Fizzliing Favre Quarterback hasn’t delivered in second half of career
Notorious L.E.E. pg. 6
pg. 11
T he G atepost T he Inde pendent Weekly Student Ne wspa per of Framingham State College Since 1932
find us online at www.thegatepost.com volume
78 l number 14
j a n u a r y
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Governor’s budget proposal is cause for “optimism” at All College Meeting
By Roya Bahrami
Tom Higgins/The Gatepost
A snowy afternoon on the FSC campus.
Assitant News Editor During Wednesday’s All College Meeting, administrators updated the campus community on current and future construction projects, academic programs, enrollment and the budget. According to Dr. Dale Hamel, senior vice president of administration, finance and technology, the release of Governor Deval Patrick’s 2011 budget proposal has brought “better news than we had anticipated or have seen for quite a while on the budget side.” Hamel explained that the governor’s new budget proposal could potentially bring “level funding” to higher education. This would mean that funding would not be cut or raised if the budget proposal is approved. However, Hamel said acknowl-
edged there are “many assumptions and criteria” that must be met in order for FSC to receive level funding. For example, the governor’s budget plan relies heavily on federal approval of extra stimulus funds, Medicaid reimbursements and the “refunding of debt service.” Hamel also noted the possibility that state funding could be allocated to colleges based upon enrollment increases. For example, some community colleges have experienced a 20 percent growth in enrollment in the past few years. Hamel said that, depending on how the state plans to allocate the funds, “it may not necessarily mean that we would be level funded in the end.” With regards to the budget development timeline, Hamel said, “There’s a lot to be done yet, in -Continued on page 5
Scott Brown wins Massachusetts’ 2010 Senate race
FSC voters say impatience with “change” led to Republican win
By Madison Dennis
Editor-in-Chief On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Massachusetts voters elected Republican Scott Brown to fill the late Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat. He defeated Democratic opponent Martha Coakley 52 to 47 percent. According to boston.com, Brown received a total of 1,168,107 votes, while Coakley received 1,058,682. The Libertarian candidate, Joe Kennedy, received 22,237 votes. Democrat Ted Kennedy held this seat for over 46 years until his death last August. Doug Telling, government professor, said many Massachusetts voters believed Coakley would win simply because of her status as a Democrat in a traditionally liberal state. “I think a lot of people weren’t paying attention until somebody made clear that she was vulnerable,” he said. Though many Massachusetts voters did not expect the election of a GOP candidate, others saw his popularity rising in the last few weeks, and were not surprised by the results. “If you would have asked me four weeks ago, I would have said ‘No way,’ but by the last week, you could pretty much tell,” said Global Change Initiative President Chris Donovan.
Greg Fraser, vice president of the Political Roundtable club, agreed with Donovan. “At first, this was a very boring election for me. … By the end, it got exciting. It’s amazing how many people would have to flip over to give Brown 52 percent of the vote. “It seems that the election has shown me that Massachusetts is a little bit more independent than I thought,” he said. According to Telling, many Massachusetts voters were unhappy with Coakley’s lackluster campaign, and impressed by Brown’s. “Brown ran an excellent campaign,” he said. “Coakley did not.” Telling also noted that Coakley failed to counteract Brown’s arguments, many of which were misleading. One Brown ad, he said, was “flat out wrong,” and yet Coakley didn’t stand up to challenge him in debates. SGA President Steve Whittemore thought Coakley’s campaign was the primary reason for her unpopularity. “Martha Coakley has no idea how to run a campaign - that was pretty evident. Her biggest fault was that she just couldn’t connect with the people of Massachusetts,” he said.
Racheotes, Scouler teach FSC about the blind experience
pg. 8
-Continued on page 3
The changing face of politics pg. 9
Photo courtesy of brownforussenate.com
Senator-elect Scott Brown emerged victorious on Tuesday, with 1,168,107 votes.
Lady Rams beat Suffolk in close contest pg. 10
The Gatepost
Page 2
January 29, 2010
Gatepost Interview
Police Logs Saturday, January 23, 2010 02:46 Arrest - O’Connor Hall.
courses, as well. GP: Are you working on any special projects right now?
GP: What is your educational background?
Pongratz-Chander: I have an undergraduate degree in business administration, with an emphasis in marketing, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 from the University of Northern Colorado. Then, I have 20:15 Narcotics investigation - Corinne Hall Towers. a master’s degree in sociology and a Ph.D. in international relations, both from Northern Arizona University. Report of odor of marijuana. Citation issued. My areas of concentration and interests are political economy, globalization and Latin American politics.
Madison Dennis
Associate Editor Lauren Byrnes
News Editor Amy Koski
Assistant News Editors Roya Bahrami, Lindsay Chase, Rakel Hjaltadóttir and Sara Mulkeen
Arts & Features Editor Matthew Bushery
Assistant Arts & Features Editors Pam Barberio, Spencer Buell, Amanda Lefebvre and Tom O’Brien
SPORTS EDITORS Nenia Corcoran and Josh Primak
Assistant Sports Editors Jeff Mandeau and Chris McCabe
Opinion Editor Staff
PHOTO EDITORS Matt Bennett, Tom Higgins, Josh Kruger, Andrew Martin, Drake McCabe and Matthew Mikaelian
Comics Editor Steve Monroe
Advertising Editor Staff
ONLINE EDITORs Liz Anders and Jen Perrin
Administrative assistant Betty Brault
Advisor Desmond McCarthy
General Staff
Bryan Dagley Kelsey Loverude Krysta Davis Ashley Moran Nicole Dygon Shaeleen Perreault Sara L. Fortin Ariana Shuris Monique Thomas
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Pongratz-Chander: The greatest challenge is to motivate students to be in touch with the news, convince them that what happens in other places can have a direct effect on their life, their wellness, their opportunities. What happens outside of our country or our city, definitely affects us. GP: What do you like best about working at FSC?
