This kind of burnout can cripple someone’s work ethic and desire, and really throw a wrench into your schoolwork. This kind of advice has been usually reserved to students in graduate school, undergraduate students are usually left to
fend for themselves, but as competition, expectations and work load increase, this becomes more and more relevant to undergrads. A great thing for campus to do would be to make the mandatory freshmen seminars that students are already required to take and make them about adjusting to the amount of work and stress that some students will face. Doing creative and funny things with your friends also helps, because it helps you live in the moment and not worry about the past or future for a little while. This emphasis on taking care of one’s mental state also translates to a healthier attitude to life after college. Stress today kills many people and sends many people to the hospital. Over the summer I worked in a cardiac care unit and saw many people who came in very sick and some who died, because of how stressful their lives were. Today American attitudes have shifted in a way that people are looking at the destination and not the journey. In Europe, free time is valued and encouraged. This intense work ethic might be a throwback to America's Puritan roots, but on a larger scale, if we all take a little time to stop and smell the roses from time to time, we might actually end up happier than when we are fully entrapped in the working world.
Guidelines for Opinion Submission Letters to the editor or op-ed contributions can be submitted by e-mail at Op-Ed@sbstatesman.org, on our online submission tool at www.sbstatesman.org, by hand at our office in the Student Union Rm 057, or by mailing it to us at the address in the left column. They must be received at least two days before the next printed issue. The Statesman reserves the right to edit or not print any letter based on appropriateness, length, timeliness, or other reasons at the discretion of the editorial board. Letters should be no longer than 350 words, and opinion pieces should not exceed 550 words. Please include your full name (which we may withold if you request it), phone number and email address for verification. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses will not be printed. Letters submitted anonymously or under false names will not be considered for publication.
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The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS
Staying Healthy is a Possibility on Campus
KENNETH HO / THE STATESMAN
The Wellness Center offers many classes and is open for students to work out all week. From HEALTHY on 1
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this is often due to students’ hectic class schedules and not enough time for exercise. As part of the Division of Student Life, the university has a department of recreational programs and exercise classes that are open to students. “There are 169 classes [a semester] … about 36 classes a week,” said Dean Bowen, manager of fitness and wellness programming at the Wellness Center on the second floor of the Students Activity Center, which holds a gym on the third floor and a dining hall on the main. Yoga, Spinning, Cardio Kickboxing, Pilates and Ab Lab are some of the exercise classes that are offered through the wellness center.
Yoga, a popular class held in the dance studio of Pitchard Gym, fills to capacity Wednesday nights with students signing in 20 minutes early in attempts to beat the rush. The exercise instructor, at times, has had to turn away students because the room is filled. The dance studio, an average sized room with floor to ceiling mirrors in the front of the room, holds 32 people comfortably. Cardio kickboxing has students working up a sweat in its 45-minute workout time, with students stretching and marching in place to warm up for the rigorous workout. Within 10 minutes, students are breathing heavily as they try to keep pace with the instructor, who shouts, “don’t
stop” and “ c’mon keep going” as words of encouragement to her students, but she reminds them to take breaks if needed. “Yeah it’s pretty intense,” said junior Krystal Ronquillo, of Queens, about the Spinning class she attends Monday evenings. “You feel it a lot in your legs,” she added. These classes are offered throughout the day Monday thru Friday and are free for all undergraduate students. The Wellness Center also provides students with personal training packages where they can meet with a specialist in one-on-one sessions or in a group of two. Students who participate in this program meet with their trainer and develop a schedule that best suits both of them. Bowen said students generally purchase the five or 10 session packages. One session for a student cost $40 and five sessions would cost $180, while a package for two would cost $140 a session per student. “It’s expensive,” Bowen said. “But it’s an investment.” As of now “we have five faculty/staff and four students participating in the personal training program,” Bowen said. “There are few students taking advantage of the personal training due to a number of things; economy/ budget, price, no time to devote to exercise,” Bowen said. Currently, there are four trainers working with students as part of the Wellness Center’s personal trainer program. “I
