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THE MONTCLARION
'Come Dance With Me' at Sinatra Hall
The Student Voice of Montclair State University Since 1928
Vol.
89
Issue 7 October 15, 2009
The Montclarion.org
Montclair Students Debut in Broadway Musical Bye, Bye Birdie Students Act Alongside TV Actor John Stamos
Kelly Jones Assistant News Editor
"Frank Sinatra" has officially been released as the name that MSU students picked for the new dorm, according to Karen Pennington, vice president for student development and campus life. The survey first launched last February and a second survey was soon conducted after. The survey process was similar to the naming of the Village Apartments. About 300 votes came into the university to decide the new name. Some of the other names that appeared on the first survey were John Holland, George Inness, Alfred Kinsey, Doris Duke, Milton Freedman, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Margaret Bourke White, Paul Danziger and Aaron Burr. “I think it’s really cliché,” senior Allison Andersini said. “I think the new dorms should be named after Kate Russell. I didn’t know her well, but I think it would be a nice touch.” The new dorm will be located between the Clove Road and Village Apartments. For more updates check out themontclarion.org.
University Seeking Volunteers to Administer H1N1 Vaccine
Photo courtesy of broadway.com
Sophomore Allison Strong (bottom, second from the left) and Paul Pilcz made their Broadway debut in Bye, Bye Birdie, starring John Stamos. The official opening of the musical was today. (More photos on Page 4) Gail Job Assistant News Editor
Two of Montclair State University’s BFA Musical Theatre students made their Broadway debuts today in the musical production of Bye, Bye Birdie, starring actor John Stamos. Sophomores Allison Strong and Paul Pilcz have been cast as part of the musical’s ensemble. Eric Diamond, chair of the
“I suspect we may see our students in many more Broadway productions to come.” Eric Diamond Chair of Theatre and Dance Program
Kulsoom Rizvi News Editor
true, especially when you’re so young,” she said. “I’ve learned many valuable lessons that I will carry with me as I continue to develop as a performer, and I’ve learned these lessons from some of the most talented professionals in the industry.” Both Strong and Pilcz also had the chance to perform on ABC’s Good Morning America. “Performing is what brings Bye, Bye Birdie Continued on Page 4
BUILDING UP DEBT
The university is currently searching for medical professional to volunteer at the mass immunization clinics to administer the H1N1 flu vaccine in the middle of November.
Part II: Where is MSU Debt Coming From? Gerald Flores Assistant News Editor
“We have received about 30 responses for medical volunteers, but still need more.” Donna Barry Director of University Health Center
“It requires about 35 medical and non-medical volunteers hourly to staff the clinics we are planning,” Donna Barry, director of the University Health Center, said. All volunteers need to hold a Vaccine Continued on Page 4
INSIDE
Theatre and Dance program, said that he is thrilled for the students. “The truth is we are all incredibly excited for Allison and Paul. Having [them] on Broadway puts the theatre program in a great light here at Montclair.” Strong said that she feels blessed to have been granted this wonderful opportunity so early in her career. “It has been a goal of mine for years, and it’s a little surreal when your dreams come
Mark Banas | The Montclarion
news
feature The Friend Nobody Likes: The “Karen”
Bell Tower Initiative
pg. 3
pg. 7
Montclair State University has incurred more than $377 million in bonds payable and other long-term debt to pay for construction, renovations and other capital acquisitions, school officials say. “For well over a decade, the university has not received any capital funding from the State of New Jersey for facility needs, and therefore had to implement a well planned financing program in order to fund necessary capital improvement and expansion,” Vice President for Finance and Treasury, Don Cipullo, said in an e-mail response. Facilities that have been funded through this bor-
rowing are the Recreation Center, the Red Hawk Deck, Kasser Theater, Panzer Gymnasium and University Hall. Major projects that are currently under construction are the Cali School of Music, new Clove Road apartments and a new on-campus parking deck.
“Money is spent on construction to expand and improve MSU.” Don Cipullo Vice President for Finance and Treasury
MSU Debt Continued on Page 6
sports
a&e Goodbye Old Life, Hello Echo Screen
pg. 13
Defense Shuts Down 19thRanked Cortland State
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news
The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
The Montclarion
Pelican Police Report
Montclair State University 113 Student Center Annex Montclair, New Jersey 07043 Editor-in-Chief: (973) 655-5230 Managing Editor: (973) 655-5282 News Dept: (973) 655-5169 Main office: (973) 655-5241 Fax: (973) 655-7804
Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Kristie Cattafi Managing Editor Mike Campbell Business Manager Sam Gherman
Production Robert Aitken
Editorial Board News Kulsoom Rizvi Feature Nicaury Santana A&E Emily Golloub O p i n io n Katherine Milsop S p orts Nelson DePasquale Chief Copy Lurdes Ruela P h o t o gra p h y Jillian Keats Graphic Design John Pope Editorial Cartoonist Lou Cunningham Webmaster James Carolan
Assistants News Gerald Flores Kelly Jones Gail J. Job Sports Jake Del Mauro Mike Monostra Copy Zachary Ayres Giovanna Tello Catherine Winters Rebecca Fontana Graphic Design Mark Banas
Writers and Contributors Blaine Bridges, Laura Barry, Jenifer Credidio, Scott Buchanan, James Carpentier, Jennifer Credidio, Alicia Feghhi, Margot Levinson, Tom Metz, Stephen Nagy, Camille Naipaul, Makr Ramdular, Jon Reino, Jessica Sims, Lori Wieczorex,
Advertising Director Kevin Schwoebel
Bookkeeper Peter Junda
Faculty Advisor Marc Rosenweig
Overall Design Justina Villanueva
contact us Editor-in-Chief monteditor@gmail.com Managing Editor msumanaging@gmail.com Business Manager montclarionbiz@gmail.com Production Editor msuproduction@gmail.com News Editor msunews@gmail.com Feature Editor msufeature@gmail.com Arts and Entertainment Editor msuarts@gmail.com Opinion Editor msuopinion@gmail.com Sports Editor msusports@gmail.com Photo Editor montphotoeditor@gmail.com Graphics Editor msugraphics@gmail.com Copy Editor: montcopy@gmail.com Webmaster: msuwebmaster@gmail.com
The Montclarion is a publication of Montelican Publishing, Inc. Published weekly, except during examinations, summer and winter sessions, The Montclarion is funded by student fees distributed by Montclair State University and incoming advertising revenue. The views expressed in the Opinion section, with the exception of the Main Editorial, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Montclarion. The first edition of The Montclarion, then named The Pelican, was published on November 28, 1928
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On Oct. 6:
2 On Oct. 6: 3 On Oct. 6: 4 On Oct. 7: 5 On Oct. 7: 6
On Oct. 8:
7 On Oct. 8: 8 On Oct. 9:
A student reported the theft of her parking hangtag from her unsecured vehicle parked in Lot 24. A student reported a known suspect using her Flex account money without her permission while in in the Red Hawk Diner. Ryan Kirby was taken into custody for reckless driving while on Normal Avenue. An MSU employee reported criminal mischief graffiti drawn on the side of a couch in Blanton Hall. A student reported the theft of her GPS system, iPod Touch, iPod cable, iPod charger, mobile phone charger, cash and identification from her unsecured vehicle parked in Lot 23. Belinda Thelisma was arrested and charged with simple assault, harassment and acts of domestic violence while outside of the Clove Road Apartments. A student reported being harassed by a known suspect while in Williams Hall. The victim refused to file criminal charges.
9 On Oct 11:
An MSU employee reported an unknown suspect attempted to gain entry into College Hall through a bathroom window while the building was closed. Parking Services reported a known suspect did not pay when exiting the Red Hawk Deck. Theft of services charges are pending.
10 On Oct. 11:
Rey Perez and Dior Vassilatos were charged with underage consumption of alcohol while outside of Blanton Hall.
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possession of a weapon while in the Clove Road Apartments.
On Oct. 12: Derek Henrichsen was arrested and charged with unlawful
Anyone who has information regarding these incidents is urged to call the police station from any campus phone at T-I-P-S (8477). All calls are strictly confidential.
SGA Notes -Jonathan Aronoff was named the Student Advocate of the SGA. -Dae Ja Yun, an environmental organization, did not get chartered.
Corrections -In last week’s article titled “$6.5 Million Grant Awarded to College of Education,” the stipend is $30,000 a year, not half as stated in the original article.
The Montclarion The Montclarion is a freely distributed newspaper providing one copy per person. Additional copies are $0.25
October 15, 2009 • The Montclarion
news
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University Launches Bell Tower Initiative WESS Will be Eliminated and Replaced
The Five Phases STRATEGY During this phase, MSU will establish the framework for the project. Some of the goals include documenting business needs and requirements, assessing the fit of the software products and identifying gap alternatives and creating a training plan for the project team
PLANNING & STRUCTURE Creating basis for project plans
CONSTRUCTION Building and designing new systems
Tom Metz Staff Writer
Montclair State University’s Bell Tower Initiative (BTI) is an ongoing project that involves upgrades in just about every aspect of the University’s data systems, business systems and online network. The project is scheduled to have all of its various components completed by the end of 2011. MSU has teamed up with Oracle Consulting, and will take advantage of Oracle’s PeopleSoft Enterprise products to complete the transition over to the new system. What will come from the BTI is a completely updated online network that is fully able to take advantage of the most current technology and software, and will make use of the full capabilities of the internet. The need for the BTI stems from the fact that MSU’s current system is very outdated, according to Ed Chapel, vice president of Information Technology. “Our current system is very old, and it was not designed with the Internet in mind. The new system is developed in accordance with web services standards. As a result, it provides a vast array of self-service capabilities for all members of the university community.” WESS, the system through which students register for classes, view their bills, view their grades and manage other academic affairs, will be done away with as well. “WESS, which is the web services interface to our old administrative system, will be decommissioned and it will be replaced by a new suite of web features for managing all manner of students’ academic and business affairs with the university.” According to Chapel, the project entails several key tracks including the implementation of an enterprise portal, a new financial management system, a budget and planning system, a human resources management system, a robust campus solutions suite of applications that focus on areas of admissions and recruitment, enrollment management, financial aid, registration and records, advising, etc., a data warehouse and an analysis and reporting package. The BTI will also bring personal customization to MSU’s website and web services. “It will include a portal that can be customized by different segments of the
population (students, staff and faculty) that will allow you to arrange the business related content from the system in a way that meets your personal preferences.” Students will essentially be able to organize what they see on the website according to their own preferences, and have the ability to customize and personalize the information they see. Every aspect of campus managing including student accessibility, billing, database access, resource management on campus, recruiting information, statistics and many other features will be unified through the BTI Dr. Willard Gingerich, vice president of academic affairs, said, “The new system will be a unified system in which we expect all the various divisions and offices purchasing, registration, bursar, housing, human resources, etc. to share a common language and operating system. This should facilitate communication, reduce errors and speed up all our management processes.” One aspect of the website that will not change through the BTI is Blackboard. According to Chapel, the Blackboard learning management system is not directly related to the BTI. The manner in which students access Blackboard will change based upon the way the Blackboard application is represented in the portal view of institutional resources. The Initiative encompasses many different improvements and upgrades in the realm of MSU’s Information Technology system. In addition to better programs, customization and more features, the BTI will improve efficiency, simplicity and accessibility on campus. A ccord i ng to Gi nger ich, “Communication on issues of advising, financial aid, bursar and registration should become faster and more efficient. Wireless systems will be more extensive and more accessible.” In an increasingly technology oriented society, MSU is evolving and adapting to the ways in which students manage their lives and their education. The end result of the Initiative will allot students more independence and freedom to manage their own college careers. Students will be given better access to MSU’s network, more tools to use, more manageability options and more privacy and personal customization. The project will provide students timely and efficient access to the campus and its resources anytime, anywhere.