Pongratz-Chander: The best part about working here is the direct communication that I’ve been having with students. Classes are small. I Amanda Lefebvre/The Gatepost think that the relationships are personal in the sense that all the GP: Why did you want to beDr. Krisztina Pongratz-Chander classes that I teach are dealing come a teacher? with world issues that can be very special to students, so Pongratz-Chander: At some point you have to look at I’m always asking for their opinions on things - people things that happen around you, and look at the system, do actually open up. My classrooms tend to be very to find out if there’s an answer. I like to teach. I like the debate-oriented, but I like that part. I choose that. Other contact with students. I like the energy and the enthu- places where I’ve been, that hasn’t been the case. I like siasm that freshmen and sophomores have. They want the faculty that work here, and I like the way that the to make sense of themselves and of the world in which departments work with each other, and all of us across they live. The way that they live now, they have to find this administration have the same interests in the student that they have things to say, that they have some say in body. the system. I grew up in Spain - I came here when I was 15 or 16 - and so I think that I bring that global under- GP: Do you have any advice for your students? standing of the world to the classroom. Pongratz-Chander: Absolutely. I think that the political system is going to keep moving whether or not GP: What courses are you teaching this semester? you’re involved, so you can’t complain too much unless Pongratz-Chander: I’m teaching two sections of you get involved. And it’s much more than voting - it’s American Government and one section of World Poli- whole other level of participation - activism. I think that tics, which is, in a way, an introduction to international as college students, you are in that one part in your lives relations or global politics. where you can really have the kind of means and should have the motivation to really be active, and fight for GP: Please give a brief summary of your resume. those things that you want to see done. Or, fight for the ideals that are so important because it’s a big part of our Pongratz-Chander: I have been teaching for the past democracy. You couldn’t enjoy the rights you are given 10 to 15 years. Even as part of my master’s, I was teach- without us being involved in it. ing Spanish at a few community colleges. After I got my master’s, I lived in New York and I worked in a com- GP: Do you have hobbies outside of the classroom? munity college teaching sociology. After, I worked in California outside of San Francisco teaching sociology Pongratz-Chander: I like running. I did run my first courses for some time. And then here, in Massachusetts, marathon last year - the Boston Marathon. And I’m I’ve worked in several community colleges - Quincy training again for another marathon this year. I have ... College, Bunker Hill, and at Emmanuel, I taught a few three kids now - so they are my number one hobby.
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Editor-in-Chief
GP: What do you feel is the greatest challenge of being a teacher?
Pongratz-Chander: When I finished my master’s in sociology, I began to ask more questions that I couldn’t get answers from when in sociology, so I had to get a look at other places, and that’s how I got to politics. I heard about the different actors in politics who make decisions so that different societies end up with specific laws, so that’s how I got involved in political science. Also, my family always had a lot of political discussions over dinner where we were discussing, debating a lot of things about politics.
Monday
2009-2010
Sunday
Editorial Board
GP: What is it about politics that appealed to you? And why did you choose to take that direction while you were in school?
Pongratz-Chander: I’m working on developing new courses that are going to be offered, if not in the fall, definitely in the spring of 2011. And I think that I’m beginning to review some research that I’ve done over the past couple of years, and I might come up with an article at some point this year also, in 2010, to publish.
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Thursday
07:19 Investigation - D. Justin McCarthy College Center. Possible blood in CC men’s room. Cleaned upon arrival. Unfounded.
By Amanda Lefebvre Staff Writer
WednesdaY
Monday, January 25, 2010 00:20 Medical - Linsley Hall. Report of student not feeling well. FFD transport.
Dr. Krisztina Pongratz-Chander Government Department
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January 29 2010
The Gatepost
Faculty, students discuss Brown’s win
Page 3
spending, taxes, loss of choice - those sorts of things,” of Obama’s plans for the country. Particularly, the addition of Brown, he said, was more detrimental to his own John Ambacher, government professor, said while he said. Ambacher said he believes from a strategic point of personal future. “I don’t really agree with a lot of his Coakley ran an unimpressive campaign, “Scott Brown ran a very skillful, effective campaign. It seemed to me that view, focusing on making the issue of healthcare the pri- [Brown’s] ideas on education. I’m going to be a teacher, towards the end, his ads were not negative. He was play- ority may not have been the best choice for Coakley, and and he’s never really gone out of his way to provide more ing up what he stood for, whereas many of Coakley’s ads, focusing on the economy would have resulted in more funding for education.” Molly Sullivan, a freshman, said this election is about at least the ones I saw towards the end of the campaign, votes for the Democrat. “The Brown election was, in were strictly negative, and that just grew wearisome. It some ways, a reaction to what many people felt was too setting a precedent. “This Congress is going to determine much concentration on health care and not enough time what’s going to happen,” she said. “It’s going to make or was a matter of desperation on her part.” break our future.” He said there was a sense of entitlement on the Demo- spent on trying to revive the economy.” The off-year, off-season election drew a crats’ part that the Senate seat would pass to a large number of Massachusetts voters to the Democrat, and that perception alienated many polls compared to other Senate elections. Acvoters. cording to WBZ News, 54 percent of MasBrown’s campaign was also effective in sachusetts voters turned out for the special terms of his ability to downplay his position as election, compared to 66 percent turning out a Republican and to play up his role in speaking for the general presidential election in 2008. for independents in Massachusetts, he added. WBZ also reported Massachusetts SecreGovernment Department Chair George Jarnis tary of State William Galvin only expected offered a number of other reasons voters elected about 40 percent of registered voters to turn a Republican candidate. He said Massachusetts out on Election Day. voters were looking for balance in this election. Jarnis said Massachusetts voters were par“That is one reason why we have had successful ticularly involved in this election, which is gubernatorial candidates who have been Repubtypically not the case in Senate races. “You’re licans.” taking a look at a highly informed, very parHe also described the Massachusetts election ticipatory process,” he said. as a protest for the country. Voters, he said, are Jarnis cited a number of reasons for the “responding to disappointments, alienation and high voter turnout for this election, particufrustration, and as a result, they are voting for larly the “celebrity” status of the election and the opposition - regardless of what that opposiPhoto courtesy of media.masslive.com the controversial issue of health care. As an tion may constitute.” off-year election, he noted that the MassachuAmbacher also believes Massachusetts votAttorney General Martha Coakley lost the recent Senate race. setts election was “the only game in town,” ers used this election as a way to broadcast their How this election will affect Obama’s health care plan and drew a great deal of interest because it was the only frustration with the government. He stated that voters are unhappy about the high levels of unemployment and are remains unclear, but many believe it will result in a more election being held. The number and frequency of phone calls from the getting impatient waiting for the economy to recover. “It’s bipartisan bill in order to appease both Democrats and Recandidates, as an example, he said, were almost unprecnot new that the ones in power become the scapegoats for publicans in the Senate. “I think we’re going to end up getting something, but edented. things that are wrong,” he said. “To a certain extent, his it’s not going to be anything nearly as dramatic as it could “I don’t think we’ll see it replicated. We’ve had other victory is due to the protest vote - the frustration vote.” elections, we’ve had other congressional seats up, but Donovan also thinks voter impatience was the pri- have been,” said Ambacher. “When you change the nature of the game,” said Jarnis, nothing to the magnitude of this, I think,” he added. mary reason for Brown’s win. “The change that everyone Cormio agreed that the