look to gain more trainers by co-sponsoring a certification on Campus early in the Spring 2010,” Bowen said. A 2009 report on obesity stresses the importance for physical activity and healthy nutritional choices in children and adults, but does not discuss this in average college age (18-21) young adult. In July, Stony Brook University hired Lackmann Culinary Services, the same company that provides food services for Hofstra University, Adelphi University and Pace University. Stony Brook signed with Lackmann after its contract with Chartwells expired in June. “I like the food better now, the food in the SAC is better,” said Junior Mily Easo, about the food served on campus under Lackmann versus what was previously on campus. Along with a new food service provider and new names came a new nutritional director, Helene Koshner, who had the same job at Hofstra University. Tucked away in a small L-shaped room towards the far right end of the Campus Dining Services offices in the back of the Kelly Dining Hall is Koshner’s office. Koshner herself is rarely a fixture in her office but usually found running around the dining hall. Her responsibilities consist of working with chefs, conducting nutritional analyses on campus foods, dealing with special dietary needs and attending weekly Faculty Student Association
meetings with students and Customer Advocate Dawn Villaci. Every Wednesday, students can converse with Koshner about any questions or concerns they have with the campus food options, pricing, and dining services. “We try to correct what we can,” Koshner said. One of the suggestions Campus Dining Services made was the creation of an alternative food concept in Kelly Dining -- a vegan station. Though the university is making efforts to provide students with healthier options many students are still not happy, particularly freshman students. “It’s horrible,” said Heng Zheng, of Queens, who has lost weight since being on campus, because she said she doesn’t like the selection. “I’m eating less here because of the food options, I don’t know what to get,” said Zheng. “Can’t eat Wendy’s all the time, that’s how you get the freshman 15 or a clogged artery,” she added. Another freshman student, Anthony Imbriano, said he doesn’t think many students are concerned about weight gain or the “freshman 15.” Imbriano doesn’t worry about gaining weight, “I try to eat healthy, but I can’t.” But according to recent research, the college years are a crucial period in a young person’s life, especially concerning their weight. The study on perspective weight gain among college students found that 75
percent of the participants gained weight during their freshman year, specifically in their first semester. According to the study, “Young adults gain an average of slightly less than one kilogram [2.2 pounds] each year, the majority of this appears to be gained during the early 20s. Furthermore, overweight during adolescence has been found to track into adult years.” According to Holbrook eating healthy on campus is possible even though campus living provides students with extra difficulties. “Students want to go to the same places all the time, they have to look at other places, and remember to eat more often,” she added. She said some of these unique circumstances were less time for physical activity and the tendency of students to eat late on campus. According to a New York Times health column, eating a big meal has been associated with weight gain. In the article Dr. Louis J. Aronne said the reason for late night snacking leading to weight gain is because of people are less likely to engage in physical activity before bed and this lack of physical activity causes the body to store calories as fat. Though the research gives some insight into college weight gain, according to the study, the researchers believe there is still not enough information to show how crucial it is to develop and maintain good nutritional choices while in college.
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The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
7
ARTS Burning Breakthrough La Roux Emerges From the Mainstream Quicksand By Yi-Jin Yu
Edfitor Emeritus
Having dominated the British airwaves with infectious electro pop beats and ethereal, yet aggressive vocals for the past year, La Roux is set to break the American Top 40 this year, if her rise from the underground keeps up. The twenty one year old London native Elly Jackson, known for her androgynous looks and striking hair --usually fashioned in a 1950’s inspired quiff-- is the face of La Roux, which also includes co-writer and producer Ben Langmaid. La Roux, French for “the redhead,” refers to Elly’s hair, but the act has become distinguished by her voice, which she referred to herself as the “falsetto in the ghetto” on the La Roux Myspace page. Signed to Polydor Records in the United Kingdom and to Cherrytree Records stateside, La Roux is labelmates with big names such as the already familiar pop sensation Lady Gaga and alternative/indie star Feist. The duo has released two singles and an eponymous
Arts at the Brook This is a new section in Arts that will announce the weekly events on campus to keep the student body informed on the latest in music, movies, theatre and art at Stony Brook.
Music:
RockYoFaceCase returns Monday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. in the University Cafe.