TRANSITION
Functional and technical parts of project are assembled into a working system
DEPLOYMENT Move all project support activities to the production support team and train the users
The Bell Tower Initiative has created implementation teams for the different phases and plans associated with the initiative. Mark Banas | The Montclarion
The data collected was based off charts located on the BTI homepage. http:// www.montclair.edu/erp/index.html
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news
The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
Bye, Bye, Birdie Continued From Page 1
me joy, and I’m happy to spread joy with audiences every night,” Strong said. Pilcz could not be reached for comment. The BFA in Musical Theatre concentration at Montclair State University is “a rigorous training program offering a conservatory experience within a liberal arts setting,” according to a news announcement on the College of Arts website. Students get a chance to receive in-
tensive training in acting, vocal lessons and varieties of dance. Students also learn music theory, movement, production and stage craft. The objective of this competitive, creative program is to prepare students for performing in a professional setting, and train them to launch their careers. The program was generated between the Department of Theatre and Dance and the Cali School of Music.
Students perform in stage productions in the state-of-the-art Alexander Kasser Theater. “I suspect we may see our students in many more Broadway productions to come. Because we are so close to New York City, many of our students can and do audition in everything that is going on in New York,” Diamond said. “We do our best to focus on their studies at school because that is important too, but they also learn how
the business works." Bye, Bye, Birdie will be playing Tuesday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m., with Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday matinee performances starting at 2 p.m. The show has been in production since Sept. 10, but the official opening was today. Bye, Bye Birdie will be the inaugural production at the new Henry Miller’s Theatre located on 124 West 43rd Street.
(Below) Sophomore Allison Strong is getting ready, backstage of her Broadway debut in Bye, Bye Birdie.
Photo courtesy of broadway.com
(Above) Sophomore Paul Pilcz (top, second from the left) takes a group photo with other cast members in Bye, Bye Birdie.
Vaccine Continued From Page 1
current license in New Jersey as an LPN, RN, APN, PA, registered Pharmacist or MD, and volunteers will be covered for liability protection. In case the university does not obtain enough volunteers, Barry admitted that there is no back-up plan, but she does not anticipate that happening. “We have received about 30 responses for medical volunteers, but still need more,” she said. “We will also be requesting non-medical volunteers beginning next week, especially students.” Barry said that the university encourages individuals in the high-risk groups to be vaccinated, but anyone from the university may obtain the vaccine. “We are still seeing individuals with influenza-like illnesses, but the amount is negligible in consideration of the population of the university.” The university has seven clinics so far planned from Nov. 7-17. “We will continue to administer the H1N1 shots at the University Health Center after that, if needed,” she informed. Barry added that the university hopes to have all volunteers registered in the following weeks, so training sessions can be planned. “I encourage students especially to
sign up as a volunteer. It is a great way to give back to the university community, and assist in protecting the health of our campus.” In last week’s flu media briefing conducted by Thomas Frieden, director of the Center of Disease and Prevention Control, influenza is widespread in most of the United States, and while there is an increase in some areas, health officials are also seeing a slight decrease. “We haven’t had a flu season like this in at least 50 years,” he said. As of Oct. 5, about 2.4 million doses were available for ordering, and about 2.2 million of them had been drawn down or ordered by this week, according to Frieden. “Demand is outstripping supply. We expect that fairly soon, supply may well outstrip demand. The challenge will be to try to ensure the people who benefit the most have every opportunity to be vaccinated.” Frieden noted a few concerns people had about the vaccine and how it might not be safe to administer. “Corners may be cut. Shortcuts may have been taken. It’s a new or different vaccine. In fact, none of that is the case. The vaccine is made in the same way it’s made each year,” he said.
Photo courtesy of broadway.com
New Equipment for the DuMont Center
quickwFACTS - In a poll conducted by Harvard Public School of Health, about 50 percent of American adults plan to get vaccinated and only about 40 percent were absolutely certain they were. Checkout the website for more photos.
- According to the Center for Disease and Prevention Control, these target groups are recommended to receive the H1N1 vaccine: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of six months and 24 years old, and people ages 25 through 64 who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. - The survey medical volunteers need to fill out is at https://surveys. montclair.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1254485155458.
Mark Banas | The Montclarion
Amanda Balbi Feature Assistant
New equipment installed in the DuMont Television Center is helping students broaden their horizons for the future. The new cameras and a switchboard were installed, so broadcasting majors could get more of a hands-on experience.
Three Sony high definition cameras were installed in DuMont as well as a memory camcorder and new switch board. These advances in technology will better prepare students for jobs in the future. The new equipment is more professional as well. The surrounding New Jersey and New York television studios will be able to rent it out because of the 1080i high definition system.
October 15, 2009 • The Montclarion
advertisement
Margaret and Herman Sokol Science Lecture
Gravitation From Galileo to Einstein and Beyond
Honoring the 400th anniversary of first use of the telescope for astronomical observations by Galileo and celebrating “International Year of Astronomy”
October 20, 2009 8:00 p.m. at Kasser Theater
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
LECTURE DESCRIPTION
Dr. Eugenio Coccia Renowned Italian physicist
Gravitation is responsible for keeping the Earth and the other planets in their orbits around the Sun, for keeping the Moon in its orbit around the Earth, and for heating the interiors of stars to very high temperatures allowing the formation of the chemical elements we need for life. The talk will describe the breakthroughs of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton and the vision of Albert Einstein who described gravity as a curvature of spacetime, making it possible for us to understand fascinating cosmic phenomena like gravitational waves, black holes and ‘spaghettification.’
Dr. Coccia is the director of the INFN National Laboratory of Gran Sasso, the world’s largest underground laboratory for astroparticle physics. Most recently, he was full professor of gravitational physics at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Sponsored by the College of Science and Mathematics and the Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America
Tickets are FREE to Montclair State students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Kasser Theater Box Office. All others: $15 For more information call 973-655-5352 or e-mail jaberj@mail.montclair.edu
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The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
Disney Recruiters Return to MSU Gail Job Assistant News Editor
It’s that time of the year again as Disney recruiters come through the scene of Montclair State University to recruit students for the Disney College Program. The program is a paid internship that is geared towards all majors and levels of college students. Elaine Russo, co-coordinator of the Disney College program for the last 19 years, said, “The Disney college program is a unique internship. It has living, learning and earning components.” Jack Samuels, the faculty advisor who oversees the program, and Russo have worked very closely to see that Montclair State University students have a successful experience at Walt Disney World. “Students have an opportunity to live with students from other universities across the U.S. The learning component provides students with opportunity to take college level courses. All of this while working in the parks,” says Russo. KEVIN FLYNN
Gail Job | The Montclarion
Next Tuesday, students can go to the Disney Program presentation to learn more about the internship and jobs available in Disney.
Kevin Flynn, a junior business major at Montclair State University, participated at Disney World in Spring Advantage 2009. Flynn worked at Magic Kingdom main entrance merchandise, renting strollers, wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles. Flynn also helped in Delivery Services with the responsibility of picking up any merchandise a guest purchased, and holding it for guests until they came to pick it up. Flynn said that his favorite part about working for Disney was the people he had met. ”I met and worked with people from all around the world. I still communicate with many of my fellow cast members who live all around the world, and plan on seeing them again one day.” Flynn has stayed in good standing with the company, and he hopes to work another college program or
a full time job when he completes school. “It was always a dream of mine to work at Walt Disney World, and the Disney College Program gave me that opportunity. While I was helping our guests’ dreams come true, my dreams were coming true.” CHRISTINA HARZER
Sophomore Christina Harzer applied for the Spring semester program. Only a freshmen at the time, she was not sure if she would accept the offer if she had been accepted in the program. However, she knew working for Disney would be an in-
MSU Debt Continued From Page 1
The university borrows through the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority Law, which allows the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority to issue tax-exempt bonds for the building of eligible educational facilities. “MSU has experienced record growth in enrollments. In order to meet increasing demands, the university must address capacity issues through expansion and therefore borrowing,” said Cipullo. From 2006-2008, New Jersey ranked 50th in the country for increases in appropriations for higher education. New Jersey also has the highest number of students that attend college in another state, according to the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities. “Money is spent on construction to expand and improve MSU,” Cipullo said. Approximately $46 million has been spent every year, for the past five years to pay for construction and renovations. The debt acquired to pay for this expansion is similar to a person financing a new home; it requires annual interest and principle repayments. Compared to other public colleges
and universities in New Jersey, MSU remains one of the most affordable. Cipullo says in order to continue improving the campus, it will have to incur debt. “The goals of meeting infrastructure needs and maintaining fair and reasonable tuition and fees are a careful balance. Needed expansion could not be achieved through tuition increases.” said Cipullo. Although nothing can prevent the university from incurring debt, Cipullo says that there are measures taken to keep the debt from getting higher, besides continuing to seek capital funding from the State of New Jersey. “The university monitors its debt [to make sure] that the university is getting the best interest rates and financing structure possible. In the past, the university has refinanced its debt, (similar to a mortgage refinance) which has saved millions in debt service payments.” said Cipullo. The university’s annual financial statements can be viewed publicly on the university website under the Division of Finance and Treasury. This year’s statements will be posted within the next few weeks.
quickwFACT Compared to other public colleges and universities in New Jersey, MSU remains one of the most affordable.
credible opportunity she could not pass up. Harzer worked in food and beverage quick services, Cosmic Rays, located in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrow Land. She was relocated in the middle of her program to a sit down restaurant called Pecos located in Adventure Land. Harzer’s responsibilities included dealing with cash, bussing tables, taking out trash, working on counter and creating magical moments for guests. “I know it sounds pretty bad, but food and beverage is one of the more popular roles for Disney college program students. It was overall a memorable experience,” she said. Harzer also had encounters with celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Harzer hopes to go back and participate in Disney’s Professional Intern programs. Her goal is to move on up with the Walt Disney World company.
KYLE STOUT Kyle Stout, a senior communication major worked for Disney in Fall 2007. He worked as a merchandise host in MouseGear at Epcot, and said the program prepared him for the real world. He described the internship as “the most influential experience I have had to date.” Stout’s favorite moment at Disney was when he was working a yearly event known as the Food and Wine Festival. He had spotted a dressed-up Snow White girl crying, and he and his fellow cast members decided they would give her a magical moment to remember. Stout and other cast members marched behind her as she was walking whistling the famous tune “Hi -Ho” from the movie Snow White. “She turned around and the smile on her face hit my heart. I knew working for Disney is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Quinn Shuttle Bus Collides with Parked Fire Truck Gail Job Assistant News Editor
On Monday morning, a La Quinta shuttle bus was driving along Valley Road when it drove too close to and hit the side view mirror of a Clifton Fire Department truck parked along the road. Four students were aboard the shuttle bus. Montclair State University Police responded to the scene, and the Clifton police joined soon afterwards. It was reported that there were
no injuries. It was also reported that damages were not severe on either vehicle. The only damage reported was a window on the side of the shuttle that was broken. Police are not sure why the fire truck was parked along the road. According to Lieutenant Kieran Barret, the Clifton Fire Department has the right to park on the side of road. The lieutenant added that they may have been doing Clifton training.
The Montclarion
FEature
MSUFeature@gmail.com
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A Professor’s Quest to Save Breasts Camille N. Naipaul Staff Writer
How to Help:
Wear pink and sip on inexpensive drinks… The entire month of October is devoted to the awareness of breast cancer. It is an illness that does not show favoritism, and in the United States alone will affect approximately 192,000 young women this year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Want to learn more and get involved? Join Montclair’s very own political science professor Fernando Uribe, on his “quest to save breasts.” He will be holding a fundraiser for breast cancer this upcoming Friday night. Uribe has been annually involved with this cause for the past five years, in addition to the March of Dimes, which occurs every April. He has witnessed those who have suffered and recovered from breast cancer, which has not only been an inspiration, but a sturdy motivational instrument to help support awareness and raise money. “Making Strides” Against Breast Cancer, will be taking place at Social, a lounge located on 795 8th Ave., between 48th & 49th, on the second floor, just blocks away from Port Authority in the Theatre district of Manhattan. For all of those who are 21 and up, a private bartender will be catering inexpensive drinks, while live music is beating in the background. This laid back and casual atmosphere provides comfortable seating, and has plenty of room to roam. You will be able to spot the host of the night wearing with bright pink tie, as a mark of respect in acknowledgment of the color of breast cancer awareness month.
