CENTR A L CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSIT Y Wednesday, March 3, 2010
www.centralrecorder.com
Volume 106 No. 18
Blue Devils Impound Terriers
Seymore reaches 1,000 points; CCSU reaches NECs for 12th straight year chrIStoPher BoUlay the recorder
Joe Seymore scored 12 points in the Blue Devils’ win over Saint Francis.
kenny Barto | the recorder
Shemik Thompson continued his stellar season, adding 21 points as the CCSU men’s basketball eliminated Saint Francis (NY) from postseason consideration 68-56. The Blue Devils (12-17, 9-9) kept their postseason streak alive, sealing up the seventh seed after other conference games were completed later in the day. The streak, extended to 12 seasons is the longest in history. The last longest streak was five seasons. “We won seven out of 10. I am sure people had written us off when we were 2-6, and I think we showed some courage,” coach Howie Dickenman said. “I guess you would say we bounced back off the mat and wound up getting a knockout at the end.” Senior Joe Seymore scored 12 points and five rebounds, including a three pointer in the second half
that made him the 31st player in school history to reach the 1,000 points milestone. Seymore’s relief was obvious by the sound of his voice. “It’s a big monkey off of my back. It gets it definitely out of my head. It is just a sigh of relief. I wanted to end this season on a good note in my senior year. I played very poorly last year.” Seymore said. “[It took] hard work, faith and confidence. Thank you to the fans who supported me through the years and never turned their back on me.” Trailing by as many as 10 during the second half, CCSU surged back, with the help of Thompson, who continued his style of getting hot in the latter part of the game, scoring 18 second half points. The Blue Devils erased the huge deficit by See Blue Devils Impound Page 11
Lamont For Students
Aims to Keep Jobs in State As Governor aShley Foy the recorder
Local political figure and entrepreneur Ned Lamont is ready to face something that he says Connecticut has failed to fix over the last few elections cycles: the lack of job opportunity for recent college graduates. His platform for this campaign is pretty simple: creating more jobs in Connecticut. With his announcement to run for Governor of Connecticut, Lamont says he is passionate about education in the state and making room for the steady flow of new additions into the workforce. He's no stranger to the Connecticut political arena; in the 2006 Senate race, he pulled off an early victory against incumbent Joe Lieberman in the primary, but lost the general election. “I am running for Governor because governors can make a difference. This is a state that has been flat on its back or falling behind for many years, falling behind on
job creation," he said. “When I say that, I mean young graduates are more likely to leave Connecticut than any other state since there are just not enough opportunities and a governor can make a real difference." With his experience at CCSU as part of the adjunct faculty, Lamont says he's learned first-hand what the students think about their futures after college and what they'd like to see more of. "I love talking to the Central faculty, spending time at the (CCSU) Student Center. I meet students all the time. It is one more type of outreach where you hear what is on people’s minds, what is important to them." Lamont said. "People tell me all the time, ‘you’re the job’s guy, Lamont. You’re the guy who does everything you can to create more jobs and universities like Central, like Yale, like UConn are key to good paying jobs. The research that comes out of there, the graduates, the skills… that’s our future.” In addition to running weekly
seminars at both Yale and Harvard University, Lamont has been very active at CCSU. Though he is not a full time professor at the university, Lamont jokes that he is a “distinguished professor." "I’m sort of a designated hitter," he went on to explain. "I’ve brought in a whole variety of guests to come and talk: the chief justice of the supreme court, Ted Turner, media folks, political folks, just to add to the discourse there. I’ve been a part time teacher as needed, just to help complement a teacher on a very part time basis. When David Blitz says ‘come here,’ I’m there!” Lamont is also known for the entrepreneurship class during which he assigned students to come up with a business plan for a landscape business and take part in the “elevator competition” which requires the students to create a business plan that will raise $25,000 and keep their company in business. “They need to imagine they just walked into an elevator where
Warren Buffett walks in, and you have three minutes to make your case, go! We do it now at all of the state universities and we have a statewide elevator pitch competition, and the winner gets a prize - $10,000 or something along those lines,” Lamont said. Keeping his audience in mind, Lamont believes he is the best candidate for governor from any college student's perspective. "As governor the other thing I want to do, is make sure that if you are in one of these professions where we have a need and you have a student loan, stay in Connecticut for five years and we will start forgiving that loan," he explained. Lamont added that that relationship between businesses, students and the colleges that prepare them is enough to keep graduates in the state. Though Lamont has spent much time as a teacher and as a member of the Greenwich Board of See Lamont For Students Page 2
neD LAMonT While he was mum for the most part on his gubernatorial plans initially, Ned Lamont announced a few weeks ago his official bid for governor. A man who the Hartford Courant referred to as a “complete unknown” one year before the 2006 Senate race had gained national recognition for seriously threatening the seat of incumbent Joseph Lieberman, who had crossed from Democrat to Independent Democrat. He Democratic candidate for the 2006 race, but he lost to Lieberman in the general election. He is credited with raising Democratic issues and stances still relevant today. Lamont challenged Lieberman on topics such as the war in Iraq, which later gained national prominence and he was also able to motivate many new voters to register for the 2006 race.
In The Recorder This Week:
Review: Martin Scorsese’s Latest Film
Page 8
The Recorder’s 2010 Oscar Predictions
Page 7
Alkaline Trio Set to Play The Webster Theatre
Page 6
New Show Spotlights Local Filmmakers
Page 6
for BreAKinG neWS ViSiT www.centralrecorder.com
Album reviews: The Streets’ Latest Effort
Page 8
2
NEWS
THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Recorder
Student Center 1615 Stanley Street New Britain, CT 06050 T 860.832.3744 editor@centralrecorder.com centralrecorder.com twitter.com/therecorder
Editor-in-Chief Melissa Traynor Managing Editor Michael Walsh Art Director Geoffrey Lewis Copy Editor Elizabeth Mitchell Opinion Editor Christina LoBello Entertainment Editor Matt Kiernan Lifestyles Editor Samantha Fournier Sports Editors Christopher Boulay Carmine Vetrano, Assistant Brittany Burke, Assistant Photo Editor Kenny Barto
About
The Recorder is a studentproduced publication of Central Connecticut State University and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of CCSU’s administrators, faculty or students. The Recorder articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Recorder and may not be reproduced or published without the written permission from the Editor-in-Chief. T he pur pose of T he Recorder is to approach and def ine issues of importance to the students of Central Connecticut State Universit y. Editorial board meetings for The Recorder are held on Sundays at 6 p.m. in the Blue and W hite Room in the student center.
Lamont For the Students
Aims to Keep Jobs in State As Governor Continued from page 1 Selectmen, he is actually known as a businessman rather than politician or scholar. He created Lamont Digital systems in 1984, of which he is now the CEO. He believes the fact that he is an entrepreneur will aid him greatly in the race for governor. “I think that’s important because people want to know who you are and I think they know I go to Hartford and I am somebody who is going to stand up and challenge the status quo again and that’s what I do, that’s what entrepreneurs do," he said. "I’m a guy who started up a business. We’ve taken on the cable TV industry; I’m a bit of a political entrepreneur as well, taking on the establishment here.” “We focus on job creation. This is a state that is dead last in job creation over the last 20 years, even behind Michigan which, as you know has lost a lot in its automobile industry, we have created even fewer jobs." Lamont said. To him, higher education is a big player and he'd like to see the best students attend school in Connecticut, graduate and remain in the state. "You need somebody with a strategy to make this a place where people want to grow and expand their businesses," Lamont said. He believes he is that somebody.
Right: Ned Lamont has
officially announced his bid for governor after months’ of debate and consideration. Lamont ran in the 2006 Senate election against Joe Lieberman.
kenny Barto | the recorder
scene @ ccsu A Weekly Stand-Alone Photo Captured at CCSU
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kenny Barto | the recorder
President Jack Miller (second from right) with SGA President Andrew Froning (second from left) at the CCSU/Saint Francis game.
THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 3, 2010 / NEWS Correction
Schedule Block for Spring 2011
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Kansas Bill Could Double Wholesale Alcohol Tax Robert Altman
The University Daily Kansan | University of Kansas
(WIRE) - As the state deals with budget cuts, legislators are digging through the law books to find ways to make up for the growing deficit. The House Taxation Committee heard testimony Friday for a bill that would double the gallonage tax on alcohol in an effort to aid mental health and disability programs affected by the cuts. “In times like this our job is to look everywhere to find out the best way to balance the budget,” said State Rep. Jeff King, R-Independence, vice-chair of the taxation committee. “So I don’t mind that we’re looking at this and other taxes.” Proponents of the bill point to the fact that the gallonage tax hasn’t increased since 1977, but alcohol wholesalers urge that the industry already contributes enough money to the state through other alcohol taxes. The bill would double the tax on alcohol by the gallon from 18 to 36 cents for beer, 30 to 60 cents for light wine and 2.50 to 5.00 for hard liquor. That’s close to an extra 55 cents on a 30-pack of beer, or 75 cents a handle. Although the tax directly targets wholesalers, consumers can expect an increase in cost as store owners consequently implement price adjustments to accommodate
the new tax. It is estimated the bill would generate approximately $22 million in revenue a year. Philip Bradley, CEO of the Kansas Licensed Beverage Association, said that while the gallonage tax is a flat rate, the other three taxes - enforcement, sales and drink - are taxed at a percentage and therefore have adjusted appropriately to inflation throughout the years. “The alcohol industry returns more revenue to the state of Kansas for every dollar that is spent in one of their places, than any other business,” he said. “And therefore it seems unreasonable to ask it to pay any more in this crisis.” Bradley said he sympathized with the programs that are receiving less government support, but felt it was unfair to ask one industry to make up the lost funding. “There’s absolutely no way any reasonable person believes that the alcohol industry should bear the burden for the state’s problem all alone,” he said. “And the money that would be derived from the gallonage tax is not going to be a drop in the bucket of what the deficit is going to be at the end of this year.” Rep. Pat Colloton, R-Leawood, said that community mental health centers have seen cuts from $30 million to $10 million in the last year and a half, and that because of staff cuts, over 4,000 of the state’s developmentally disabled patients are on a waiting list for care.
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OPINION
5 THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 3, 2010
EDITORIAL
Student Should Concern Themselves with Gubernatorial Election Campaign season is soon in full swing and will be difficult to ignore. The candidates have already started to make appearances both on TV and around the state. It will soon be constantly in the newspapers and online. This is just beginning. Ned Lamont is a well-known name in the state as well as at CCSU. He’s lectured at Central, is an entrepreneur and a CEO of his own company, and now, he’s running for governor of the state. He is all for changing job opportunities for college students. But more importantly, Lamont
brings up a lot of good questions. For one, he’s trying to figure out where the next batch of jobs for recent college grads is going to come from, and how soon students can get some indication that those jobs will be in-state. We are all in for a new and exciting change, hopefully, but students have to understand that this is our election, too. Once Governor Jodi Rell leaves office, she will be taking with her more than 15 years of Connecticut government. Regardless of Democrat or Republican successor,
a new administration has no option but to alter the governing style. And student should not only be ready to embrace the next, new popular candidate, but prepare to think heavily over the next few months. Whoever is voted into office must inherit a massive budget deficit and whole cache of old problems. It requires the new governor to be extremely organized and self-aware and realistic. The deficit could very well be the beginning of something much worse. But the fact that the state faces so many problems regularly addressed (but never
solved) makes the campaigns for governor so much more important this time around. For undergrads looking to enter the so-called real world, and workforce soon, this gubernatorial election may be a deciding factor over whether certain jobs are available after graduation. the next leader has to reassure the 20-somethings of this state that there a re jobs worth sticking around for. Likewise, students need to take a serious look at their options. Without taking a stance for any candidate, student’s votes, should they decide to vote,
can make the difference between a good plan to create new jobs here or remain in the same stagnant state. The new governor will affect the entire state, including us college kids. It will either make the situation that the state is in better or worse depending on who we pick. Yes, we get to choose. Why not take the chance when its being handed to us? It’ll hopefully get us out of the financial hole we’re in and open up a new door of opportunities.
The Stagnant Issue of Gay Rights and Marriage Denial of Rights not Acceptable in 2010 Irving DeJohn
Albany Student Press | University of Albany
(WIRE) - The denial of rights in 2010 is an absurd concept, so it deserves an equally absurd counter argument. We’ve had civil rights, women’s rights, but somehow gay rights were neglected while Barack and Hillary were showing us how far we’ve come as a society and as a country. Gay marriage still manages to strike the nerves of millions of Americans; some shout slurs, others clutch their Bibles and start quoting verses like they’re possessed. However, America is based upon a meritocracy, the firm belief that if you work hard and are determined, the opportunities to lead a successful and happy life are there. Why then are we shutting the door and imposing our will on the personal lives of people who contribute to our society? Gays and lesbians can do our taxes, fix our cars, vote in our governments, but they can’t have a companion? This is hardly a fair give-and-take relationship. And have heterosexuals done such a stand-up job of upholding the “sanctity” of marriage? The divorce rate in America for a first marriage is 41 percent,
according to divorcerate.org. The numbers become even more dismal as heterosexuals try a second and third time, with the number rising to 60 percent and 73 percent respectively. If gays and lesbians want to try and beat the statistics, what do they have to lose aside from alimony payments? Even more baffling is how the United States government has regarded this issue with the same sense of urgency as someone who has to go to the DMV to renew their license: constantly putting it off, waffling and trying some odd concoction of “playing the middle.” Scrolling through the issues page on President Barack Obama’s webpage is a prime example: 24 other issues have lengthy explanations detailing why he has the right formula to remedy all these problems, and the highly contentious gay marriage issue isn’t even mentioned. Every state aside from Alabama, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Alaska has at least one LGBT elected official, according to the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute. Ironically, an equally meager section of the country allows gay marriages (Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont). Prominent elected officials today include Rep. Barney Frank from Massachusetts and New York City Councilmember and Speaker Christine Quinn. These trickle down across the U.S. to lower elected positions like sheriffs and appellate judges.
Clearly gays and lesbians are working their way into positions of prominence in our government and society only three decades since Harvey Milk, a UAlbany alumnus, became the first openly gay elected official in 1977. But gay marriage is far from a sure thing. California felt the sting of gay marriage taken away last summer when Proposition 8, a voter initiative that repealed gay marriage, was upheld. The outrage was felt all the way across the country when the decision was announced. Thousands of protestors marched from Greenwich Village up to Union Square in Manhattan on May 26th with signs and chants. The main arguments against gay marriage is a religious one; we’re constantly bombarded by what God wants, what God wrote, what God intended for the institution of marriage. One of the core teachings of any major religion, while it may be phrased differently, is the principle of “Do unto Others.” Before you pass judgment or make a decision, the teachings instruct you to pause and ask yourself if you’d want that type of treatment. Would heterosexuals want their right to marry, and statistically, divorce, to be taken away from them? Based on failure rate alone, the populace should press Congress to ban second and third marriages because they’re tying up our courts and wasting valuable resources, and God wouldn’t want that.
