60.3 Spartan Echo

Page 1

Spartan Echo The Voice of the Spartan Community

Vol. 60, I ssue 3

10.10.12

SpartanEcho.org | 700 Park Avenue. Norfolk, Va. 23504

last minute

Top

Stories Inside

cramming limits learning By: Ashley Clarke

Read about NSU’s softball team and their preparation for the spring season. See page 4. Photo credit: Keith Offutt|Spartan Echo

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney gestures during a campaign rally at the Ringling Museum of Art Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, in Sarasota, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

College students

are an asset for

Democratic Party By: Ashley Clarke Read how the MEAC champions brush up their defense. See page 5. Photo credit: Keith Offutt|Spartan Echo

Want to see what local arrtist is making headlines? See page 6. Photo credit: facebook. com/illy.wil

In preparation for the upcoming election, the Democratic Party has focused much of its energy into bringing college students to the polls. In the months leading up to the election, the Obama campaign has focused strongly on visiting young, diverse and enthusiastic college towns such as Norfolk, Charlottesville and Boulder. According to Dr. Aberra Meshesha, professor and department head of the Political Science department at NSU, the Democratic Party’s visitation choices make sense when compared with the history of the party. “Going back to the history of the two parties, the Democrats are known to be the party of the working class, while the Repub-

licans are known to be the party of the rich,” said Dr. Meshesha. Dr. Meshesha explained that the Republican Party does less frequent college visits because

“It was a historic event that a black man was becoming President of the United States...” -Dr. Aberra Meshesha they do not have many promising policies for students. “As Romney put it, kids can get money from their parents for their education,” said

Continued on p. 3

Last minute cramming for tests or papers may seem like a great idea but all-nighters negatively impact students’ grades and information retention. The ill effects of sleep deprivation combined with a lack of brain power to download complex information in a short time period gives a student little chance for success. Senior English major and ENFL Writing Center tutor Maranda Hall said that during midterms and finals she works with the largest volume of students who waited until the last minute to study or write a paper. “Last semester I would say at least half of my students

came in for last minute help,” said Hall. Students would come to her for help with an assignment due an hour later. Professor and Chair of the Biology Department, Howard B. Duncan, Ph.D, explained that the human brain functions best with repetition of information over a long period of time and cannot be expected to remember information the first time it is introduced. “What you want to have is long term knowledge,” said Duncan. “That’s derived from repetitive development of facts that can be applied to any par-

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youth unemployment

remains struggle Despite economic growth By: Ashley Clarke Despite the economic growth following the American financial crisis, young adults are still struggling with a high unemployment rate. According to data collected by Generation Opportunity, a non-partisan organization, the youth unemployment rate, consisting of 18 to 29 year olds, was 12.7 percent in Aug. 2012. The same data shows that the

unemployment rate of AfricanAmerican youth was 22.4 percent, Hispanics 13.7 percent and women 12.6 percent. Senior business finance and accounting major Teanna Banks said that jobs are simply hard to come by these days. “I’m currently looking

Continued on p. 3

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Spartan News

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10.10.12

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NSU student James Underwood demonstrates the stress of last minute cramming. Photo credit: Tony Batchler, Jr.|Spartan Echo

last minute

cramming limits learning ■ Continued from front page ticular situation. When you just cram, it’s short term learning and this does not add to your largesse of knowledge.” According to research performed by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania, sleep

deprivation not only hinders the remembrance of what is being learned during the time sleep is being deprived but it also hinders the brain’s ability to retain information during the following day. When asked what she would suggest to her fellow students

to avoid the hassle of cramming, Hall had a simple answer. “You have to learn to prioritize,” said Hall. “Time management is a big thing too, but you definitely have to learn to prioritize.”

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SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu


Spartan News

10.10.12

3

youth unemployment

remains struggle Despite economic growth

By: Ashley Clarke

President Barack Obama speaks during a campain stop Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

College

students

are an asset

for Democratic Party ■

Continued from front page

Dr. Meshesha. He explained that many college students do not support the Republican Party for this reason. Although support for President Obama is prevalent, the Democratic Party fears that voter turnout may have a negative effect on the election results. “The first time [President Obama was Presidential candidate] was a historic event,” said Dr. Meshesha. He is concerned that voters may

be less voiced this presidential election year than they were during the previous one. “It was a historic even that a black man was becoming President of the United States,” said Dr. Meshesha. During his speech at NSU and throughout his campaign tour, President Obama has constantly reminded his supporters to turn out in the same record numbers in November with the phrase, “Don’t boo, vote.”

Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, and information on how to register and where to vote can be found at http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/.

Continued from front page

for a job in my field. That’s the hard part about college. We need more connections. We have people who don’t have any experience when they leave; all they know is what someone taught them out of a book,” said Banks. Banks hopes that her department will do more to help students connect with companies who need the skills they learned in college. She sympathizes with other students who are finding other ways to supplement their income to remain financially stable in college. According to Generation Opportunity’s study, the high unemployment rates have impacted the daily lives of 89 percent of the youth ages 1829, with 32 percent of youth trying to find additional jobs, 38 percent driving less and 27 percent selling personal items or property to earn/save money. There are options for students who feel they have not yet developed a skill set that will earn some extra cash. According to a research listing done by contributors at Yahoo, college students have been making money by selling typed notes to students who miss class and serving as designated drivers for off-campus events where alcohol is served. According to the list, students can also make a few extra dollars by buying items in bulk and selling them individually and doing hair and nails at discounted prices. Selling books to freshmen and

completing online surveys are also ways to make a quick buck. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to make ends meet. You’ve got people in college and they’ve got to pay tuition and the next bill that they get,” said Banks. “If I’ve got to start my own hair business and braid hair to make a hundred dollars every week, then I need to learn how to braid hair.”

I’m currently looking for a job in my field. That’s the hard part about college....

-Teanna Banks

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu


Spartan Sports

4

10.10.12

BEYOND THE BALL WITH

Women’s Cross Country

AJ Rogers, a Spartan Echo correspondent and a forward on the NSU men’s basketball team, details NSU athletes’ lives once the clock stops.

with two new additions

AJ ROGERS

For junior softball player Nikki Jones, the start of school in the fall is when she must begin to embark on another journey for dominance in her sport. Jones is no stranger to balancing a busy school schedule with workouts, practices and games. Working out and practicing with the team uses up time that other students devote to school. Once she has a chance to work on assignments, her peers are socializing. According to Jones, it comes with the territory. “It takes time from my personal life, but I am a studentathlete first. Whatever comes later comes after the student and athlete,” said Jones. At least 18 hours a week are devoted to activities other than actually attending class. “We do about eight hours of practice a week and I usually try to study at least ten hours depending on if I have a test that week,” said Jones. The time of year also plays a big role in Jones’ schedule. “I focus more on my grades in the fall. I know I have more time rather than in the spring when I have to balance games and practices with school,” said Jones. “During the fall season I seem to be more tired, but during the spring season, because there are more games, I feel like I’m always hype,” said Jones. Being on the go constantly takes a toll on her, but the love of the sport keeps her fueled. “It makes it easier to cope with the fact that the school year is so strenuous and the fact that we lose a significant amount of our social life,” said Jones. “We [studentathletes] are following our passion.”

championship-ready By: Marian Brooks

NSU softball players demonstrate how they prepare for the upcoming spring season. Photo credit: Keith Offutt|Spartan Echo

Spartan Softball

Pa rt i c i pat e s i n Fa l l L e a g u e to Prepare For Spring Season By: Mariah Goodrich

Unlike most other sports, the softball team takes part in a fall league against schools like College of the Albemarle, Chesapeake College and Virginia Wesleyan. The fall league consists of a series of scrimmages. These games give the team a trial period to build chemistry, try new plays and sharpen their skills. “We have five new girls so the fall league lets us get to know each other’s’ strengths and weaknesses,” said sophomore Alina Moriarty. “It prepares us to play against other teams and players instead of always playing against our own,” explained sophomore Liz Riley. Preseason is a big part of any sport. This is when the team comes together to start training as one. Preseason helps prepare a team, but playing in a fall league gives a preview of how the season will go. “We are off to a good start with the new girls,” said junior Morgan Boyd. “We plan on going hard this spring and getting more doubles and triples. Since we have more girls on the team, we should have more girls on the bases.” The team has strong goals

to accomplish during fall league and preseason training. “We get the chance to become more of a family,” said Riley. Meshing all of their respective talents together allows for more fluidity and togetherness on the field. “We try to work out things now so we won’t have to come spring time,” said Boyd. Participating in the fall league has given the girls insight to the team’s strengths for the 2013 spring season. “This season we will have speed, power and pitching,” said Boyd. “Our new pitcher is going to bring a lot of power to the mound.” The team is on the path to have a successful spring season. “I am really excited and we should have a great season,” said Moriarty. The girls are pumped up for the coming season and they are soliciting the support of their fellow Spartans. “It would be great if the team could get more student support,” said Boyd. The Green vs. Gold game, which was held on Oct. 9, was the final look at the team’s progress before the spring season starts.

