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Vol. 57, No. 7
03.15.10
Violent crime rates prove to be lower in Norfolk by Ashlei Hursey | Echo Correspondent Crime rates have decreased in Norfolk, according to Norfolk Crime statistics from the Norfolk Police Department. The Norfolk crime statistics for 2009 show a drop in violent crimes from 1,748 in 2008 to 1,503 in 2009. The crimes include murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault. However, property crimes such as burglary, larceny and stolen vehicles have gone up from 12,221 in 2008 to 13,221 in 2009. “Police are showing more of a presence in the community which is limiting the amount of violent crime in the area,” said Michael Cofield, a senior music education major. Norfolk State University has implemented programs on campus to help reduce crime activity, such as “Park, Walk and Talk.” This program works to keep the police presence well-known throughout the campus. Officers patrol the campus in groups of two or three to report crime on or around campus. Although most violent crimes were statistically lower, burglaries increased from 1,655 in 2008 to 1,876 in 2009.
Photo- Candace Shoates | Multimedia Editor
by Jasmine McKeiver| Echo Correspondent
Photos by Jevonya Hughes | Editor-In-Chief
AP PHOTO “The recession is the reason why people are stealing cars and breaking into people’s homes,” said Ashley Maclin, a junior music media major. Some students feel that there has been an increase in these types of crimes on campus as well. “I have been hearing more stories of students having their cars, and even dorm rooms, broken into on campus,” said Natasha
Jones, a senior sociology major. In the month of December alone, there was an increase of stolen vehicles from 78 in 2008 to 95 in 2009 in Norfolk. “People are more unified because we are in a recession, so crimes such as murder are not as likely to happen,” said Maclin. The drop in violent crime can be attributed to “effective proactive police strategies,” said Anthony Walker, Chief of Police at NSU. See Crime on Page 3
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell:” Homosexuality in the Military by Bethany Cartwright | Echo Correspondent Political leaders and public officials are becoming public with their opposition to the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy, but some are concerned that lifting the law may come too soon. “The United States should not rush into a change as large as repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the military without making sure the people it affects are on board, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said,” via the Associated Press. Their concern is mainly of safety for those who decide to “come out” if the ban is lifted. According to the Associated Press, officials are expecting only a little resistance, but some violence in the form of
Virginia Senate passes healthcare bill
Photo-Andre Tillman | Graphic Editor protests could endanger troops. A survey done by Military Times, an online site dedicated to military news and information, concluded that if the ban were to be lifted, the top two challenging issues the troops believed the military would face were “reducing harassment against openly
gay personnel” (51 percent) and “reducing violence and hate crimes against openly gay personnel” (38 percent), according to airforcetimes.com. Despite this, many officials still push toward the ban of the law. President Obama is counting on the cultural shift since the 1993 law was proposed by former President Bill Clinton that gave homosexuals the right to join the military openly, according to the Associated Press. Students around Norfolk State are also concerned with the ban on gays openly joining the military. Ma’jora Gooden, sophomore English major, feels like the ban should be erased immediately. “The [actuality] of sexuality is this: there are homosexuals and heterosexuals,” said Gooden. “There are even bisexuals. What does someone’s identity have anything to do See Military on Page 3
With mandated healthcare being one of the top priorities of the Obama administration, the Virginia State Senate made itself clear on the issue. On Feb. 6, in Richmond, the Virginia State Senate passed Healthcare Freedom Bills that allowed citizens the right to not be forced to purchase health care in the state. This bill will now make it illegal to mandate a citizen in Virginia to purchase health insurance if they do not want to. A topic that has been in the forefront in today’s government, Virginia senators approved the bill 23 to 17; this included five democrats who joined republicans in the passing of the bill. According to the Wall Street Journal, the number of people in the United States without healthcare is on the rise. Nearly 14,000 people lose their health insurance everyday, due to job cuts in this current recession, according to a study by the leftleaning Center for American Progress Action Fund. The Obama administration wants to set-up a government-run system so that all Americans can obtain health insurance. According to an article in the Washington Post, some state senators believe that making citizens purchase healthcare is against the 10th amendment. The amendment states “Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is See Healthcare on Page 3
SPARTAN ECHO · Norfolk State University · 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 NEWSROOM: 757. 823. 8562 · E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu
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EDITORIAL The Spartan Echo Staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JEVONYA HUGHES
ONLINE/MANAGING EDITOR DANIELLE COLEY
NEWS EDITOR KEONA PRUDE
03.15.10
