Seawanhaka, Vol. 84, #7 - November 12, 2009 by SEAWANHAKA PRESS

Seawanhaka

Vol. LXXXIV, Issue 7

News

Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus

Nov. 12, 2009

Fi rst Bi -Campus Homecomi ng Party a S uccess Page 4

Arts

LIU Fi l mmakers Wi n Bi g at Thi s Year’s Bi g Mi ni -DV Fest i v al Page 2

Entertainment

New York Incumbents Reeling From Election

New York Gov. David Paterson answers questions at a taped town hall meeting Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at WCNY, in Liverpool, N.Y. (Photo Credit: AP Photo / The Post-Standard, Gloria Wright)

By Michael Gormley

Get Abducted By The Fourt h K i nd Page 10

Sports

Women’s Basketbal l Previ ew Page 17

ALBANY, N. Y. (AP) — Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi has been the go-to guy for two New York governors and on short lists for U.S. Senate, lieutenant governor, governor and attorney general. After Tuesday's election, he's desperately clinging to a narrow lead in his bid for a third term in his county job. He wasn't the only incumbent office holder in for a surprise during this off-year election cycle: — Westchester County Executive Andy Spano, a Democrat, sought a fourth term and lost. — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent, was shocked by a narrow win over a vastly outspent opponent. — The only incumbent in the 23rd Congressional District dog fight, a five-term Republican assemblywoman, couldn't even finish the race.

— Republicans also seized majorities from Democrats in the legislatures in Dutchess, Nassau and Orange counties, while taking a majority in the Poughkeepsie Common Council. Rising taxes, high unemployment, a lingering recession and politicians in charge to blame all of it on can do that. "The public's in a bad mood," Suozzi said Tuesday night. Next year's election will be far more packed with incumbents, most of them bigger targets with bigger names and longer tenures, for voters to consider sending a message. Every New York state legislator, all statewide jobs including governor, 29 congressional seats and both U.S. Senate seats will be up for grabs. "Right now, what we have is an antiincumbent rip tide, not a partisan wave," said Bruce Gyory, the political consultant. He said Tuesday's results have some of the earmarks of 1978, when hard fiscal times under Democratic Gov. Hugh Carey led to a

Republican wave in New York, just years after the immediate post-Watergate era put droves of Democrats in office. "Rarely do you see this anti-incumbent rip tide without a partisan wave," he said. Like in the recession of the mid 1970s, voters were ignoring traditional labels: "It was just anger." And in increasingly blue New York, boosted by the fervor over Barack Obama a year ago, most incumbents now are Democrats. State Republican Chairman Ed Cox says he saw the same thing in the early 1990s, the mid 1980s and mid 1960s. Most famously in New York, such a wave helped little known state legislator named George Pataki defeat Democratic icon Mario Cuomo in New York's governor's race in 1994. The groundswell was called ABC — Anyone But Cuomo. "This is a wave coming our way," Cox said. He notes Republicans bucked a 2:1

See REPUBLICAN, Page 5

BROOKLYN CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS NEWS

Mini Media Arts Festival Surprises in a Big Way By Ian Smith Editor-in-Chief

The Media Arts Department at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus has long been one of the school’s most prolific and successful academic programs. This weekend, the fruits of the department’s labor will be on display for all to see in the form of this year’s Big Mini-DV film festival. This year’s festival, sponsored by the LIU Media Arts Dept. and Screenplay.com, will showcase a diverse range of independent short films, many directed LIU students. Other participants include Current.tv and Third World Newsreel. “A robust group of locations were represented this year,” said Ken Cohen, Associate Director of this year’s Big Mini-DV festival. Featured among this year’s 16 submissions are films from California, Chicago and Iran. Of greater import, though, may be the number of prizes awarded to LIU student submissions this year. LIU student filmmakers took home three of the four prizes given out by the panel of judges, which consists of notable members of the university community, including Kevin Lauth, Dean of the Conolly College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Norman Steinberg, Professor and Director of the Television Writing Program and Rodney Hurley, Managing Director of the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts “The submissions were received very positively by the judges. They said it was difficult to choose the winners,” said Cohen. Frank Zagottis will be awarded the prize for Best Student Narrative Short for his film Just Off Sunset. “Lust, greed and ambition create a dangerous and twisted mix not seen on the Hollywood big screen,” reads the description of Zagottis’ film on the Big Mini-DV website. Fire Cry : What Hip Hop Means to Me, directed by Vanessa Salomon, will take home the prize for Best Student Documentary while Birthright: Mothering Across Difference, directed by Celine Parrenas-Shimizu, will win for Best Professional Documentary Feature. All three are students in the LIU Media Arts Dept. According to Cohen, one of the more unusual aspects of this year’s festival is that many of this year’s writers, directors and producers will be in attendance for the showing of their films. “We feel very fortunate to have 13 of the 16 talents

Page 2

The Shoot, directed by Nina S. Matter, will be featured at the Big Mini-DV festival this weekend. (Photo Credit: Big Mini-DV Festival / LIU Media Arts)

behind these films in attendance this year,” he said. “It’s beneficial for talent to get personal accolades from an audience as well as written reviews.” In addition to the film screenings, there will also be two panel discussions at this year’s festival. The first, titled “Now I Have a Film, What Do I Do?” will focus on “media distribution for young and student filmmakers, including traditional and more cutting-edge avenues of distribution,” according to a Big Mini-DV press release. The panel will be hosted by Ben Sinclair and Joanna Lagstein, both from Current.tv, and Dorothy Thigpen, Executive Director of Third World Newsreel. The second forum will be “Alternative Financing for Your Film,” an industry workshop led by filmmaker Kevin R. Frech. Frech, the director of Bowery Dish, which explored the connection between trendy eateries and gentrification, will discuss alternative methods of financing short films and features, specifically aimed at budding filmmakers. Now in its seventh iteration, the Big Mini-DV festival began in 2000 under the guidance of Kevin Lauth,

Seawanhaka

Director Emeritus and University Liason and Media Arts Dept. Chairman Larry Banks, who is also the festival’s Executive Director. Not content to remain a local, university-oriented festival, Cohen is looking to enlarge its scope in the coming years. “Hopefully we’ll be able to differentiate ours from other Brooklyn festivals and add more new media for artists and festival goers,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for LIU students, staff and faculty to support their own budding filmmakers who may not get the chance to be showcased at Tribeca, the Brooklyn International Film Festival or any of the other, larger local festivals.” The Big Mini-DV festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 – 14, beginning at noon each day in LIU’s Spike Lee Screening Room. Admission is free for all screenings and panel discussions. For more information, visit the Big Mini-DV festival online at www.bigminidv.com or call (718)488-1052.