1. Donate online. You can go to Last year, a total donation of $1,000 was made online and additional $1,500 was earned at the event in the West Village of N.Y. “Regardless of the economic climate, it’s difficult to solicit funds at any time,” stated Uribe with a sympathetic view of the average student’s pocket. Any amount of money or time will be of great value. “The support is wonderful,” he ap-
“Regardless of the economic climate, it’s difficult to solicit funds at any time.”
http://main.acsevents.org/site/ TR?fr_id=19792&pg=pfind 2. Bring a check to the event made it out to: The American Cancer Society
3. Cash in hand is also acceptable
Fernando Uribe Political Science Professor
preciatively continued. The result last year was fulfilling, and there is no pressure; however there is much to gain. Literature, bracelets and more freebies have been provided by the ACS, which will be distributed at the fun filled Friday night. Times are hard, and we are all struggling after facing the financial pinch. Therefore, simply showing up is sufficient. Even if $5 can be contributed, that is $5 more that the sum before. Professor Uribe has organized this event alone for the past three years,
and will be pulling an all-nighter after the event to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Can’t make it to the night of fun, but would like to be active? Do not hesitate to walk with others on Sunday Oct. 18, at 10 a.m., located at Lincoln Park on the West Side Avenue in Jersey City, NJ. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Come out and Support!
The Friend Nobody Likes: the “Karen” Margot Levinson Staff Writer
If you’re in college you’ve probably heard of Dane Cook, and there’s a good chance you might even find him pretty funny. If you’re a fan of his, you’ve probably seen his “The Friend Nobody Likes” routine — what he calls the “Karen” of the group. This friend is simply kept around to be the butt of everyone’s jokes: the high point of water cooler gossip. Every time she enters the room the conversation goes silent, and he or she chimes in with something like “Hey guys, whatcha talking about?” Of course, most of what Dane Cook says shouldn’t be taken seriously, but this little spiel rang true to me. I have several groups of friends which I hang out with, but in some I feel that my status is not as high as in others. I don’t go to bed crying, and I have enough self-esteem to continue my carefree existence, but it does make me wonder if maybe the “Karen” joke is true. On TV, it’s easy to see that this principle exists. Kramer is most definitely the “Karen” on Seinfeld, and Joey is the “Karen” on Friends. On Entourage, there is no doubt in my mind that Drama holds the title for the “Karen” of his group. In fact, he is the dictionary definition, and in Gossip Girl, Chuck Bass is the ultimate “Karen.” But the question arises; do “Karens” actually exist in the real world? And, I’m not talking Reality TV! I’ve done some recent observations, and I’ve found this principle to hold true in the real world as well as the fictional world.
There is always that one guy or gal within your circle of friends that you all gossip about or laugh at and not with. Yet, this person never knows they are the “Karen.” If you aren’t nodding your head in agreement now, there’s a good chance that you may be the “Karen” of your group. If these circumstances apply to you, then you are probably the “Karen!”
1. You are still waiting for friend confirmations on Facebook from several of your friends. These days, you’re hard pressed to find a college student who doesn’t spend a great deal of time on the Internet, so they can’t pretend they haven’t seen your request. Most likely, they are pressing the little ignore key, and have no desire to be your friend virtually or in real life.
2. Every time you walk into a room, the conversation abruptly stops. This is a dead give away that you are indeed the “Karen” of your group, and your “friends” were just talking about you behind your back. Either that, or they’re planning a surprise party for you, but most likely, they were laughing about the last stupid thing you said or did.
drive them home when they’re wasted and incoherent, then you are the “Karen” of your group. You’re being used, and you should cut them off now!
4. You never get anything back that you lend out to your friends. If your friends don’t care about you enough to return the belongings which you so generously lent them, then they don’t care a whit about you. You are the “Karen” of your group. You shouldn’t have to keep a tab on what your friends owe you; they should respect you and your properties.
5. You have a nickname that you do not approve of. If you were given an embarrassing nickname that you wish to rid yourself of but it sticks to you like glue to rubber, your friends probably don’t care about your feelings. They’re just keeping you around to be the butt of their jokes. Don’t let them have the last laugh; get out now and don’t be the “Karen!”
6. Your friends ignore you when they see you in public places.
3. You are always the designated driver.
If your so called “friends” can’t bother to acknowledge your existence in the light of day, there is a good chance they don’t see you as their real friend. You’re the “Karen,” and they only want you around when it benefits them.
If your friends only invite you to party with them under the condition that you
7. You are stuck taking notes for your friends or doing their
homework. No one with any decency would ask their friend to do their homework or write an essay for them, that is so school bully-esque. I am sorry to say if this is the case you are the “Karen!”
8. You are always the one taking the group picture, but you’re never actually in it. If these friends of yours don’t want to be seen with you in a measly picture, then they probably don’t enjoy being seen with you in the real world. If you’re always the one behind the scenes and never a part of them, you are the “Karen” of your group!
9. You always end up paying more than everyone else at the end of a meal. If you’re constantly the one stuck with the bill or the tip, or the one who has to throw in an extra $10, you’re being used. You are the weakest link, the “Karen!”
10. Your friends make you mix tapes for your birthday, even though you got them iPods for theirs. Something is very wrong if the give and take is all out of whack. If you’re working over time to please your buddies, but they are simply slapping crap together, they don’t care about you, and see you as the “Karen.” So stop being the butt of their jokes, and get a new group of friends, preferably one that already has the “Karen” position filled!
8 feature
The Montclarion • Ocober 15, 2009
Cooking With Nelson! Nelson DePasquale SPORTS EDITOR
Second Foot
I hope your palate enjoyed the “Nom-Nom� burger last week. It’s a real big hit where I come from. Ok, enough of the small talk! Now, I am on to what you are all waiting for. This week’s addition of “Cooking with Nelson� delves into the great possibilities of the 12th wonder of the world: the hoagie. Now, of course, this isn’t like any other normal hoagies, it’s a Nelsonworthy hoagie. This three-foot sub is made specifically for a whole day’s worth of consumption. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a little nighttime snack if you‘re to much a sissy-man to not finish it. The only instructions on how to make this is the order of the various foods being placed on the bun. Everyone that reads this should have enough culinary education to put together a sub sandwich. If not, go back to grade school. The “Daily DePas� Sub is three feet easily divided into your basic three meals. The first foot is for breakfast, the second foot for lunch and the third for dinner. Here is how it works:
First Foot
For the breakfast portion, one must prepare eggs, Taylor ham (that’s right, Jersey style), bacon, cheese and sausage. This is, of course, a few of the basic breakfasts as we know it, here, in American culture.
For lunch, I like a nice Italian sub. This includes ham, salami, pepperoni, capicolla, imported sharp provolone (my personal favorite), lettuce, salt, paper and grated Parmesan cheese. Tomatoes and mayo are optional, but not necessary. Hey, who doesn’t like an Italian hero for lunch? Do you know what I mean?
Third Foot
Now we get to the main meal: the dinner. I have thought very long and hard about what to put on this section of the sub. The first thought that came to my mind is the classic chicken parm. Of course, it tasted great, but there is one dish that hits the spot with perfection: the chicken francese. You know that feeling you get in your tummy after your done with chicken francaise, and you dip bread in the sauce? Well both that and the actual chicken taste combine in your mouth for a truly spiritual experience. Alas, the third foot, and the final meal of the “Daily DePasâ€? Sub is a chicken francaise sandwich. Mmmmm ‌ tasty. Now this is one of the only recipes in my vault that changes in the meal are encouraged, so take advantage! If you mix it up a bit you can have a Daily DePas Sub for a few days in a row. Hell, my uncle Alfonso lived on these things for five years while he was in ‌ well ‌ Lets just call it a vacation. But, never mind that. Just try out this week’s recipe, and enjoy the ambrosial taste.
Celebrating 50 years of flexible Graduate Education.
“Road to Hell� Dell “Bird� Holmes Staff Writer
When I was growing up, there was a phrase I heard many times phrase was “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.� Many of you may find yourselves full of ideas and with the good intention of going through with them. How many of you actually do? If I predict right, not many of you. No, do not feel bad; I also have suffered from a lack of commitment and motivation, which has led me to stack up many unpublished books and un-released recordings. I’d like to call this phenomenon the “good intentions� syndrome. Many suffer from such syndrome, whose symptoms include procrastination, distraction, absentmindedness and, of course, lack of commitment. Many people, myself included, have been distracted with daily hectic schedules that consume our lives. As a result, we leave our goals on a back burner, even when we have the opportunity to actually complete them. We also take many things for granted, thinking that the opportunities will still be there later on or when the time is convenient for us, yet many times
the door shuts on us before we become motivated to act on them. Some of us limit ourselves with negative thoughts, thinking that we are incapable of actually reaching our goal. We constantly tell ourselves we don’t have the skill or ability, yet we actually do. Others even lie to themselves, and thinking they are actually trying to accomplish their goal, but are actually wasting their time. But, sooner than you think, time runs out; and 20 years or more zoom right by with nothing done. Do not let this happen to you. I sit here thinking of how many things I could have done, and the many opportunities I could have jumped at, but I didn’t. This was my “Road to Hell,� and I have worked hard to change it. One of the most difficult things I have had to grasp is that one must learn a lesson before actually teaching it. And at times, life has a funny way of teaching us rough lessons. Today, I have grown up to understand that honorable intentions, intentions that are actually followed through, are very different from the good intentions experienced in the “good intention syndrome.
Stay tuned, and stay strong! Tune in Sunday and Monday mornings at 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and Wednesday afternoons at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 90.3 FM WMSC or online at www.WMSCradio.com.
What did you say?!
Have you heard anything outrageous on campus? Send it to The Montclarion at msufeature@gmail.com
Person 1: Is there a place called Brick? Person 2: Yea, and it’s right next to Wall. No joke!
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High quality, career-focused programs. Acclaimed, supportive faculty who continue to work and lead in their fields. Beautiful, convenient campus. Outstanding value.
“After your test, take your hands grab your chest and remember that’s what I told you to do.� “Tell him to stop sucking. Just Stop Sucking...� Person 1: I’m not afraid to go to jail!� Person 2: Wait, you’ve been in jail? Person 3: Yeah, on a field trip. A: “I CAN’T!!� B: “Can or can’t?� A: “CAN’T!!K-A-N-T�
TO LEARN MORE CALL (866) 586-7823 OR E-MAIL GRAD_DEPT@NJCU.EDU 2039 KENNEDY BOULEVARD JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305-1597
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The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
feature 9
Don’t Be Tricked By These Health And Wellness Myths
James Carpentier Staff Writer
With Halloween coming up at the end of this month, there will be plenty of tricks out there. And, when it comes to health and wellness, there are some myths that can also trick you— not only around Halloween, but yearround. Here are a few nutrition and other health-related myths and facts:
• Milk Chocolate has More Nutritional Value than Cocoa Powder. False. In other words, better check the type of chocolate used in those bars in your trick-or-treat bag. First, here’s the good news about chocolate: According to Parade magazine, research shows that chocolate contains protein, calcium and antioxidants, which may prevent certain chronic diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis, and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Chocolate also contains a “feel good” chemical called phenylethylamine that promotes happiness. However, not all chocolate is alike. According to Star-Ledger nutrition columnist Ed Blonz, cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain the most beneficial compounds — flavonoids. “Dark chocolate cont a i n s more flavonoids t h a n m i l k chocolate and white choco-
late contains little if any.” According to Natural Health magazine, “Compounds in dark chocolate called procyanidins counteract oxidation and inflammation, two conditions that age the brain.” The magazine adds that scientists think procyanidins also improve memory by increasing blood circulation, so your brain gets more oxygen and nutrients.