Why you should you work for the Echo? By Jevonya Hughes | editor in chief Almost four years ago, I walked into the Spartan Echo for the first time. I went through the door, approached Jennifer Jiggetts, the editor in chief at the time, and said I want to write. It didn’t matter what section, what story or the topic; I had a passion for writing. That passion has turned into four years of hard work and one of the best experiences in my life. For two years, I was a very active reporter, an unpaid volunteer. I made myself available for whatever needed to be covered. On average, I wrote about two stories a week. At times, it became a headache. I became frustrated at the lack of enthusiasm from other reporters. In the end, the headache and frustration turned into four years of positive experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life and will serve as the foundation of my professional career, whether I end up going into journalism or not. The Spartan Echo was the beginning of my professional life because it was here that I learned how to be a professional. This May marks not only the end of my term with Spartan Echo, but our staff as a whole. Seven of us are graduating seniors. Our exit means a new beginning for others. In the coming weeks, we will be accepting applications for all of our positions: editor in chief, online/ managing editor, news editor, student life editor, sports
editor, entertainment editor, multimedia editor and graphic design editor. We are looking for dedicated, mature, responsible individuals who can run a section of reporters, assign stories and meet weekly deadlines, just to name a few of the required responsibilities. In choosing editors, the Student Publication Board looks for the same tenacity that I showed some four years ago. We need a staff with a passion to inform our readers, and viewers as well at SpartanEcho.Com and on Spartan Echo TV (available through our campus closed-circuit NSU-TV system). You don’t have to be a journalism major, just a dedicated individual who loves to tell stories and does that accurately and well. Yes, the editor positions come with a scholarship, but they also come with a variety of responsibilities and the inevitable headaches. Most importantly, however, working with the Spartan Echo can give you the extra push that is needed in order to make you a successful individual. Regardless of your major, you will learn the leadership skills needed to succeed in any field, just like all of the editors before you for the past 57 years.
SPORTS EDITOR THOMAS WILSON
Seasonal Relationship By Nosaze Knight | graduate assistant
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR NICOLE MCGLOSTER
Have the seasons ever influenced your “casual” relationships? Seasonal romances are casualties of the college experience. If you haven’t yet been a participant of a seasonal relationship, then pay close attention to this timeline… so when it happens, you know how to let the “season” take its course. WINTER RELATIONSHIPS DIE AS SPRING RELATIONSHIPS SPROUT!
LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR ANDRE TILLMAN
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR CANDACE SHOATES
INTERESTED... IN WORKING FOR THE SPARTAN ECHO? REGULAR MEETINGS ARE HELD TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS AT 12:30PM IN THE SPARTAN ECHO OFFICE (ROOM 344) IN THE UNIVERSITY CENTER.
DECEMBER We locked eyes one day as you were coming out of Tropical Smoothie. You were sipping a Bahama Mama, as though it were the most delicious concoction you’d ever tasted. Your eyes smiled. I wasn’t sure if it was towards me, or just an outward expression for the tasteful drink. I took the chance… Words and laughter were exchanged. That was the simple recipe for the numbers being saved. JANUARY Back from winter vacation. It was brutally cold outside. We began hanging out and became comfortable with the relaxed situation. We kept each other warm… You remember those days we were out of school, due to the snow,
We spent hours spooning, movies at the house and casual intercourse. FEBRUARY Our social calendars became filled. Me in class, you have your organizational events. I am dedicated to my “Beach Body,” you are to your friends. The cold rain brought about a peculiar cleansing. The situation changed… My eyes began to wonder, as did yours. The text messages were more frequent than face-to-face conversation. We both wanted and began to seek out other companions. MARCH I made up reasons not to see you as much. It was okay because the same plot was brewing in your caldron of thoughts. I was in Tropical Smoothie waiting for my Tropi-colada. We saw and passed each other… And with the same agreeing smile we first exchanged, our eyes said, “You were enjoyed, and appreciated… Thank you for a… warm winter.”
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NEWS
03.15.10
$2 toll to enforce on major bridges proves to be a good idea by Alexander Parker | Echo Correspondent As a result of the flood last August, a $2 toll is being considered for the Hampton Roads BridgeTunnel (HRBT) and the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT). When the flood shut down the HRBT, commuters were re-routed onto the MMMBT, which unfortunately led to heavy congestion. The combination of congestion and temporary bridge inaccessibility resulted in lawmakers considering the introduction of the $2 toll. The gathered funds from the toll would be used to support bridge upkeep. However, some students believe that funding alone is not reason enough to begin the toll. Freshman and commuter student Andrew Piland expressed his opinion on the issue. “…it is a good idea for the city
proposition. “Instead of taking money from other important financial pots, they can take a small sum of money from [the commuters] instead,” Avant said. If anything different were to be done, Piland feels that another bridge would also be efficient. The bill related to this $2 toll is still in deliberation and there is no projected date for the final decision.