Eternal Question: On or Off Campus Living Don Weber The Recorder
Central is one of those schools where there has always been the debate of whether to live on or off campus. There are a number of students that simply avoid the issues and live at home. But for others, the tuition rise has left many students in the debate themselves. In years past, getting oncampus housing had acquired skill. Lately, however, it seems as though students who want to be able to live on campus have been able to. The dorms offer their own pros and cons in each of the eight buildings. There are quads, suites,
and extended hall rooms allowing residents some options on their comfort preferences. Living on campus provides students some things that offcampus living just cannot offer: A solid meal plan allows residents a variety of food options that, whether favorable or not, don’t require any preparation on the student’s behalf. There is also the community environment that allows residents a number of efficient activities to be part of in their little on-campus population. Then there is the small fact that residents hardly need to clean or maintain their utilities, like living at home without the parents. Granted the most significant positive that comes with dorm life
is the efficiency of living on campus. There isn’t really a requirement to drive anywhere, you can walk everywhere you need, and many off-campus locations actually do offer a transportation line to get there. Of course, there are also a large proportion of students living in apartments or rented homes. In an economic downfall of the twentyfirst century, apartments have never seemed better. Many landlords can be pushed into shopped deals involving utilities, free rent, etc. The students that bargain and numbercrunch best can easily save about $1,000 each year. Although more work goes into cooking and cleaning, there is also
a pleasant sense of independent living in apartment life. You’re not just a commuter; you have your own home that you take care of. Granted, with apartments comes the occasional required argument over maintenance or a bill, but some people truly get into that. Finally, there is always the everpopular option of just living at home. It may not be as independent and free willed, but it could simply be free. There are meals, parking, and a familiar lifestyle that can carry through graduation, while leaving you with a whole lot of extra cash in the end. Either way, each option still offers its on-campus activities for each student. There isn’t an actual
answer to the growing question of where to live, but there are some pros and cons with each. Dorm life involves a little more money, but independently provides comfort and food. Apartments may involve active maintenance and transportation, but can save money and offer insight to the reality. Then living at home may seem limiting, but it’s the cheapest and easiest to do, hands down. Ultimately, you should evaluate what you want and don’t be afraid to get fickle every now and then. After all, it is your life to live so take your time to do it right.
6 THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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CCSU Show Gives Spotlight to Local Filmmakers Matt Kiernan The Recorder
The CCSU campus channel has a new program titled Frames Per Second, a show that focuses on interviewing filmmakers on and off campus to talk about their art and feature some of their works. The show, which is hosted by CCSU freshman Juliana Mazza, is being produced by the Media Technology department. Mazza has shown interest in going into broadcast journalism when she graduates, and sees herself working for television channels such as E! Entertainment. “She’s pretty adamant to want to do the work herself so she doesn’t have to have notes on camera,” said university assistant Tom Naclerio, the show's producer. Frames Per Second is to be aired three times a day, every day of the week, with new episodes to be shown every two weeks. Naclerio was able to find guests for the program by distributing fliers around campus, and having previously known filmmakers in the area from his experience in studying and working in mass media. “We want to have a place where they can show their film and art,” said Naclerio. It is expected that over time, there will be a greater number of viewers who’ll be interested in seeing work done by fellow students and local artists. “We think that once the word gets out, it will get the ball rolling,”
said Digital Media Production Coordinator Chad Valk. The show, which is to concentrate on new content with each episode rather than high production, will have the host and guest sitting and discussing the guest’s work, while the work will be examined through a set piece between them. Mazza is given blue cards and biographies of the guest, with a preinterview with them before each taping. Afterward, graphics and commercial breaks of public service announcements are added. Production of the show will include the help of students who are what would be considered comparable to advanced placement students in the fields of communications, video production, theater and others. Working on the set of the show is like an internship at a small television program. The idea for a new program was started by the information technology department after they were looking for more content to add to the CCSU channel. Naclerio pitched the idea for a show about filmmakers to Valk, who liked the idea and gave him control to be the producer. IT told the show’s producers that they were looking for new avenues to expand the channel’s services, and mentioned that CCSU’s iTunes U wasn’t being used heavily. After putting out fliers for students to audition to be the host and receiving responses, it came down to three applicants. Mazza won the host seat from her natural
Alkaline Trio to Headline at the Webster
Cursive to Open Matt Kiernan The Recorder
The pop-punk/emo band Alkaline Trio will be supported by the indie rock veterans Cursive on March 9 at the Webster Theatre, with both bands being on tour throughout the country in the coming months. Alkaline Trio is on tour in support of their new album This Addiction, which was released last week. Trio increased their notoriety in 2001 with their album, From Here to Infirmary, which made it to number 199 on the Billboard 200. Since then, Trio has released successful records such as 2003’s Good Mourning and 2005’s Crimson. Cursive released their latest album, Mama, I’m Swollen, in 2009 on Saddlecreek Records. Cursive made a breakthrough
in 2000 with the release of their album Domestica. The band has continued their success with the releases of 2003’s Ugly Organ and 2006’s Happy Hallow. Alkaline Trio and Cursive will be supported by the pop-punk/ emo band Dear and Departed from Orange County, Ca. The band released their first full-length album, Something Quite Peculiar, in 2007 on the record label Record Collection Music. Departed will be continuing their tour with Trio and Cursive, following the Webster show, ending their dates with a show in Las Vegas, and splitting off on their own to tour in Europe. According to their Myspace page, D&D are accepting donations after their van was broken into and left them “completely cleaned out.” Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets may be purchased through the Webster’s Web site for a general admission of $18.50.
Frames Per Second is led by Chad Valk, DMP Coordinator, and Tom Naclerio, Producer.
ability and strong audition. “It is hoped that one day there’ll be two tapings at a time, but we don’t want to overburden her,” said Valk.
Valk says that not all people watch linear television, which is why it’ll be aired on various outlets such as digital television. Anyone who’s interested in having their work featured on the
kenny Barto | the recorder
show is encouraged to contact the Media Technology department. Frames Per Second will air daily at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the CCSU TV cable channel 23.
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 3, 2010 / UPGRADE
Glourious Basterds
Tarantino’s Dark Horse Between Two Giants Elizabeth Mitchell and Michael Walsh - The Recorder
Quick PICKS Best animated feature film of the year:
Up Up
Best documentary feature:
Food, Inc. The Cove
Best foreign language Film:
The White Ribbon Un Prophete
Achievement in cinematography:
Avatar Avatar
Achievement in directing:
Bigelow, The Hurt Locker Bigelow, The Hurt Locker Best original score:
Zimmer, Sherlock Holmes Giacchino, Up
Best original song:
“Take It All” from Nine by “The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Maury Yeston Heart)” from Crazy Heart, Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett Adapted screenplay:
Precious: Based on the Novel In the Loop, Screenplay by Jesse ‘Push’ by Sapphire, screenplay Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, by Geoffrey Fletcher Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche Original screenplay:
Inglourious Basterds, Written by Inglourious Basterds, Written by Quentin Tarantino Quentin Tarantino EM- -MW
Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.
Best Picture Nominees Avatar The Blind Side District 9 An Education The Hurt Locker Inglourious Basterds Precious A Serious Man Up Up in the Air
What should win: Inglourious Basterds What will win: The Hurt Locker I can’t say Inglourious Basterds was my favorite film this year, but it certainly was up there. I’m not even sure it was the best. But it surely holds its weight in the lot nominated here. Quentin Tarantino’s masterful screenplay sparked his geek-dream film. But in the end, I do believe that Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker will come away with the top prize. But after all, you can’t count out the economic beast that is Avatar.
Actor in a Leading Role Actress in a Leading Role Actor in a Supporting Actress in a Supporting Nominees Role Nominees Role Nominees Nominees Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart George Clooney, Up in the Air Colin Firth, A Single Man Morgan Freeman, Invictus Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side Helen Mirren, The Last Station Carey Mulligan, An Education Gabourey Sidibe, Precious Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia
Who should win: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart Who will win: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Who should win: Carey Mulligan, An Education Who will win: Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Pulling off a tremendously heartfelt performance in a simply above average film, Jeff Bridges will finally win his overdue Oscar for his portrayal of aging country superstar Bad Blake. Much like Mickey Rourke’s snubbed performance in last year’s The Wrestler, Bridges turns Blake into a brooding human being brilliant enough to win him this award. George Clooney could upset, even though some people think he was just playing a version of himself in Up in the Air.
If only the Academy didn’t like to make newcomers sweat it out a bit. Both Carey Mulligan for her turn as a naïve young lady looking for love in older places in An Education and Gabourey Sidibe for her dark coming of age performance in Precious deserve this award over the other three more veteran actresses nominated for this award. But I foresee Sandra Bullock coming away with the award this year just because the Academy doesn’t like to be too edgy.