Women’s cross country took fourth and fifth place overall in their first two meets at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The team is young with only one senior, Kellen Rutto. Lone freshman Rachel Webb was recruited by NSU after competing for only one year as a form of rehab for a torn ACL she got while playing basketball. Webb led all NSU runners finishing 18th in the UMES Lid-Lifter meet and finished second among all NSU runners in 28th place in the UMES Cappy Anderson Invitational. She is pulling her weight as the only freshmen and credits her teammates for helping her adjust and adapt to their system. “My teammates helped me. They were nice when I came in and helped me so I could get on their level,” said Webb. Sophomore transfer Tori Lewis-Johnson is from Bowie State University. “The transition has not been too bad since I’m from Hampton,” said Lewis-Johnson. “It was easy because I already knew a few people on the team.” Lewis-Johnson’s decision to transfer was based on complications at her previous school. She was not progressing as she hoped. “I knew that transferring would get me back on the path that I have always pushed myself towards,” said Lewis-Johnson. Webb and Lewis-Johnson

agree that the UMES meets were helpful in measuring their level and ability to compete, but there is always room for improvement. “The team did not run the best of times, but we got a feel for the season. We saw what we had to work on and now we are taking the necessary steps to progress to championships,” said Lewis-Johnson. Webb and Lewis-Johnson have come to their own realizations as they learn their roles on the team. “I am not first anymore and there is a lot of experience out there,” said Webb. Lewis-Johnson wants to be one of the top four girls on the team and breaking 20 minutes will put her on the path to do so. “By the MEAC’s I want to be in the early 19s,” said Lewis-Johnson. Workouts were initially challenging for both girls. “Waking up early at 6 a.m. to run at 6:30 a.m. and then having another practice at 3 p.m. right after class had me rushing to the track,” said Webb. “Workouts have their ups and downs. Sometimes they are long and relaxing but other times they are more upbeat and require more work and drive,” said Lewis-Johnson. Working together on and off the trail is building cohesion and keeping the vision of winning the MEAC in their direct line of sight.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu


Spartan Sports

10.10.12

5

Underclassmen

Spartan Football’s

collegiate sports

Shaping up for the Season

By: Mariah Goodrich

By: Marian Brooks

Football players transition into Many college athletes must go through the transition between high school and collegiate sports. College football is on a much higher level than high school football and the time frame between graduating and going away to camp is very short. According to underclassmen Spartan football players, Alex Killam, Mike Phillips and Conley Smith, the biggest difference between high school and college football is the speed of the game. The talent level is way more intense because they are competing with some of the best talent in the country, not just from the Hampton Roads area. “Everyone is better and faster,” said sophomore, Alex Killam.

“Work hard for your position because it won’t just be given to you...” -Alex Killam To freshman Mike Phillips, the hardest part of the transition is dedicating all of your time to the sport. High school football teams practice after school and have game day on Friday. College football is much more involved. The players dedicate more of their time and energy to the game.

They must schedule their classes around practice, study hall, games and other football-related activities. The short span of time between high school graduation and college football workouts may seem tough, but not to these three young athletes. They all agreed that it was pretty smooth since workouts started about the same time high school football starts. The difference between high school and college football is not just about time to freshman Conley Smith. Playing football on the collegiate level is just more fun to him. Sophomore Alex Killam describes his favorite part of college football in one word, “Championship.” He was a part of the team last year when they won the 2012 MEAC Championship. The three underclassmen advise freshman football players to keep pushing. “Don’t take the summer off,” said Smith. Even after athletes reach the collegiate level of football, Killam believes the hard work should not stop there. “Work hard for your position because it won’t just be given to you,” said Killam. These three Spartans prove that the transition between high school and college football, with much hard work and perseverance, can be quite smooth and enjoyable.