[but] it would be bad for people who commute,” Piland said. Piland believes the financial requirement of going back and forth through the tunnels may frustrate commuters before long. Brandon Avant, a senior and commuter student also expressed his position on the $2 toll
Want a scholarship? The Spartan Echo is currently accepting applications for next year’s editor positions. Click here to fill out the application, then save it and send it to pspencer@ nsu.edu before April 5th. Any full-time NSU student from any major (undergraduate or graduate) with a minimum 2.5 GPA is eligible for consideration. Previous experience is not necessary. Superior dedication and maturity are required, along with fundamental writing skill, basic knowledge of journalism and journalistic style, and computer literacy. For further information, contact the Spartan Echo faculty adivser at seopfer@nsu.edu.
Healthcare... CONTINUED FROM FRONT not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.” Now that the Virginia State Senate has made a bill that opposed what the Obama administration is trying to pursue, Norfolk State University students both agree and disagree with the decision. Stefon Alexander, senior business management major, agrees with the decision. “[I agree with the bill] only because healthcare is still not affordable,” said Alexander. We must first conquer stabilization of this nation before we can move on to other aspects,” said Alexander. Christina Hammonds,
senior political science major, also agrees with the bill but understands that it comes under certain circumstances. “If people have to pay for insurance under the plan the Obama administration is currently working on, then I don’t think anyone should be forced to get insurance. I understand that President Obama wants people to be insured, but at what expense,” said Hammonds. Now that the bill has been passed, residents of the state who do not want to or who do not already have insurance, don’t have to purchase it. “As long as people are aware that if they get sick, they will have to come out of pocket for all of their healthcare expenses, then there is nothing else the government can do,” said Hammonds.
Military... CONTINUED FROM FRONT with sacrificing oneself for his or her country?” Not everyone feels this same conviction. “The majority of troops are generally happy with the current policy. However, opposition to a change is dropping steadily,” according to airforcetimes.com. “Troops interviewed for this article were generally united on two facts: There are already gays serving in the military, and change is coming.” According to Associated Press, a poll in June 2009 found that Americans who favored eliminating the ban increased 23 percent since 1993. “I feel that people who support this ban are threatened, or not secure with their own sexuality,” said Ryeneysa Gregory, freshman pre-nursing major. “I also believe that they are discriminating against an entire group of people who have not done anything to deserve it.” Crime... CONTINUED FROM FRONT Even with the drop in violent crime rates, there are students that are still being guarded at all times. “I don’t feel any safer because crime has gone down,” said Tiffany Little, a sophomore psychology major. “I am still very cautious of my surroundings and I try not to put myself in dangerous situations.” Knowing that crime has gone down in the area, students are still very cautious of their surroundings and are taking the necessary safety measures to stay out of harm’s way.
Social networking on the rise for many students by Jason Baker | Echo Correspondent What would we ever do without social media? How could we go a week or even a day without text messages or the Internet? “I think it’s literally impossible, I don’t know what I would do without a phone or a computer” said freshman Jarrod Fennell. According to the 2009 U.S. Digital Year in Review, American teens send more than 3,000 text messages a month, or more than 10 times every hour that they are not sleeping or in school, according to a new study. Meanwhile, children 12 years old and younger send about 1,146 text messages a month, or about four text messages per waking hour that they are not in school. “I love texting, I even got my mother to start texting and now she won’t stop texting me” said sophomore Andrea Williams. The report also stated that in the past year, smart phone ownership increased from 11 percent to 17 percent of mobile users, while 3G phone ownership increased from 32 percent to 43 percent and unlimited data plan subscriptions rose from 16 percent to 21 percent. In the past couple of years, social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace have really made their mark with American teens. “I spend a lot of time on Facebook and Twitter, I have to admit that it is kind of addicting” said freshman Mishawn Freeman. Its popularity has also convinced major businesses, schools and news networks to use these sites. According to the 2009 U.S. Digital Year in Review, social networking now accounts for 11 percent of all time spent online in the United States. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other forms of social media have changed the way we communicate, and receive information and news. Just about every radio and news station
has a Facebook or Twitter page and it has revolutionized the way we live our lives. MySpace and Facebook virtually flipped positions over the course of a year. In December 2009, visits to Facebook accounted for 68 percent of visits to a custom category of 10 social networks, compared to MySpace’s 28 percent. In December 2008, Facebook had 29 percent of visits and MySpace had 64 percent. Twitter, as of December, is processing more than one billion tweets per month. January passed 1.2 billion, averaging almost 40 million tweets per day. This is significantly more than Twitter was processing just a few months ago. One in four (25 percent) US Internet page views occurred at one of the top social networking sites in December 2009, up 83 percent from 13.8 percent in December 2008, according to the 2009 U.S. Digital Year in Review. Are these statistics good or bad? Are these social media websites more of a distraction than way of communicating and receiving news and information? “Websites like Facebook and Twitter can be a distraction, but you just have to be able to set your priorities and know what’s more important at that time” said senior Alan Simmons. Sophomore Andrea Williams said “Sometimes it’s hard for me to do my work and stay away from texting and Facebook but I try to as much as I can.”