Nov. 12, 2009

CAMPUS NEWS

Newman Club Holds Fourth Annual Rock-a-Thon to Raise Funds for African Childrens Home Courtesy of the Newman Club

Recently New York City celebrated a job well done and rewarded its baseball heroes with a parade down the canyon of heroes in lower Manhattan. What should be the proper response to our own LIU heroes for a recent job well done on our Brooklyn Campus. Hundreds of students and dozens of faculty and staff collaborated in the Newman Club’s Fourth Annual Rock-A-Thon event on Oct. 27-28. Each year starting in 2006, the Catholic students who form the Newman Club organize an event where volunteers sit on rocking chairs in public and rock back and forth for many hours. They already have sponsors from their friends, families and associates. During the event the rockers ask passersby to contribute more to the cause. From a humble and somewhat terrified start four years ago, this event has grown to be a well known annual event. In the beginning people asked what is a Rock-A-Thon? Now upper classmen and staff are willing to explain that it is an event where we come together to raise money for a home for disadvantaged children in Tanzania and we are now aiding in building a school on the same property. The Newman Club initiated this event but acknowledges it could not be successful without the support of so many other individuals and groups on campus. As far as volunteers go besides the officers and members of the Newman Club there were volunteer rockers from five athletic teams (baseball, volleyball, softball, women’s soccer, and tennis), Christian Fellowship Club, and a fraternity Iota Nu Delta. Of special note is the help given by each of the 27 members of the baseball team who all helped rock for one hour on the first day of the event in their baseball jerseys! The second day was turned over to the female athletes and the volleyball team deserves special mention because not only did each member rock, some rocked for more than one turn on the rockers! Their coaches should be especially proud.

The pre-event donations from staff that came into the campus ministry office were augmented by the sponsors obtained by club members and also by staff from HEOP. Last year the total raised was $7,003. While the club is waiting for the last few donors to fulfill their pledges, the results will surpass last year’s total. Each year it gets bigger, better, and more profitable! Could this be the year the SGA will recognize this event in a special way at its end of the year event? It would be fitting not only for the Newman Club but for the athletes, fraternity, Christian Fellowship members, staff, and HEOP who all collaborated to make this one of the best Pictured: Officers and members of the Newman Club with the Mission Award at St. James Cathedral (Photo Credit: Newman Club) homegrown Blackbird charitable events. Even if the heroes of year the first grade. There are over 70 children being educated this event are left without recognition from within the LIU in Arusha largely because of the charity given through the family, the effort and effects of this program are felt far and annual Rock-A-Thon. Sister notes that not only are the chilwide. Sr. Flora who runs the program for the little children in dren growing in size and wisdom but the tree planted in honor Africa says that without our help four years ago the home of LIU Professor George Sideris is also growing in size and probably would have closed. She also noted that it is because beauty! As the sisters constantly care for George’s tree it is a of our help that they have begun a school. Two years ago they living symbol to them of the LIU Newman Club’s consistent started with a nursery, last year it was a kindergarten, and this caring for the “Hotel of the Holy Innocents.”

Landing Internships Lead to Better Job Prospects For Students By Michael Ng Sports Editor

With only a few jobs to offer, employers are only looking for the best. Many students have taken the initiative to enroll themselves into graduate school as employers are leaning towards candidates with more education. But another factor students need to worry about is experience. One way for students to get a hold of what the professional world is like is through internships. The Office of Career Services is dedicated towards helping students with their resumes and the interview process to help ensure students obtain an internship that will help them get a head start on their careers. The office also identifies potential internship opportunities for students. Leo Gonzalez, a senior business management and marketing major, is interested in business and the entertainment field and has taken the right steps to improve his skills and experience to get a step ahead of other potential candidates.

Nov. 12, 2009

Gonzalez has interned at the Cinema Guild, one of America’s leading distributors of films and videos, and is currently interning for the Digital Media Group at Marvel Entertainment, and credits the Office of Career Services for his success in obtaining these internships. “My student development counselor was April Glassey and she was just fantastic,” said Gonzalez. “She walked me right through whole interview process and she looked at my resume every time I met with her.” Besides the one-on-one advisement that the Office of Career Services offers, MyCareerKey, their online job bank has also been extremely helpful to students like Gonzalez. Students can search for jobs and post their resumes for potential employers to see. “It’s great because I know someone is bound to look at my resume,” said Gonzalez. “I’ve received calls from people who have viewed my resume through MyCareerKey.” Most students find it hard to have the time commitment for an internship and are hesitant to apply for one but “if you manage your time well,” said Gonzalez, “it’s definitely possi-

Seawanhaka

ble to do both. A lot of employers will be glad to work with you to accomodate your class schedule.” Through his internships, Gonzalez has been able to get an abundance of experience as well as build a strong list of contacts through networking. At Marvel, he was able to apply his skills in business and get an insight as to how the entertainment field functions. Interning at the Cinema Guild also benefited Gonzalez a great deal. “I was always interested in film,” said Gonzalez. “I was there during the Academy Awards season and one of the films was nominated for an Academy Award and I got to see how much work and effort goes into promoting the film.” Internships are crucial to have in order to boost your resume when it comes time to applying for a job after graduation. “You get to meet a lot of people,” said Gonzalez, “and there’s the opportunity to obtain a full time job afterwards. Students shouldn’t push to the last minute. They need to do it as soon as possible and gain as much experience as they can and Career Services is there to facilitate that.”

Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS Brooklyn & C.W. Post Come Together for First Bi-Campus Homecoming Party By Kyle Fortune Staff Writer

The week-long homecoming action at Long Island University came to an end on Nov. 7 with its first BiCampus Homecoming Party. The party was attended by students from both the C.W. Post and Brooklyn Campuses. The event was held in the Paramount Gymnasium. The party gave students a chance to network, meeting new peers and served to bring the two campuses together as one. The Bi-Campus party was sponsored by several student organizations including the Student Government Association and WLIU radio. “The party was live but the DJs’ could have done better with their musical selections. Regardless everyone here was cool having a good time partying,” said Pete Nwajoi C.W. Post campus freshman. The party started out a little slow with the front doors closing at 12 a.m. however, toward the end of the party the dance floor livened up. Students from both campuses were out in full force showing off their moves. A large portion of the Paramount partygoers did the electric slide to a few Michael Jackson songs. In addition to the electric slide, several fraternities stepped, representing their brotherhood throughout the night. Many C. W. Post Campus students voiced their thoughts of the First Bi-Campus Homecoming Party, including senior psychology major Kahlil Haywood.

“The party was fine. The best part of it was the time people started dancing. It needs more dancehall for next time though. I most definitively would be interested into coming to a next party here,” said Haywood The overall blending of campuses showed LIU school spirit and togetherness at it’s finest. According to Student Government Association President Mark Hackett, talks to arrange the possibility of Brooklyn Campus students attending a C.W. Post event have been put into motion. At the same time, Hackett tried not to take all the credit for organizing the party himself. “The whole Student Government Association came up with the idea for the party. I had a conversation with C.W. Post’s Student Representative Curtis Dabel over the summer for some Bi-Campus events,” Hackett said. Many students at the party thought having the two campuses together is a good idea. “I don’t see why the party organizers don’t do these Bi-Campus parties all the time,” said first-year graduate student Dan Renahan. In an effort to promote the homecoming party the organizers made sure the first Bi-Campus party was not over looked. “We used everything from Facebook, Twitter, flyers, postings, the school’s large hanging electronic ticker, and our strongest means of advertising -- word-of-mouth,” said Hackett a Communications major. Students looking foward to the next Bi-Campus event on campus should do so by staying alert for fuure postings.

In My Opinion... What are your thoughts on the House’s passing of the healthcare reform bill?

Adriana Rodriguez, Junior, Psychology

“I support it! I’m really excited for it because I don’t have health insurance.”

Samantha Ali, Senior, Psychology & Marketing

“I support it because it allows all Americans to receive the affordable care that they need.”