LP. “La Roux,” the debut album, was released in the U.S. on Sept. 29. It is infused with catchy dance pop hooks and finished with stylized synth stanzas, evident in the singles “Bulletproof ” and “Quicksand”. “Bulletproof ” is currently No. 98 on the European Hot 100 Billboard Chart, while the album itself ranks tenth in the Dance/Electronic Albums list. The album sold over a half a million copies according to British web magazine, The Quietus and its success is telling. La Roux was a long term project, beginning in 2006 when Langmaid and Jackson teamed up to combine 1980s inspired tracks with electronic beats, creating movement that pervades throughout the record’s twelve tracks from “In For The Kill” to “Growing Pains.” La Roux’s first album is filled with classic influences from David Bowie and Michael Jackson, to The Cure and Eurythmics. The opening riffs of “Bulletproof ” are recognizable and as memorable as a Duran
Performing at the semester's first show are: This Good Robot, PUi and SlothBear.
Art Galleries:
The Lawrence Alloway Memorial Art Gallery on the first floor of the Melville Library, which hosts the artwork of Masters of Fine Arts second and third year students, has opened its doors for the first exhibition of the year. MFA student, Moira, will have her artwork on display in the gallery from Jan. 25 to Feb. 11. Admission is free.
Movies:
The Staller Center for
Duran standard. The synthesizer, as overplayed as it was two decades ago, is still appealing today, especially with mainstream radio promoting autotune and synths prominently. The best tracks off “La Roux” are “Bulletproof,” “In For The Kill,” “Tigerlily,” “I’m Not Your Toy,” and “Coulourless Colour.” The lyrics may be straightforward and simple, but the defined sound is strong and contagious. “La Roux” is by far rooted in commercial pop than independent electronica. There is enough idiosyncracy in La Roux’s image and the precise, manufactured resonance of the songs to make it enjoyable. Besides, Elly set out to make a pop album, nothing more, as she is quoted in an interview with The Quietus – “it's obviously pop music, but I don't think it's the shiniest album you've ever heard.” The second album is already in progress and NME reports that it will “move away from their trademark '80s-influenced pop sound.” Elly’s comments to the
the Arts hosts its 2010 Spring Semester Films for Campus & Community this Friday, Jan. 29. The Staller Center begins its series with the Japanese film "Still Walking" (includes subtitles) at 7 p.m. and "Big Fan" at 9:15 p.m.
Theatre:
At 1 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 30, a performance of the "Les Contes d'Hoffman" opera will be shown by the Staller Center. The opera, part of The Metropolitan Opera will project on the big screen in Staller Center's Main Stage Theatre. This screening is part of the Staller Center's The Met: Live in HD Series.
LIST.CO.UK
Pictured above is London native, Elly Jackson, 21 of La Roux on the cover of the self-titled debut LP that was released in the United States on Sept. 29th. BBC Newsbeat reveal that she is “into a lot more Italo disco and old funk” and
that “the vocal style will be different” in the upcoming sophomore release.
Comics PhD Comics By Jorge Cham
It seems only logical that La Roux’s experimentation continues on growing.
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The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
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ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS ARTS
1 Question, 4 Friends, 100 Things to Do MTV's "The Buried Life" By Samantha Burkardt Staff Writer
What do you want to do before you die? This is a question that people can fixate on to strive to achieve their goals in life, a question that a lot of people can't give only one answer to. It is also a question that people can answer, but they do not have the means or idea of how to get the one thing they want out of life. Thanks to four guys traveling across the country, they are making people’s dreams come true. MTV’s new series "The Buried Life" premiered Monday, Jan 18, at 10 p.m. and it’s already stirred up a lot of hype with the adventures it has in store. The four men on the show Ben Nemtin, Dave Lingwood, Duncan Penn and Jonnie Penn have their own bucket list with some of the most extravagant
ideas that most would not attempt to try. During the series premiere the guys attempted number six on their list, which was to attend a party at the Playboy mansion. They went as far as buying a giant wooden cake that could hold two of the guys inside while they were dressed up as OompaLoompas. Did they make it inside? You’ll have to watch to find out. The show is not only about helping these four friends cross off things on their list, but it’s also about helping people they meet along the way achieve what they want most. The four guys visited a school in the town nearby and were moved by the underprivileged students and what they hoped to get out of life. When the kids’ teacher said he wished they had one working computer to have in the classroom, the boys started thinking up a plan to buy these kids a new computer. They didn’t have
much money, so that led to break dancing, bad singing, making people laugh and even selling someone the shirt off their back. Those are some of the things they did on a sidewalk to get spare change from passersbys. This show is entertaining, funny and it will make you smile. It’s a breath of fresh air to see people helping others who aren’t as fortunate. MTV is finally giving its audience a show that’s worthwhile, as opposed to the regular drama filled, party going, baby mama and bad relationship spectacles they usually give us. If you are wondering what else the guys are going to try to cross off their list, you can watch "The Buried Life" every Monday at 10 p.m. on MTV. They are people who just want to do some good for the world and there are many who will want to thank them for that. So, what do you want to do before you die?