level of interest in this elecwas promised hasn’t arrived yet,” he said, “and people regarding the addition of another Republican to the Sention was particularly high. “I feel as though you could not don’t understand how long it takes to really get signifi- ate, “you change the results.” Telling, however, point- turn on the TV without being somewhat informed on this cant change, so they voted ed out that Brown is not the election. The campaign ads seemed to have taken over my the opposite of what they only Republican planning television for the past month or so. This was a huge elecvoted last time because it seemed to not work - or so “I think it’s a horrible thing when people say on voting against the health tion, and I feel the media did a good job at making sure care bill. “Brown may be everyone realized that,” she said. they think.” that young people aren’t informed about politics - the 41st vote,” he said, “but Whittemore also believes the level of involvement in Matt Vajda, a sophothat really irks me. It makes the general he is just one of 41.” this election was higher than usual in terms of state elecmore, summed up why he assumption that people don’t care.” Whittemore hopes this tions. “I think most of the state was well-informed, mostly thought Republicans manwin for Republicans will re- because it was so controversial.” He added most other aged to pull a win out of sult in more Senate wins for college students he spoke with “knew at least something Massachusetts. “Dissatis- Molly Sullivan Republicans in the future. about what was going on - it was very well publicized.” faction with Democrats,” “They gave the Democrats Donovan believes that other college-aged students he said. a chance and the Democrats weren’t informed enough about the election. “I don’t Another major factor in didn’t pull through. They’re think enough people really care or see the significance the Senate race was the islosing power and the Republicans are sort of regaining of it in their day-to-day tasks. People are busy, and when sue of President Barack Obama’s health care plan. they have free time, they don’t want to do things that are The plan, which was expected to pass “as is” before steam,” he said. Ambacher doesn’t think that this is necessarily a trend educational, so they’ll turn on the TV and see 17 Scott Brown’s election, may not now because of the addition of toward the Republican party. “I’m still not so sure that Re- Brown ads being forcefed to you - you’re going to know another Republican to the Senate. Donovan said he thinks people are nervous about the publicans should be gloating about this,” he said. “I still that Scott Brown drives a truck and know that he sided cost and content of President Obama’s health care plan. “I think there is still a great deal of resentment just at the es- with Republicans. You’ll know the propaganda from each just don’t think anybody, Democrat or Republican, politi- tablished parties and the fact that there is just paralysis in side, and that’s what a lot of voters our age vote on,” he cian or not, actually knows what’s in the health care bill. Washington. … I wouldn’t assume that they are just going said. Vajda agreed with Donovan, saying, “When it comes Part of that is that it’s complicated, and part of that is lazi- to sweep up in November.” Jarnis believes that it’s too early to tell if more Repub- to college students, there is an apathy toward politics.” ness. People are scared of it. I think Obama needs to do a licans are likely to be voted into the Senate, and pointed Sullivan disagreed, arguing that many college-aged better job of selling it.” Student Trustee Julie Cormio said she thinks health care out that midterm elections typically tend to favor the party students are very aware of politics and knowledgeable when it comes to camwas the primary reason Massachusetts elected Brown. “I in opposition to the party paigns. “I think it’s a horfeel many people based their vote on the health bill. Ev- in power. “Sometimes tea rible thing when people say eryone knew Martha Coakley was going to vote ‘yes’ on leaves are just tea leaves,” that young people aren’t that. … I talked to many people about this election and it he said. “It’s too early to “They gave the Democrats a chance and the informed about politics seemed like anyone that was on the fence about who to read a great deal into it.” Democrats didn’t pull through. They’re losing However, Jarnis said that really irks me. It makes vote for leaned toward Scott Brown because they knew he power and the Republicans are sort of regaining that the addition of an extra the general assumption that would vote ‘no’ on the health bill,” she said. steam.” people don’t care.” Jarnis said that the health care bill was an important Republican to the Senate Fraser, however, befactor in this election, but didn’t agree that it was neces- might have an important - Steve Whittemore lieves that people are gensarily the most important issue. “I think it’s more the poli- impact on the futures of erally uninformed - not just tics of health care reform that have an effect on the cred- current college students, college students. “I blame ibility of government, the ability of government to resolve particularly those attending the media for it.” He said, issues, the ability of government to respond to needs, the public institutions. “In the he was angered by “the fact ability of government to be accountable. I think it’s more long run and in ways that about political alienation and policy - the attitude of vot- are very indirect, college-aged students are going to be that more people know that [Brown’s] daughter was on ers toward government and government’s response than dramatically impacted. … If you take a look at housing American Idol and that he was the Cosmopolitan centercosts, job opportunities, educational benefits, the state of fold than anything else.” to the particulars of the health care package.” He added that the competitiveness of the election alone Telling suggested that health care ended up becoming the economy - all of those variables are going to be dramade it exciting, nonetheless. “It’s exciting for any eleca surrogate for other issues in the election. “In the minds matic in terms of the college-age individual.” Donovan said in “the grand scheme of things,” the ad- tion when you don’t know what the final result is going of the voters, they were focusing on health care, but health care was being framed around other issues like deficit dition of even one Republican can change a lot in terms to be.” -Continued from page 1
January 29, 2010
The Gatepost
Page 4
By Lindsay Chase Assistant News Editor
SGA allocates money to FSC Chorus Club
At Tuesday night’s SGA meeting, funds were allocated to FSC’s Chorus Club. The Debate Club’s and the Design and Development Club’s constitutions were amended and accepted. Chris Chagnon, president of the Chorus Club, asked SGA to increase the club’s budget from zero dollars to $982.35. The club previously had no budget because they had no set meeting time. Chagnon said the money would go toward posters for publicity, promotional T-shirts handed out at a “Sandbox” event that is still being planned and an assortment of music for concerts on campus throughout the semester. “We need this stuff … so we can get started with this club,” Chagnon said. “We are fully, completely two million percent separate from the [chorus] class now,” he added.
SGA allocated $500 from its unallocated funds to the Chorus Club. Brian Kessell presented his reasons for starting a debate club on campus to “foster a healthy, intellectual environment.” He wants to “encourage [the] members to step out of their comfort zones.” Kessell added he wants the club to debate other schools next year after the club gets more members. He said this year, the members will focus on developing strong debating skills. The debates will not just center on politics, but topics will be voted on by the members according to what they want to discuss. Instead of having a judge for the debates, the club will depend on a mutual consensus to determine winners. SGA accepted the changes made to the Debate Club’s constitution. Representatives from FSC’s Design and Development Club addressed the members of SGA and told them the
goals of the club. According to a member, Kelly Gorrochotegui, the purpose of the club is to “organize students who have a passion for sewing and design.” Another club representative, Andrea Aubry, said the club wants to get involved in community service, including helping the Christa McAuliffe Center on campus by making outfits for the children who visit and helping the U.S. Army send out care packages containing hats, scarves and pouches for water bottles. The club also wants to contribute to a Framingham organization called Dresses for a Cure, which collects dresses and accessories to sell and raise money for cancer research. In other news: • The Men’s Lacrosse Club constitution was amended and accepted. • The Amigos FY 2010 budget was tabled until next week’s meeting.
At Wednesday’s All College Meeting, members of the campus community were presented with the latest draft of the college’s revised mission statement. Academic Vice President Dr. Robert Martin encouraged faculty, staff and students to offer suggestions and feedback concerning the draft. Martin can be reached at rmartin@framingham.edu.