Rajni Kumari, Sophomore, Pharmacy

Page 4

Pictured: Brothers from Kappa Alpha Psi perform during LIU’s first Bi-Campus Homecoming Party. (Photo Credit: Kyle Fortune)

Seawanhaka

“I support it because it is more affordable.” Nov. 12, 2009

REGIONAL NEWS Republican Leaders NYC Veterans Day Stage Comeback in Parade Honors Fort Off-Year Elections, Hood Victims By Verena Dobnik Democrats Battered

Continued from Front Cover

Democratic enrollment advantage in Westchester County to take the county executive's post as well as a string of town supervisor jobs. Cox sees it as a Republican force now, rather than an anti-incumbent wave. He notes Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef won a fifth term and Erie County elected a bloc of Republican legislators to support the Republican county executive. "This has just been what I hoped it would be, and Westchester is our model," Cox said. "It was a very good day for the Republican Party to get back up off its back," said Assembly Republican leader Brian Kolb of the Finger Lakes region. "But I definitely think there is anti-incumbency out there ... people are really angry." "If the Republicans were in power, they'd be feeling it," said Robert Bellafiore, former press secretary in the Pataki administration, now a consultant. "This was a referendum on incumbency ... People want to see solutions, otherwise politicians will pay, because people are tired of paying." Some Democrats see the same message. "The message from New Yorkers is, 'If you're in, you're out,'" said Democratic Assemblyman Richard Brodsky of Westchester County, a likely candidate for attorney general next year. But incumbents who can effectively make the case that they, too, are disaffected by the political establishment may now have a better shot, he said. That could breath life into people like Democratic Gov. David Paterson, at odds with the Legislature and his own party from Manhattan to Washington; Republican candidate for governor Rick Lazio, who is quietly building a grass roots campaign; and Democrat William Thompson Jr. who shocked the pollsters when he came within 5 points of beating Bloomberg. Now Thompson, considered a possible challenger to Democratic state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli next year, is the face of what voters can do to even the most powerful incumbent in New York. It could also be a further boost to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, a front-runner in polls for governor next year, who can show a record of slapping around wrongdoers in corporate board rooms while staying out of the scandal-and-gridlock partisanship of Albany while Paterson has had to cut spending and threaten layoffs amid blowback by powerful labor unions. "Doctrinaire liberals and doctrinaire reactionaries are going to have a very hard time over the next year," Brodsky said.

Nov. 12, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) — The city's Veterans Day observances Wednesday paid special tribute to the military men and women killed at Fort Hood in Texas and in Afghanistan and Iraq — and to a special elite Marine unit, the Navajo Code Talkers. New York City's Veterans Day parade, billed as the nation's largest, began with a breakfast hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and attended by members of a military group that went to the memorial service for the 13 men and women massacred at Fort Hood. "All those in uniform today are given special treatment," especially because of the tragedy, said Major Lee R. Vartigian, of the New York Army National Guard who served one year in Afghanistan. He escorted the group to the breakfast. The Navajo Code Talkers were special guests at the parade's opening ceremony, where a wreath was laid at the World War I Eternal Light Monument in Madison Square Park. As young Marines during World War II, the Code Talkers used secret Navajo language-encrypted military terms that the Japanese were never able to crack. As the Code Talkers were introduced, the crowd — which include World War II veteran and actor Tony Curtis — let out a loud cheer. “War, although it wasn't good, brought out many unsung people who have contributed to this nation," Keith Little said as members of his Code Talkers unit sat behind him. "Although we have been abused in many ways, we still went out and were first on the front lines," added the 85-year-old Little, who wore the traditional gold Code Talkers shirt and turquoise Navajo jewelry. He called the use of the Navajo code "a very unique contribution" to the war effort. More than 20,000 people were expected at the Fifth Avenue parade, including about 3,000 active-duty military, 1,500 National Guard members and civic and youth groups, organizers said. The parade included marching bands, floats and military vehicles.

Seawanhaka

N A DA A L KH A T I B

A ge : 20

Wh e r e y o u m ay b e s een ar o u n d c am p u s : Health Science Building.

C ar e er a s p i r at i o n s / g o al s : To become a pharmacist.

W h y s h o u l d LI U c a r e t ha t yo u e x is t ? Because I make a difference in pharmaceutical research. R o le m o del s : Prophet Muhammad is my role model because of the love that he has for everyone. F a c eb o o k , My s p a c e o r T wi tt e r ? Facebook. Ch ild ho o d F ea r: Drowning

S i g n : C a n ce r

A d u l t F e ar : Not obtaining my goals

F a v o r i t e T V s h o w s : Grey7s Anatomy. I f y o u c o u l d c h an g e o n e th i ng a b o ut L I U , w ha t w o uld i t be? More student centers should be available. F a v or i t e c l a s s a t L IU : Pharmaceutics.

G u i l t y Pl e a s u r e : Spending too much time on Facebook. F a v or i t e m u s i c : Arabic

F a vo r i te P r o f es s o r : Professor Jochsberger H i d d en T a len t: Reading people

Page 5

OP-ED

Seawanhaka

Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus Newspaper

Long Island University 1 University Plaza Room S-219 Brooklyn, NY 11201

seawanhakapress@yahoo.com Phone: (718) 488-1591 Editorial Staff

Editor-In-Chief Ian Smith Sports Editor Michael Ng

Arts & Entertainment Editor Leonica Valentine Photography Editor Justine Bach Faculty Advisor Hal Bock

Visit us online at www.seawanhakapress.blogspot.com and @seawanhakapress on Twitter! Edi tori al Pol i ces

Opinions expressed on these pages do not necessarily reflect those of the staff. Unsigned editorials are the consensus of the editorial staff members. Opinions expressed in articles with bylines are those of the writers. Letters to the editor must include the writer’s full name and a telephone number. Seawanhaka reserves the right to edit submissions for length and style. Seawanhaka is published by the students of Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus. Adverti si ng Pol i ci es

Display and classified advertisements are available to the general public, Long Island University Clubs and Students. For rate and schedule information, call (718) 488-1591. Advertising is free for all LIU organizations. Ads should be submitted to the Seawanhaka Press Room or Student Activities office. Students, faculty and staff must submit a copy of their ID along with the proposed advertisement. Seawanhaka reserves the right to edit ads for length and style. We also reserve the right to refuse those we feel are unfit to print.

Page 6

Do you find yourself...

...getting headaches from holding in all of your feelings about LIU? ...talking to yourself because thereʼs no one nearby to share with?

...acquiring indigestion after reading a particular article or opinion in Seawanhaka? ...breaking out into sudden fits of anger over a particular national issue?

If you have any of the above symptoms, you shoul d speak to your doctor about wri ti ng your thoughts and opi ni ons to S eawanhaka as a “Letter to the Edi tor. ” E-mai l us at seawanhakapress@yahoo. com

Seawanhaka

“4 out of 5 doctors recommend it.” “1 out of 5 doctors doesn’t have very good taste.”