MTV.COM
Friends (from left) Dave, Duncan, Johnnie and Ben drive across the country in an old bus, attempting to accomplish 100 goals their comprised together two years.
JOIN THE
Conversation Thursday, February 4, 2010 Student Activities Center
On Thursday, February 4, 2010, Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher and approximately 200 SUNY delegates will visit Stony Brook University. As part of Chancellor Zimpher’s strategic planning efforts, she has visited all of the SUNY institutions and is participating in meetings and discussions at seven campuses throughout the state on topics related to the future of SUNY and its institutions.
8:30 am: Open Forum with Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher and other SUNY Officials The Open Forum is a prime opportunity for the campus and greater communities to comment on SUNY’s Strategic Plan 2010. (Visit www.suny.edu/StrategicPlan for more information or to submit questions or comments.)
10:00 am: Conversation on Energy and Sustainability Steven E. Koonin, Under Secretary for Science in the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Koonin’s address to the community will be followed by a question-and-answer period.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
The public portion of the event concludes at 11:30 am; attendance for any part of the event is encouraged. Visit www.stonybrook.edu/sunyconversation for more information. For a disability-related accommodation, please call (631) 632-6320. Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 09120548
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The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT STONY BROOK / HEAD OF HARBOR - New construction. 1 BR, F/Bath, open LR/DR/KIT, Private ENT/patio/park. $1,275 – Includes all utilities/cable/wireless. Immediate. 631-8628955. STUDIO APT starting $600 and 1 B/R apt starting $900. In the heart of Port Jefferson Village. All utilities included, cable, water and heat. Free wireless internet. Parking and bus stop across the street. By appointment only. 631-473-2499.
HELP WANTED
you could pick it up on the way to class... ...but sometimes that’s just too much effort.
DOMINOS PIZZA DELIVERY DRIVERS AND INSIDE HELP WANTED. Flexible hours, great pay, need your own car for delivery. 631.751-0330
www.sbstatesman.org
SERVICES THE CARPET SPECIALIST. Installations, repairs, & restretches. Free estimates. Over 30 years experience. No job too small. 631.567.1426
Stony Brook’s only twice-weekly paper now available online
FAX SERVICE. $0.50 PER PAGE (including cover sheet). Call 632.6479 or come to Room 057 in Student Union.