• Eggs Are No Longer Taboo. True. In recent decades, egg consumption dropped because of the yolk’s highcholesterol content and fears that eggs would contribute to heart disease or make you fat. According to the journal Nutrition Today, “A common misperception is that eating egg yolks is unhealthy and will make you fat. Wrong! The yolk contains the majority of the egg’s nutrients — from vitamins A and D to choline. Furthermore, the cholesterol in eggs doesn’t contribute to high blood-cholesterol levels.” Parade magazine noted, “Studies have not shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases in egg eaters. For example, in a study of more than 115,000 men and women, there was no association between egg intake and the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke over an eight-year period, except among those with diabetes. Women who ate more than one egg a day actually had the lowest risk of coronary heart disease.”
• Pan-fried, Scalloped and Sautéed Are Heart-Friendly Words on a Menu. False. According to USA Weekend magazine, “Dining out is tricky. To control what’s on your plate, look for these key menu words to avoid, compiled by the American Heart Association: fried, au gratin,
crispy, scalloped, pan-fried, sautéed and stuffed.” Instead, the American Heart Association recommends healthier menu words such as “steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached, and roasted.”
ly if your job involves lots of close-up work? For starters, make sure your office is well-lit. If you use a computer, the screen should be free of glare. And, remember to do a very basic eye exercise — blink! Normally you blink once every
• Eating Six Small Meals a Day Instead Of Three Big Meals Daily Burns More Body Fat. True. According to Ellington Darden, Ph.D., author of Living Longer Stronger, “Eating smaller meals more often, with none of the meals exceeding 600 calories, is an important aspect of efficient fat loss.”
• You Won’t Get the Same Euphoria from Walking as You Get from Running. False. According to the book, The Complete Book of Walking, “If you talk to long-
distance runners, they’ll tell you about the euphoria they experience after running 30 or 40 minutes. It’s called a ‘runner’s high.’ Many people who have participated in walking programs have experienced the same kind of thing by seeing their world at three to four and a half miles an hour. They feel a period of heightened consciousness; they feel more creative, enthusiastic and excited. Some psychologists feel that this ‘high’ is an altered state of consciousness, an opening up of the unconscious.”
• Frequent Blinking is a Good Way to Prevent Eyestrain. True. The book, Training The Body To Cure Itself, mentions, “So, how do you solve the problem of eyestrain — particular-
five seconds. But, sometimes you can concentrate so intensely on what you’re doing that you forget to blink. The longer you go without blinking, the drier and more painful your eyes become”
• Walking and Gardening Are Safer Activities for Heart Disease Patients than Strength Training. False. According to Doug McGuff, M.D. and John Little, authors of Body By Science, “The evidence is clear: Strength training is a modality of exercise that is as safe and productive as possible from a cardiovascular standpoint.The American Heart Association has even included strength training as one of the major components of cardiac rehabilitation… Doctors have routinely told their patients that just performing activities of daily life such as walking, taking the stairs, gardening and yard work can help to preserve cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, the age-related loss of muscle, sarcopenia, can undermine people’s ability to carry out those activities, but resistance training can prevent and even reverse sarcopenia.”
OUTWORK 973.504.8200 | 250 Central Ave | Text UCENTRE to 47464
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standard text rates apply
10 PSA
October 15, 2009 • The Montclarion
GAMEs
The Montclarion
This Week’s Puzzles
MSUProduction@gmail.com
11
Answers to the Oct. 1 edition ��� J��bl� �n��r��bl� th� ��rd�. Th� f�r�t l�tt�r �f ���h ��rd ��ll �p�ll ��t th� �r���n�l n���n��� �f ���.
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�����n�t��n �t�rd��t p�l� ���n n��ht �nd d�� �h�t� �hr��t��� �� f�r ���� th� �n�f� �� ��� n�� ��r� n�� ��r� �����r ��nd th�t�� l�f� l�v� �nd ��rr����
Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Book 1
b����tb�ll �nd��n� ��� r��b� �x��t���nt d�f�n��
ANSWER: The Big Red
Sudoku #1
2 4 9 8 5 7 7 5 6 3
5
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9 6 8 7 4 8 2 6 3 2 5 1 4 5
6
2 4 5 6 9 5 7 2 8
© 2008 KrazyDad.com
SPECIAL HIDDEN MESSAGE: ��l��l�� Autumn is a second spring �n�h��l when every leaf is a bln�nt� KRAZYDAD.COM/PUZZLES flower. ���n���
Fill in the blank squares so that��� eachJ��bl� row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.
�n��r��bl� th� f�ll���n� ��rd� t� r�v��l �n� �f th� d�r��t�r��� �n ���p�� th�t �n�l�d�� �
p�p�l�r ��f�t�r��. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.
Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.
n��� r�t�t�d �����lp� d�r���hrn�
ANSWER: ______ HALL
Send us your thoughts, comments, suggestions about the Games section to msuproduction@gmail.com Subject: Games Section
12
The Montclarion
CoMICs
MSUProduction@gmail.com
THE RETURN OF THE GAMES SECTION PAGE 11
The Montclarion
Arts & Entertainment
MSUArts@gmail.com
Goodbye Old Life — Hello Echo Screen
Emily Golloub Arts & Entertainment Editor
Echo Screen, an unsigned rock band originally from Brick, N.J., gives Jersey residents a little more pride when telling people where they are from. Echo Screen came together in 2003, and recently released their CD, Goodbye Old Life, this past August. The CD features five new songs produced by Ace Enders, a N.J. born and raised alternative rocker known for being a founding member of The Early November. The CD includes other tracks as well. Their recent release has been influenced by old and new sounds, from Simon & Garfunkel
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and The Beach Boys, to Oasis and Death Cab for Cutie. Their music has been featured on TV shows such as MTV’s the Real World/Road Rules and E!’s Living Lohan. Their new songs and great covers weave in and out of each other for a feel good CD that is definitely worth listening to. Alternative Press Magazine said, “While there are plenty of bands working the genre-blending angle, Echo Screen just do it better, and they do it fearlessly. Euphoria [newest ep] is a fun listen, and will convert even the most stringent pop-punk haters into true believers.” Check out Echo Screen at http://www.myspace.com/echoscreen
Photos Courtesy of www.myspace.com/echoscreen
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band Play Final Show in Giants Stadium Scott Buchanan Staff Writer
The anticipation in the parking lot was high for this one. Everyone knew it was going to be a party. The rumors had already gone viral via text message and word of mouth. Bruce was going to play until the sun came up. South Side Johnny, Clapton, Jagger and Billy Joel were all shoe-ins as guest performers. Elton John and Bono were considered maybes. A well-rested Jimi Hendrix had even been spotted in the East Village earlier in the day. So were the expectations of the crowd for what was to be the last concert performance at Giants Stadium. The venue, which opened in 1976, has hosted more than its share of sport and entertainment excitement. The encore billing given to Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band was no small order. Springsteen’s reputation as an unrelenting performer and spirited perfec-
tionist on stage set the bar even higher for the night. Springsteen and the band walked on stage dressed in all black, with the exception of Clarence Clemons’ gold-trim robe, in undramatic but determined fashion, as is their way. “Wrecking Ball,” a song written specifically about the slated demolition of Giants Stadium, was the opener for what would prove a nearly ceaseless 31 song set lasting over three hours. This was the fifth show in a ten-day span at the Stadium. As they have for each of these shows, the band played in its entirety one of their own classic albums. Tonight was the band’s pulse-pounding, anthem-filled, commercial hit, “Born in the USA.” Springsteen first headlined Giants Stadium in 1985 during the “Born in the USA” tour. This was his 24th performance at Giants Stadium. Large-crowd staples “Badlands” and “Hungry Heart” were among the early songs played. The crowd carried Springsteen
throughout “Hungry Heart” — both vocally and literally. About half way through the sing-a-long Springsteen jumped into the crowd for a thorough surf into and around the sea of humanity. Not surprising to seasoned Springsteen concert goers, it was clear from the get-go that this show would be very much about the fans. There was ample opportunity to contribute vocally, and the large video screens on either side of the stage cut frequently away from the band to shots of the crowd singing along and dancing. After a rousing performance of the title track off the latest album Working on a Dream, Springsteen stated to the crowd that his next song was “the song we started out with the first time we entered this stadium.” The familiar riff of “Born in the USA” immediately followed, and from there the band took the crowd on a musical journey sheathed in red, white and blue. The crowd went for a ride down to “DarSpringsteen Continued on Page 17
Bruce Springsteen Set List Wrecking Ball
Downbound Train I’m on Fire
Badlands
No Surrender
Spirit in the Night
Bobby Jean
Outlaw Pete
I’m Goin’ Down
Hungry Heart
Glory Days
Working on a Dream
Dancing in the Dark
Waitin’ on a Sunny Day
Born in the U.S.A.
My Hometown
Seven Nights to Rock
Cover Me
Tougher Than the Rest
Darlington County
The Promised Land
Kitty’s Back Curt Ramm)
Working Highway
Last to Die Long Walk Home
on
the
The Rising Born to Run *** Raise Your Hand The Last Time
American Land Jersey Girl
(with
Jackman, Craig Deliver A Steady Run on Broadway Jenifer Credidio Staff Writer
Many well-known Hollywood actors have taken on Broadway — seemingly the “in” thing at the moment. Julia Roberts made her debut a couple of years ago. Jude Law is currently playing the title role in Hamlet, and Catherine Zeta-Jones is set to open in A Little Night Music next month. Although producers are satisfied with sold-out performances, critics aren’t as easily won over by the amount of star power on the stage. This time, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig take the stage in Keith Huff’s drama, A Steady Rain. However, these are not your typical “Hollywood” stars. With both actors having various notable films to their name, very few are aware of their extensive theatrical backgrounds before they made it to the big screen — one of the many reasons why the show is making waves on Broadway with audiences and critics alike. A Steady Rain, directed by John Crowley, presents the tale, or “tales,” of two Chicago cops, depicting two different accounts of life-altering events in their lives. Opening with two single spot lights shining down on Craig and Jackman, sitting side by side for a motionless moment, the intensity is set, and the audience is ready to dive into the captivating drama. Soon after, Jackman begins his monologue in, surprisingly, a humorous and light mood. Craig soon joins in, both recalling one eventful night of their friendship. Both actors are able to stir laughter from the audience with ease — however, the story starts to delve into a deeper situation; one that threatens their friendship, as well as the lives of their loved ones. The fast paced dialogue and quick-wit of the characters easily grabs your attention; and don’t think of letting your mind wander for a second — every element of dialogue is
vital to the plot. Both Jackman and Craig spent time talking to real-life Chicago cops to prepare for their roles. The degree to which both actors were willing to take their roles is impressive; it was evident their time in Chicago was not wasted. Down to their speech and gesticulations, there was truly a spirit in their characters that could only be derived with exceptional attention to detail and planning on the actors’ parts — skill only honed by exceptional actors. Jackman, whose numerous film credits include the recent XMen Origins: Wolverine, Australia, and The Prestige, made his Broadway debut in The Boy from Oz in 2003. His performance earned him a Tony nomination and win for Best Actor in a Musical. Before that, Jackman studied drama at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Despite delivering a more than worthy and genuine performance, at some points it seemed as if he was not fully detached from his “Hollywood” appeal and acting style, which made it hard to be fully engrossed in his character’s tale. Craig — our current “Bond, James Bond” — recently took over the iconic role in 2006, so far completing two films of the series — Casino Royale and last year’s Quantum of Solace. Other credits include Defiance, The Golden Compass and Road to Perdition. Craig is no stranger to the theatre, since he is considered one of Britain’s most famous stage performers. At sixteen, he joined the National Youth Theater, and went on to attend the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. A Steady Rain marks his Broadway debut. Shedding any remnants of the womanizing spy, Craig delivers a strong and engrossing performance that was truly impressive. Those who typecast Craig to his 007 role would definitely be proven wrong. It seemed clear to him the distinction between Broadway Continued on Page 17
14 A&E
The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
Games You Wish You Didn’t Miss: Valkyria Chronicles
Mark Ramdular Staff Writer
In the medium of video games, few genres have, arguably, been as stale lately as RPGs. More specifically, critics and gamers alike agree that the Japanese RPGs are receiving the brunt of these complaints, and with good reason. Fortunately, about a year ago, on Nov. 8, 2008, SEGA, with the same team behind Skies of Arcadia, released Valkyria Chronicles exclusively for the Playstation 3. Unfortunately, despite critical success, Valkyria Chronicles sold abysmally in the U. S. during its initial release. Is Valkryia Chronicles ultimately just another forgettable RPG, or is it really worth all the praise and critical adoration? The setting is 1935 in Europa, a fictional parallel to Europe. Valkyria Chronicles, is presented like a novel, and literally opens up, greeting us with our main protaganist, Welkin Gunther, a twentyone-year old university graduate on his way back home. And thus, the game brings us to the conflict. On returning to Bruhl, the village he calls home, Gunther is surprised to see that his once beautiful homeland of Gallia is in the middle of war with the not so originally named Empire. He is immediately stopped and questioned by some members of the town watch, who happen to be lead by the female protagonist, Alicia Melchiott, a nineteen-year-old aspiring baker. After Gunther finally arrives at his house, we discover that he has an adopted sister, Isara, and that Gunther is the son of a late, world-renowned army general. Alicia, Gunther, and Isara also discover that they must escape their hometown of Bruhl. Luckily, General Gunther (the father) left behind the Edelweiss, a huge blue tank with which our heroes escape; thus, truly starting off the journey. After escaping the town, our protagonists join the Gallian militia, and meet a slew of new faces who add to the story elements as well as gameplay. The story 14405 Montclarion v1:Layout 1 10/2/09 in Valkyria Chronicles isn’t anything
groundbreaking, but it adds several differing elements, and is very well-written. It almost serves as homage to older, more story-driven RPGs of yester-year, making the experience remarkably refreshing and nostalgic. On top of this, the art style is an interesting mix of anime and cel-shading, which pushes the PS3 to the limit and is simply beautiful.