Seawanhaka

Nov. 12, 2009

CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE

By Ian Smith Editor-in-Chief

I was walking through the quad yesterday, enjoying the unseasonably warm November weather, when I gazed upon a disturbing sight. You know that lovely planter that sits in front of Quizno’s, the one that looks exactly like Long Island (even though we’re in Brooklyn)? I was horrified to see that the ailing summer flowers had been uprooted, replaced with seasonally appropriate winter plants in a variety of lovely colors. New plants. In the middle of November. On the East Coast. I surely can’t be the only one who knows that, in a few short weeks, those plants will be hidden by a blanket of snow and frost. At a time when LIU is in a tough financial squeeze, does it strike anyone as odd that so much money is being wasted on landscaping? I understand the need for an attractive campus, but this just seems a little excessive, especially when there are things of greater importance worth spending money on. As an active member of the campus community, I tend to make full tour of the various campus buildings at least twice a day, visiting various departments and professors to gather whatever I need. On my regular route, I’ve noticed an increasing number of things falling into disrepair. For instance, in the Seawanhaka office alone, there is a vast amount of exposed piping. Our walls are, quite literally, crumbling around us, and this is only a club room. Heck, we don’t even have a light switch. I’d hate to think about how much money we’re wasting in energy alone. All across campus, I’ve come across chipped and broken ceiling tiles, cracked paint and scuffmarks on the floors. There are classrooms in the Metcalfe building that are straight out of the 1970s, with tan walls and hideous pink tiled floors. There are rooms on campus that don’t even have dry-erase boards, a necessity on any modern college campus. The beautification of our campus is a necessary thing, but shouldn’t the interior, the hallways and classrooms traversed with regularity by the student body be just as important as the exterior that the general public sees? This small observation speaks much larger problem on our campus, one that is prevalent in every campus organization, administrative and student-run alike, not to mention the students themselves. We, as a campus, seem to have our priorities all out of whack. I’m well aware that LIU services a large commuter base. Our community contains a great number of continuing education students, many of whom have families, jobs and other obligations to take care of. I understand why these students, generally speak-

Nov. 12, 2009

OP-ED

Episode 7: The Grass is Always Greener...

ing, are not as active in campus life (although there are many exceptions to this). However, this does not excuse the lack of activity of the rest of the campus population. Average-age students, especially dorm residents, should be playing a much active role in order to make this campus a better place. This is a point I’ve harped on before, so I won’t go too in-depth, but seriously guys, do something. In the same vein, SGA should be doing far more to promote campus-based activities, and I don’t mean parties. Although I wasn’t exactly happy with last year’s SGA, I will say that they made a sincere effort to politicize campus, with frequent educational debates and forums. This year, I haven’t even seen a flyer for a single SGA event that wasn’t a party. Yeah, partying is fun, but so is learning something. Maybe if the SGA wasn’t too busy with their own needless squabbling, some interesting things would actually happen. As an organization whose sole purpose is to encourage an active student life on campus, they aren’t doing a very good job. Of course, it is understandably difficult to do any of these things without money, which the university is intent to squander without thinking. Not just the landscaping, but the excessively long elevator renovations (going on since last SPRING, people), the infrastructure improvements to areas that don’t need to be improved (that shiny new office outside of the library’s main entrance) and the excessive wasting of supplies and manpower (why the bursar hasn’t gone completely digital yet, I do not know), all of these things cost money. This is money that could be (better) spent on much needed facility upgrades, especially in the aforementioned M building. Have you seen the equipment in the science labs? It’s like a dungeon in there. There are a lot of things wrong with this campus, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve been hearing from a lot of faculty members that the administration controls the university, often to the detriment of its students, but why should it be that way. It’s our tuition money that funds a good percentage of this place. Why should we be content to lie down and not be heard? This is where we come to learn, and we pay a pretty penny for it. Organize, take action, don’t just be content with what you have, strive for something better. This column here, this is how I do it. When will you do your part? Feel differently? Send a letter to seawanhakapress@yahoo.com and see your name in print!

Seawanhaka

With Domestic Violence, Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right By Leonica Valentine

Arts & Entertainment Editor

The details of Rihanna and Chris Brown’s dispute that led to the filing of domestic violence charges have still not been outlined. In interviews, Brown and Rihanna have both attempted to take the high road by wishing each other success, but why would a young man with a multimillion-dollar income and thousands of fans hit his even more famous girlfriend? Do men hit women without provocation? Brown’s celebrity status allowed him to escape the violent household he lived in. In Rihanna’s interview with Diane Sawyer, her first since the incident, she said the age Brown was when he became famous played a part in how he treated his fame in relation to his past. Freedom was what he acquired and that’s what drove him to assault an “aggressive” Rihanna that night. No fear of consequences… well that’s how she painted the picture. I don’t buy Rihanna’s victim act. Brown had too much to lose by losing his temper. Rihanna admitted that the relationship as a whole was not violent so it seems very likely that Brown was provoked. An interview conducted by MTV’s Sway with Brown at the beginning of his musical career showed him swearing never to be in a relationship involving domestic violence. He explained how his stepfather’s abuse of his mother was scarring. In a recent interview with Sway, his reaction to the situation he is faced with was simply, “Wow.” On Larry King, Brown says he doesn’t even remember the incident happening. This fool can’t even explain himself fully in an interview or come off as remotely genuine. Rihanna is not without blame, but the age excuse is no excuse at all. Young people still have common sense and it is obvious that their relationship was too hot for either of them to handle; even Rihanna admitted in her interview that it was more like an obsession. Rihanna witnessed violence in her home as a youth, so it is hard to understand how she and Brown could find themselves in such a situation. Rihanna said love is blind. Well, it must be if you let a man blacken your eye. This is how her, at times difficult to follow, revelations came across - her playing the victim. How was it that after the incident, she secretly hated him and yet went back to him within weeks of the incident, only calling off the relationship because she did not want the responsibility of being blamed for other girls in similar situations following suit? Rihanna claims to be a strong woman, but admitted that her relationship with Brown went too far, too fast for their young age. Rihanna’s immature response to his “infidelity” got her a busted lip, bruised face and a cloud of pity over the rest of her career. Live your life.

Page 7

SEAWANHAKA GAMES & MORE

“Let me play devil’s advocate, here. Barack Obama wants to win hearts and minds in the Middle East, in the Muslim world, which is a good thing. You know that, as a soldier. We can’t kill all the Muslims.” - Fox News pundit Bill O’Reilly

A r i e s (March 21 - April 19)

L i b r a (September 23 - October 22)

Watch out for people with nothing better to do than complain -- there are more than you can handle all at once, but if you call in reinforcements or just play defense for a while, they should settle down soon.

You and your people need to deal with something that's big and getting bigger -- that nagging voice in your head isn't going to stop any time soon! When you deal with it, all feels right in the world.

Your best friends are closer than ever today, thanks in some part to your own excellent energy levels. Your social presence is even more inviting than usual, is it may be a good time for a party.

You're privy to some sensitive information that comes your way early in the day -- and you need to hang on to it for at least another day. You're good with secrets, so life should just be interesting instead of perilous.

It's a good time for studies, research and other heavyduty intellectual endeavors -- your comprehension is off the charts! You may not have as much fun as you'd like, but you do get an 'A' for effort!

You've got to rein in your temper today -- especially when dealing with authority figures! They may bring you down farther than you want to go, but they're even testier than you are!

You're reaching more people than ever before -- and you should find that they are eager for more! It's one of those days when you can tell that your people are striving for a new kind of intimacy.

Everything seems squared away today -- so it's time to start planning for the future! Your great mental energy is perfect for figuring out what you need to do with your upcoming time off.

Your need for certainty is much weaker than usual, so take the chance to review long-standing plans and arrangements with an eye to improving your position. It's not as hard as it sounds!

There is much more going on with your family than you can see on the surface, so dig a little deeper and see what you can find. It may take quite a while, as you a re somewhat pout of your element.

Use your amazing energy to slingshot yourself into a brand-new job or social position -- you can start almost anything new today, as long as you feel confident that you can handle the responsibilities.

Don't let yourself get too carried away in drama or overthinking situations today -- you need to just deal with what's in front of you as it happens! You'll figure it all out in the near future.