Spring is when everything turns green…including your bill. Announcing GreenBill, Stony Brook’s leaner, greener, online billing system Beginning Spring 2010
How It Works • Your billing statement will be available in SOLAR. No paper billing statements will be printed or mailed. • You will receive an e-mail notification regarding the payment due date and a link to SOLAR. • You will be able to view your billing statement by logging into SOLAR, navigating to the Student Financial Services menu, and clicking on the link for the “Account Summary/What Do I Owe?” page. • You will be able to pay online with a credit card or e-check, and enroll in the Time Option Payment Plan electronically. • When the student billing system goes green, we'll reduce total paper output by more than 80,000 pages per year. In addition to the environmental benefits, the GreenBill program allows for more accurate and timely bills and alleviates risks associated with paper mailings, such as identity theft, loss of mail, and changes of address. To find out more about the GreenBill online billing program visit: stonybrook.edu/bursar/green or e-mail your questions to GreenBill@notes.cc.sunysb.edu Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 09120492
The Statesman
Monday, January 25, 2010
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SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS
EXTRA POINTS: New York's Future Is Greene Continued from 12 media—and told everyone that would listen that Sanchez and the Jets were winners. New York was thinking green. They believed it, and everyone did for about eight seconds as Braylon Edwards ran 80 yards down the field, managing to actually catch a football, and yes, move it
into the end zone without dropping it, giving the Jets the lead. The honeymoon was over as quickly as it had begun, as Peyton Manning steered clear of Revis Island and instead stopped in at the welcoming ports of the Rest of the Jets Defense, basking in a touchdown for three receivers not covered by Revis. The Colts were the better
football team. Manning is one of the best quarterbacks of all time. But the Jets obliged Ryan and played the part of the contender. Sanchez played good football. His interception hit his receiver, though it was high and wide and happened to in the clutch (thus not great football). But pivotal to the Colts keeping the Jets offense
sputtering in the second half was the loss of rookie running back Shonn Greene. Greene has the potential to be a great running back. Good vision, good power, and good speed--Greene is always dangerous. He’s quick side-to-side, and should he break into the secondary— as he tends to do—he’s not afraid to lower his head and steamroll any defensive back with the guts to step in front
of him. He knows when to cut the ball up the field and can run downhill in traffic, a skill of incalculable value. He will replace Thomas Jones in the Jets backfield next season, but his most important role is knocking the stuffing out of the other teams’ defenses, forcing them to load the box and allowing Sanchez some space to throw.
By Sarah Kazadi Sports Editor
When the final buzzer sounded, giving the Indianapolis Colts a ticket to Super Bowl XLIV and relegating the New York Jets to the offseason, Stony Brook senior Daniel Aldarondo was not surprised. “Even when it was 17-6 late in the second quarter, I think everybody in the room knew,” said Aldarondo, a devout Jets fan and Sports Editor for the Stony Brook Independent. Like many Stony Brook students that tuned in to the AFC championship battle on Sunday afternoon, Aldarondo watched the Colts turn an early deficit into a 30-17 comeback victory, steered by the hand and arm of their MVP Quarterback. “It’s Peyton Manning, you’re kind of silly to think that you have the game in hand even if you’re up by 11 points,” he added. With the win, the Colts sent rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez and the rest of the Jets packing, ending an improbable postseason run that made Gang Green fans seemingly come out of nowhere. Many students
on Stony Brook’s red-hot campus bled green for the duration of the Jets’ playoff run. “A lot of people were like ‘Jets! Jets! Jets!’ on their Facebook statuses,” said senior Kafi Charles, who watched the game in her dorm room with a couple of friends, “Definitely jumping on the bandwagon, for a lot of people,” she added with a smile. On a campus of over 20, 000, it might be hard to decipher between the Gang Green groupies and the diehard fans. But the Jets frenzy that swept the university and football fans all over was expected, according to Aldarondo. “That kind of just comes with the territory,” he said, “It’s New York, it’s exciting, and the Jets haven’t won in over 40 years.” The one time that the Jets won the Super Bowl, 26 year-old Joe Namath was quarterback, and the 18-to-1 underdogs defeated the Baltimore Colts 16-7 for the Super Bowl III title. Since, Jets fans have endured various losing seasons and grown accustomed to the “Same Old Jets.” But this year, sporting the best defense in the
NFL, a new coach and new quarterback, the team attempted to turn things around, and their success helped old Jets fans come out of the woodwork. “People dusted off their [Al] Toon jerseys and their [Wayne] Chrebet jerseys,” said Aldarondo with a smile, “It was fun to watch.” However, the buzz and excitement was not enough to lift the new-look Jets to victory. “The Colts were just the better team,” said senior Brian Morgan, who actually fell asleep midway through the fourth quarter, after the Colts had already established a comfortable lead. “Peyton Manning is just the best player in football right now, and he tore their secondary apart,” he added. Manning completed 26 of his 39 attempts, tallying 377 yards and three touchdowns. The Jets head into the offseason a game short of potentially cementing their names in Super Bowl history. Now, they will have to watch the Colts take on the New Orleans Saints in this year’s Super Bowl, taking place on February 7th in Miami. But the hometown team has a lot to look forward to next year. Sanchez showed promise in the postseason
NICK GENOVESI / SB STATESMAN
Red Hot Students React To Gang Green Loss
If he stays healthy, he will do that. And one day, Sanchez will throw the ball accurately. He’s already gotten better with decision-making and leadership. With Greene relentlessly punching holes in defenses, the Jets will have an offense. Maybe then, Rex Ryan, you won’t have to fool people into thinking the Jets are contenders anymore.