Framingham State College Mission Statement, version 3B “Founded by Horace Mann in 1839 as the first public college in America to offer teacher preparation, Framingham State College continues to serve a public purpose. Now a comprehensive college with a wide variety of undergraduate majors encompassing the arts and sciences and applied programs, as well as graduate programs at the master’s level, Framingham State has expanded its vision beyond that of its founder, yet is still dedicated to serving regional and state communities. Our graduates go on to local, national, and global service in a wide variety of careers. Framingham State College is primarily a teaching institution in which faculty engage with their disciplines through instruction, scholarship, and service both to the campus and extended communities. The College is an important educational and cultural center for the Metrowest region of Massachusetts, which also serves as a resource for the education and work of our students. The Framingham State College learning community consists of teacher-scholars, students, and staff dedicated to shared values including student success, free inquiry and the respectful exchange of ideas, ethical conduct, and the belief that diversity in its many forms is essential to the educational experience. The educational and co-curricular environments support student-centered, active learning and provide opportunities for both independent and collaborative learning and a culminating capstone experience. Students work closely with faculty as they learn to gather and evaluate information, to write and speak effectively, to develop their critical thinking and their creativity, to reason quantitatively, and to apply information technology effectively. Framingham State seeks to graduate selfdirected and confident students who are prepared for a life of learning, leadership, and work.”
Happy 98th Birthday, Miriam Jagodnik Feldman Class of 1934 Founder of The Hilltop News, 1931, which led to the creation of The Gatepost in 1932 The Division of Graduate and Continuing Education invites you to the Graduate Student Lounge Grand Opening Week! Location: Hemenway Hall 210 Dates: Monday, February 1st through Thursday, February 4th Time: 3:30 - 6:30 pm Please drop by and join our graduate students, faculty and staff. Free Refreshments. Framingham State College, Division of Graduate and Continuing Educaiton 100 State Street PO Box 9101, Framingham, MA 017019101 508-620-4550
January 29, 2010
The Gatepost
Construction, budget discussed at All College Meeting
Page 5
construction project. He said both the College Center and Whittemore Library projterms of refining what our budget recomects will continue as planned this summer. mendation will be.” However, because construction on State President Timothy Flanagan and Hamel Street does not commence until mid-July, each addressed the Hemenway Hall and it may be pushed out until next spring, so Annex project study, among other ongoeach construction project, including the ing campus construction projects. Both building of the new residence hall, will noted that in order for the project to probe manageable. Hamel said that after the ceed from study phase to design phase, it 2011 commencement, “Hopefully we can must get back on the state’s five-year capifinish up [construction on State Street] tal spending plan, and they appealed to all while we’re completely out of session.” members of the campus community to aid Dr. Robert Martin, vice president of acin this process. ademic affairs, discussed the development Flanagan emphasized the necessity of new master’s degree programs in sciof new and up-to-date academic science ence, technology, engineering, and mathfacilities, saying, “The need for modern ematics (STEM) education, professional laboratory science facilities is absolutely science, and health information managecritical to the academic program development, as well as a bachelor’s degree proment of the college.” gram in criminology. He also provided updates on the new Martin said the office of academic afresidence hall construction, and noted the fairs has been working closely with faculty preliminary work that has been done to members and MetroWest-area resources to the site since November 2009. “[The condevelop these programs. “In the last year, struction company] will be in a position we have started to work very intensively Drake McCabe/ The Gatepost to be pouring the foundation and so forth in selected as soon as Posters outlining the new residence hall plans were displayed at the meeting. areas to dethe ground velop new ate program. grants and discussed the potential growth thaws in programs that Transfer program articulation was also of the Distinguished Faculty program. March and “In the last year, we have started to work very are sensitive addressed by Martin, who commended Dr. Martin said, “What we need to do is start April. … intensively in selected areas to develop new to what’s hap- Ellen Zimmerman, the dean of academic to recognize people in teaching and in serThen, the programs that are sensitive to what’s happened pened region- affairs, for working closely with officials vice, whether it’s college service, or probig steel ally, and take from community colleges to help negotiate fessional service.” superstruc- regionally, and take advantage of resources that advantage of requirements for transfer courses. Martin Dr. Susanne Conley, vice president of exist within our region.” ture will resources that said, “Our new enrollment isn’t only going enrollment and student development, disstart being exist within our to come from first-year students. It’s going cussed the new Academic Department erected in - Dr. Robert Martin region.” to come from transfer students as well. It’s Liaison program, which enables the adMay, with A c c o r d - probably easier to recruit transfer students ministration to collaborate with members an ultimate ing to Martin, than first-year students. Anything we can of the campus community and help edugoal of p r e l i m i n a r y do to identify obstacles and where we can cate recruiting staff about the educational having the curriculums for each of these programs reasonably deal programs outside envelope of the building enclosed should be ready for review by the end of with them is to offered at by next November.” the spring. Additionally, Martin expressed our advantage.” FSC. ConFlanagan said that a meeting was held hope that the programs will not only help He added that ley also on Monday night with families and indito boost enrollment, but also provide more this is a “very “In the last year, we have started to work very noted that viduals who live close to the college to intensively in selected areas to develop new opportunities for students after graduation. good step in members of discuss the possible disruptions caused Flanagan discussed the “encouraging” that direction.” programs that are sensitive to what’s happened the liaison by the new residence hall construction. fall 2009 placement survey results, sayA new regionally, and take advantage of resources that p r o g r a m “The contractors and engineers have done, ing that although the number of alumni F r a m i n g h a m have made exist within our region.” I think, a very good job of anticipating who reported being in graduate or post- State College “special efhow disruptive a major construction projbaccalaureate programs rose slightly, “the mission stateforts to try ect like this can be for a working campus. - Dr. Robert Martin percentage of our May 2009 graduating ment draft was to convert They have taken measures and steps in class who were employed full- or part- also presented accepted terms of traffic management … and parktime is down a bit from the fall of 2008 by Martin, who students ing for employees and so forth to try and class.” According to Flanagan, 88 percent said faculty to enrolled make sure that this is as normal a campus of May 2009 graduates reported they were members from several academic depart- students.” as possible.” employed either full- or part-time this fall, ments had worked on the draft. “What She added that DegreeWorks will be up Hamel also gave updates on the College and 13 percent said they were enrolled in we’re trying to do is come up with a rela- and running for students to use during fall Center dining hall expansion, Whittemore some sort of graduate or post-baccalaure- tively concise statement, that people inter- 2010 registration. Library renovations and the State Street nal to the institution look at and say, ‘Yes, Conley commended the Haiti relief efI recognize that as Framingham State Col- forts on campus, which collectively raised lege. This is what the place is about,’ and nearly $1,000 in donations. “We have secondly, communicates to an external more students and faculty and staff with audience something of what Framingham Haiti connections than one might realize,: State College is.” Martin noted the diffi- she said. culty in trying to draft a mission statement Flanagan also addressed the Haiti rethat communicates what is “special” or lief efforts on campus, thanking the office unique to the college. of Student Involvement and Leadership [Editor’s Note: See Mission Statement Development (SILD), the Global Change draft printed on page 4.] Initiative (GCI), and the Human Rights Flanagan announced the search for a Action Committee (HRAC) “for taking a new Dean of Admissions is now underway. leadership role and organizing the campus According to Flanagan, Nick Figueroa, to respond to this catastrophic event.” the former admissions dean, has moved Chris Hendry, vice president of college to DGCE “to take on some assignments.” advancement, outlined plans to increase Because faculty and administrators have alumni activities and resources, “which been working together to create new strat- will ultimately lead to larger [monetary] egies and ideas to attract more students to gifts coming back to the college.” Hendry FSC, Flanagan said this search is “criti- also noted that a graphic design intern and cally important” to the college in terms of contractor as well as student photograboth admissions and funding, and invited phers have been hired to support the camall members of the campus community to pus’ communications department and to participate in the search. cover special events. Martin commended CELTSS, the CenFlanagan also discussed the “holiday ter for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, shutdown,” which he reported saved nearScholarship and Service, for awarding ly $7,000. Flanagan said, “I think that was Drake McCabe/ The Gatepost $48,500 to faculty for supplemental travel a really good result, as a result of that.” Warren Fairbanks at the All College Meeting. and research and teaching developmental -Continued from page 1
The Gatepost
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January 29, 2009
ARTS & FEATURES
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
UproariouS
L.E.E. comedian pete lee brings the funk ... er ... laughs to dpac By Tom O’Brien Assistant Arts & Features Editor
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self-proclaimed wimp and “mama’s boy,” comedian Pete Lee may be a dark horse in the real world, but he is turning out to be a regular Sea Biscuit when it comes to the world of stand-up. The up-and-coming comic performed at DPAC last Tuesday, Jan. 21. The event was free to FSC students, though only about a third of the seats were filled for the show. Lee began the set in high spirits, despite being more than half-an-hour late due to snowy driving conditions. Chock-full of energy and smiles, he tackled the audience's overt restlessness head-on, interacting with students before even reaching the stage. The comedian quickly won over the small crowd with a brand of quippy, self-deprecating humor that makes his act terribly difficult to dislike. “I’m about as tough as a moustache on a blonde guy,” said Lee, who was ready to make fun of himself well before anyone else had a chance to take shots. Lee’s performance showed self-effacing comedy is still alive in budding comedians, even years after Rodney Dangerfield’s “I get no respect.” Riffing on topics from his fiancée (whom he thinks has a boy's name) to activities involving kiwi, Lee’s take on life crescendoed from innocently clever to cleverly racy - an interesting dichotomy that exhibited his ability to reach many different types of audiences. It may very well be this wholesome trait that makes Lee’s comedy so likable. It has earned him a spot on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” in addition to his own special on the network. Students in DPAC responded well to the comedian's quick humor from the start, and seemed able to relate to most, if not all of the topics he put on the chopping block. Jabbing at grandparents, Ultimate Fighting Championship and even the WNBA, he showcased his ability to wrap the risque in a blanket of innocuous witticisms - barbs that were never overly caustic, and always playful. Lee’s involvement with the audience began as early on and continued throughout the show, including frequent conversations with a student whom he nicknamed “iPhone,” and a surprisingly tender exchange with an audience member from Lee’s home state of Wisconsin. He even asked if anyone knew the results of the Senate election that had taken place that day. Lee showed a comfort on stage that made his delivery to students seem
more like conversation than routine. This unique observer/performer relationship was a plus, because the quirky antics of the Tuesday night college crowd were endless fuel for Lee’s improvisation. The act flowed effortlessly. The comic was never wary of randomly polling the audience on their views of topics like “girls’-nights-out” and couples, as well as proposing the cliché “Who here likes the Red Sox?” Lee's reactions to these votes were once again sharp, on-the-cuff and refreshingly genuine. Not only did he seem to have an aptness for the world of spontaneous humor, but he also left patrons with some heavy one-liners that exemplified his comedic repertoire. On being bored in his new house Lee said, “If you don't think a hummingbird feeder is fun on a Saturday afternoon, you've never filled one with Nyquil.” Lee’s performance kept the audience laughing from start to finish, and even at the merchandise table afterwords. Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Pete Lee certainly entertained and energized students on Jan. 21.
The Gatepost
January 29, 2010
At the Movies
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L ea p Y ea r
Photos courtesy of AllMoviePhoto.com
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By Amanda Lefebvre Assistant Arts & Features Editor
opeless romantics believe in chivalry, invitations to dance under the stars and “the one.” Only a hopeless romantic like Anna Brady, played by Amy Adams, would travel overseas because of an ancient myth, to propose to the love of her life. In the new romantic comedy, “Leap Year,” Anna takes matters into her own hands after her boyfriend, Jeremy, surprises her with earrings - not the kind of ring she was looking for. According to an old Irish legend, a woman can propose to her lover on Leap Day. Impatient to make her engagement official, Anna spontaneously books a flight to Dublin to propose to Jeremy (played by Adam Scott) herself. However, stormy conditions force an emergency landing in another city, and Anna’s fairytale love story seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Director Anand Tucker effortlessly turns this discouraging scene around with the introduction of Declan O’Callahan, played by Matthew Goode. Declan provides the film’s comedic relief, with a Brogue all the ladies die for. He is the keeper of a small restaurant and hotel in the somewhat obscure village, and is deemed a “bumpkin” and “beast” by Anna. Little does she know, Declan is her knight in shining armor, coming to Anna’s rescue when she pays him to drive her to Dublin. Along their way, a number of humorous setbacks ensue, as a herd of cows cross their path, causing their car to roll down a hill and into
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AMPUS
By: Pamela Barberio
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a mucky pond. The pair then miss their train and must share intimate space at a bed and breakfast. They eventually continue their journey to Dublin by foot, all the while showcasing their polar-opposite personalities. Declan forces Anna out of her comfort zone of entitlement and high society, and she soon finds herself warming up to the subtly charming Irish fellow. Likewise, the thrill-seeking adventurer acknowledges his growing admiration for his companion. Like most romantic comedies, dark secrets and painful memories are revealed as the lovebirds learn to tolerate one another. Anna admits her life has not always been easy - with family and money issues thwarting childhood happiness. Declan admits his pessimism toward romance, having recently endured a broken heart and failed engagement. Declan manages to conceal his feelings toward Anna, until the heartwrenching scene in which she accepts her boyfriend’s proposal in front of him. After returning home with Jeremy, Anna is haunted by one question Declan had asked her during their travels - “If your house were on fire and you only had seconds to grab the most important things, what would you take?” Unfortunately, Anna discovers what her future husband’s answer would be the hard way. As the fire alarm sounded and party guests fled, Jeremy scrambled to salvage his laptop, phone, briefcase, wallet and other material possessions, which define his busy and chaotic existence. In this moment, Anna finds her answer and again boards a plane, intending to propose to the love of her life - Declan.