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ENTERTAINMENT
MICHAEL JEFFRIES AND JASMYNE RENEE JOHNSON
FASHION LIST 1701
03.15.10
BY MARLISA SANDERS | ECHO CORRESPONDENT
STUDENT EXPRESSION: DANCE
Hey there self proclaimed fashionistas and Style junkies and, we’re back!! This time to introduce you to the high and lows of 2010’s spring trends; so keep up because the this season will be out in 3, 2, 1… Xoxo Red Bottom Bandits Here’s Kanye West at Paris Fashion Week rocking a custom made Jeremy Scott Letterman Cardigan, Ralph Lauren Jeans (RRL) $345, Limited Edition New Balances 998s, $189 and a black diamond Jesus piece rosary. $8400 The total cost for his outfit is around ten grand! But you can get this look for less!
Video Capture courtesy of Lateef Gibson
Gossip Girls’s Blake Lively is a seen at a CW event wearing a jewel tone Adam playsuit $365 with nude peep toe Christian Louboutin heels, $745 and cluster of bangles. Her outfit retail for about a thousand dollars. But ladies don’t worry you can get this same look.. for less!
The students of Norfolk State University have many talents, both hidden and known. One of the University’s hidden treasures is the Norfolk State University Dance Theatre. Dance Theatre is the University’s student dance company that is rich in history and black culture. NSU’s Dance Theatre has been a dance company for students for over 40 years. Dance Theatre’s first artistic director, Inez Howard, was the founder. Following Howard’s retirement, the director then became Antoinette Coward. Now Dance Theatre is under the direction of associate professor, DGlendola Mills-Parker. She has been the director since Fall 2004. The dance company presents modern, jazz, hip-hop, and Umfudalai (a style of African dance) as part of its dance styles for university and community performances. The company’s university performances usually include the Mr. and Mrs. NSU Pageant, as well as their annual Black History and Spring Concerts. This year’s Black History Show was entitled: “Nwane (Wanee),” which means “One Family.” The Spring Concert that will be held April 21 will be entitled “Yai: A Celebration of Soulful Expression.” Dance Theatre community performances have included the International Festival, Albermale Hospital in Elizabeth City, NC, various schools and various
businesses in the area. The company has also traveled to Philadelphia, to Temple University to participate in dance workshops. During February the company traveled back to Temple University for the 40th Anniversary of Kariamu and Company, another dance company whose specialization is the art of Umfudalai technique. Mills says, it’s important for students to learn the etiquette and discipline of dance. She always makes sure to stress to students that Dance Theatre is structured as a professional company; it is not a social club. She wants the performance to look as though the audience has gone to a theatert o see the performance as if it’s a professional production. All students are welcome to try out for dance theatre. The company usually holds auditions during both the fall and spring semesters. Students should know that being part of this company requires hard work and dedication. Company members are categorized as, an apprentice, an intern, or a full company member. Dr. Mills says the main goal is to allow as many students as possible to perform and to grow as dancers. Rehearsals range from six to 10 hours per week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday mornings. Additional rehearsal times are scheduled close to performance dates.