4:22 PM
Just when you think it couldn’t get better, the soundtrack floors you with epic orchestrations and completely memorable tunes. In fact, the ending theme is probably one of the most memorable pieces of music that has inhabited a video game in years. While supremely well-done, these elements aren’t where Valkyria Chronicles pushs the envelope.
Page 1
Photo Courtesy of www.video.igala.net.
Valkyria Chronicles could have been a classic turn-based RPG, and it would have still been amazing. Instead, gamers can expect a mixture of turn-based, real time strategy and shooting games. Gamers will be able to deploy and control mainly six types of units: Scouts, Shocktroopers, Lancers, Snipers, Engineers and Tanks. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, which need to be exploited for maximum success. Specific characters also respond positively or negatively to the other friendly units around them, adding usually helpful advantages. During battles, you move units based on how full or empty the Action Points Gauge is. AP is gained every round, but this depends on how many officers are in play and is often a constant number. Thus, knowing when to save and use AP is essential. Furthermore, as one side is being controlled, the deployed opposing units will shoot at enemies. Therefore, cover, along with visibility, become imperative to survival, especially since you can lose most of the game personalities forever if they die in battle, which will lead to many a frustrated reload. Upon completing battles, you are rewarded a rank based on how well you did as well as money and experience to be used for upgrades and various extras, such as units and side quests. With all of that being said, there are very few flaws to be seen. Graphically, the physics engine in battle is a bit exaggerated, leading to many humorous character deaths. Gamers may also be put off by the difficulty at times, though it’s nothing too astounding. Other than that, Valkyria Chronicles has everything an RPG gamer could want. Moments in this game have impact enough to illicit tears, the soundtrack along with the graphics are breathtaking and the gameplay borders on being revolutionary. All of the thousands, maybe even millions, of PS3 gamers who love RPGs and do not own Valkyria Chronicles need to do themselves a favor, and pick this game up; it’s as simple as that.
Photo Courtesy of www.empiremovies.com
FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY
Graduate Open Houses Tuesday October 27 College at Florham Madison, NJ
Hennessy Hall (The Mansion)
Thursday October 29 Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJ
Dickinson Hall (located on the Hackensack side of campus)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Registration is 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
5 Reasons to Choose FDU 1. More than 60 master’s, doctoral and graduate certificate programs 2. Professionally connected and expert faculty 3. Full-time and part-time study options, with evening, weekend and online classes available 4. Tuition reimbursement and payment plans 5. Convenient campus locations in Madison and Teaneck, and more than 50 other locations statewide for select programs Register online at
www.fdu.edu/admissions
Light refreshments provided.
Apply at an open house and the $40 application fee is waived!
Attention Veterans: FDU Proudly Participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
WINTER SESSION
October 15, 2009 • The Montclarion
advertisement
Turn up the heat on your degree December 21, 2009-January 15, 2010 Schedule available on WESS NOVEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
DECEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
JANUARY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 31 25 26 27 28 29 30
Web registration begins: �
November 9 for Montclair State Students � November 16 for Visiting Students
Winter Session registration ends December 15 All coursework begins December 21, 2009 �
Online and Hybrid Courses Offered
�
Enroll in up to 4 credits this winter
�
�
�
Check your Montclair State e-mail regularly for important information from your professor December 21 – Assignments and readings will be posted on Blackboard for all courses January 4 – In-person meetings begin for hybrid courses
Visit WESS for course schedule and details* Winter 2010 Tuition and Fees** Undergraduate: NJ Resident: 1st credit: $387.61 Non-resident: 1st credit: $654.56
Ea. Add’l credit: $321.31 Ea. Add’l credit: $588.26
Graduate: NJ Resident: 1st credit: $622.64 Non-resident: 1st credit: $887.24
Ea. Add’l credit: $556.34 Ea. Add’l credit: $820.94
Payment Plan Available For complete tuition and fee information or payment options, visit: www.montclair.edu/bursar/tuitionandfees. Montclair State University no longer mails paper bills or statements. All statements will be posted and available for viewing on the Student Web Enrollment Student Services (WESS) Account Summary Web site.
Winter Session E-mail: winter@montclair.edu � Voice: 973-655-4352 � Fax: 973-655-7851 *The University reserves the right to cancel courses, change faculty and/or room assignments, modify its calendar, make adjustments to course schedule and the availability of the Web registration system. **Above are approximate tuition and fees for Winter Session 2010. Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice.
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16 A&E
Couples
The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
Need Help Blaine Bridges Staff Writer
Couples Retreat is the kind relationship movie I’d bring a date to if I thought the date would go poorly. Its sometimes funny and ham-fisted view of troubled marriages is a safe context for numbing your brain, and accepting that things don’t always go as planned. The comedy is played so safely that there is no need to worry about drama at all, either within the film or on the ride home. You might just appreciate your partner that much more by the end. I have a sneaking suspicion that my ilk and I aren’t the target audience. I think the film is intended for old people. Just look at the cast. Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, John Favreau and Faizon Love, who are all usually funny and all over forty. But, here’s a cool trick — if you average their ages with that of their much younger wives, the film settles at a median age of about 31. But, shh! I think we’re supposed to suspend our disbelief, and accept that the twenty-something Kristen Bell is actually a little older. The film focuses on four exhausted couples. Dave and Ronnie (Vaghn and Ackerman) deal with their hyper, bed-wetting children; Joey and Lucy (Favreau and Davis) are a couple so sick of each other, they spend every chance they get cheating; Jason and Cynthia (Bateman and Bell) can’t conceive; and finally, Shane (Love) is divorced and depressed, trying to reclaim his youth with an oversexed college student. When Jason and Cynthia announce that their marriage might come to an end, they
Movies You Should Have Seen: Eternal Sunshine
decide the only way to recover their love for each other is through an exotic counseling vacation on an island called Eden. Unfortunately, they can’t afford the expensive price unless they convince three other couples to take the group rate with them. Couples Retreat is as much about being tired, as it is tiresome. Even the jokes are tiresome! Most of the attempted humor comes from the different challenges the island counselors dredge up. Trepidation ensues as the couples realize things are worse than they thought. Things get much worse. As the film progresses, everyone desperately wants to escape the east side of the island, and abscond to the singles resort located to the west. I just wanted to abscond all together, and see another movie. It’s surprising to me that the awesomely funny Vaghn both co-wrote and produced this clunker. He’s stuck himself in an inescapable rut of playing the lovable, grizzled everyman. The fact is that everything in this movie has been done before, better and to excruciating death in movies starring the exact same actors. I suppose the film has a few redeeming features. John Favreau steals the show as the only character that isn’t either unfunny or incredibly annoying, and the relationship he has with his wife creates the only fleshed out couple in the film. Also, Vaghn’s toddler gets some real laughs, pooping and peeing in very bad places. Actually the last shot of the film involving just such a moment, is the perfect image to accompany my review. Alas, I doubt the paper would print it’s description.
Photo Courtesy of www.filmaffinits.com Jon Reino Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of www.movieweb.com
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind seems to have everything going for it. Jim Carrey leads a star studded cast featuring Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo and Kirsten Dunst, among other famous names, with Oscar award winner Michel Gondry directing. The story is truly unique, with aspects of romance, comedy and drama, mixed into a brilliantly scripted, filmed and edited package. Eternal Sunshine has been given a slew of awards including Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Editor and many others in nearly fifty different festivals and award ceremonies around the world. The film starts out with Jim Carrey’s character, Joel, waking up in bed to the sound of a car leaving. As he climbs out of bed, he begins narrating a day that begins badly; acting on impulse, he decides to call out of work and take a train to the beach, regardless of the fact that it is February. It’s Valentine’s Day to be exact, a day which makes Joel particularly upset, but while walking on the beach, he sees a girl, and later sees her on the train home when they begin talking. He starts out shy, but slowly opens up to her as they begin talking about where they live, which happens to be in the same city. The conversation quickly turns awkward as she appears to have a few screws loose. Her name is Clementine, and she is slightly loudmouthed and open, while Joel is rather shy and quiet. She invites him up to her apartment after he gives her a ride home, and attempts to open him up a little. She freaks him out a bit at first, but he soon begins to fall for her. Seventeen minutes and thirty-five seconds into the movie, the opening title finally appears, showing him crying in the dark in front of his steering wheel. This style of off-continuity editing plays a large roll in the way the plot
Be Heard!
unfolds. As Joel explains the situation to two of his friends, they hand him a card they received in the mail that says “Clementine Kruczynski has had Joel Barish erased from her memory. Please never mention their relationship to her again. Thank You. Lacuna, Inc.” Joel then goes to the address at the bottom of the card to figure out what exactly happened to his relationship. He finds out that Lacuna, Inc. specializes in removing the memory of a specific person or event from a person’s conscious, and Clementine chose to erase Joel. In a fit of impulsive rage, he decides to have her erased too. They tell him to bring in everything that reminds him of Clementine, and in addition to that they will come in while he sleeps to remove the memories of all of the objects from his brain. So when he wakes up, she will be nothing but a forgotten dream. But when they recall the memories in his sleep, during the process of deleting them he relives everything he and Clementine ever experienced. He then realizes he does not want to forget her and the duration of the film follows their relationship in reverse as he tries to keep the memories of the girl he loves. The plot can be a little hard to follow at times, but its worth the extra attention. The mix between stylish filming, perfect casting and acting, a clever soundtrack and brilliant editing make Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind one of the most unique films of the last ten years. Do yourself a favor and grab this film as soon as you can; you wont regret it!