Spartan football’s defense has been consistently strong the last few seasons. This season they are defending with the tenacity and relentlessness of a championship team. They are led by three red-shirt seniors, Marcus Cooperwood, Jamal Giddens and Terrence Pugh, who all play a significant part in the defensive strategy and understand exactly what is expected of them. Pugh and Giddens are both team captains. Giddens led the team with eight sacks last season, the third most in the conference. Pugh had 41 tackles last season and was fourth on the team in sacks. “It is my job to make sure everybody is in line, especially the younger players,” said Pugh, “I have to bridge the gap helping the players’ transition from high school to college.” Cooperwood led the cornerback position with 37 tackles and served as a key contributor on special teams last season. “My role is to take away the pass and as a senior I have to be a role model,” said Cooperwood. Giddens highlighted the high expectations of the defensive line. “We are aiming for a shutout in every game and the goal is to be number one in every aspect and in every category,” said Giddens.

Although some players have aspirations to play in the NFL, the team’s collective

“It is my job to make sure everybody is in line, especially the younger players...” -Terrence Pugh goal is to win another ring and win more in the playoffs. “No one is playing selfishly and we all do our part well as a unit,” said Pugh.

Beating Liberty University was a huge win for the team, but it was followed by a devastating loss to Howard University. “We have to work hard and realize that we are no longer on the top and work our way up from the bottom,” said Giddens. In regard to beating Liberty, Giddens acknowledges that the team must not get big-headed. “We like to look at every game the same. We’re not putting that game before any other game,” said Giddens. The Spartans will continue to practice hard and make every situation game-like while maintaining their competitive spirit.

Marcus Cooperwood (left) and Terrence pugh (right) practice hard to prepare for upcoming games against other universities. Photo credit: Keith Offutt|Spartan Echo

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu


Spartan Student Life

6

Local artist Brown Memorial Hall,

catches

potentially

big break the next building By: Brittany Elmore

Local musician Will ‘Illy’ Armistead caught his big break in April 2012, when he signed with Ghetto Government Music. Relatively new to the scene, with only about a year performing experience, ‘Illy’ has high hopes for his future in the music industry. The Virginia Beach native began his career as a musician during his time at the University of Virginia at Wise where he and his friends would record freestyles in a basement. “I really just started getting serious with it about a year ago. I’ve entered competitions and performed open mics. I’m just trying to get myself out there,” said Armistead. He has performed at multiple venues in Virginia Beach, Florida and New York. Since signing with Ghetto Government Music on April 18, 2012, he has spent most of his time in the studio recording music.

10.10.12

Continued on p. 7

to get a facelift

on Norfolk State’s campus? By: Brittany Elmore Brown Memorial Hall holds extreme historical significance to Norfolk State University, but the building is at risk of destruction. It was the first permanent building at Norfolk State University, originally named Tidewater Hall, but was renamed Brown Memorial Hall after the late George William Clement Brown. Since its construction in 1955, the building has lost some of its structural integrity and many students and faculty have complained about the condition of Brown Hall. “Thirty-one percent of classes are held in this building during an average week,” said President Tony Atwater in an email to alumni, faculty, staff and students on July 26, 2012. The president also said that he has heard the concerns of students and faculty alike, and understands that

renovations need to be made. “Providing a teaching and learning environment that is safe and secure is a top priority,” stated President Atwater. He also said he spoke to the family of Mr. Brown, and they support the efforts to rebuild the building. Despite the need and the desire for the new building, money is still an issue. Renovations and construction of a new building altogether would cost the school an estimated $24 million, a price the president says is not justifiable. So, what is the plan for Brown Hall? Right now there is no answer. After multiple attempts to speak with a representative from the Office of Communications and Marketing went unanswered, proposals for the fate of Brown Hall remain unknown.

NSU welcomes

dual enrollment program with Newport News high schools By: Amanda Chambers Norfolk State University’s Mass Communication Department welcomed its new dual enrollment program with Newport News Public Schools Telecommunication Center this fall. High school students attending Newport News Telecommunication Center will now be able to take a television production course and graduate from high school with 3 university credits from Norfolk State University. NSU officially welcomed the first dual enrollment students, Shaquille Branch, Brittany Chaneyfield, Tykari Coles, Waltron Moody, Rachael Parker and Jazzmyn Reid, Wednesday, Sept. 5, during the Mass Communication and Journalism department general meeting. “Going to Woodside High School and attending telecommunications was the best decision I have ever made. This program makes you feel as if all your hard work wasn’t for nothing, and it actually benefits you when you’re heading

to college,” said Jazzmyn Reid, high school freshman. “I can honestly say this program has benefited me and I would encourage anyone to do it. Having college credits transferred over not only helped me as a student but encouraged me to go further in my field. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity I was given,” said Rachael Parker, high school freshman. Ray Price, Supervisor of Newport News Public School’s Telecommunication Center, was very pleased with the partnership and is looking forward to working with the department in the future. “In considering dual enrollment, I was looking for a university that would give our students similar opportunities to increase their knowledge and work experience. I have always had a great working relationship with NSU staff and students, and I’m excited now to be part of the Green and Gold,” said Price.