03.15.10
ENTERTAINMENT
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BY TANAY HUDSON | ECHO CORRESPONDENT
BY TANAY HUDSON | ECHO CORRESPONDENT
At first sight, twitter.com seems pointless. Due to over 250 million people using Facebook, Twitter just seemed like a watered down, boring imitator of Facebook. Plus, who wants to “follow” people and read what they had for breakfast? But after several celebrities such as P.Diddy, Trey Songz and Fabolous, began to create twitter accounts, many people began to wonder and later, indulge in the Twitter craze. Twitter has not only become a favorite pastime of celebrities, but college students, too. Celebrities use Twitter to communicate with their fans on more of a personal level while businesses use it to help market products and network with other business people. So, how can Twitter change communication among people who communicate personally on a regular basis? The explosion of social networking sites has resulted in the young generation losing their interpersonal communication skills. For instance, Twitter enables people to create a different personality from the one that they portray in the outside world. People also feel more comfortable with expressing themselves because they are able to hide behind a computer with the option of blocking people that offend them and never having to deal with them outside of that site. People use these sites to alienate themselves from the real world and therefore not only lose their communication skills, but forget how to express themselves when they are not sitting in front of a computer. This causes communication skills
to change. Relationships between people are no longer based on personal interaction. With the addition of texting, sites like Twitter have enabled the world to base everything from forming relationships to dealing with personal issues not off of communication, but technology. Some NSU students feel that social networking sites as a whole arent bad, but some of their features can be damaging to communication methods. Graduating senior Porsha Dortch says “Social networking sites are changing communication skills negatively. People expose their business too much, especially on twitter because it enables users to expose the world to their life without any boundaries.” Biology major Cara Newborn feels that social networking sites have their pros and cons. “Facebook and Twitter are good [ways to] network, but the bad side is that students allow [the sites] to dominate their time. Instead of doing work they are [on] Twitter and Facebook.” Social networking sites are not detrimental; however, some users allow the sites to control all means of communication in their lives not knowing that it is affecting them negatively. “Tweeting” is similar to texting. The wording is simplified and the young generation uses it as a primary means of communication. It causes people to lose their skills and therefore is ‘dumbing down’ the young adults of today. Even though it’s not their motive, these sites lessen the need for interpersonal communication and their users become detached and are unfamiliar with expressing themselves in the real world.
5 HOT SPRING ITEMS
Apple has yet amazed consumers again with the release of its new tablet PC, the IPAD. Starting at $499, this gadget allows users to surf the web, watch movies, scroll thorough emails and read the news anywhere at any time. The IPAD is also very portable weighing 1.5 pounds and 0.5 inches thin. With its 9.7 inch multi-touch screen and its 140,000 applications, Apple’s newest contraption will newly define what a tablet PC should be.
Scheduled Spring 2010 release, the Olympus Stylus Tough camera series lives up to its name with all of its durable and rigid capabilities. With its freeze proof, shockproof and waterproof feature, this camera is perfect for winter and summer fun. It also had creative art filters and a beauty mode which allows users to take beautiful portraits with artistic features as well. It also has a One
According to engadget.com, Acer’s new monitor was developed for the ultimate HD 3D experience for playing video games and watching Blu-Ray movies. The 23.6 inch display allows consumers to see everything crystal clear. When combined with NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ active-shutter glasses, a detailed high definition view is displayed for 3D games, Blu-ray movies and other media.
Nooka is introducing a new line of watches with an intensely colorful triangle inspired design. To assist the watch’s lightweight comfortable fit, it also has a innovative face for which buyers can read the time. Instead of the traditional two hands on the face of the watch pointing at numbers, the Hyperspace model face resembles a radio dial. The Hyperspace ZenH watch costs $199.99.
Lady Gaga’s headphones give buyers a power sound with clearness when they listen to their favorite songs. The Heartbeats also offer a creative and unique design along with Lady Gaga’s autograph written on the headphones. They come in Rose Red, Black Chrome and White Chrome and have a retail price of $119.95.
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SPORTS
03.15.10
SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT: TORRIE BROWNING by Damon Brown | Echo Correspondent Courageous hardworking, dedicated and goal-oriented are words that can describe Norfolk State University’s new tennis coach, Torrie Browning. Browning, from Tucson, Arizona, is a 2009 graduate from Wichita State University. While there, she acclaimed much success, but not without experiencing life’s struggles. During Browning’s junior year in college, she found out that her mother had breast cancer. “I wasn’t myself for a while and it was hard for me to concentrate on tennis. It was not the first thing on my mind anymore,” said Browning. Despite the pain, her family still wanted her to continue playing in her tennis tournaments. “I felt guilty for not going home for her surgery, even though my parents told me it wasn’t necessary. That played with my mind for a while. I felt really bad but then I had to get over it,” she said.
Browning’s mother received radiation treatment and showed massive improvement with her health. Fighting through the struggles in her life made Browning a better person on and off the tennis court. Browning left Wichita State with the fourth most wins of all-time. Upon leaving leaving, Browning had many opportunities but Norfolk State was the school that fit her best. “I thought it would a great opportunity to start building a career in something I have been doing since I was seven,” said Browning. Browning knew that there would be some pressure coming into NSU. Coaching at a young age has its advantages and disadvantages. Browning felt pressure because of her lack of coaching experience at any level. Though there is pressure at times, there are benefits to being a younger coach. Browning, 22, has an easier time relating to players. Browning has all the credentials
Photo- Thomas Wilson | Sports Editor
it takes to being a successful coach. Browning plans to be a coach at NSU for the long haul, as she and Matt strive to build the tennis program. Browning and Matt both came from struggling programs which gives them
that fire to bring NSU to the forefront of the national stage. In the future, Browning sees the Spartans making appearances in the NCAA tournament.