Disagree with anything I have said? Have anything to add? Any requests for movies you want me to mention or review? Send an email to msuarts@ gmail.com with “Jon Reino” in the subject heading, speak and you will be heard.
Submit pictures, critiques and anything else you want to be shared in the Arts and Entertainment section! Submit all work to msuarts@gmail.com
Springsteen
Broadway
Continued from Page 13
Continued from Page 13
lington County,� was brought aboard a “Downbound Train,� joyfully reminisced about their “Glory Days� and was even reintroduced to an old friend, “Bobby Jean.� The travels came to an end where they usually do — at home — with an achingly sentimental performance of “My Hometown.� But, there was little time for the band or the crowd to catch its breath. The show was hardly half over. After a handful of faith-themed songs including “Tougher Than the Rest� and “The Promised Land,� Springsteen lifted the spirits of his audience with a stirring version of “The Rising,� a song that holds special significance when played in the shadow of the New York City skyline. And, of course, no Giants Stadium show would be complete without a performance of “Born to Run.� The lights came on, everyone stood up and for one last time amidst the concrete and steal of the storied venue, shouted out the melodic chorus “Wo-Oh-Oh-WoOh-Ohhh!� Springsteen and the band took a brief interlude, but emerged on stage only moments later for an extended encore. A
crowd request of The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time� was a fitting choice. “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day� kept the energy high, and a beautiful performance of the early classic “Kitty’s Back� gave the band an opportunity to showcase some of their musical talent. Towards the end of the show, fireworks from behind the stage and above the luxury boxes highlighted what was otherwise a fairly straightforward performance for the band (as hard as that is to believe). In fact, the show did not do much to stretch the boundaries of creativity, or vary much from the previous shows at the stadium. It became clear at this point that the special-guest rumors had been false and in hindsight, somewhat ridiculous. The only question remaining was what song would be played last — how would they end it? There were several songs still absent from the night at this point. Classics such as “Thunder Road,� “Jungleland� and “Rosalita� were notably missing, but with a catalogue as extensive as Springsteen’s, its impossible to cover all the bases in one show. For his finale, he chose what is perhaps his most popular cover, the Tom Waits classic “Jersey Girl.� It was a lowkey but poignant choice for a finish: a nofrills, close to home, true to life song. This concert was Bruce at his best: with the E-Street Band and playing to the home crowd with conviction. Bruce and the band have the ability to spin magic out of the New Jersey night, and this show certainly exemplified that. Perhaps inevitably though, this show, like time spent with a beautiful Jersey girl of your own, left you wanting just a little bit more.
October 15, 2009 • The Montclarion
stage and screen performing, delivering a clearly defined character, which was easy to sympathize with throughout the production. Although the limited engagement closes on Dec. 6, the producers recently purchased film rights, and a screenplay is currently in production. There is no word on whether Craig or Jackman will reprise their roles on film, though the performances of both actors are strong enough that a screen adaptation should be more than successful. If you happen to be fortunate enough
A&E 17
to grab tickets to attend this production, it should not be missed. Sitting in the orchestra will enhance this experience, since a lot is based on glances and gestures — and after all, the audience is the “jury� in this production. You will want to stay as engrossed as possible. However, anywhere in the house you may be seated, you will still be thoroughly impressed. Seeing these talented performers in this twisting drama is truly the essence of Broadway.
Photo Courtesy of justjared.buzznet.com
Craig (left) and Jackman (right) starring together in A Steady Rain on Broadway.
Check out next week in Arts and Entertainment! The Artwork of JOHN LENNON, MSU’s own Scott Gordley in Gallery 51, and Broadway’s Hair!
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18
The Montclarion
opinion
MSUOpinion@gmail.com
Free Vaccinations on Campus: Get in Line 0
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lu season will soon be in full swing, and Montclair State University wants to assure the entire campus community of its preparedness to control any outbreak, and prevent the spread of viruses. Twenty thousand doses of H1N1 (“swine flu”) vaccines have been ordered. The university has seven vaccination clinics scheduled from Nov. 7 – 17. The last time the university offered flu vaccines earlier this semester, the student response was greater than expected, and the Health Center ran out of supplies. The Health Center is now looking for registered medical professional volunteers to help administer the vaccinations to students, faculty and staff. While The Montclarion is not suggesting that the university
Lou Cunningham | The Montclarion
does not have an organized plan for administering the vaccinations, we are questioning how they will determine which students have priority. With 18,171 undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to the full-time professors, adjuncts and staff members, we do wonder whether 20,000 doses will be enough. The Center for Disease Prevention Control recommends that “high risk groups” including pregnant women, caretakers of infants who are under six months of age and healthcare workers receive the vaccination. The Center also states that the at-risk groups include those who range from six months to 25 years of age. The majority of students fall into this category. The Health Center will offer the vaccination to these groups first, but after that, it appears the vaccine will be administered on a firstcome-first-serve basis. With so many
people falling into the category of “high-risk,” the university should already have a system in place. So far, Montclair State has done a decent job of keeping the campus community updated on the flu viruses via e-mail and the school’s website. Whatever the plans for administering the vaccine may be, we hope there’s more than one e-mail sent out to give students a warning. Debates have risen over whether or not the flu shot should be mandatory for healthcare workers. Additionally, some question whether employers in various fields should have the right to force their employees to be vaccinated. The general consensus is that college students, and those who spend several hours a day in contact with a variety of people and surfaces, should take advantage of the vaccinations.
As of Oct. 1, The Montclarion reported 17 confirmed cases of influenza this semester at the university. This is a relatively average number, and while health officials tell students not to panic, they do encourage precautions. As many students have experienced first hand, the university has also been taking preventative measures to control the spread of any flu viruses. In many cases, students who have exhibited any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills and cough, have been sent home and instructed to stay off campus for at least five days. While some have called this method of prevention extreme, The Montclarion hopes that students would rather miss a few days of classes than contract either of the flu viruses and risk spreading it to others around campus.
Students may have also noticed more hand-sanitizer dispenser throughout campus, especially and dorms and eateries. Residents have been given bottles of sanitizer and thermometers. This is a great gesture, but why should residents get priority in a commuter school? Commuters, while many do not sleep here every night, still spend several hours a day on the campus. Giving supplies only to residents shows a lack of consideration for the majority commuter population. While it is still remains up to the individual to decide, students, faculty and staff may want to take advantage of the free vaccination. The Montclarion hopes that the Health Center will be prepared to deal with the thousands of people seeking just that. - KM
New Technology with the Bell Tower Initiative
-KM
M
any students at Montclair State will complain about the university’s technical services, from the frequent Blackboard outages to the occasionally sporadic Internet on campus. There is, however, not much to complain about when it comes to the university’s record keeping and filing systems for Human Resources, Faculty
Lou Cunningham | The Montclarion
Resource Services and Standard Information Services. The WESS system is a wonderful tool compared to the days when students had to wait weeks to receive grades by mail, or when they had to register for classes over the phone (before cell phones). Now we enjoy the luxury of registration for classes on a system that almost never fails. Every student on campus is able to view his or her own grades over the Internet
the day they are released. The success of theses systems, or rather the success of the information on these systems, is as a result of a system that this university has had in place before the personal computer even existed. It ran on a terminal system, with only a keyboard, monitor and one central tower, where all the data was stored. That tower still puts your laptop or desktop to shame. Yet, despite this, it has worked
for low cost and low maintenance for decades. So the question you might be asking is “Wait, if it’s not broke why are we fixing it?” This is because simply the system in 2012 will no longer be supported. This is where the Bell Tower Initiative comes in. This high-cost, high-maintenance system will change everything. Yes, it will give us a big Web update with nice customiz-
able pages. It will make students feel like they have the Montclair State University social network at our fingertips. This is, however, not the change here that will really affect us. What will have the most impact on students is the implementation of this system, since it will incorporate almost every system on campus. From our person information to our grades to our housing to our parking status to our financial info, think about the amount of people will have to learn a new system that is decades away from the one they are currently using. To put this into perspective, its almost like handing an apple laptop to someone who has never used a computer and telling him, “Ok now I want you to program this.” So how is it that teachers, many of whom cannot even use blackboard for their classes, are going to be able to use a web based system full of flash embedded objects and crazy customizable widgets? It is easy to see the university once again has a plan for enhancing information technology on campus. First, however, they should focus on training professors and staff to avoid the confusion and headaches that are bound to follow. - JC
October 15, 2009 • The Montclarion
OPINION 19
A Call to Arms: In Defense of Creativity Student Crusades for the Recognition of Creativity in Modern Culture
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ollowing the fad of lamenting that culture is coming to the apocalypse, a new trend seems to be the fear that creativity is also decaying in the modern world. Katie Winters A round Assistant Copy campus, I have Editor heard people making the grand claim that creativity is just “not what it used to be.” As I mentioned in last week’s article, the recognition of a generation’s art is often delayed until much later. The definitions of high culture and “art” are rarely updated as often as artists create new, innovative pieces. In part, to define art is extremely difficult; it is certainly not something I will attempt here and definitions vary from person to person. Recognizing creativity, though, should be easier, as the definition of creativity is more general. Creativity is defined as “the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships or the like and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.” We must be willing to recognize creativity as a broad impulse, not only in our culture, but also in our personal environment. Creative impulses are not only found in Calcia, but also in every other place you can possibly go on campus. The impulse may be hard for some to pinpoint, but just because it may be less obvious does not mean it is nonexistent. While expanding our view to the world at large, we have to carefully choose proof for either argument. The arguments for creative decay that I have heard around campus seem to focus on the “mediocrity” of modern art, the reliance on prefabricated buildings and the commercialization of popular music.
Prefabricated houses and developments are not representative of architectural innovation. For those interested in modern innovation, Architecture Today would be a better source. Popular music, produced with the consumer in mind, may also fall short compared to the beginnings of romantic or rap music. However, to claim no one is doing anything in that field not only insults composition students at our own university, but also those songwriters of which we are simply unaware. If anyone remains unconvinced after all of these examples, I challenge them to walk into any bookstore and find no creativity. Regardless of the “literary merit” of those books (which often suffers a lag in recognition because of the reactionary academic world), creativity is evident from the multitude of sections, characters and plots. Therefore, I ask my contemporaries to avoid a narrow view of creativity. Look not only at what is surrounding you, but also your own possible impulse. Bashing what creativity there is will not foster it or encourage others to share their creations. I can only assume that those who complain about the lack of creativity are not happy about its perceived disappearance and, hence, should not hinder it. But most importantly, think carefully before you apply a value judgment to creativity. Due to the nature of creativity, it is hard to recognize brilliance close to its inception. Evaluation and criticism belong to art anyway, not creativity. Again, those who fear the loss of creativity should not be so fast to dismiss what innovation surrounds them. Finally, I call to arms the devotees of visual art, music composition, creative writing, costume designs, choreography, promoters and users of creativity, anyone who recognizes creativity in their world, whether it is a major or a pastime. We must help those who cannot see the creativity of our generation.
Katie Winters, an English major, is in her first year as an assistant copy editor for The Montclarion.