ONVERSATIONS
What are your thoughts about Scott Brown being elected?
“Facebook is going to start winning elections for people.”
“My family supports Scott Brown. ... He’s personable, and in general a healthy person. MA is now predominately an Independent state.”
“I think it’s a good thing! My whole family went to the rally.”
- Matt Reilly, freshman
- Melody Kosh, freshman
- Jen Tierney, junior
“He’s down to earth because he’s all about ‘fatherly’ things. He’s well-rounded, very relayable and family oriented.”
“The Democrats ran a lot of negative campaigns so it was very easy for Scott Brown to say, ‘I’m not going to say bad things about Martha Coakley.’”
- Erin Hines, junior
- Brittany Brown, freshman
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The Gatepost
January 29, 2010
Racheotes, Scouler teach FSC about the blind experience By Spencer Buell Assistant Arts & Features Editor
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istory professor Nicholas Racheotes and freshman Carey Scouler grew up in very different time periods and have had very different experiences. The element of their lives they share, however, is that they both are blind. On a shelf-and-a-half in Professor Racheotes’ office is a gigantic mass of paper split up into thick, thousand-page blue volumes. This is a paper-Braille Bible, the same Bible that fits discretely into hotel drawers across the country, and it represents the long way the world has come in for the blind community. Scouler’s paperless Braillenote is a portable keypad of sorts that acts as a planner, calculator and word processor, and has inputs that, among other functions, allow her to surf the Internet and to download and read books. She learned to navigate the campus this year with a talking GPS navigation system that directed her step by step to her classes. When asked how she felt her college life had been going so far, Scouler expressed her enjoyment in meeting new people, as well as the freedom and independence of the experience. “I do the same things as most people despite the fact that I don’t have vision,” she said. She noted that some of her visually impaired peers have chosen a life of solitude, but, she said, “ that’s not the life I want to lead.” When Racheotes was in college, he said life for a blind person was much more challenging. He applauds recent advancements in “paperless Braille,” because in his college years, if the hulking Braille books were too expensive, or were simply unavailable, blind students had to either find someone to read to them or search for books on tape. Looking back on his life accomplishments, however, which include 30 years teaching thousands of students at FSC and a resume packed with publications, he said, “I don’t want to be thought of as ‘the blind professor at Framingham State.’ I am a professor at Framingham State who happens to be blind.” He remembered when he was first interviewing for his job as a history professor at FSC in an era when interviewers were much less politically correct. He was asked how a blind man could possibly control a classroom if his students became bored and out of control. He responded, “Well, I guess I would tell a joke.” “And if that doesn’t work?” the interviewer asked. “Well, then I’d tell a dirty joke,” he responded. Hours later, he received a phone call telling him he was hired and that the hiring comittee were sorry they had ever doubted his charisma. Ever since, he said, “this has been the most accepting, solicitous, happy community you could imagine. I wake up singing every day.” Scouler, too recognizes the problems that come up in social interactions between the blind and the sighted. In one incident, she remembers, one of her classmates came up to her and asked someone she was with, “Oh did Carey get a new haircut?” instead of addressing her directly. Aside from some awkward moments, she says, “the people have been great here,” and she sees herself instead as an educator for people who may never have come across a blind person yet in their lives. She has often happily answered questions from Edith. Many have never considered what people in the blind community depend on, like scanners which read barcodes at grocery stores or say aloud the colors of clothing. She noted how many may never would not consider how they might listen to an iPod they could not read or proofread an essay they could not see. All of these things, she says, have become easier in recent years, and have had a profound effect on the blind community, but many people are completely unaware. Racheotes hopes that in our new age of enhanced technology and expanded social awareness, the blind community can come even closer to equality and independence. “The reality,” he explained, “is that 7 out of 10 blind people in the US who are capable of employment are unemployed.” But, he says, he has high hopes for Carey’s generation as employers begin to recognize the potential a blind employee possesses. Whether in the workplace of the future or the hallway of the present, Scouler ays she wants people to view her as a friendly, approachable person. “If you see me on campus, feel free to say ‘hi’”, added Scouler, “I’m not gonna bite.”
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
“I don’t want to be thought of as ‘the blind professor at Framingham State.’” - Professor Nicholas Racheotes
January 29, 2010
The Gatepost Editorial The changing face of politics
Massachusetts has typically been known as a liberal state. The rest of the country can usually depend on us to vote Democratic, and few, including Attorney General Martha Coakley herself, would have anticipated anything different from Massachusetts in the months before the Senate election. People were under the assumption that Coakley would win and take the place of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, especially after she was endorsed by not only the Kennedy family, but also President Obama. Had Coakley won the senate seat, she could have ensured that Obama’s health plan reform would succeed. The country was shocked when Republican Scott Brown won the election in a predominantly liberal state, one that has not elected a Republican senator in about 38 years. Brown did not necessarily win the election because of his stance on the key issues. The election quickly became a popularity contest - one that Brown easily won. He ran a flashy campaign that appealed to Massachusetts voters regardless of their political parties. Brown made himself appeal to middle-class families with his ads that showed him driving around in a pickup truck, meeting voters and shaking hands with average people. His ads portrayed him as a family man pulling up to his Wrentham home with his two daughters standing outside waiting for him. Yes - a family man who just happened to be the June 1982 nude Centerfold in Cosmopolitan magazine. (You can see all the details at http://www.cosmopolitan. com/celebrity/exclusive/scott-brown-from-cosmo-tocongress). Nonetheless, Coakley’s campaign lacked the charismatic appeal that Brown’s had. Her ads did not depict her riding around in her “hometown” SUV or shaking hands with voters. Instead, they incessantly criticized her opponent, a decision which ultimately hurt her campaign. And when Coakley called Curt Schilling (a Brown supporter) a “Yankee fan” three days before the election, Red Sox fans, the media and the general public were outraged. Voters focused on Coakley’s gaffe more than they focused on her political positions. Unfortunately, for Coakley, her knowledge of the domestic and foreign policy issues was not as important to Massachusetts voters as her knowledge of the Red Sox. Voters ultimately based their votes on the candidates themselves, and on the luster of their political campaigns, rather than the key issues. We at The Gatepost believe that as voters, it is our job to make a well-informed decision, considering all of the issues which will affect us not just in Massachusetts, but across the nation. A candidate’s stances on gay marriage, abortion, health care and the economy are just some of the issues which should be the basis of a voter’s decision - not how attractive the candidate looks without a shirt. Brown is a Republican, and many of his positions challenge policies and ideas for which Democrats have fought. However, his tagline of “change” is one which other politicians have adopted and supported since Obama was elected using the same slogan. In this country, people want change. And during these difficult economic times, they want it now. There is no “quick fix” for the economy, unemployment rates or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Obama administration needs to be given time to remedy these problems. No politician - no matter how successful - can fix anything if he is not given the time in office to do so. We at The Gatepost know that change cannot happen overnight. It takes time for the economy to improve and for jobs to be created. We hope that Brown will join Obama’s administration in moving the country forward, rather than keeping us stuck in place.