BATTLE OF THE BEST: NBA, MLB, NHL by Dan Adu-Gyanfi | Echo Correspondent
Football might be the most popular sport in the United States, but its all-star game is another story. The Pro Bowl doesn’t seem to get the same buzz as other allstar games in other sports. (NBA, MLB and NHL) for many reasons. Location: The NBA, MLB and NHL all-star games rotate to different cities across the country. This makes it more interesting for casual fans to follow. If you have a team in your area, eventually it will host an all-star game. The Pro Bowl has been in Honolulu, Hawaii for 30 consecutive years until this recently, when it was played in Miami. The NFL moved the Pro Bowl up a week before the Super Bowl to gain more general interest. Rule changes In NBA, MLB and NHL all-star games, the rules are the basically the same. The Pro Bowl; however, has many different rules. For example, linebackers are not allowed to blitz and no bump-andrun coverage is allowed. It is ironic how an all-star game of the best
The NHL has a fastest skater contest, puck control relay, hardest shot, most accurate shot contest and several others. The Pro Bowl used to have events like the fastest man race, the strongest man, best hands and the quarterback competition, but they no longer exist. Who plays?
players in the league isn’t played the same as a regular game, but it is played so the game can be high scoring and appeasing to the fans. Other Competition The NBA has an all-star weekend that has many competitions like the rookie-sophomore game, three-point shootout, slam dunk contest and a skills competition. The MLB has the home run derby and the future game that displays the top prospects in the minor leagues.
For the most part, the players for the NBA, MLB and NHL all-star games participate in the events and in the game. The Pro Bowl on the other hand has many players that decide not to go because of injuries. All the major sports have their all-star games in the middle of season, except the NFL, which does it at the end of the season. If players from the two best teams cannot participate, is it really the best players in the game? At the end of the day, it’s pretty obvious why people criticize the Pro Bowl, but the NFL is trying to improve. Viewers have increased by 40 percent. They are taking steps in the right direction, and maybe one day, it will be talked about in the same breath as the other all-star games.
Interested in working for the Spartan Echo? Spartan Echo meetings are held regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 344 of the New Student Center at 12:30PM. Contributing to the Spartan Echo is a great essential to enhance your resume. To have your articles published on print or web will add clips to your portfolio. We at the Spartan Echo charge students to use the Spartan Echo as the vessel for thier voice because this is a student-driven publication. Take the challenge! For further information, contact the Spartan Echo faculty adivser at seopfer@nsu.edu.
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SPORTS
03.15.10
Football season shows no sign of ending for Spartans
by Dan Adu-Gyamfi | Echo Correspondent The Spartans finished the season on a high note with a four game winning streak and plan to continue improving with a new recruiting class. According to Coach Pete Adrian the biggest goals this year in recruiting was to add depth and to improve in what he says are the hardest positions to recruit in college football which is offensive and defensive linemen. This is why eight of the 16 incoming players are linemen. Of the linemen recruited, Adrian believes three defensive linemen have the opportunity to play immediately. Tremondae Branch, 6-1, 290 nose guard/defensive tackle from Flint, MI, Matthew Grant, 6-4, 250 defensive tackle from Ft. Lauderdale, FL., and Nico Washington, 6-4, 300 defensive tackle from Waldorf, MD. Coach Adrian likes Darrin Marrow, 6-1, 190 defensive back from Virginia Beach, to potentially
back up starters and junior college transfer Montel Gamble, 6-2, 190 wide receiver from Tarpon Springs FL., who Adrian describes as a “Big time receiver who catches the ball well.” With all the excitement of the new players coming in, it is hard to forget the players leaving. Among them are Dennis Brown and Terrell Whitehead, due to graduation, and Chris Bell forgoing his senior year for the National Football League. The quarterback competition will
be most likely between sophomore Dexter Merritt and Chris Walley, junior college transfer from Tallahassee, FL. Walley has been enrolled at NSU since January and at Joliet Junior College (IL.) threw for a school-record 2,656 yards and 18 touchdowns. When Adrian was asked about the players coming to replace the seniors this upcoming season, he said “We have a veteran team so we won’t ask anyone to do too much.” Another goal that the team accomplished is having the majority of the recruits from Virginia and focusing on the tidewater region. According to Adrian, 80 percent of the team resides in state and five of the new recruits are from the tidewater region. Adrian believes this is important because “Fan interest, there is good high school football in Virginia, and the players families can come watch.” Even though it season is a while away, the players never stop practicing, the coaches never stop scouting talent and improving their game play strategies, and a championship is always the goal.