Taur us

(April 20 - May 20)

G em in i

(May 21 - June 21)

C anc er

(June 22 - July 22)

Le o

(July 23 - August 22)

V ir go

Page 8

(August 23 - September 22)

Sc orp io

(October 23 - November 21)

Sagittarius

(November 22 - December 21)

C a p i c o r n ( December 21 - January 19)

Aqu ari us

P is ces

(January 20 - February 18)

(February 19 - March 20)

Horoscopes courtesty of www.astrology.com.

Seawanhaka

Nov. 12, 2009

h ug To

Lo ve

SEAWANHAKA GAMES & MORE Vs.

Man’s Point of View

The Question: Several years ago, I stopped talking to one of my best friends who I’d known since pre-school. I was tired of her ditching me for her boyfriend, and not considering my feelings. I didn’t want to be rude to her, so I told her I was moving away. She moved out of the city awhile beforehand, so she didn’t know that I lied. I spoke to her once or twice after I “moved” but then stopped taking or returning her calls. Five years later, she’s still calling me. What’s the best way to tell her to go away?

Not only are you an awful liar, you’re a pretty terrible person, to boot. As an adult, you shouldn’t have to resort to silly stories to break up a relationship. Would you tell a boyfriend that you were joining the Peace Corps. in order to break up with him? No, you wouldn’t. If this person really was one of your “best friends,” then I find it a little ironic that, in trying not to be rude, you were incredibly rude, especially over something as trivial as her boyfriend. Perhaps you should take another look at yourself; maybe she wasn’t the problem in your relationship.

Woman’s Point of View

Um have you thought about trying, “I don’t want to talk to you, stop calling me?” C’mon, telling her you moved? How old are you exactly? How can you be upset she hasn’t gotten the point when you never told her outright to leave you alone? Grow up and be up front about it. You’ll save yourself a whole lot of trouble. Sometimes you just need to be the witch in order to get your point across...Trust me, you’ve hurt her more in the last five years than you would have if you’d just been up front in the first place.

Last Week’s Solutions

Nov. 12, 2009

Seawanhaka

Page 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Fourth Kind Has Scares, if You Buy It

Mila Jovovich plays the alien-investigating Dr. Abigail Tyler in Olatunde Osunsnmi’s The Fourth Kind. (Photo Credit: www.allmoviephoto.com)

By Raymond Bethea Staff Writer

What if you experienced a dream so frightening that, come morning, its mere memory was enough to stop you from telling anyone about it? In The Fourth Kind, directed by Hollywood newcomer Olatunde Osunsanmi, the terrifying dreams of the members of a small Alaskan town turn out to be much more than that. The Fourth Kind takes place in the remote Alaskan town of Nome, a place so distant that it can only be reached by plane. Over the last 40 years, a number of Nome residents have mysteriously disappeared without explanation, prompting rumors of a government cover up by the remaining townspeople. Enter Dr. Abigail Tyler (Milla Jovovich), a psychologist who is studying the people of Nome, many of whom are suffering from sleep deprivation due to chronic nightmares. Many of the afflicted are seeing the same vision in their dreams, a white owl that watches them for hours. Despite the seemingly innocuous image, most of the townspeople are too afraid to discuss what they saw while they slept. Further complicating matters is the fact that Tyler was recently widowed, her husband murdered while they both slept, and left to care for her two young children by herself. It is revealed that her entire rationale for travelling to Nome was to continue her husband’s research on the town. It is when Tyler decides to practice hypnosis therapy, a technique used to recall lost memories, that events take a turn for the truly weird and scary. The movie’s title comes from J. Allen Hynek’s classification of alien close encounters, the fourth of which is abduction. That should let you in on what to expect.

Page 10

Adding to this heightened sense of fear is Osunsami’s use of supposedly “archival footage” from the case studies of Dr. Abigail Tyler. As some may have noticed from the original trailer, The Fourth Kind purports to be a story based on actual events. This is, unfortunately, a marketing ploy, but with the recent release and success of Paranormal Activity, it’s a pretty good one. It helps that Osunsami’s fake documentary footage is well shot, making it appear as if these various hypnosis interviews and their strange consequences did take place. The convincing nature of the documentary footage, complete with 8mm film grain and video noise, however, effectively diminishes the rest of the film. Quite simply, you’re either going to totally buy into The Fourth Kind or you won’t at all. The archival footage and scenes with recognizable actors are so jarring when placed side-by-side that viewers may have difficulties suspending their disbelief. Jovovich does an adequate job portraying the curious, scared, distraught Abigail Tyler but, let’s face it, she also possesses the acting depth of a toothpick. Elias Koteas, whose name you may not know but face you will recognize from his numerous TV show appearances, has a good turn as Dr. Abel Campos, Tyler’s colleague and therapist. Will Patton, however, is wasted as the clunky, overbearing Sherriff August. The Fourth Kind isn’t going to win any awards for it’s acting, but that’s because the characters only serve to further the story. Unfortunately, the story itself loses some impact upon the realization that, “Oh, hey, none of this actually happened.” Those with an interest in thrillers, UFOs or some good scares will probably garner some enjoyment from The Fourth Kind. However, the film doesn’t really tread on any new ground. Moviegoers looking for something different should probably go elsewhere.

Seawanhaka

This Week At

By Stephanie Carlin Contributing Writer French Film Series

IRENE Thu., Nov. 12 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 p.m. Cavalier’s intensely personal documentary chronicles his attempts to resurrect the memory of his late wife— who was killed in a car accident in 1972—by revisiting the remaining places and things that remind him of her. A beautiful actress, yet a deeply troubled, masochistic woman while she was alive, Irène’s specter haunts every frame of this unsparing examination of grief and catharsis. RICKY Fr.i, Nov. 13 at 6:50, 9:15 p.m. A working-class family living on the outskirts of Paris gets a shock when they discover that their newborn son has a very special gift. Ozon deftly mixes gritty drama and fantasy to create an alternately stark, poignant, and humorous film about modern family dynamics.

PARK BENCHES (BANCS PUBLICS) Sat., Nov 14 at 2, 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 p.m. With over 86 speaking parts, Podalydès has assembled an all-star, ensemble cast including Catherine Deneuve, Mathieu Amalric, and Chiara Mastroianni in this film about the everyday lives of Parisians living in the wealthy suburb of Versailles. Park Benches is a witty, incisive examination of contemporary France and urban alienation that was a huge success on its theatrical release in France.

PLEASE PLEASE ME! (FAIS-MOI PLAISIR!) Sun., Nov. 15 at 2, 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 p.m. Mouret—whose deadpan style has earned comparisons to Buster Keaton and Woody Allen—directs and stars in this romantic comedy about a hapless guy caught between two women…one of whom just happens to be the French president’s daughter. This is an outrageous, racy screwball romp about love, sex, and desire. DETOUR Intro by Noah Isenberg before 6:50 screening Mon., Nov. 16 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:30 p.m. B-movie maverick Ulmer used minimal sets and gritty, shadowy cinematography to lend this unsparingly bleak noir—about a hitchhiker who gets mixed up in blackmail—a gut-wrenchingly claustrophobic atmosphere of relentless dread. “…haunting and creepy, an embodiment of the guilty soul of film noir” (Roger Ebert).