The Gatepost
Op/Ed
Page 9
A plea for Haiti...
We exist in a world where we are subject to things that are beyond our control. As humans, we’re subject to the forces of nature that may ravage coastal cities with the waves of the ocean, or leave countries decimated as the result of an earthquake - leaving generations lost. As people, we’re subject to our perception of truth - that which defines us, as well as the ever-present truth that we are not all like. As such, we are tied also to the notion of protecting said “truth” against those who disagree whether they are across borders of oceans, or simply lines of politics and color. Either way, catastrophe and loss occur to us all, and as to all change, we react. But after our initial response, why is it that we so soon return to our sense of normalcy? Unless we were directly affected, we return to our daily lives as if nothing happened. As the unafflicted, shouldn’t we do more than simply react in order to help those in need? We must understand that growth, like a habit, is the result of a process. Once the dust from the buildings finally settled after the tragedy of 9/11, why did we assume that waving our flags alone would blow away the rubble? After the waters receeded from New Orleans, so did the people - so did the attention. Now, almost 2 weeks after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, will we too, who are thousands of miles away, forget the thousands of lives lost? As we bicker over the cost of rebuilding a country, we fail to recognize the true cost of rebuilding a people - replacing what is now a lost generation. Is our apathy a habit – a function of our distance in time and space from each disaster, multiplied by the daunting size of the task of reconstruction? Or is it a choice? If so, let us choose to remember. In life, we can only control our attitudes. As humans, we will inevitably encounter disaster. As people, let us always choose to serve. If you believe we were created, know that the Creator has a plan and will see us to the end as long as we do not grow weary of helping others. If you do not believe, know that your hands can help save and create a future for many, and if you rest only after seven days, who will continue to build? Lumyr Derisier Class of 2010
Where have all the pants gone?
Attention Framingham State College women! There is an epidemic plaguing our campus, and it needs to be rectified. It seems like every day normal, educated women leave the house without pants on. Shocking, right? That’s what I thought, until everyone around me seemed to be accepting this shocking development. I would walk by a young lady not wearing pants and my mouth would drop, but the next minute she would walk by 10 other people and ... nothing. It was completely fine with them. Well, I was totally taken aback. I thought there was something wrong with me. But after some great consideration I realized I’m not wrong. Attention, everyone: Leggings are not pants. If leggings were pants, they would be called pants. They would be sold in the pants section. But they’re not. They are sold in the stockings or undergarments section. They are sold there because they are undergarments - garments that go under clothing. Not in place of - under! Let’s just start with the definition of leggings. Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines leggings as “a covering (as of leather or cloth) for the leg - usually used in plural; also: tights.” Tights, they are referred to as tights. Now who wants to see even the tiniest of girls walking around in tights as pants? Not me! Leggings used to be OK. People knew how to wear them correctly. The most appropriate way to wear leggings is under a long dress that at least goes to fingertips length with your arms down by your sides. Then and only then is it deemed appropriate. It’s not appropriate to wear them alone with a just a T-Shirt. It’s not appropriate to think its fine if you layer your shirts so that the third one goes just below your butt. It’s not. Anytime you bend over to get something or go up stairs people are staring at you. Also, if you toss on a pair of leggings and they are see through, throw them away. No one wants to see you wearing sheer pants. If you wanted to see your own skin, put on a pair of shorts. The moral of the story is leggings are not pants. So ladies, don’t make these mistakes, and let’s bring pants back. Julie Murray Class of 2010
Monday’s Monsoon
In Monday’s monsoon, several areas on campus became more like lakes rather than walkways. The path that runs in front of Peirce Hall was especially bad, and residents were forced to swim through several inches deep of water to get to and from their dorm. That particular path has extremely poor drainage, and there is nearly always a large puddle on it, but it is generally avoidable. But on days like last Monday, when the rain is literally falling in buckets, it is impossible to navigate the path without soaking your shoes, socks and pant legs. To avoid this unpleasant situation, students are likely just to skip the class all together. I challenge Framingham State to find a drainage solution for these particularly problematic paths so that students will not have excuses to miss their classes. Nenia Corcoran Editorial Staff We at The Gatepost welcome Op/Ed submissions from all members of the FSC community. Please limit opinions to 300 words and letters to the editor to 200 words. E-mail submissions to Gatepost@framingham.edu.
Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.
SPORTS The Gatepost
Page 10
January 29, 2009
Four rams receive MASCAC honors this week By Nenia Corcoran Sports Editor
Four Rams were recognized this week by the MASCAC league for outstanding play and leadership demonstrated during the previous week. Josue Almodovar was selected as the MASCAC Men’s Basketball Co-Player of the Week. Josue lead his team to three wins during the week, scoring 64 points and pulling down 38 rebounds. Almodovar also surpassed the 1,500 career point milestone, and now holds the second spot on the all time men’s scoring list. Almodovar was hardly concerned with his points, however, and instead focused on his team. “My goal is to win the MASCAC ChampiThe Gatepost Archives onship, not score points and lose.” Stellar individual performances by four FSC athletes landed Also recognized this them MASCAC recognition this week. week by the league were
Women’s Basketball player Kia Minor, and Ice Hockey players Brett Casavant and Billy Sias, who were named to the MASCAC Weekly Honor Roll. Minor, a freshman forward, has been selected to the Honor Roll three times so far this season. She is proving to be a key asset to the Rams in her rookie year, as she currently leads the team in scoring with an average of 12.5 points per game. Minor is also leading the conference in offensive rebounds with 69. “I owe the recognition I have received to all my teammates - upper and underclassmen, because every day in practice, they make me a better player.”
Sias, the freshman goalie for the Rams’ Ice Hockey team, is being recognized for the first time this season by the MASCAC. This past week, Sias defended the Framingham net with force, stopping 50 of Salem State’s 52 shots and 29 of Worcester State’s 34. “It’s a great honor to get this recognition as a freshman. I did not think I would receive an honor like this so early in my college career.” Sias was joined on the Hockey Honor Roll by teammate Brett Casavant, who had three goals and an assist for the week. Casavant netted the gametying goal against Salem State with only 14 seconds remaining in regulation. With all of their seasons winding down, the Rams will have only a few short weeks to make their presence in the MASCAC known. While Almodovar and his teammates are sitting in second place in the league, the hockey and women’s basketball teams are at the bottom of the standings and will have to fight hard in the remaining weeks to attain a playoff spot.