“If we don’t want to win, what do we play for?” -Coach Pete Adrian
College athletes learn to score on court, job market by Brandon Hathaway | Echo Correspondent
Competing at the Division I level brings its challenges alone. However, keeping money in the pocket during both the season and offseason is another challenge in itself. A normal day in the life of a college athlete can be a bit hectic during the season according to Brett Dodd, a senior, who competes in pole vault on the track and field team. “On Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 a.m. we have weight lifting. After that I have classes scattered throughout the day,” said Dodd. That’s just the beginning. “Then I have practice from 3 to 5 pm.” Chris Joyce, a junior third baseman for the Spartan baseball team expressed the same thoughts as well. “I go to class, then straight to practice at 3 p.m., sometimes earlier if I want to get extra work in, then homework said Joyce.” With schedules like Dodd’s, Joyce’s and other Spartan athletes, many do not have the
time to work a job during the offseason or regular season, because there’s always school work, practice, meets and games. “I work during the summer,” said Dodd. “There is no need to force it while being a student-athlete.” Once the season begins, traveling to other schools to compete can bring some stress to the student-athlete. In order to compete on the playing surfaces one also needs the grades to continue competing. “I can’t really stay ahead,” said Dodd,
“There is no need to force it while being a student-athlete” -Chris Joyce
“but for the most part professors usually understand.” On the other hand, Joyce who competes in a 55 game regular season baseball schedule, does not feel the pressure of staying afloat, academically. “I don’t really find it tough because school comes before baseball, said Joyce. Joyce does not have time to work a job during the offseason at all, as baseball
has summer leagues for collegiate players to compete and expose themselves for professional scouts to give them a chance at the next level. NSU baseball also entails a fall season, that prepares the players to become acclimated with new teammates for the upcoming spring season Dodd, chooses not work, but quite a few of his teammates work after practice hours several days a week. Joyce says he would do something on the side for extra money if given the opportunity. “If I were able to, I would instruct hitting or fielding lessons to a local facility,” said Joyce. Considering Dodd and Joyce are fortunate enough to have the financial support of their families neither has to worry about income at this time, as their families understand the schedule of a Division I athlete is a job in itself. Commitment plays a key role in the lives of college athletes. Many do not get the free time or social life as would an everyday student. “When I don’t have games, I’m catching up on rest and school work,” said Joyce.
2010
NSU FOOTBALL RECRUITS Tremondae Branch, DL, 6-1, 290, Flint, Mich./Carman Ainsworth HS Dionte Edwards, WR/KR, 5-8, 170, Norfolk, Va./Booker T. Washington HS Montel Gamble, WR, 6-2, 190, Tarpon Springs, Fla./West Hills (Ca.) CC Matthew Grant, DL, 6-4, 250, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson HS Darrin Marrow, DB, 6-1, 190, Virginia Beach, Va./Cox HS Justin Myler, OL, 6-5, 270, Woodbridge, Va./Freedom HS Devonte Norman, LB, 6-0, 215, Virginia Beach, Va./Landstown HS Charlie Ricks, WR, 5-11, 170, Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Smith HS Edwin “E.J.” Rogers, OL, 6-4, 320, Alexandria, Va./Edison HS Ali Scott, OL, 6-4, 330, Portsmouth, Va./Churchland HS Dionte Sullivan, DB, 5-10, 170, O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon HS Nick Taylor, DB, 5-9, 175, Richmond, Va./Varina HS Chris Walley, QB, 6-2, 190, Tallahassee, Fla./Joliet JC (Ill.) Nico Washington, DL, 6-4, 300, Waldorf, Md./North Point HS DeAnte Williams, OL, 6-3, 250, Hyattsville, Md./St. Johns College HS Julius Wormley, OL, 6-5, 285, Yorktown, Va./Tabb HS
8
STUDENT LIFE
03.15.10
DRY CAMPUS IS FINE...BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SMOKE?