BIKING RULES PSA FESTIVAL Tue., Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Transportation Alternatives, New York City’s leading advocates for bicycling, walking, and public transit, kicks off its new campaign, Biking Rules, with a film program comprised of short narratives, animations, and documentaries that promote bicycling in New York City. A WELL PAID WALK (DOBRE PLACENA PROCHAZKU) Q&A with Miloš Forman moderated by Scott Foundas Wed. , Nov 18 at 6:50, 9:40 p.m. A comic “jazz” opera originally staged by Prague’s subversive Semafor Theater in the 1960s and filmed for TV by a young Miloš Forman, A Well Paid Walk follows a couple on the rocks who feign marital bliss and parenthood in order to earn an inheritance.

Nov. 12, 2009

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

From Left: Catherna Davius, Nursing major, third year; Michelle Lawton, English major, sophmore; Elizabeth Dacius, Occupational Therapy major, freshman; Johnathan Ladines, marketing major, sophomore. (Photo Credit: Leonica Valentine)

Skinny Jeans a Do and Don’t

By Leonica Valentine

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Size doesn’t matter, but fit does. Too often females wear skinny jeans that reveal butt-cleavage, which should be an indicator that they are too small and/or the wrong cut. One shouldn’t consider herself either lucky or a trendsetter when that pair of skinny jeans covers the butt-cleavage, yet pushes everything up and over the waistline (colloquially referred to as a “muffin top.”) Waist sizes vary by manufacturer. Do research before choosing Forever21 brand jeans over New York & Company. A medium waist is 28.5 inches to 29.5 inches according to New York & Company. However, Forever21 lists their medium waist as 27 inches to 28 inches.

Nov. 12, 2009

When attempting to minimize the waist, depending on your figure, skinny jeans do not always achieve their signature skinny look. A well-fitting boot cut jean might do a better job. Pair them with a V-neck t-shirt or tunic to elongate the figure, creating a skinnier-looking physique. When it comes to skirts or suit jackets, it is imperative to be able to zip it up to the top and still maintain function… like breathing. Are skinny jeans meant for a male physique? Studies show baggy jeans actually change the way men walk. The restriction baggy pants have can’t be worse than skintight jeans. Not being able to properly get up the stairs and looking like a female from behind does not scream masculinity. The male skinny jean trend seems to be squeezing the life out of the baggy-pant swag, not to mention

Seawanhaka

pair of vital male extremities. As European fashion trends the propensity for men to bright colors become more mainstream, the more likely it is to see men with man-bags. When did it become fashionable for men to dress like a woman? Publically owning your sexual preferences is a sign of social progress, but do young men know how they should dress? Or, are these trends sweeping away the idea of true self-expression? Celebrities like Neo, Will Smith and Maxwell wear outfits fitted for their physique. Comfortable, breathable fabrics should be the preference for young men, not just for style but also for health. While color may be seen as a political statement for changing American culture, young men don’t understand that neon green might give the wrong idea to a female.

Page 11

Kumble Theater

CAMPUS CALENDAR

For more information, call (718) 488-1624 or visit www.kumbletheater.org.

Fri . - S at. , November 13-14, 7:30 p. m. , S un. , November 15, 3 p. m. Laura DeVito & Dancers Diane McCarthy and Laurie De Vito present an evening of dramatic works of dance. DeVito’s pieces embody love, longing and loss of relationship. McCarthy’s piece was inspired by the paintings of Diego Rivera. Tickets: $20

S at. , November 21, 7 p. m. IFNY Monologue Slam Independent Film New York presents showcase with actors competing against each other in a series of challenges on the Kumble stage for prizes and role in short film; winner to be determined by panel of judges. Visit www.ifilmnet.tv to submit an audition video. Tickets: $20

Tue. , December 1, 10:15 a. m. and 12:15 p. m. Motley, Mad and Marriage-Minded: A Shakespeare Vaudeville Presented by Community Works

Wed. , December 16, 6 p. m. , Humani ti es Bui l di ng Room 109 Rising Artists Workshop Series Informal showing of student and faculty works-in-progress.

S at. , November 14, 10 a. m. -2 p. m. , Humani ti es Bui l di ng Room 109 Dance Department Auditions High school seniors are invited to audition for the B.F.A. and B.S. dance degree programs. Registration is required. Go to www.brooklyn.liu.edu/dance. Fri . , December 11, 7:30 p. m. & S at. , December 12, 2 p. m. and 8 p. m. , Kumbl e Theater Dance Department Winter Concert Dance majors perform modern dance works choreographed by guest artists and dance department faculty, including Rodger Belman, Christal Brown, Alenka Cizmesija, Earl Mosley, Tom Price, and a restaging of “Shelter,” an Urban Bush Women work. Tickets: $15, general admission; $10, students and seniors with ID

“Jazz Clinic and Concert Series” features top names in jazz. Admission is free. For more information, call Bob Aquino at (718) 488-1668.

Mon. , December 21, 10:15 a. m. & 12:15 p. m. Comunity Works Presents: The Spirit of Kwanzaa

Tue. , November 24, 4 p. m. , Humani ti es Bui l di ng, Room 106 Bruce Barth Jazz pianist will conduct a master class on “Jazz Improvisation.” Wed. , December 2, 7 p. m. , Kumbl e Theater LIU Vocal Jazz Ensemble and University Chorus

Exhibitions

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and S aturday/Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Humanities Building Gallery is closed on weekends). Admission is free. For more information, call Nancy Grove at (718) 488-1198.

Thur., November 12 - Fri., December 18, Humanities Gallery “The Architecture of Migration: I’ll Be Back For the Cat” Installation and Sculpture by Jane Gilmor.

Thur., November 12 - Fri., December 18, Salena Gallery “From the Provinces” Contemporary Russian photography, curated by Thomas Werner.

Thurs . , No v ember 1 2 , 5 :3 0 - 7 :3 0 p. m. , Luntey Co mmo ns KIPP AP Open House Meet successful alumni in Finance, IT, Marketing, Sales and Government

Page 12

For more information, call Mary Ann Wall 8) 488-3355.

Music

Fri . , Deceember 18, 7:30 p. m. NMP Fall Show 2009

Career Services

Dance

Wednesdays, 4 p. m. - 6 p. m. , Humani ti es Bui l di ng, Room 106 Long Island University Chorus The chorus rehearses every Wednesday, starting September 9. For more information, contact Gloria Cooper at (718)488-1450.

Business

For more information, call (718) 488-1121

Tue. , November 18, Weds. , November 16 & December 18, 6:30 p. m. , LLC 515

Toastmasters International Club Meeting At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. Each meeting gives everyone and opportunity to practice prepared speeches. Wed. , November 18, 5:30 p. m. , Humani ti es Bui l di ng Lobby Graduate Information

Readings

The English Department’s multicultural “Voices of the Rainbow” series is funded by the Provost’s Office. Admission is free. For more information, call Louis Parascandola at (718) 488-1109.

Seawanhaka

Nov. 12, 2009

CLASSIFIED

DO YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR AD HERE? Then advertise with

Seawanhaka!

-Ads from LIU organizations get published for free! Just send your black & white, PDF formatted ad to seawanhakapress@yahoo.com, or call our office at (718)488-1591 for more information.

Nov. 12, 2009

-Non-campus organizations and outside merchants may also reach us via the above for a Media Kit and advertising rates.

Seawanhaka

Page 13

CLASSIFIED

Page 14

Seawanhaka

Nov. 12, 2009

CLASSIFIED

Stressed Out? Relationship Problems? Personal Problems? Do Something About It! LIU Psych Services Center Talking Can Help (718) 488-1266 Room L36, Pharmacy Building

http://www.brooklyn.liu.edu/depts/psychservices/index.html Confidential, Free, and Available to Students & Support Staff

Nov. 12, 2009

Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday 9:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Seawanhaka

Page 15

SPORTS

Know Your Blackbirds Major: Education

Favorite Food: Pinkberry!