Matt Damon, Invictus Woody Harrelson, The Messenger Christopher Plummer, The Last Station Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Who should win: Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds Who will win: Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds Something the Academy can’t possibly mess up this season is the best supporting actor category. Christoph Waltz dominated Inglourious Basterds with his multilanguage performance. Waltz demanded the screen with his intimidating performance. The rest of the actors can’t hold a candle to Waltz on this one.
Penelope Cruz, Nine Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air Mo’Nique, Precious
Who should win: Mo’Nique, Precious Who will win: Mo’Nique, Precious Similar to the best supporting actor category, the best supporting actress category is a no-brainer. Mo’Nique’s painful and disturbing performance in Precious is the kind the Academy eats up. Precious was a film driven by its performances and Mo’Nique was one of the best in the entire film. Vera Farmiga could steal for her solid performance in Up in the Air, as it was a very critic and industry friendly film, but I don’t see the Academy messing up that bad. Even they can get this one right. -MW
Picture
Who should win: Inglourious Basterds Who will win: Avatar It’s kind of hard to stop something with as much momentum as Avatar and James Cameron has a knack when it comes to winning the Oscars. However, I feel that behind its shiny blue veneer, the plot of the movie is not best picture material. Inglourious has a stronger plot, better acting and showed excellent direction, but I doubt the Academy will pay it much attention, just as they won’t to most of the other of the 10 nominees. The Hurt Locker could prove as some stiff competition for Avatar, as it has won a handful of awards this year, too. For me though, the hype for both the favorites is over-rated.
Actor
Actress
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actress
Who should win: Jeff Bridges Who will win: Jeff Bridges
Who should win: Carey Mulligan Who will win: Sandra Bullock
Who should win: Christoph Waltz Who will win: Christoph Waltz
Who should win: Mo’Nique Who will win: Mo’Nique
There’s just no doubt about it, this year is Bridges’ year. Sure, he has some good competition with Colin Firth’s BAFTA winning performance and George Clooney’s much acclaimed lead in Up In The Air, but Bridges has won every significant award this side of the Atlantic this year, and I don’t see why the Academy would stop that now.
Maybe it’s because I’m English, or perhaps it’s because her performance was flawless, but I truly believe that Mulligan should walk away this weekend with a little golden man to accompany her BAFTA for An Education. But, in the same boat as Firth, she has had little acknowledgment stateside whereas Bullock has picked up a SAG, a Golden Globe and a Critic’s Choice Award already this year. If Bullock does win however, I won’t be upset as she has yet to receive an Academy Award despite her lengthy career in Hollywood.
Waltz’s performance in Inglourious Basterds was simply fantastic and I hope that the Academy recognize this as well as they should do. Though there are some other good performances in this category, I can’t really see anyone beating Waltz and his run of wins this season.
Since the moment I first watched Precious, it was clear to me that this title was Mo’Nique’s. Her performance is so powerful and emotional and flawless. The only other nominee that could give her a run for her money, in my opinion, is Anna Kendrick. The fact that that girl can go from a tiny part in the tosh that is Twilight to landing an Oscar nomination is something I find so impressive yet underrated, just like her performance as Natalie Keener in Up in the Air, where she holds her own against Hollywood heartthrob Clooney. -EM
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 3, 2010 / UPGRADE
The Sandwich Shop Around The Corner Samantha Fournier The Recorder
London’s subway system The Underground is flooded by commuters each morning and afternoon. A little closer to home with the same signature sign and only a few minutes away from CCSU is New Britain’s version of The Underground, a small sandwich shop tucked away behind Dunkin Donuts and The Flying Tiger Tattoo shop. Much like London’s subway system The Underground Deli has grey cement floors and is filled with students and locals on their way from one place to the next. After entering the deli you’re surrounded by the sounds of the pop music played on Kiss 95.7 and a sunny atmosphere with soft yellow painted walls. Black wire chandeliers hang in a row against the back wall and black and white framed photos of London hang underneath them. The room’s cozy feel is completed by two couches with coffee tables set in front of them. White boards hang across from the black
and white photos. The whiteboards list more than 20 creative sandwich combinations along with equally creative names like The Family Guy, Super Trooper, and Ball and Chain. The Interruption is a soft white roll filled with grilled chicken, melted Swiss cheese, crunchy romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and sweet honey mustard. Each sandwich comes with your choice of a side of a fiery potato salad, pasta, or coleslaw. Finding the average turkey and cheese sandwich isn’t an easy task in London and you certainly won’t find one listed here either. But if you prefer to choose your own toppings you can make your own sandwich or wrap. While the sandwiches are only a fraction of the size of Subway’s they fill you up and are fresher tasting. Prices range from four to six dollars and the soup is made fresh daily. The Underground Deli is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blue chip cards are accepted. Make sure not to miss this hidden delicious British-inspired deli in passing.
REVIEWS Alkaline Trio This Addiction Heart and Skull/Epitaph February 23
The Streets Computers and Blues Vice Records February 23
Genre-Bending Shutter Island A Moody Pyschological Thriller Michael Walsh The Recorder
Kim Scrogins
Brian Johnston
For years now, the alternative rock band Alkaline Trio has delivered some catchy tunes to the mainstream world. But for a band who has always tried to lace dark and somber lyrics with fast paced punk-rock riffs, This Addiction may be their deepest album yet; paying homage to those who, like them, battle with their inner demons. As with past albums, this one carries the same lyrical intensity but sometimes they may be hard to take too seriously when you’re too busy moving around to the beat of it all. But then again, that’s what makes Alkaline Trio effective as a band. The first single “This Addiction,” though not the strongest on the album, sets the tone and may be the best opening for an album of this nature that I have heard yet. It’s light and easy to listen to. Being titled the way it is, one would almost expect something much darker; but that's not the case. Whether or not it is a good thing, some of the tracks on this album sort of reminds me of Green Day’s sound, though, I feel that there is more to Alkaline Trio than that. (Not saying anything against Green Day, of course). Here you have the classic tri-piece band sound. You have the drums, bass and guitar and somehow, that’s all you need. No excessive guitar riffs or epic double bass drum solos. It’s more of a style that is always appealing no matter what you’re into. Technicality wise, there isn’t much there. As stated, the opening track is very simple. It opens with the stereotypical idea of referring to his love as “heroin running through my veins” but then breaks into a chorus that has to potential to be irritatingly repetitive: “This addiction, can’t seem to live without you/ This addiction no going clean/This addiction, I go through withdrawal without you/ sick with this addiction in me.” With my favorite Alkaline Trio album being Good Mourning, I will say that This Addiction comes to a close second. Alkaline Trio has yet again created another success.
Upon first glance, British Indie performer Michael Skinner, or “The Streets” as he’s more commonly known, doesn’t seem like he could have much of an impact with a large crowd because of his stature. Having suffered from epilepsy since age seven, he has made quite a name for himself on the festival scene while playing many local shows around Europe by creating a show that involves the audience with every song. His two signature crowd-controlling requests include “Go Low” (the whole audience drops to the floor) and “Go Moses” (audience parts down the middle while Skinner runs to the back and crowd surfs back to the stage). Each of course has variable success. His latest and final installment, Computers and Blues, released earlier this month, is considered to be far from his other records because of its dark and futuristic tones. “A Blip on a Screen” is arguably his most personal track on the album. Claiming, “A blip on a screen, you don’t know me/ I think about you and what you’ll grow to be.” Speaking of his unborn child who is due in April, Skinner believes there is no greater feeling than becoming a father. From his previous album, Skinner hasn’t changed much in his lyrical style, always telling it like it is and making sure that his audience is able to connect with what he is saying on a personal level. His title track from Everything Is Borrowed is a key example of that with lyrics such as, “I came to this world with nothing, and I leave with nothing but love/ Everything else is just borrowed.” With his fifth and final album of his contract complete, The Streets plans on taking a break from the music scene to focus on his new family.