Health Center Woes
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hen I learned about the swine flu outbreak this past spring, I dismissed it as a problem that couldn’t touch me. After all, I’ve lived through 9/11, anthrax, Margot Levinson SARS and bird Staff Writer flu scares. Those were horrible events, but they haven’t directly affected me. So upon news of the virus, I was not phased and resumed my carefree lifestyle and attitude. I always used to scoff at my friends who carried Purell around in their purses or wiped down their dorm rooms with Clorox wipes daily. It all seemed very OCD to me, comical almost, like the title character on the show Monk. But it turns out Monk may not be so crazy. Last week after a visit to the campus Health Center I was sent home for five days with probable swine flu. It turned out to be tonsillitis and bronchitis, but, nonetheless, I was scared into healthier habits. My illness could have easily been contracted via unsanitary conditions or practices like touching a dirty keyboard or not thoroughly washing my hands. After I was allowed to return to campus my suitemate was sent home with the same diagnosis. She later found out, she, too, had
Bronchitis. Now my other two suitemates have appointments scheduled at the Health Center. I’m not implying that the spread of the virus was completely my fault or any individual’s fault, but my ignorance did contribute to the little outbreak within our apartment. Two weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about sharing a cocktail with my best friend, but now I’m seriously thinking of labeling everything in the apartment. I can’t believe how careless we were with our health, sharing drinks, makeup and food. In college, drinking games are everywhere, and they may seem fairly harmless but what if someone playing has the flu or mono or, God forbid, meningitis? Over the summer a girl from my high school died suddenly of meningitis; she had been playing a drinking game a few days earlier, and may have picked up the virus that way. Is a night of fun and games really worth your life? This time it was bronchitis, next time it could be deadly. These days Purell is my best friend and Clorox wipes are my saviour. I’m not taking any chances as I’ve had quite the scare. When you think about death in college, binge drinking and suicide may come to mind, but let’s not forget that when you’re living in such close quarters germs may be culprit. So, everyday we proudly wipe down the kitchen and the bathrooms. Our apartment may smell like a dentist’s waiting room, but at least we’re playing it safe.
Margot Levinson, a theatre major, is in her second year as a staff writer for The Montclarion.
Grab Those Internships While You Can! Theatre Student’s Summer Internship Exceeded Her Expectations
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s a T h e a t r e Studies major, I never thought that my internship would immerse me in science while I learned about television production. But an unexpected Laura Barry email thrust Columnist me into an incredible summer as an intern at Whoop, Inc., and Head Games. My internship was far more than Starbucks runs, stapling and sorting: it provided me invaluable experiences that stretched and strengthened my skills far beyond my expectations. The subject line of the e-mail caught my eye: “Internship Available in Whoopi Goldberg’s Office.” I clicked it open and read that Tom Leonardis, a Montclair State graduate and Whoopi Goldberg’s producing partner, was looking for an intern for their production company, Whoop, Inc. Dr. Neil Baldwin, distinguished professor in the theatre and dance department and the director of the creative research center of the College of the Arts, had sent me the email. He wrote a brief note asking if I was interested in the
opportunity. Without hesitating, I typed my Backyardigans, and developed two of my response, “Of course!” favorite Nickelodeon programs: U-Pick Live Several e-mails, five months and one and Slime Time. interview later, I began working at Whoop, Our other staff members have worked on Inc. My first few days passed quickly as I did dozens of hit television shows and movies the usual tasks expected of interns: answerincluding Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, The ing phones, faxing papers and making copFreshman and Fashionably Late with Stacy ies. London. Even so, I The talwas learning so ented staff “... I was learning so many nuances many nuances and crew about the enter- about the entertainment industry ... I members tainment induswould certry. And, unbe- was about to learn much more about tainly conknownst to me, tribute to I was about to science and television production.” my own learn much more growth and about science knowledge. and television production. Fortunately, pre-production for the show My newfound knowledge would come from began right after I started my internship. working on Head Games, an innovative, Shirley Abraham, the supervising producer, exciting trivia show that was being produced came to the Whoop, Inc office to begin preby Whoop, Inc. and Discovery for the Science liminary research for the project. As I was Channel. Greg Proops of Bob the Builder setting down her lunch by her desk, Shirley and Whose Line is it Anyway? had signed motioned for me to stay. I dutifully waited on to host the show. Tom, Whoopi, Pamela while she finished up her telephone converDeutsch and Dana Calderwood had been sation, and then turned to me. “Do you mind named the executive producers. Pamela has looking up a couple of facts for the show for produced everything from LA Ink to What me?” I didn’t mind at all. Not to Wear. Dana, an eight-time Emmy I had never been interested in science. nominee, was a childhood icon of mine: he I thought of RNA, alkali and oxidation as directed Double Dare and co-created and simply terms to memorize for exams. But as directed, Where In the World is Carmen I began researching the facts for Shirley, I Sandiego? among dozens of other shows. stumbled across unbelievable science trivia McPaul Smith, the head writer, was also and videos of explosions and law-defying the head writer on Carmen Sandiego, The experiments, and was instantly addicted.
Several hours of research later, I handed her the information she requested, along with several more pages full of startling and exciting science information and links to clips. Shirley passed my work along to other producers at Head Games. I was called into the office to present my research to Dana Calderwood, executive producer, and McPaul Smith, the head writer of the show. Dana and McPaul were pleased with my research, and invited me to intern on the show! My internship at Head Games certainly diversified my work experience. I researched science trivia for the show, wrote questions, acted in scenes, found sound effects, made contestant nametags, battled my way through the Toys-R-Us in Times Square to find Silly Putty and went along on shoots. And that was just for starts. I used many of the skills I already possessed, and acquired new ones I could have never imagined. Before my internship, most of my experience was as an actor. By interning at Head Games, I was involved in the show for the entire season, from the conception to the shoot of the last episode of the season. I knew my internship would a bridge from my college education to work. I could have never imagined that I would also travel that bridge to the world of science and television production.
Laura Barry , a theatre major, is in her first year as a columnist for The Montclarion.
20 OPINION
The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
President Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize The Prize Sets Even Higher Expectations for Our 44th President
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n Oct. 9, the nation awoke to unexpected headlines. P resident Barack Obama had been awarded the Nobel Peace Lori Wiczorek Prize. Columnist Other nominees for the 2009 Peace Prize included two formerly jailed Chinese dissidents; a Colombian politician who helped secure the release of 16 hostages; a female Afghan doctor who spoke for women’s rights and has been threatened for doing so. This was longest list of nominees for the Nobel Peace prize in history. A frenzy of outraged comments flew through homes and news outlets alike. The common opinion emerged with lightning quickness — the president had received the award prematurely. Many believe that he has yet to do anything to warrant such a prestigious honor. This backlash spun a negative context on President Obama. Comments attacked his presidency, despite the fact that he had nothing to do with the deciding process.
Perhaps acknowledging the hastiness of Yet, the general population has their this award, President Obama immediately doubts. issued an acceptance speech that conveyed Many Americans, conservatives and libgreat humility. erals alike, do not believe that President He began by stating, “I am both surprised Obama should be grouped together with and deeply humbled by the decision of the such influential figures as Jimmy Carter, Nobel Committee. Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Let me be clear: I do not view it as a Mikhail Gordachev and the United Nations. recognition of my own accomplishments, but Tim Foder, a freshman at Montclair State rather as an affirmation of American leaderUniversity, believes that “they should have ship on behalf held off conof aspirasidering him tions held by as a candipeople in all “... He will stay true to his words that this date until nations.” after his He con- is a ‘call to action.’ ... I can’t help but agree term. He was tinues to say not qualified “I do not feel with the Nobel Committee’s reasoning.” for the prize.” that I deserve Despite to be in the President company of so Obama’s lack many of the transformative figures who’ve of action, this award places new pressure been honored by this prize — men and on him. Obama referred to the Nobel Peace women who’ve inspired me and inspired the Prize as a “call to action.” And, I’m sure entire world through their courageous purthe majority of U.S. citizens agree with the suit of peace.” idea. Many people remain unclear as to what The general indignation of the public the actual reasons were that President may have been sparked by the President’s Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. recent consideration to send more troops According to the official Nobel Prize webinto Afghanistan. Nationally, citizens wonsite, Obama deserves his award “for his der where the correlation between peace and extraordinary efforts to strengthen internawar is. tional diplomacy and cooperation between Repeatedly, the joke has been made that peoples.” the only reason President Obama won the
that the votes on the peace prize began in February 2009, shortly after Obama was sworn into office. Despite the negative portrayal of President Obama there was a fair amount of praise directed towards his recognition. The New York Times quoted Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany saying the prize was an “incentive to the president and to us all. In a short time he has been able to set a new tone throughout the world and to create a readiness for dialogue.” Despite conflicting opinions, the fact remains that President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize of 2009. Conceivably, he will stay true to his words that this is a bold “call to action”. There is no denying the 44th president’s ability to both stir controversy and inspire hope. Yet, I can’t help but agree with the Nobel Committee’s reasoning, “Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.” Congratulations President Obama, I hope you’ll earn it.
Lori Wieczorek, an English major, is in her first year as a columnist for The Montclarion.
Students Speak: In your opinion, did President Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? Why or why not?
Natalaie Rusciani Senior Philosophy/English major, Religion minor
Angel William Freshman History Education major
Ibrahime Diahlo Freshman Math major
Tashika Hartley Freshman Biology major
“I woke up this morning. Well, if you want to be technical, this afternoon. I’m still waiting for my Nobel Peace Prize for that.”
“No, he did not deserve the award, because he has not done anything to deserve it yet. The award was given to people like Martin Luther King, Jr. Obama is a great man, but must still earn the award.”
“Yes, he deserves the award. He has great ideas that will result in a lot of good for the world.”
“I think President Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Prize because his ideas to improve life in the United States will work.”
Students Speak Policy
Responses to Students Speak are the opinions of the students of Montclair State University and are not necessarily those of the staff of The Montclarion and Montelican Publishing, Inc. Once given, responses are the property of The Montclarion and Montelican Publishing, Inc. and is eligible for editing where felt necessary. Responses were given on the campus of Montclair State University on Wednesday Oct. 14, 2009.
The Montclarion
Child Care Wanted Family on Upper Mountain, Montclair looking for babysitter. Monday-Friday 3-7 p.m. or open to discuss. Must be fun and energetic plus have experience with young children. Call Naureen 646-5490055 / $15 per hour. Sitters Wanted. $12+ per hour. Babysitting, housesitting, petsitting. Register free for jobs near campus or home and start earning extra cash now! www. student-sitters.com. Baby-sitter/ driver needed two afternoons (flexible) a week. Near Montclair Art Museum, 8 minutes from campus. Must have car. Light cooking. $15/hr. stephenskinner@ me.com or call 973-509-7154.
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21
PERSONALS! Happy Birthday, Buddy!
Taylor Bonner is hot!
I still miss Laura.
I can’t believe I missed Jess and Chrissy on Tuesday!
I love Katherine. Dear Buddy, be happy you are 21!
Texas ‘09, kids!
How bout’ them Yanks?
I don’t love Kristie anymore.
Awesomenj.com No class today, Kulsoom. Woo!
I say that I “less than three” people. I hope they get it.
Is it almost time to go to Texas?
Beware of the white teddy bear!
Find me a menu. Website it!
Em, come to Texas so we can be Pebbles and Bam Bam.
Fear and loathing in Austin! Suck it up, Bud ... AND STOP SUCKING. ... And you want to be my latex salesman. Yo, B-Dog ... Happy B-day. <3 K-Sop I THROW IT ON THE GROUND! Oh and I also love Kelly Jones.