Favorite TV Show and Movie: Friends and Stepbrothers

Quote You Live By: “Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.”

Vanessa Gemignani Volleyball #6 Setter

Role Model: My pappa.

Favorite Athlete: Kelsi Klikus

Favorite Sport to Play Other Than Volleyball: Tennis

Volleyball Secures Top Seed, Will Host NEC Tournament By Michael Ng Sports Editor

The LIU Volleyball team locked up the top seed in the NEC Tournament this weekend after sweeping Robert Morris, 3-0. The Blackbirds remained undefeated at 14-0 in conference play with only two games to go in the season. Long Island took down Robert Morris with relative ease, winning 25-17, 27-25 and 25-19 for its 11th sweep in conference play. The Colonials showed some grit in the third set when they went up 12-8, but the Blackbirds came back and stopped any chance of a fourth with an 11-0 run to secure the set. Sophomore Ashley Rice had four kills during that stretch and finished the game with 11 total. Senior Svetlana Simic tallied a double double with 13 kills and 15 digs. Sophomore Chelsey Stanton added 10 digs. Earlier in the weekend, the Blackbirds defeated St. Francis (Pa.) 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-21, 29-27)

Page 16

It was a tight match as the Red Flash threatened to send the game into a fifth set. St. Francis (Pa.) had two set points in the fourth, but the Blackbirds were able to come back and even the score on both opportunities. At 27 apiece, senior Martina Racic got a kill to set up match point for the Blackbirds. An error by the Red Flash sealed the victory for Long Island as the team, continued to defeat its conference opponents. Racic’s performance over the weekend earned her NEC Player of the Week honors. With the top seed secured, the Blackbirds will now host the NEC Tournament, where they have come out as champions for the past five years. The tournament will be a two-day single elimination event, taking place on Nov. 21-22. Sacred Heart, Central Connecticut State University and Robert Morris round out the four teams that will be competing. The winner of the tournament will compete in the NCAA Tournament, which will begin in the first week of December.

Seawanhaka

Senior Svetlana Simic tallied a double double against Robert Morris. (Photo Credit: Sports Media Relations)

Nov. 12, 2009

SPORTS

Guard Up As Women Prepare for Basketball Season By Michael Ng Sports Editor

The women’s basketball team returns with a strong core of players and a deep rookie class as it attempts to get back into the playoffs. The Blackbirds finished ninth last season with a record of 4-14 in conference play. The team missed the playoffs by four games after reaching the postseason three years in a row. Their conference record was its worst since the team posted a 2-18 record in 1998-99. The disappointing season can be attributed to a few things. Injuries ravaged the team all year as only seven players appeared in every game and only eight appeared in 20 or more games of the team’s 29. Long Island was also unable to close out games, losing seven games by a margin of two points or less, five of which were conference match-ups. The team also struggled heavily on offense. The Blackbirds were last in scoring last year, averaging a mere 51.7 points per game in conference play, while Sacred Heart topped the league at 72.5. The struggles were all-around as the team was last in free throw percentage at .574 and last in three-point percentage at .212. In a preseason poll amongst the NEC head coaches, Long Island was predicted to finish ninth, well short of the playoff race. If the team wants to get back into the playoffs, it must improve on the offensive side. “We need a balanced attack with three or four players in double figures every night,” said head coach Gail Striegler. Last season, sophomore Ashley Palmer and junior Chelsi Johnson were the only two Blackbirds to average double digits in points. Senior Connie James averaged 9. 2 points and the three were the only players on the team to score more than five points per game. Palmer was the team’s best player last year, averaging 17. 1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. The NEC Rookie of the Year “will again be a go-to player for us,” said Striegler. “We will look to her to lead our team on and off the court.” The offensive struggles the team had last year, however, only magnifies what the team did on the other side of

the court. Long Island was one of the best defensive teams in the conference last year. The Blackbirds allowed only 57.7 points a game, good for third in the conference. The team limited opponents’ possessions by forcing turnovers. Long Island was third in the league in steals, with 8.78 steals per game. “Last year, we put a lot of emphasis on the defense end,” said Striegler, “because we had to play great defense every night to have a chance to win the game.” “We are a running team and we cannot be that team without defensive stops,” said senior Connie James. James, a co-captain on this team, led the Blackbirds with 2.5 steals per game in NEC play and led the conference with a total of 45. The team will look for the return of co-captain Heidi Mothershead, who suffered a season-ending injury after two games last year and Marika Sprow, who adds a year of experience under her belt. The two will “give us more of an offensive threat this season,” said Striegler. Mothershead averaged 7. 5 points last year. Sprow added 4.4 points while appearing in NEC Rookie of the Year Ashley Palmer will be the go-to player this year. Palmer averaged 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last year. every game and led the (Photo Credit: Sports Media Relations) Blackbirds with 23 three-pointers made. Ify Obianwu, Krystal Wells and Kayla Ramsby are the Another key this season will be Kiara other three rookies on this team. “Obianwu is very solid Evans. Evans, a transfer from the University of fundamentally and is a strong rebounder,” said Striegler. Louisville, sat out last year due to NCAA Wells and Ramsby will provide added depth to the guard transfer regulations. She will be a key positions. “The key to our success is getting easy baskets,” said piece this season, as the sophomore was named co-captain despite having not yet Strielger, “more attempts from the free throw line, transition baskets and points off turnovers.” played a game for the team. In order to do that the Blackbirds need to continue “She will spend most of her time at the point guard,” said Striegler. “She is going playing great defense. “We’ll continue to put a lot of emphasis on this to be asked to fill many different roles for us because we believe that defense is how we win champithroughout the season.” Another new addition to this team is Tamika Guz. onships,” said Striegler. Long Island will begin its season on Nov. 15, in a The freshman gives the Blackbirds a strong presence inside. “She will influence and alter opponents shots,” home opener against La Salle. The team will begin its run said Striegler. The Blackbirds averaged only 1.39 blocks for a playoff appearance when conference play begins on last year, far less than the 4.83 Sacred Heart put up to lead Dec. 5, against Central Connecticut State University at the Wellness Center. the conference.

“We believe that defense is how we win championships.” - Head Coach Gail Striegler