The Recorder
The Recorder
There’s an arguable claim that in master filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s latest film Shutter Island, the best character of all is the titular island itself. The jagged rocks, steep cliffs, torrential weather and all-around isolation of the island reflect the entire bleak mood of Scorsese’s most horrific film to date. Avoiding spoilers and not diving deep into the twisting tale, Shutter Island follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), who along with his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), head to Ashecliff Hospital for the criminally insane to investigate the escape and disappearance of patient Rachel Solando (Emily Mortimer).000 More creeping and suspenseful Alfred Hitchcock than straight punch-to-the-face horror, Scorsese ties and bounds Laeta Kalogridis’ twisting and multi-faceted psychological screenplay (based on a novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane) together by way of his absolutely veteran, disciplined yet somewhat unhinged cinematography. Through an invigorating and eye-popping visual experience of bizarre flashbacks, bright lights and dark endless hallways Scorsese strikes a shaky nerve with his vision reminiscent of Gothic Italian filmmaker Mario Bava. In some strange way the steady composure shown by Scorsese only heightens the suspense present throughout the film. Scorsese does more than simply channel the master of suspense in his most genre-bending piece of work yet; he invents his own patient method of slowly keeping the audience on edge. This is a film that even the rather specific and precise Hitchcock would approve of. Scorsese’s most recent collaboration with DiCaprio proves to work just fine, although it wouldn’t hurt seeing him change it up a bit in
the future. Backing DiCaprio are supporting performances that range from Ben Kingsley’s great turn as chief psychiatrist Dr. John Cawley to the legendary Max von Sydow’s creepy performance as Dr. Jeremiah Naehring. Not to mention a brilliant but short-lived performance by Jackie Earle Haley as one of the hospital’s most insane patients. But amid all the moody atmospheric tone set forth through Scorsese’s challenging visuals and the carefully hand-picked soundtrack is a strong screenplay that when dissected is more brilliant than it first appears. Lehane’s original storytelling is brilliant and Kalogridis’ transition to the screen works well for the visual medium and what Scorsese clearly wants to accomplish. The entire film plays off both the film’s internal characters and the audiences. Similar to the 1993 film Clean, Shaven, where a schizophrenic man tries to reclaim his daughter, the film dupes the viewer to a point where if you’re watching it the right way, you’re questioning what the sane image truly is. With shades of B-movie haunted houses and pulpy detective film noir, Scorsese’s Shutter Island might be the filmmaker’s most daring and out of the box production yet. Scorsese, arguably America’s best working filmmaker, does something absolutely captivating and demanding of his film with his lethal and engaging dose of horror, thriller and suspense. And for that I rank it as a slightly above middle tier project for the accomplished filmmaker. As soon as Daniels and Aule land on Shutter Island’s rugged terrain for the criminally insane a jarring film begins, full of of the unexplained and mysterious that never lets up. As the story slowly plays itself out to the audience, Scorsese’s absolute talent pushes everything to the limit, creating one of the classiest genre films of its kind. You might have seen material like this before, but hardly ever presented the way Scorsese is able to.
Sick of reading album reviews for bands no one has heard of? Email suggestions to
editor@centralrecorder.com.
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 1, 2010 / UPGRADE
Calendar 3.3-3.10 As the world celebrates the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s triumphant release from prison, the man behind the heroic myth is in danger of disappearing. Clint Eastwood’s clear eyed film - and Morgan Freeman’s performance - rescue the complex humanity of South Africa’s first black President. The rousing film is set in the mid 1990s, at a time when the black Africans and white Afrikaners were separated by the ugly history of apartheid. It is Mandela’s brilliant idea to unite his country by throwing his support behind the (white) rugby team, led by captain Matt Damon, and their improbable run for a World Cup victory. Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Freeman) and Best Supporting Actor (Damon). “...an antidote to the cynicism on the noisy margins of our political life.” Bill Keller, New York Times. 133 min. 3.7 - 3.9 Brighton Rock @ Cinestudio Hartford, Conn. $7 / 7:30 p.m.
Up in the Air is screeneing at several different locations around and off campus.
MUSIC 3.5 Juelz Santana @ Toad’s Place $25 / 9 p.m. 3.5 Awesome Color w/ Tyvek and Medication @ Cafe Nine New Haven, Conn. $8 / 9 p.m. 21+ show.
Psych-garage-noise purveyors Awesome Color coalesced after Michigan skater/musos Michael Troutman and Allison Busch hooked up with fellow Great Lake State expat Derek Stanton in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 2004. Tired of the same old, same old that was passing for N.Y.C. underground punk at the time, the trio set out to inject a little Detroit rock know-how into the tired scene. Succeeding marvelously at channeling the grit and free abandon of the Stooges and MC5 into a propulsive, riff-based, Black Sabbath-informed mule-kick of a live show, the group soon caught the ear of Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore - who wasted no time snatching the band up for his Ecstatic Peace! label. Their self-titled debut hit the racks in 2006 and album number two, Electric Aborigines, followed in 2008. The wake of that second release found the group touring the world in support of Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. throughout the rest of 2008.
3.3,4 Police, Adjective @ Real Art Ways Hartford, Conn. $6.25 / 7 p.m. “The more closely you look, the more you see: a movie about a marriage, about a career in crisis, about a society riven by unstated class antagonisms and hobbled by ancient authoritarian habits. So much in this meticulous and moving film is between the lines, and almost nothing is by the book.” - A.O. Scott, New York Times (Critics’ Pick!) “[A] remarkably self-effacing and highly intelligent comedy” - J. Hoberman, Village Voice
“A low-key, observant record of a universal dilemma among people in authority: How do you do your duty when your inner voice tells you it’s wrong?” - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times(Romania, 115 minutes) in Romanian with English subtitles
3.5 - 3.6 Invictus @ Cinestudio Hartford, Conn. $7 / 7:30 p.m. (2009) Director: Clint Eastwood. Written by Anthony Peckham, based on the non-fiction book by John Carlin. Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Adjoa Andoh.
Pinkie Brown is a small-town hoodlum whose gang runs a protection racket based at Brighton race course. When Pinkie orders the murder of a rival, Fred, the police believe it to be suicide. This doesn’t convince Ida Arnold, who was with Fred just before he died, and she sets out to find the truth. She comes across naive waitress Rose, who can prove that Fred was murdered. In an attempt to keep Rose quiet Pinkie marries her. But with his gang beginning to doubt his ability, and his rivals taking over his business, Pinkie starts to become more desperate and violent. Altogether a good movie worth watching, 3.10 - 3.13
Up in the Air @ Cinestudio Hartford, Conn. $7 / 7:30 p.m. Ryan Bingham’s job is to fire people from theirs. The anguish, hostility, and despair of his “clients” has left him falsely compassionate, living out of a suitcase, and loving every second of it. When his boss hires arrogant young Natalie, she develops a method of video conferencing that will allow termination without ever leaving the office - essentially threatening the existence Ryan so cherishes. Determined to show the naive girl the error of her logic, Ryan takes her on one of his cross country firing expeditions, but as she starts to realize the disheartening realities of her profession, he begins to see the downfalls to his way of life.
CCSU 3.5 Ava Gardner Film Series: Mogambo @ DiLoreto 001 CCSU 2 p.m. 3.10 Central Authors Presents: “Plague, Apocalypses, and Bug-Eyed Monsters: How Speculative Fiction Shows Us Our Nightmares” @ Bookstore, student center CCSU 12 p.m. 3.10 CAN Movie Night: The Blind Side @ Semesters, student center CCSU 7 p.m.
3.6 Mayer Hawthorne and the County w/ Nikki Jean @ Pearl Street Nightclub $15 / 9 p.m. 3.9 Alkaline Trio w/ Cursive and the Dear & Departed @ The Webster Hartford, Conn. $18.40 / 6:30 p.m.
FILM 3.3 CAN Movie Night: Up in the Air @ Semesters, student center CCSU 7 p.m.