Busting breast cancer myths By: Brittany Elmore October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In October people who buy into the myths of this chronic disease can be educated on the facts of breast cancer. One of the biggest mis-

conceptions is that it is a gender specific disease. Many men are also affected by breast cancer. According to NationalBreastCancer.org, “[Each year] it is estimated that ap-

proximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die.” Another misunderstanding is that antiperspirants and de-

Continued on p. 7

NSU students Jazzmyn (left), Waltron Moody, Rachael Parker, and Tykhari Coles are some students in the dual enrollment program. Photo credit: Keith Offutt|Spartan Echo

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu


10.10.12

Spartan Opinion

Local artist catches big break

Continued from page 6

“I try to get in the studio as much as I can. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now,” said Armistead. Armistead has two downloadable tracks available on GhettoGovernmentMusic.com, and is currently working on a mix tape tentatively due to be released around Oct. 31, 2012. He is currently touring with the Get Noticed Tour, a ten-show tour through six states, which will be making

stops in North Carolina, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. More information about this tour is also available at GhettoGovernmentMusic.com. Armistead plans to continue his career in the music industry. “I would love to be a producer or engineer. I just need to be creating something or I will go crazy,” said Armistead.

Busting

breast cancer myths

Continued from page 6 odorants cause breast cancer. son to reduce his or her risk A representative of the factor. Alcohol consumpNational Cancer Institute tion, family history and prosaid, “[They] are not aware longed use of oral contraof any conclusive evidence ceptives have been shown to linking the use of underarm increase one’s risk of develantiperspirants or deodor- oping breast cancer. In conants and the subsequent de- trast, a few hours of exercise velopment of breast cancer.” a week and a healthy diet can help lower one’s risk level. There are tests available Early detection is an now that can tell a person if they are predisposed to the important part of survival disease. The breast cancer if one does develop breast gene tests, however, are not cancer. Everyone should a confirmation that a person perform a self-exam once will develop breast cancer. a month to monitor any If one tests positive for the changes in the breasts along gene it only puts them at a with an annual physical higher risk for the disease, by a medical professional. but, according to National- If you detect any changBreastCancer.org, only five es in the breast tissue you to ten percent of patients should contact a physician. actually have the mutation. “Eight out of ten breast Cancer is caused by a ge- lumps are benign, or not cannetic mutation in the body cerous,” said the National that causes cells to uncon- Breast Cancer Foundation. trollably reproduce. Certain More information risk factors put people at a about breast cancer and higher risk to develop the other cancers can be disease, and, likewise, there found at Cancer.gov. are certain ways for a per-

I g n o rant

is NOT the new Black By: Ashley Clarke

Sometime between our great-grandparents’ generation and ours, the majority of the African-American race gave up the fight for competitive intelligence with other races and settled for competitive ignorance within its own society. Slavery forced African-Americans into a state of ignorance, yet freedom alone could not eliminate this pitiful mental state. We transformed from a people which was denied intellectual freedom to a people who rejected the freedom we were given. Our ancestors’ dream of equality and respect has been neglected because individual blacks are too worried about their images as a black man or woman. You have to be “black enough” these days. We have taken the slave owner’s definitions of black –unintelligent, obnoxious, irresponsible, violent, ignorant, overly sexual and quick tempered – and affirmed them and even taken pride in them. Fortunately, many of us have made progress. Countless blacks have decided that their image today must be sacrificed for their future success. Their peers call them “bougie” today but will know them as successful black Americans tomorrow. They are the pride, hope and future of the African-American population. They take advantage of opportunities

to educate themselves. They work as many jobs as necessary to provide for themselves and their families. They do not believe the misconception that reading a book will change the pigmentation from their skin. They respect authority and handle business in a professional manner. They take our stereotypes and turn them into positive forces, writing rap lyrics that speak moral truths instead of sex and money, and raise their pet pit bulls to be outstanding canine citizens. Unfortunately, for every individual taking steps forward for black America, there are countless others who are taking steps backwards. They are the students at an HBCU such as Norfolk State who disrespect their professors because that is all they have ever seen a real “b*tch” or a real “n*gga” do. They are the men who take better care of their Jordans than they do their children because stereotypical black men just do not have time to take care of their kids. For those who are working hard, taking care of their children and making the most of life, it may seem to be a very lonely world right now. Give it some time. Get a good job and surround yourself with people that share the same mindset, that ignorance is not bliss and it definitely is not the new black.