Nov. 12, 2009

Seawanhaka

Page 17

Picked Off

SPORTS

By Michael Ng Sports Editor

This season, the New York Yankees were the best team in the majors. Now they have a lot of questions to answer despite being World Series champions. Let’s start with the World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui. He helped the Yankees clinch the title in Game 6 with six RBIs and has been very consistent for the team ever since he arrived in 2003. However, Matsui turns 36 next June and injuries have limited him to a DH role. With Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez all over the age of 35, manager Joe Girardi would want to slot one of his veterans into the DH slot every once in a while. It’s hard to imagine Matsui wearing any other uniform than the Yankee pinstripes, but with age hitting everyone on the roster, it might just be the time to say sayonara. Johnny Damon is another key piece of the line-up the Yankees have to decide about. Damon can still field and run, so it’s more likely the Yankees will re-sign the left fielder. However, if another team offers Damon a multi-year contract, he might bolt and leave town for another team. The Yankees also need to address their pitching rotation this off-season. The threeman rotation worked perfectly in the postseason but the Yankees will need more than three capable starters for an entire season. If Andy Pettitte returns for at least one more year, like he always does, he will join C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are the only pitchers on the 2010 rotation so far. The Yankees can tender Chien Ming Wang a contract, but the former ace had one of the worst seasons imaginable and injuries cut his season short for the second straight year. Joba Chamberlain started 31 games, but his starts seemed more like long relief work as the young righty had trouble going deep into games. His performance in the playoffs proved that Chamberlain is a much more dominant pitcher coming in from the bullpen. Phil Hughes, Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin all got starts for the Yankees when Wang went down, and probably none will get a start next season. Mitre and Gaudin are unlikely to be on the opening day roster, and Hughes, like Chamberlain, is much better suited coming out of the bullpen. The Yankees can try to give Wang one more chance, and with his performance this past season, it shouldn’t cost much to re-sign him. Wang twice won 19 games with the club, and fans won’t mind seeing him on the mound again if he can perform. It’s unlikely that the Yankees will go after John Lackey, even though he’s been on the big stage before and probably wouldn’t falter under the bright lights. Lackey will demand more money and years than any other pitcher on the market, and the Yankees aren’t ready to dole out another fat paycheck just yet, especially for a mid-rotation player. In the end, it’ll be either Chamberlain or Hughes holding the No. 4 spot with the other setting up Mariano Rivera. Outside of Lackey, there isn’t any other suitable pitcher out there to sign or trade for, so the fifth pitcher probably won’t be decided until Spring Training. The Yankees also need to decide whether to re-sign Jose Molina or not. It might seem like a no-brainer with Francisco Cervelli, who played brilliantly after both Posada and Molina got injured, as the new back-up, but the 38-year-old Posada is declining and might spend most of his time as the DH. The Yankees also need to bring on new players in to solidify their bench. Both Jerry Hairston Jr. and Eric Hinske likely are gone, leaving a gaping hole on the depth chart. A good option to fill that role would be Chone Figgins, He can play multiple positions, similar to Hairston Jr., but with gold glove potential. Figgins is also a good offensive player, meaning he won’t compromise the line-up when he relieves one of the veterans. There are a lot of decisions to make, but whatever the Yankees decide to do this offseason, the team will still be favorites to win it all again, just like every other season.

Page 18

Women’s Soccer Ends Season With Semifinal Loss to CCSU By Michael Ng Sports Editor

After surging into the NEC playoffs, the women’s soccer team lost in the semifinals to Central Connecticut State University, 1-0, on Friday. It was a tight match, but the Blackbirds were not able to stop the No. 1 seed and star player, Leah Blayney. The NEC Player of the Year got the pass from teammate Clio Tregear in the 71st minute, and from 15 feet out, knocked in the game-winning goal for the Blue Devils. Long Island turned the ball over to Tregear, who found Blayney on the left wing. After the goal by Blayney, the Blue Devils shut the Blackbirds down completely, not allowing a single shot attempt to even the score. Freshman Jennifer Bannon made the game a lot closer than it seemed, picking up six saves to counter the 13-6 shot advantage the Blue Devils had. Junior Lara Martinez led the team with two shots and, along with senior Aly Hanson, provided the only shots on goal for the game. Juniors Samantha Bock and Caitlin Meadows were named to the NEC All-Tournament team for their performances in the semifinals. The Blackbirds previously won their last three regular season games in an astonishing push for the postseason. Senior Kim Bishop and junior Kelly Carter played a pivotal role in the team’s efforts, and both were named Second Team All-Northeast Conference. The Blackbirds were undefeated when they scored at least one goal, while losing all but one game when they allow one or more goals. Long Island finished the season 9-8-1. The Blue Devils went on to the NEC Championship game where they lost 1-0, in overtime, against No. 2 seeded Monmouth. The Hawks will now compete against Maryland in the 64-team NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Juniors Samantha Bock (ABOVE) and Caitlin Meadows were named to the NEC All-Tournament team. Championships.

Seawanhaka

(Photo Credit: Sports Media Relations)

Nov. 12, 2009

SPORTS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10. 11.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Team

Central Conn. St.* Monmouth* Quinnipiac* Long Island* St. Francis (PA) Robert Morris Sacred Herat Mount St. Mary’s Bryant Wagner Fairleigh Dickinson

NEC

WOMEN’S SOCCER Pts.

9-0-1 8-1-1 7-2-1 5-4-1 5-5 4-5-1 4-5-1 4-5-1 2-6-2 1-7-2 0-9-1

* Cl i nched NEC To urnament Berth

Team

Monmouth* St. Francis (NY)* Quinnipiac* Fairleigh Dickinson* Mount St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Robert Morris Bryant Long Island St. Francis (PA) Central Conn. St.

NEC

8-1-1 7-2-1 6-2-2 6-3-1 5-4-1 4-5-1 3-4-3 3-6-1 3-7 2-6-2 1-8-1

28 25 22 16 15 13 13 13 8 5 1

Pts -25 22 20 19 16 13 12 10 9 8 4

* Cl i nched NEC To urnament Berth

Team

Long Island* Sacred Heart* Central Conn. St.* Robert Morris* Bryant St. Francis (PA) Fairleigh Dickinson St. Francis (NY) Quinnipiac

NEC 14-0 11-3 10-3 9-5 5-8 4-9 4-10 3-11 2-13

Pct.

1.000 .786 .769 .643 .385 .308 .286 .214 .133

* Cl i nched NEC To urnament Berth

Nov. 12, 2009

Overall 11-6-2 13-4-1 8-6-2 9-7-1 8-8-2 8-9-1 8-9-1 6-11-2 4-12-2 3-13-3 2-15-1

Pct.

.632 .750 .562 .559 .500 .472 .472 .368 .278 .237 .139

Streak W4 W3 W2 W3 L2 L3 W1 L1 T1 T1 L4

Home 5-0-1 5-3-1 5-1 5-2 4-3-1 5-2 4-3-1 2-8 3-5-1 3-4-2 1-7-1

Away 5-6-1 8-1 3-5-2 3-4-1 4-5-1 3-6-1 4-6 4-3-2 1-6-1 0-9-1 0-8

Neutral 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 1-0

11/06/09

MEN’S SOCCER Overall

Pct.

16-1-1 10-6-1 9-3-6 9-8-1 6-10-1 7-8-2 3-13-3 5-12-1 6-12 6-11-2 6-10-1

.917 .618 .667 .528 .382 .471 .237 .306 .333 .368 .382

Overall

Pct.

Streak W3 W1 W1 W5 L1 L1 W1 W1 L3 L1 L8

Home 8-0 5-2 4-0-5 4-4 3-3 3-5-1 1-7-2 3-7 2-6 2-4-1 3-4-1

Away 7-1-1 4-3-1 5-3-1 5-3-1 3-6-1 4-3-1 2-5-1 2-5-1 3-6 4-6-1 2-6

Neutral 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-0 1-0 0-1 1-0

11/07/09

17-13 21-9 16-13 12-19 10-21 7-22 7-23 4-20 3-25

.567 .700 .552 .387 .323 .241 .233 .167 .107

W8 W2 W3 L1 L2 L3 W1 W1 L7

Home 9-3 9-1 9-4 8-8 6-9 2-7 2-4 1-10 2-5

Away 8-5 7-4 5-6 4-5 2-8 3-8 3-11 2-9 1-14

Neutral 0-5 5-4 2-3 0-6 2-4 2-7 2-8 1-1 0-6

Seawanhaka

CCSU Long Island

1 0

(NEC Tournament S emi fi nal s)

Blackbirds Upcoming Schedule End of season