ANDY LYONS / GETTY IMAGES
Jets running back Shonn Greene. run, becoming the fourth rookie quarterback to win his first playoff game. “He has the arm, and it seems like he has the charisma and
he can handle the New York media,” said Aldarondo. Fans, both on-campus and off, will have to wait until the fall to see Sanchez
and the Jets return to the gridiron and hopefully have a lengthier postseason run that results in a parade along the Canyon of Heroes route.
Women's Hoops Heads To UMBC By Sarah Kazadi Sports Editor
KENNETH HO / THE STATESMAN
Junior Kirsten Jeter powers up for a bucket earlier this year. The Seawolves take on UMBC Thursday.
EXTRA POINTS New York's Future Is Greene
By Sam Kilb
Assistant Sports Editor
Twenty-seven years. That’s how long Jets fans had to wait for a season with two playoff victories. As the season came to a close, thanks to a clinical performance from Colts maestro Peyton Manning, one can’t help but hope it will be sooner than 27 years before the Jets win another two playoff games. It’s understandable to feel
The women’s basketball team are on the road again Thursday, making the short trip to Maryland to take on the University of Maryland – Baltimore County Retrievers. It is the first time the teams are meeting since the Seawolves dropped a 7758 decision to the Retrievers last February. On the line is a chance to be in sole possession of fourth place in the conference ranks. Both teams bring a 3-4 America East Conference record into Thursday evening's date, sitting in a three-way tie with New Hampshire to be fourth-best in a group of nine. The plan now is to continue to float amidst the top of the conference ranks, according to junior forward Kirsten Jeter (Elmont, NY). "My mindset going into the UMBC game is to fight to stay at the top of the battle system, rather than fall to the bottom," said the team captain. Stony Brook is also looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Vermont Catamounts Saturday afternoon. Despite Jeter’s stat sheet stuffing 15 points, 8 boards and 4 steals, the Seawolves could not overcome their lack of offensive rhythm and the Catamounts’ hot three point shooting. While the road team discouraged. The incredible culture of losing the Jets have built on in the last few decades may be in Jets fans’ blood. When even the mighty Brett Favre couldn’t change Gang Green’s fortune, surely all was lost. But two draft picks and a new head coach later and the team with no business being in the playoffs was suddenly one win away from football’s biggest game. And more than that--the Jets believed, and so did their fans.
struggled to put points on the scoreboard, Vermont built a comfortable double digit lead and secured it by shooting 57 percent from long range in the second half. At the final horn, Stony Brook found itself in the loss column for the 14th time this season, falling 67-45. “At times we played really well defensively. We just couldn’t get our offense going today,” said head coach Michelle Cherry, “I liked the effort we put in, we just had too many turnovers and not enough shots.” Going into UMBC, the Seawolves will be sure to have a few more fans in the stands compared to other road games. That is because four Seawolves players are from the D.C.-MarylandVirginia (DMV) area, and will have family and friends in attendance. One of them, sophomore center Destiny Jacobs (Glen Burnie, MD) says that the support from the crowd will definitely influence her play. "It makes me more nervous, but at the same time it makes me want to score every time I get the ball," she said with a laugh. Stony Brook will have many opportunities to put the ball in the basket, being that the Retrievers are last in the conference in scoring defense, giving up 67 points a game. With enough points on the scoreboard, and thestingy defense they have shown all season, the Seawolves could return home with a win. Mark Sanchez is not a Super Bowl quarterback. He’s not even a playoff quarterback, and he showed that during the season. It’s okay—he was a rookie. He grew a lot this season. But if you tell a lie enough times, it becomes the truth, and somewhere along the line a man named Rex Ryan had heard this as well. So he went to the highest mountain—the New York Continued on 11