7

editors Krysta Ricks Editor-inChief

Bethany Cartwright Managing Editor

Ashley Clarke News Editor

Brittany Elmore Student Life Editor

Marian JonesBrooks Sports Editor

Keith Offutt Multimedia Editor

Briaun Rooks Entertainment Editor DeVanique Riley Graphic Design/ Layout Editor

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu


Spartan Entertainment

8

EcHo Review

T.J. Holmes enlightens black America on BET By: Briaun Rooks

Artist: Brandy Norwood Album: “Two Eleven” Release Date: October 16

Ready for her comeback, singer-actress Brandy Norwood is set to release her sixth studio album, “Two Eleven.” The album was named for Norwood’s birthday but it also signifies the day Whitney Houston died. “Her leaving on that day was like her way of saying, ‘you know what you have to do’”, said Norwood during a True Exclusives interview. “This project means so much to me. I’ve worked very hard on it. It’s just great to be back in music and do what I love to do consistently and full time,” said Norwood in a Post-Gazette interview.

Artist: DJ Khaled Album: “Kiss The Ring” Release Date: August 21

DJ Khaled released his new album, “Kiss The Ring,” on Aug. 21, 2012. “Kiss The Ring” debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics say “Kiss The Ring” is one of DJ Khaled’s best albums; however, the album was not received well by his fans. Although artists such as Nikki Minaj, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and Kanye West are featured on the album, its commercial performance has been poor. Khaled, a prominent disk jockey in the hip-hop community, has not had good commercial performance with any of his solo albums. However, he is still the most sought after hip-hop DJ.

“Two Eleven” first official single, “Put it Down” featuring Chris Brown, is currently #13 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart and has also been #1 on the 106 & Park countdown. The album features productions from Frank Ocean, Rico Love and Sean Garrett. Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/foreverbrandy| www.facebook.com/Official DJ KhaledPage

Award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor, T.J. Holmes, made his debut on BET with a new latenight talk show, “Don’t Sleep.” Holmes tackles issues concerning the black community that mainstream media tends to ignore. The show’s goal is to enlighten, awaken and keep Black America in the know. His show will feature politicians, athletes, actors, actresses, musicians and important people that are relevant

to the black community. “We just want to highlight and show the best that black culture has to offer,” said Holmes in an interview with Eurweb. “Don’t Sleep” is a mix of news and entertainment. “It’s credibility with personality,” said Stephen Hill, president of music programming at BET. This show is targeted for anyone interested in black culture and will be airing four nights a week at 11 p.m.

spartan watch SNOOKI’S MEATBALL

HAS ARRIVED

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, known for her outrageous antics on the “Jersey Shore,” gave birth to a baby boy, Lorenzo Dominic LaValle, on Aug. 26, 2012. He weighed in at 6 pounds and 5 ounces. Polizzi’s son was born four days before the announcement of the last season of hit show, “Jersey Shore.” "I am so in love with my

son, Lorenzo Dominic. He’s my world,” said Polizzi via Twitter. Though Polizzi is very outrageous and outspoken on the show, many people believe she will make a terrific mother. "We couldn't be happier for Nicole and Jionni on the healthy delivery of their baby boy,” said an MTV representative. The final season of “Jersey Shore” will premier Oct. 4, with a much anticipated new guest.

In this July 15, 2011 photo, MTV cameras film Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi during the taping of a “Jersey Shore” episode on the Seaside Heights, N.J., boardwalk. A New Jersey assemblyman introduced a law on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, that would le t towns regulate the filming of reality TV shows within their borders, including charging for the cost of extra police protection. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

10.10.12

trending topics: #WhereIsMyCheck @ms_convinced I love my school and all but can I get my refund check BEFORE next semester? #WhereIsMyCheck @MISTER_WWIII Should have my refund check in my account today! NSU better have sent it #WhereIsMyCheck @CadetCrazzi I wish NSU would hurry up with my refund check #WhereIsMyCheck @yellowbone_ tone Dear NSU Financial Aid: #WhereIsMyCheck?! @_giannalove I hate reading my NSU mail. Because its never about my refund check. #WhereIsMyCheck?!

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