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The Law Offices of
Geoffrey T. Mott, P.C. Serving the MSU Community throughout the State of NJ in ALL Municipal and Superior courts. Representing students and their families in all civil and criminal matters, including immigration, family law, DUI’s, traffic violations, bankruptcy, personal injury, landlord/tenant, debt and credit related issues, and all other legal matters impacting your family and the Community. Saturday and evening appointments available. MSU student-friendly rates
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sports
The Montclarion • October 15, 2009
Brown: One of the Top Track Stars in Nation
Hard Work, Dedication is Key to Brown’s Success at Montclair Stephen Nagy Staff Writer
Six a.m. hill runs, lifting at night and even yoga lessons, all without the coach even being there? For track captain, William Brown, this is all in a days work. This is almost completely unheard of in the sporting world. Athletes work hard to get into shape, but how many student athletes would really find the time, and expend the effort to participate in these activities on a daily basis without a coach barking at them? “It’s on the team right now,” said Brown when asked about the team’s practice routine. “We do captain’s practices, so I’m in charge.” Because of NCAA regulations, coaches aren’t allowed to run track practice until November, so until then, it’s the team’s responsibility. Brown and the rest of the team aren’t dedicating all of their time for nothing. He thinks the team has a great chance this year. “This year, I’m expecting big things, because we’ve got a lot of new faces and a lot of good athletes. So, I think not only will we win NJ, but we will go to nationals, and come back with a team national championship.” Personally, Brown has very high expectations for himself this year. “I’m trying to win the 55 meter hurdles again at nationals,” an event that he won last year, running a time of 7.39 seconds, which is Montclair’s school record. “I’m trying to win the New Balance games, and that’s one of my biggest goals.” The New Balance games are a track event held in New York. To get ready for the season, Brown and the team have started doing some unconventional workout routines. “We go to yoga classes; fast hurdlers are limber, and stretching is a part of track anyway.” Working together everyday has not only gotten the track team into great shape,
Courtesy of Will Brown
National hurdles champion, Will Brown, in action at last year’s NCAA Championships. but Brown feels that it really helps bring everyone together. “It’s like a family. It’s easier to run when you’re with people you know and with people who have the same passion as you.” Brown didn’t always run for Montclair, when he first started his track career, he ran for North Carolina A&T. Montclair just seemed to be a better fit. “Here, it’s a smaller school, I can concentrate on my work more. And it’s like the same thing I could do there, I could do here.” Brown also explained that when you run for a Division I school, you’re held to a different standard as a student athlete. “At a Division I institution, you have to listen to everything they say. Let’s say I have a test and there’s practice, I have to find out a way to do both, whereas here
I can just call my coach and say, coach, I can’t make practice today.” Brown has stepped up for the Montclair track team, and has been as strong of a captain as track coach Aubrey Lewis could ask for. Of course, the team is a reflection of all effort the coaches put in, and Brown is very thankful for having such a great coach. “My coach is a great guy,” said Brown when asked what he thinks of coach Lewis. “Off the field, he gives me advice about a lot of things.” But, what occurs on the track is, of course, the most important thing this season. Brown summed up what the teams’ going to do this year, saying, “Watch out we’re going to win this year, I’m very confident, as a team we’re going to win.”
Courtesy of Sports Information
As a sophomore, Brown was the NCAA 55-meter hurdle champion.
October 15, 2009 • The Montclarion
Pytlar’s Game Winning Goal Keeps Red Hawks Unbeaten Season Alive Jake Del Mauro Assistant Sports Editor
match, Montclair had to attack and score to keep their winning streak alive. With
MSU saw themselves in a position they are not too familiar with last Saturday. Trailing for only the second time this season, the team came from behind late in the second half to pull off the 2-1 victory over RU-Camden in Camden, remaining unbeaten this season. The Scarlet Raptors gave the Red Hawks all they could, and, early on, it paid off. In the 26th minute, C.J. Finley scored his first goal of the season, giving RU an early 1-0 lead. Montclair could not get many shots off in the first half. Sean Tyree’s goal attempt made a few minutes after, was stopped by the Scarlet Raptors’ Tim VanLiew, and MSU did not get another attempt at a goal for the rest of the half. The Scarlet Raptors continued their attack to start the second half. However, Teddy Ritter, who had two saves in the game, was there to stop the Rhyan Nelson shot. The Red Hawks took a stretch of just over 10 minutes and attempted four shots. However, none connected with the back of the net, leaving the lead with RU. With just 20 minutes remaining in the
“These close games help us prepare for a difficult run to the end of the season. Our guys are used to playing in tough matches, and are ready when the games get even tougher at the end of the season. ” Brian Sentowski Men’s Soccer Head Coach a little bit of both luck and skill, Larry Geraghty did just that, connecting on a direct kick from 30 yards out that hit the crossbar and tied the game at one a piece. With the momentum swinging back to their side, the Red Hawks tried their hand at more shots, but VanLiew made another save to keep the game tied.
However, with just under four minutes remaining, VanLiew let one slip by as the Red Hawks’ Mike Pytlar took a cross that was set up by Coron Short and Kevin Brown, giving MSU a 2-1 lead and soon enough, the win. With a recent slew of close games, Coach Brian Sentowski sees this as just another learning opportunity that is sure to keep MSU winning. “We play a very competitive schedule, and these close games help us prepare for a difficult run to the end of the season,” said Sentowski. “Our guys are used to playing in tough matches, and are ready when the games get even tougher at the end of the season.” That tough schedule continues with home matches versus NJAC opponent Richard Stockton on Saturday at Sprague Field. That match will be followed by another home meeting against Hunter College on Monday. Sentowski might see another NJAC championship in sight, but he won’t let on to it. “We are not focused on a 4-Peat. We are focused on our next match. The rest will take care of itself. One game at a time. That’s all we know. That’s how we operate.”
Red Hawk Weekend Stats Larry Geraghty — one goal Mike Pytlar — game winning goal Teddy Ritter — two saves
Red Hawk Stats Who’s Hot This Week Deana Hagel Forward — Field Hockey
sports
23
Football NJAC
Overall
Kean
4-0
4-1
MSU
4-0
4-1
Rowan
3-1
4-1
TCNJ
3-1
4-1
Cortland
3-2
3-2
Brockport
1-3
2-3
William Paterson
1-3
2-3
Buffalo State
1-3
1-4
Morrisville St.
1-4
1-5
Western Conn.
0-4
0-5
This Week 10/17 @ Buffalo St.
12 p.m.
Last Week 10/10 MSU 16, Cortland St. 7
Men’s Soccer NJAC MSU TCNJ Richard Stock. Rowan Ramapo RU-Newark WPU Kean RU-Camden NJCU
5-0-0 3-1-1 3-2-0 2-1-2 2-2-1 2-2-1 0-1-4 1-3-1 1-3-1 0-4-1
Overall 11 - 0 - 1 5-4-3 10 - 4 - 0 8-4-2 8-2-2 8-3-3 5-3-5 6-5-3 6-7-2 6-2-2
This Week 10/17 vs. Richard Stockton 10/19 vs. Hunter
6 p.m. 3 p.m.
Last Week 10/10 MSU 2, RU-Camden 1
Women’s Soccer NJAC Rowan TCNJ Stockton Kean W. Paterson MSU Ramapo NJCU RU-Newark RU-Camden
5-0-0 4-1-0 3-2-0 2-1-2 2-1-2 2-2-1 2-3-0 1-4-0 1-4-0 0-4-1
Overall 11 - 1 - 1 12 - 1 - 0 9-4-1 5-3-4 4-5-3 7-3-1 8-6-0 9-6-0 6-7-1 5-9-1
This Week 10/17 @ Farmingdale St. 10/20 @ Richard Stockton
3 p.m. 7 p.m.
Last Week 10/14 MSU 1, Ramapo 1
In two games last week, NJAC Offensive Player of the Week Hagel scored five goals, including a hat-trick, with the third goal winning the game in OT against SUNY New Paltz. Dominique Dixon Cornerback — Football Dixon was named to D3Football.com’s “Team of the Week” thanks to his interception return for a touchdown, the icing on the cake in MSU’s win over Cortland St. on Saturday.
Game of the Week Volleyball Oct. 17, 7 p.m. vs. Ramapo Panzer Gym Two of the top teams in the NJAC battle at Panzer, with the first place Red Hawks taking on the third place Roadrunners.
Field Hockey Rowan Kean TCNJ Ramapo MSU W. Paterson Stockton
NJAC
Overall
3-0 2-0 2-1 1-1 0-2 0-2 0-2
8-4 10 - 1 6-3 5-6 8-4 6-7 3-9
This Week 10/20 @ Kean
7:30 p.m.
Last Week 10/10 MSU 4, King’s College 1
Volleyball NJAC 6-0 5-0 4-1 4-2 2-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 0-5
Overall 7 - 11 16 - 7 17 - 4 14 - 5 5 - 14 7 - 12 8 - 14 1 - 22 11 - 7
This Week 10/15 vs. Ramapo
7 p.m.
MSU Stockton Ramapo W. Paterson NJCU RU-Camden Rowan RU-Newark Kean
Last Week 10/9 York 3, MSU 0 Stockton 3, MSU 1 10/10 Susquehanna 3, MSU 0 Rowan 3, MSU 1 10/13 MSU 3, William Paterson 1
Men’s Soccer Comes From Behind
Player Profile: Will Brown
p. 23
p. 22
MSUSports@gmail.com
Defense Shuts Down 19th-Ranked Cortland State Football Defeats Red Dragons for the First Time in Six Seasons
Courtesy of Jerry Goldman
Senior defensive lineman, Chris Merkle wraps up Cortland State running back Dom Sair in the Red Hawks’ 16-7 victory over the Red Dragons. Mike Monostra Assistant Sports Editor
The monkey has finally come off Montclair State’s back. After losing to NJAC powerhouse Cortland State five consecutive years going into 2009, the Red Hawks finally knocked them off, 16-7 on Saturday at Sprague Field. “We wanted this one bad,” said senior captain and linebacker Brian Tweer. “We needed this; it was a must win.” The Red Hawks came in hungry against a depleted Cortland team that has already lost two quarterbacks for the season to injuries. However, the defending conference champion Dragons still entered the game ranked 19th in the country and with a solid 3-1 record. The major key for the Red Hawks in the game was defense, which dominated the Cortland offense throughout the entire game. The Red Dragons mustered just 202 yards of total offense on the afternoon, including just 35 yards on the ground. Cortland never got into the red zone during the first half, with five of their seven drives ending in punts and another on a fumble. Cortland’s defense, however, kept them in the game as the Red Hawk offense failed to find the end zone in the first half. Montclair State drove into the red zone three times in the first half, but could not put the ball through. Senior Marco Capozzoli kicked three, first half field goals, and Montclair led 9-0 at halftime. Despite the stalled red zone drives, Montclair’s offense dominated ball possession throughout the game. The Red Hawks held the ball for 34 minutes of the game, and were able to sustain long drives to keep it away from Cortland’s offense. Senior Jeff Bliss led the rushing attack for Montclair with 77 yards on 23 carries, and Junior Chris D’Andrea managed 48 yards on just five carries in the game. However, the long offensive drives did not convert into points, and the defense finally gave in to the Red Dragon offense in the fourth quarter. Cortland drove 97
Courtesy of Jerry Goldman
Running back, Jeff Bliss, plows through the Cortland State defense in the Red Hawks’ win on Saturday. yards in just over five minutes, culminating in a rushing touchdown from running back Dom Sair to cut Montclair’s lead 9-7. Montclair State failed to gain a first down and ran the clock out on their ensuing drive, giving the Red Dragons a chance to drive down the field and pull out a win. However, the Red Hawk defense stepped up against Cortland’s banged-up offense. On fourth down, senior cornerback Dominique Dixon picked off freshman Red Dragon quarterback Rob Van Bargen, and took it back 16 yards for a touchdown to ice a 16-7 win for the Red Hawks.
The win was a long time coming for Montclair State is now 4-0 in the many Red Hawk players like Tweer who NJAC, tied with Kean at the top of the have suffered through years of losing standings. Now they embark on a two versus Cortland. game road trip: first, north to take on “We’ve been playing for this game Buffalo State on Saturday, and then since last year,” said Tweer. “We felt down south the following week to take on we got robbed up there last year, and a very tough College of New Jersey team. should have come away with the win. However, the team seems confident that Everything we saw today we saw in practhey have a shot at continuing their wintice all week. Our coaches did a great job ning streak. scouting them out on film.” “We just got to continue to be suc “This is huge for our season,” said cessful on offense, defense and special junior defensive back Taylor Bonner. “It teams,” said wide receiver Scott Kubrak. puts us one step closer to winning the The Red Hawks will return home conference, and that’s the only way we Halloween to take on Western Mike Zawadzki l The Montclarion can get into the tournament.” Connecticut.