The Recorder is looking to fill the following positions for the Spring Semester of 2010: Sports writers, news staff, Web staff, graphic designers
editor@centralrecorder.com
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 1, 2010 / SPORTS
SportS BEGINS oN BACK pAGE
Softball Beats Oakland in Final Day of Frost Classic ccSUBlUedevIlS.com
Central Connecticut (1-4) defeated The Golden Grizzlies of Oakland University (4-12) by a score of 3-2. Central Connecticut’s sophomore Abby Harpp was the winning pitcher with a complete game she pitched seven innings allowing two earned runs on eight hits, while striking out five and walking one batter. Oakland scored in the top of the second inning when the Golden Grizzlies’ sophomore Leah DiCristofaro led off with a double down the left field line. Sophomore Kylie Schalz later had an RBI triple to right field making the score 1-0. Oakland freshman Erin Galloway who reached on a fielder’s choice earlier in the inning scored on the play. The Blue Devils answered in the bottom of the fourth inning plating three runs, bringing the score to 3-1. The inning was led off by sophomore Rebecca
Mussatti who drew a walk and then stole second. Senior Jaclyn Logan then reached base on an Oakland error advancing Mussatti to third. Freshman Sarah Emery was called in to pinch run for Logan after the play. Mussatti later scored on senior Sara Budrick’s fielder’s choice. Senior Tiffany Erickson then tripled to right center driving in two, scoring Budrick and Emery. Sophomore Sarah Vlahos had the only other Blue Devil hit, a single to center in the bottom of the first inning. The Blue Devils finished the game with three runs on two hits and no errors while Oakland ended the day with two runs on eight hits and two errors. The Blue Devils next game is March 12, they will be traveling to Hampton, VA for the Lady Pirates Classic. Central Connecticut will be facing the Bears, of Brown University.
BLUe DeViLS finiSh eiGhTh AT eCAC ChAMpionShipS CCSU swimming and diving team finished competition at the eCAC Championships Sunday. The Blue Devils placed eighth out of 24 scoring teams, recording 227 total points. The 400 freestyle relay team of Alex Czaplicki, Kandra Kane, Taylor friedmann and Katie Lang recorded the top finish of the day, placing fifth in a time of 3:31.13. Marist won the championship with 503.5 points, edging out Harvard who took second with 492 points. rider rounded out the top three with a score of 391.5. - ccSuBlueDevils.com
Swimming Competes In Day Two Action at ECAC Championships ccSUBlUedevIlS.com
Both relay teams placed in the top five as Central Connecticut State University competed in the second day of competition at the ECAC Swimming and Diving Championships on Saturday. The 800 freestyle relay team of senior Kandra Kane, sophomore Alex Czaplicki and freshmen Taylor Friedmann and Katie Lang led the way with a silver medalist performance, recording a time of 7:36.09. Czaplicki and Friedmann were
joined by sophomore Kristen Malski and freshman Hannah Packer for the 200 medley relay. The squad finished fifth in a time of 1:48.64. The two relays scored 62 out the Blue Devils’ 95 second day points. Central is currently in seventh place out of 23 scoring teams with 176 points. Marist leads the way with 390 total points. In the first event of the day sophomore Madison Vestergaard placed ninth in the three-meter dive, recording a score of 167.65 points. Malski added a 16th place finish in the 100 breaststroke,
touching in at 1:07.27. Central had two scorers in two different events on Saturday. Friedmann and Kane recorded times of 1:52.50 and 1:53.74 in the 200 free to place ninth and 12th, respectively. Lang and freshman Lauren O’Kelly scored a combined nine points in the 400 IM. The former placed 12th with a time of 4:37.12, while O’Kelly was less than half of a second behind her, placing 13th in 4:37.53. CCSU and the rest of the teams will finish competition on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Women’s Hoops Earns Sixth Seed in NEC Photo coUrteSy oF ccSUBlUedevIlS.com
Softball Drops Two Games In The Second Day at Frost Classic ccSUBlUedevIlS.com
Central Connecticut (0-4) dropped two games today in the second day of the Frost Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn. Central Connecticut fell to Ball State (5-4) by a score of 12-3 in the first game of the day and Miami (OH) (3-3) by a score of 7-1 in the nightcap. Ball State opened the scoring for game one in the top of the third inning when junior Lisa Rozanski reached on a fielder’s choice that forced out freshman Alyssa Freiling who had led the inning off with a single to left field. Junior Alicia Barkley tripled to left center field to score Rozanski. Senior Jessie Ware then followed with a RBI single thru the right side of the infield to score Barkley. The Cardinals scored again in the top of the fourth on a RBI double to right center field by Freiling who scored the junior Kate Wilczynski who doubled to lead off the inning. Central Connecticut rallied back in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game at 3-3. The inning led off with back to back singles by senior Jaclyn Logan to center field and Senior Sara Budrick up the middle. Senior Tiffany Erickson singled on a RBI bunt to score Logan and advance Budrick to third. Freshman Macy Stefanski followed with a two RBI single to right field to score Budrick and Erickson. Ball State broke the tie in the fifth inning when sophomore Amanda Montalto hit a two run home run to make the score 5-3. Ball State then scored seven runs in the top of the seventh inning to increase
the Cardinals lead 12-3. Central Connecticut went down in order in the bottom of the seventh to finish the game with three runs on five hits and three errors. Ball State Finished the game with 12 runs on 16 hits and no errors. In the second game of the day, the Blue Devils took on the Red Hawks of Miami (Ohio) (3-3). Miami opened up the scoring of game two when junior Meghan Mawn led off the bottom of the first inning with a double to left field and scored on a throwing error by the Blue Devils. Freshman Shannon Tillett had a RBI double to right field scoring senior Sarah Billstrom who reached base on a walk. Tillett then scored on the RBI single up the middle by senior Alicia Hogl. Hogl advanced to third and then stole home on a double steal to give the Red Hawks the early 4-0 lead. The Blue Devils lone run came in the top of the fourth inning when senior Sara Budrick reached base after being hit by a pitch. Budrick advanced to second base on the sacrifice bunt by senior Tiffany Erickson, and then stole third. Freshman Sarah Emery pinch was caught stealing and Budrick was able to score on the throw cutting the lead down to 4-1. Central Connecticut pitcher Elizabeth Montemurro gathered 11 strikeouts and gave up five earned runs in a six inning complete game. The Red Hawk scored three more runs to finish the game with seven runs on nine hits and one error. The Blue Devils finished the game with one run on four hits and four errors.