Lady Rams beat Suffolk in close contest By Shaeleen Perreault Staff Writer
Coming off a win against MCLA this past Saturday, the Women’s Basketball team managed to even their season record at 8-8 with Tuesday’s 54-49 win over Suffolk. The game seemed to tip in Suffolk’s favor as the Rams fell behind Suffolk 11-19. However, the Rams quickly rallied back with consecutive points from Captains Jill Johnson and Toya Chester. Suffolk did not stay behind for long. After the half, the team managed to put a hold on the Rams’ seemingly tight grip on the game, coming up with a 36-36 tie. Nicole Meyer was accountable for 14 points over the night, including a three-point shot that broke the 36-36 tie and gave the Rams the win. Meyer was not the only big contributor in Tuesday nights game as junior Johnson also scored 14 of the teams points. “Each game we win is boosting
our confidence for conference play. In each game, different players step up to the challenge and have a great game,” said Johnson. However, these women weren’t the only ones who came up big Tuesday night. Kia Minor had eight of the teams points, as did Chester. It was a game of fouls on both sides with five penalties for the Rams and 11 for Suffolk going into the half. The game with eight fouls for the Rams and 10 for Suffolk. The game ended with a back and forth of foul shots including Chester’s swish of both shots with two seconds to go in the game. The team takes on Fitchburg this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Jill Johnson helps her teammates to a 54-49 win over Suffolk. Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
SPORTS The Gatepost
January 29, 2009
Page 11
Pro Sports Editorial
Fizzling Favre
Quarterback hasn’t delivered in second half of career By Josh Primak Sports Editor
When considering the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Brett Favre has to be in the conversation. He is the only player in the history of the NFL to win the MVP in three consecutive years. He revitalized the Green Bay Packer franchise - quarterbacking the first Packer team to win the Super Bowl since the days of Vince Lombardi. He is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. His supporters will tell you just to look at the stats. He is the all-time career leader for touchdown passes, passing yards, and most career victories. When the weather gets colder and the stakes get higher during the playoffs, Favre is still at the top of his game, as he is the all-time leader in playoff passing yards and playoff passing touchdowns, just ahead of the great Joe Montana. He is also the most overrated professional football player of his generation. Here are a few more stats that may detract slightly from “the legend of Brett Favre.” He is the owner of the record for most career interceptions, having thrown 33 more than the man who is second on the list, George “The Grand Old Man” Blanda, who played before football players had real helmets. Favre has some more records that may challenge how successful he actually is, including the most career playoff interceptions and a 4-6 playoff record since his last MVP season of 1997. And even though he hasn’t won a big game since I was trying desperately to color in between the lines of my coloring book, he is still lauded as Brett Favre, the man whose legend grows every year. But in reality, he has been just an average quarterback for nearly every season since the turn of the century. Over the span of the 2000-08 seasons, Favre threw 16 or more interceptions seven times and took his team to the NFC
Championship game only in 2007, when his last pass of the game was possibly his most errant yet - a terrible, illadvised toss that landed squarely in the chest of a Giants’ defensive back - setting up their game-winning field goal. And after that, he decided to retire. He wasn’t going to hang on too long like many great athletes. With great fanfare and a pouty face, he said good-
ports, and every other sports media outlet in the country, sent their reporters to the Vikings’ and Packers’ front offices. And there were reporters camped outside Favre’s home in Mississippi to tell us when he left his house and when he came back to his house and what kind of sandwich he was having for lunch. A majority of Sportscenter’s 12 hours of broadcasting a day were devoted to Fa-
Photo Curtousy of FanID.com
Favre cries after one of his several retirements. bye to the NFL and was going to finally ride off into the sunset. And then he decided to un-retire for the first time. Suddenly, the Packers, which were to be the team he retired with, had to release him so he could play with someone else. After a 2008 season with the Jets that ended disastrously, Favre retired once again. This time, he was really done. Then, the rumors started flying again. Favre wanted to come back for a second time – this time with the Vikings – the chief rival of the Packers. And once again, ESPN and FOXS-
vre. The eyes of the sports world were once again on him. And again he returned. But this time, he was not the same Brett Favre who had been throwing costly interceptions and ruining the playoff hopes of Packers’ and Jets’ fanbases over the past decade. This Brett Favre was managing the game and using the talented Vikings’ squad surrounding him to rack up the victories. But then the playoffs came. The stakes were high. It was the NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints. Despite being on the road in front of a raucous crowd, the
Vikings kept in tow with the offensiveminded Saints, and in the waning minutes of regulation had a chance to take a lead. With less than 20 seconds left, Favre couldn’t help himself. It wasn’t enough to win the game and go back to the Super Bowl. He had to be the hero. Jutting out to his right with no receivers open, Favre had the option of putting his head down and picking up seven or eight yards that would have set up about a 45-yard field goal for his kicker in a dome. But instead, Favre did what he has done best over the past 10 years - toss up an impossible prayer that landed once again in the hands of an opposing player. In the aftermath of his latest gaffe, the majority of the media still ran to Favre’s defense. One ESPN analyst even went so far as to say he respected the fact that Favre wasn’t afraid to throw an interception in a big game. Really? We’re at the point that when Favre screws up big, we attribute it to his fearlessness? So now that Favre’s penchant for throwing interceptions has ruined his team’s shot at the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, it’s time once again for him to hang up his cleats. Except this time, it needs to be for real. This time, Favre shouldn’t start floating rumors that he may come back. He needs to go back to Mississippi and find something else to do other than be the media darling that he has been for the past 10 years - even though he hasn’t really deserved it. He needs to retire. So he can’t embarrass himself in another big game. So his vaunted reputation can stay that way.
Ram Round Up
Upcoming Games
Men’s Basketball (8-8)
Men’s Basketball
1/21 Win 91-82 vs. MCLA 1/23 Win 70-64 vs. Westfield State
1/30 vs. Fitchburg State at 3 p.m. 2/2 vs. Bridgewater State at 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Basketball (8-8)
Women’s Basketball
1/21 Win 63-44 vs. MCLA 1/23 Win 61-52 vs. Westfield State 1/26 Win 54-49 vs. Suffolk
Ice Hockey (1-12-2)
1/21 Loss 5-3 vs. Worcester State 1/23 Tied 2-2 at Salem State 1/28 Loss 6-2 at Plymouth State
1/30 vs. Fitchburg State at 1 p.m. 2/2 vs. Bridgewater State at 5:30 p.m.
Ice Hockey
1/30 vs. UMass Dartmouth at 2:30 p.m. 2/3 vs. Stonehill at 7:20 p.m.
The Gatepost
January 29, 2010
Page 12
This week at FSC
DRAKE /The Gatepost Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Th e S n o w Ke e p s Fa l li ng
Tom Higgins/The Gatepost
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost Drake McCabe/The Gatepost
Je op a rd y i n Th e C o l le ge C e n te r
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost
FSC’s Artistic Students Hard At Work Drake McCabe/The Gatepost