by Sherrell Lewis | Echo Correspondent One of Norfolk State University’s institutional goals is to present itself as “a university that shall continue to define those areas in which it can make the most effective contributions to the total educational enterprise of the community, state, nation and the world.” Therefore, Norfolk State has a responsibility to educate its student body on the importance of resisting tobacco or any other type of abused substance. Accordingto abovetheinfluence. com, a website dedicated to the prevention of drug use, tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the United States. The University has taken great measures to ensure that this campus remains an alcoholfree environment. Norfolk State Police have even begun implementing awareness and educational programs to prevent the abuse of the drug, hosting such forums as “The Prevention
Photo- Candace Shoates | Multimedia Editor of Alcohol Abuse.” Campus police and NSU also have hopes of washing the University’s hands of alcohol issues altogether, by teaching the surrounding community. NSU Police find that the way to eliminate crime and misconduct is through educating. However, this same gusto for preventing alcohol use should apply even more to smokers. Most students at Norfolk State are at least 18 years old, and as legal adults, can choose whether or not to smoke. However, no matter how grown up students are, NSU has a
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE ¢HEAP
Code of Conduct regarding drug abuse that students should be encouraged to follow, no matter the drug of choice. Junior, computer science major Kelvin Bryant, concurs with that very idea. “Cigarettes are worse [than alcohol] because they have an effect on the environment,” Bryant said. “There is also, secondhand smoke, and cigarette butts that are littered everywhere,” Khrystin Armor, a junior, accounting major also voiced her opinion on smoking’s harmful effects.
“Having police do something about it rather than letting it be acceptable, and using money from the Board of Visitors’ budget to have specific areas where students can smoke, are both ways to change this issue on campus” Armor said. As NSU is trying to become more environmentallyfriendly, it needs to consider changing old habits. It is almost impossible to move toward a more “green” future without getting a handle on the smokers that pollute NSUs air. The University is focused on making a difference for the campus community, but it has yet to do anything about smoking. Educating students on ecofriendly habits may change that attitude and then demolish the privilege to smoke altogether. Some might agree that it would make a great impact on the image of NSU as an environmentally-responsible institution.
With the negative state that the economy is in, not many people go on dates. What most people don’t realize is that there is no need to spend a lot of money to have a nice date with your significant other. Sometimes, the most meaningful dates are the simplest ones.
by Melvin Brooks and Keona Prude
1. Keona: What happened to the days when men were chivalrous to women? When they would open and close the door, pullout your chair and pay for the dinner without complaining?I know we’re living in a trying time, but there are some places that aren’t very expensive. 1. Melvin: Some men still display chivalry. Why is it that females have to be so picky all the time? They always want you to read in-between the lines instead of just explicitly telling me where they want to go, or what they like to do. 2. Keona: Sometimes a girl just likes to be surprised. When a female is surprised with a nice date it makes her feel like the male has put some thought into the date. 2. Melvin: It’s like ya’ll [females] always want to go the expensive route. I asked one girl if I would take her on a date where would she want to go, you know, she had the nerve to tell me Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, not the one in Hampton or Virginia Beach, but in Williamsburg! I laughed, because she couldn’t have been serious. 3. Keona: Okay, maybe she was pushing it but can you blame her? There are some other restaurants that are way cheaper than Captain George’s. Applebee’s and Chili’s both have specials going on. I hate when dudes try to go on a date at McDonald’s. News flash, fast-food restaurants are in no kind of way cute, or romantic. Like seriously, who wants the dollar 3. Melvin: What’s wrong with the dollar menu? Okay, maybe it’s not a good look for a date but other than that it’s straight.
4. Keona: There is so much more stuff to do than just going to dinner for dates. What about goin to the movies or museums? 4. Melvin: Let’s see, I’ll end up paying $20 for tickets, probably another $15-20 on snacks just to sit and watch a chick-flick? I THINK NOT! Did you say museum? You have to be quiet in museums. That means no conversation. Then, the girl will still be mad because I “didn’t talk enough.” 5.Keona: There is no pleasing you, is it sir? 5.Melvin: I can be pleased by simply chillin’ in the room and watching movies. 5. Keona: Now there’s a good idea. Redbox movies, maybe a homemade dinner too. 6.Melvin: Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. But if you cannot cook, please stay out of my kitchen. Spending a night in the emergency room is not a good date in my book. 7. Keona: (laughing) Yeah that doesn’t sound appealing. I’m a simple girl, so things like going to the park or walking on the beach will satisfy me. If the guy has good conversation skills then he wouldn’t have to go out of his way to please me.
7. Melvin: Now the problem with that is some females talk entirely too much or they don’t talk at all. 8. Keona: Does having a conversation really sound that bad? Melvin: No it doesn’t, I like good conversations. I hate when a girl doesn’t talk much. It’s like females expect so much from males but when they don’t talk their not giving us anything to work with.