ccSUBlUedevIlS.com
Junior Justina Udenze led Central Connecticut State University with 18 points and added seven rebounds as the Blue Devils defeated St. Francis (N.Y.) by a score of 64-59 on the road Saturday afternoon. CCSU finishes regular season play with an overall record of 11-17 and will be the sixth seed in next weekend’s Northeast Conference Tournament with a league mark of 8-10. The Blue Devils got out to a quick start, as they scored the first nine points and held a 12-2 advantage just 3:58 into the game. CCSU used a pair of three-pointers from sophomore Alexzandria Dowdy and a trio of transition buckets to get out to the early lead. Senior P.J. Wade scored on consecutive fast break layups before junior Leanne Crockett did the same to give the
Blue Devils the double-digit lead. After two free throws by Udenze, St. Francis (N.Y.) held Central scoreless for the next 10:16. The Terriers capped off their 23-2 run with a three-pointer by senior Melissa Weithman to make it 25-14 with 5:23 to play. CCSU cut into the St. Francis (N.Y.) lead and trailed by only three, 28-25 at the half. The Terriers extended their second half lead to six twice before CCSU took control of the game. St. Francis made it 37-31 on a jumper in the paint by Jacinda Williams. The Blue Devils then went on a 10-0 run to take a 41-37 lead that they didn’t lose the rest of the way out. Dowdy stole the ball and then converted the fast break layup to tie the game for the first time of the half at 37-37. On the next defensive possession Crockett pulled down the rebound and hit Dowdy with the outlet pass. The point guard
then found junior Kerrianne Dugan in transition, who in turn fed Wade for the fast break jumper to give Central its first lead since midway through the first half. Freshman Kirsten Daamen grabbed an offensive rebound and then finished the putback layup to score the ninth and 10th straight points for the Blue Devils. CCSU extended the lead to as many as 10 at 60-50 and held on to the 64-59 victory. Udenze led the Blue Devils with 18 points, while three others finished in double figures. Dugan totaled 16 points, grabbed five boards and added three assists. Crockett recorded her team-leading ninth double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Dowdy chipped in with 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Freshman Joe Efese Named Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week ccSUBlUedevIlS.com
Freshman Joe Efese was named the Northeast Conference men’s basketball Rookie of the Week on Monday. Efese becomes the first Blue Devil to be honored by the NEC this season. The Blue Devils won a pair of home games last week to qualify for their 12th straight NEC Tournament, and will play at 7 p.m. on Thursday night at Robert Morris. Central finished the regular season 12-17 and 9-9 in league action, good for the #7 seed. Efese takes home CCSU’s first weekly award of the season after averaging 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 blocks in two critical
victories that qualified the Blue Devils for their 12th straight NEC Tournament. Efese had a career-night in Thursday’s 74-65 win over Long Island. He netted 12 points and established career-highs with seven rebounds and eight blocks. He became only the second player in school history to post at least eight blocks in a single game. On Saturday, in a game where the winner earned a berth in the conference tournament, Efese tallied 13 points, three rebounds and two rejections. The Teaneck, NJ product averaged 31.5 minutes last week and shot 11-20 (.550) from the floor. kenny Barto | the recorder
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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 3, 2010 / SPORTS
CCSU Ice Hockey Heads to Nationals Zartoney's Continued from page 1 One Season Left to Make an Impact Carmine Vetrano The Recorder
Senior Kyle Zarotney, picked third in the preseason NEC Coaches' Poll, is a key ingredient to the CCSU Blue Devils baseball team. The Berlin native is looking to gain more playing time in the outfield and hopes to exit his Central Connecticut State University career with a conference championship. For Zarotney, a majority of his playing time is slated for right field where last year he a .942 fielding percentage in the outfield. Last season, Zarotney had 63 put outs to go along with two outfield assists with hopes of becoming comfortable with the outlook of any everyday outfielder. “Personally I am looking to gain more experience at new positions. I am most likely going to play right field majority of this year and the only real experience I have at that position is this summer when I played there,” he explained. “Also this summer I started pitching and I hope to get some time on the mound during the season to gain more experience.” A big reason for the optimistic outlook is the fact that the team has their own their own baseball field on campus after playing their home games at New Britain's Beehive. “Being at home will be very important to us this year considering we haven't had a true home game since my freshman year,” Zarotney said. “Being on campus will hopefully bring a lot more fans to our games which will create a better environment for us. Also it helps that we are able to practice and get to know how our field plays unlike past two years when the only time we would play on our "home" field is during the games.” Prior to his final season at Central, Zarotney spent his summer in the Atlantic Colligate Baseball League and was a member of the Sag Harbor Whalers. Due to his efforts, a .267 batting average to go along with six homeruns and 16 RBIs, Zarotney was selected to the 2009 ACBL All-Star game. “I think summer leagues are really important, it’s a chance to get better as a player. It is a chance to learn from other coaches and players and see other point of views,” said Zarotney. “This summer in the ACBL was my first summer league and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great learning experience.” Zarotney last season started in 19 games but played in 32. He batted .288 and had 19 hits for seven RBIs. After the proodcutin the team has been making working out on their new field, he likes to overall look of where the team is going. “At first we were a little skeptical about how our pitching was going to be this year after losing three of our four starters but at this point we are excited and anxious to start the season,” Zarotney explained. “We feel we have good team chemistry and are ready to compete for an NEC title.” CCSU's NEC hopes slipped right out from under them last season in heart breaking fashion by top seeded Wagner College in extra innings. Zarotney feels that the teams goal is to go beyond that. “For our team we hope to gain more and more chemistry over the year. We hope that the team really comes together and we become the top team in the NEC again and gain the experience of winning the conference,” he said. “Our biggest goals other then a championship is to win every weekend series so we make it to the tournament and we also want to be better then we were last year in every category.” With Zarotney primed for an impact, CCSU baseball should be ready.
Greg Coco, who aided the win against Bryant, the Blue Devils played veteran Vetrano. CCSU struggled a bit in the first keeping constant control of the puck, but stepped up defensively in front of Vetrano and helped to deflect the shots to keep the score down. “The guys did a good job in front me, blocking shots and clearing the puck,” said Vetrano. “Yea I mean a couple got through, just a couple breakdowns, but games in the past that would’ve came back and haunted us; knock the wind out of our sails, but we knew what was on the line so we just stepped it up after.” CCSU had the lead when the clock ran down in the first, following a goal made by Knobloch from Erich Stoneman and Joy after fighting in front of the net to earn the advantage.
The Blue Devils outshot the Wildcats in the first and were the first to score in the second. Holl got the stick side goal off a pass from Joy and put the Blue Devils at two with 14:43 left. Once they had the lead both CCSU and UNH were given two minute minors, CCSU for roughing and UNH for hitting from behind. Shortly after the two minutes of four on four CCSU lapsed and allowed for two goals to be scored by UNH, tying the teams at two apiece. With the scored tied the Blue Devils managed to get another stick side goal, Holl’s second from Mike DiClemente and Dabkowski. Less than two minutes later, following suit of scoring multiple goals at once, Carroll scored an unassisted goal putting them ahead by two with 5:25 left in
the period. Dabkowski managed to take advantage of the power play early in the third, but then allowed for two additional UNH goals, shortening the lead to just one with fewer than two to play. As the clock wound down UNH pulled their goalie for the extra man, but CCSU held on. As the buzzer sounded for the end of the game the Blue Devils bench erupted into a fury of emotion and the entire team rushed to the ice to join their teammates. “I didn’t want it to end. I did not want it to end, and this lets it go a little further,” said DiClemente of his senior season and the bid to Nationals. CCSU is able to revel in their win for a short time before going back to work with their eyes set on the SECHL tournament in Albany March 5-7.
Blue Devils Impound Terriors going on a 14-3 run. “He’s carried us in the second half in most of these games,” Seymore said about his teammate. “He stepped up big today.” During the run, Thompson completed a play that showed off his individual talent, driving to the hoop hard and making an extremely difficult layup, flying between the Terriers defense. “I wouldn’t consider it wild, I’d consider it more smooth,” Thompson said with a laugh. “ It was instinct really. I was just trying to make a move. That’s it.” Stefan Perunicic led the way for the Terriers (11-18, 8-10) with 17 points. Akeem Bennett added 13 in a losing effort. The Blue Devils trailed by three at the break in what was a very even first half, 2724. “It wasn’t anything like a Knute Rockne speech at the half,” Dickenman said. “No, I was calm, collected, and getting to the point where I am too old to be yelling and throwing chairs like I used to do. They still think I’m half crazy. So, they didn’t see me in my heyday.” The Blue Devils scored 16 points off of turnovers, compared to SFNY’s nine. There were 14 lead changes in the game and six ties. CCSU outrebounded the Terriers 3632. The Blue Devils also owned the charity stripe, with a percentage of 82.8 percent compared to SFNY’s 60 percent. CCSU will play the Northeast Conference number two seed Robert Morris (20-11, 15-3) on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Moon Township, PA. in the first round of the NEC Tournament. In their only meeting of the season, CCSU fell to the Colonials by nine 69-60 on February 11.
RIGHT: David Simmons pulled in nine points during Saturday’s win against St. Francis (N.Y.). kenny Barto | the recorder
Hell Hath No Fury Like a Mascot's (And Fans') Scorn
Christopher Boulay The Recorder
It has come to my attention that some fans were upset with what I wrote last week in saying that all season they have been absolutely atrocious. After calling on CCSU fans to actually show up for the last two games of the season, and make noise so people will know that they exist, the fans came through -- sort of. The crowd was decently big and it was loud at the game against Saint Francis (NY), and I really thought it improved. Was I impressed? No. After the game ended, I noticed our favorite fuzzy demon waltz over to me, and I figured, “He's doing his usual mascot stuff, probably going to high five me or something.” Well, I wasn't really on point with that thought. Victor E, or the person inside the suit asked if I was the writer of the article about fan support last week. I confirmed his
query, and he informed me that I owe the fans an apology. Before I could answer, he walked away, as a coward, who could not confront me and have a civil conversation about a very pressing athletic issue. I want to make very clear that I owe no fan an apology for what I said last week. Anyone with a beating heart that has decent eyesight could see that our fans have been nothing short of a joke all season. This really bothers me. I have been around CCSU for long enough to see our highs and lows in sports. I have seen absolute bedlam from the fans, and it was spectacular. I remember rushing the court after winning the NEC title against Sacred Heart. These have been great times. Sure, we are a long shot to win the NEC this year, but the lack of fans is just bothersome. As I scanned the crowd today, I realized a large part of the fan base was not students. They were adults, children and alums. So did the students really come out and rally support
for the team today? Hardly. I heard one CCSU chant against SFNY. That's bad. There's no crowd coordination, and its not far from looking at the crowds at the PGA tournament. Come on people, the games are free. I know there are many, many sports fans on campus, and there are many basketball fans among them. CCSU fans are better than this. I have seen it. I have been a part of it. Stop making this campus a satellite fan club for UConn, and start supporting your team. And to our ever-lovable mascot, next time you want to make a statement about one of my articles, schedule a meeting with me, or write a letter to the editor. Don't bother me while I am working. Lose the suit, too. It only makes you look stupid when you are trying to make a point. I can't have a discussion with a giant stuffed animal that looks like something a child would cuddle with.
THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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CCSU Ice Hockey Heads to Nationals Brittany Burke The Recorder
DANBURY, Conn.- The CCSU hockey team swept the ACHA Northeast Regionals this weekend, placing them as the number three seed headed into nationals being held in Simsbury, CT March 17-20. In a single elimination tournament, the Blue Devils were able to defeat the Bryant Bulldogs, 8-4 and the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, 5-4 in order to advance to the nationals. “For us seniors this is our second go around so it’s pretty special going out on a high note,” said Sunday night’s starting goalie, Carmine Vetrano. CCSU got off to a fast start Saturday against the Bulldogs scoring three goals in less than two minutes in the first. The goals, coming from Ryan Paglinco, Jeff Pease and Sam Holl on a breakaway gave the Blue Devils the early advantage. “They were fired up. There’s a lot of seniors who have a lot of things to play for right now, and they were fired up coming into it, and they got off to a great start,” said Head Coach Ben Adams. Offensively CCSU maintained good puck control throughout most of the match up and repeatedly attacked the net until they heard the whistle blow. That type of drive led to CCSU’s fourth goal of the game with 11:51 to play by Michael Joy from Ryan Stanley. CCSU out shot Bryant 10 shots on goal to nine, while making 40 percent of their shots, which gave them the lead going into the first intermission. “We started strong in the first period, which helped,” said senior Mike DiClemente. “We got three goals in a row, which really set us towards a full game.” The Blue Devils got the second period off to a quick start when the combination of Joe Dabkowski from Stanley led to the fifth straight goal for CCSU. The positives kept building for CCSU as Jonathan Knobloch made his first of three goals in the tournament, capitalizing on their second power play in the period with the assist from Thomas Carroll. With the 6-0 advantage CCSU began to get comfortable towards the end of the
kenny Barto | the recorder
CCSU ice hockey celebrates after they clinched the nationals bid. second. The comfortable feeling led to two back to back penalties and two Bryant goals late in the period. At the beginning of the third Bryant came out and scored with 17:32 left in regulation, shortening CCSU’s lead to three. Despite the Blue Devil’s minor lull beginning the in the third Knobloch, a freshman was able to propel the Blue Devils’ momentum once again when he scored an unassisted goal. Dabkowski’s goal from Ryan Beaulieu with only 3:55 left sealed the win for the Blue Devils, keeping their season alive for at least one more game. “We came out strong, kind of had a little bit of a lull in the second into the third period
and kind of sat back a little bit, but overall I think it went really well,” said Dabkowski. “We rolled four lines throughout the whole game; we had production from the top line seniors to the freshmen who were in the lineup.” The Blue Devils spent the second half of the season honing the depth of their lines, adding to the team’s overall versatility and dimension. With new players in the line up the team was able to hide their major playmakers and build winning combinations using the entire roster. In past games the ability to spread out the lines has worn down the opponents, who possess less depth, and that same strategy worked well against the Bulldogs. Thirteen
different players had a hand in scoring against the Bulldogs, three of which came from the freshmen in the lineup. Despite the win the Blue Devils still had that period of time where they would score multiple goals and then go into a period of hibernation and sit back in their comfort zone. While they had three productive periods they weren’t consistent enough, and entered Sunday’s game looking to play a full game.
CCSU vs. UNH The game against UNH brought on a new line up for CCSU. Instead of starting goalie See CCSU Ice Hockey Page 11
Blackbirds Cast Shadow Over Senior Night Brittany Burke
The Recorder
In a NEC rematch the CCSU women’s basketball (10-17, 7-10 NEC) team took on the Long Island University Blackbirds (19-9, 13-4 NEC), but couldn’t find their game in time to overcome the large half time deficit, falling to LIU 73-61. The game against LIU was the Blue Devil’s last home game of the season and final career home game for seniors P.J. Wade and Emily Rose. After splitting last weekend’s games at Wagner and Mount Saint Mary’s CCSU got the lead early, but could not hold on. “It’s always disappointing when you have senior night and when it’s on your home court and it’s your last home game, not to come away with a victory,” said Head Coach Beryl Piper. The CCSU team were able to make some shots early in the first, which gave them the 14-8 lead, particularly the two three pointers made by Rose and Leanne Crockett, but their game quickly broke down. The Blue Devils allowed the Blackbirds to gain 10 consecutive points, going over
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shooting it or attacking the five minutes point-less. rim.” Blue Devils’ shots weren’t The Blue Devils came connecting no matter out in the second half what. In the first half, looking to do just that, CCSU made 27.6 percent attack the rim and get some of their field goals, while shots up, but whenever LIU made 48.3 percent. CCSU would make the big “When your shots shots, the Blackbirds would aren’t falling there’s take the ball back down nothing you can do. Every the court and score. With shot they took went in so I 16:40 left to play in the think it was just that kind second half, LIU had a 16 of night,” said Kerrianne point advantage over the Dugan. “We were getting Blue Devils, and the back wide open shots and they and forth motion of the just weren’t going in.” kenny Barto | the recorder game made it impossible for Dugan had 11 points on the night, and was one of three Blue Devils to CCSU to take the lead. Midway through the second half, the Blue shoot double digits, including Crockett with Devils started to connect with the basket 22 and Justina Udenze with 12 points. “You know, we had that time in the first making huge three point shots. CCSU made half where we couldn’t score. We started out three back to back three pointers, putting great and then we had that period where we them down by 13, but they couldn’t stop couldn’t put the ball in the basket and when the Blackbirds who shot 58.3 percent in the no one wanted to shoot,” said Coach Piper. second half. “Yea, we started off hot and then got cold, “I think we did a good job moving the ball better than we normally do, but nobody was so we knew we had it we just had to all find it
Zarotney Looking To Make Impact in Final Season Page 11
again, and I think we all did in the beginning or whatever, middle of the second half so that was good,” said Crockett. Crockett went 6-13 on three point field goal attempts, attributing for more than half of CCSU’s three-point shots and was the game leader in rebounds with 12. The Blue Devils had a tough time containing LIU’s Heidi Mothershead and Ashley Palmer who were major Black Bird contributors with 19 and 12 points respectively. Despite the loss CCSU only had 11 turnovers in the match up and went 8-8 in free throws - areas of the game they’ve struggled with in the past. “There is positives in this game in comparison to the first time we played them,” said Coach Piper. “I mean the first time we played them they had 22 points off our turnovers, and we only had 11 turnovers today, and for our team, 11 turnovers, not to have a turnover is awesome for us.” The Blue Devils ended their regular season Saturday Feb. 27 at St. Francis (N.Y.), where they were looking to end on a high note. “It definitely is a must win,” said Dugan. “We have to put it all out on the floor, and we have to win this game.”
Central Women Defeat Saint Francis 64-59 to Earn Sixth Seed in NEC Tournament Page 10