vol106issue20

CENTR A L CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSIT Y Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Registrar In Search of Two New Degree Evaluators

Volume 106 No. 20

From left to right: Joseph R. LaLanne, Stephen Balkaran and Nicole Kennedy plan to make the trip into the South this summer.

kim scroggins the recorder

As graduation draws near, the Office of the Registrar is feeling the pressure of trying to meet the needs of the students now that the school’s only two degree evaluators left to take on other positions.

Degree evaluators process graduation applications and work with students who have applied to see that their transcripts meet all the requirements.

“Neither of the individuals who left the degree evaluator positions were laid off,” said Susan Petrosino of the Registrar. “Both of them left of their own volition to move on to other positions of interest to them.” The most recent departure was in January.

Because graduation is only a few months away, now is the time for students – especially potentially 1,600 slated to walk in May – to be double checking transcripts and getting in touch with advisors. The number from Registrar includes both May and August pending graduation applications.

However, students may have to face a lull in the reaction time as there only a few in the Registrar office who are familiar with the degree evaluation process.

“Student guidance and student concerns are still being addressed by the Registrar’s office as quickly as possible,” Petrosino stated. “We’ve shifted responsibilities within the office and have taken advantage of the expertise of individuals who have experience with degree evaluation.”

The Registrar office and personnel say they’re working hard to answer any questions students may have as quickly as they can, given the situation. Petrosino said that they are doing their best in answering emails “in a timely manner” and are allowing “those students not processed in a timely way to participate in commencement exercises this May.” Though the departure of both evaluators may have originally seemed an inconvenience, Petrosino states that they are already coming towards the end of the interviewing period and she hopes that things will be running smoothly again very soon.

“Several highly qualified professionals applied for the positions,” she said promisingly, “we are expecting to have the degree evaluation process back to full speed before the end of the semester.”

Jason cunningham | the recorder

Reliving the Civil Rights Movement Jason cunningham the recorder

Reading the textbooks is simply not enough.

Stephen Balkaran, an adjunct professor of African-American Studies at Central Connecticut State University, will be taking a class of 20 students into the deep south to relive events and experiences of the Civil Rights Movement.

The course, AFAM 244 Tracing the Civil Rights Movement, will take place this summer, taking students on a week-long journey through the struggle for equality that defined a big part of the 1960s in the South and the nation.

“I think it’s necessary for the entire country to understand the struggle for equality. It’s a class that has to be implemented to tell a story,” said Balkaran.

This first-hand experience into America’s dark past is intended to help illuminate young minds who haven’t seen the damaging extent of Jim Crow laws and the severe public inequality amongst races within the practice of segregation.

“The problem I have is that most of my students were born in the 1990s. They’ve forgot what the Civil Rights Movement was all about,” Balkaran said.

The trip, which is scheduled to take place from July 9-16, spans a heavy itinerary that kicks off with a trip to Kelly Ingram Park, the historic demonstration site that brought the

“Currently, to my knowledge we are the only course in the country that relives the Civil Rights Movement. We’re in the field, not in the traditional boundaries of a classroom.”

Professor stePhen Balkaran

horrors of the Civil Rights Movement into the national spotlight. The park is infamous for photographs taken of police brutality during a May 1963 protest organized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

From there, the group will trace the efforts of the activists and organizations from the early 1960s and on within the South, traveling to sites in Georgia and Tennessee in addition to Alabama.

“Currently, to my knowledge we are the only course in the country that relives the Civil Rights Movement. We’re in the field, not in the traditional boundaries of a classroom,” said Balkaran. “We are going to create a documentary, so wherever we go we interview,” Balkaran said.

The documentary, the final product of the class’s experience, is to include a wide range of interviews that showcase the many perspectives of the Civil Rights Movement.

“Well, we’re going to go to some of the institutions in the South that put forth racists laws, we’re going to interview people who lived it first hand, Ku Klux Klan members, mayors, police chiefs and Southern scholars,” Balkaran said. “I don’t feel nervous about interacting with members of the KKK. I’m here to conduct things in an academic setting as an academic instructor, going as an instructor.”

Balkaran created the course with an emphasis to talk about the importance of diversity and what it means to our culture and society. To make the course accessible to students, he spent time writing grant proposals to make the trip free for everyone going.

“Most of the kids have taken Civil Rights with me, so they have an understanding of what we’re there to do, expose them to what happened,” Balkaran said. “I also want to expose my kids to life in the South. Mark Twain said that travel eliminates prejudice.”

Two of the students enrolled in the course, Joseph R. LaLanne, a junior majoring in Finance and Law and Nicole Kennedy, a junior majoring in International Studies with a concentration in African Studies, are excited for the trip.

“I feel like my journey will be different see Reliving page 2

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2

NEWS

THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Reliving the Civil Rights Movement

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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.

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Continued from page 1 because I’m of African American descent. I want to see [the older generation’s] struggles, a first-hand account of: One, what happened and two, how I’ll personally relate to that in my situation, living in New England,” LaLanne said.

“We’ve made great steps forward, but in New England, we’ve made a few steps back.”

Some students, LaLanne observes, in Connecticut seem to lack a respectful understanding of what participants in the Civil Rights Movement fought so hard for during periods of segregation. Even though activists and demonstrators worked for the benefit of future generations, LaLanne believes that few in his

generation fully appreciate it.

“The young age is blind. I hate the fact that I hear the ‘N’ word all of the time on campus, and it’s mostly black kids too,” said LaLanne “People paid a price for us to be here, people need to see that.”

Kennedy also said she saw many who were undereducated or unexposed to the pain connected to racist terms.

“The human rights struggle is universal,” said Kennedy. “A lot of people feel that because we’re integrated, racism is extinguished.

This is a great injustice to our culture.”

Balkaran hopes that a diverse range of students will be interested in taking the course with him next summer. He plans to make Tracing the Civil Rights

Movement permanent at CCSU, building from their experience and the documentary, which will be showcased at some point on campus.

To do this, however, Balkaran will need additional grants and funding that benefactors and the university may not be able to provide. Balkaran is aiming to get national attention for the course, seeking television interviews and other ways of getting the word out this year. If all goes well, the class will be open to more than 20 students in the future.

“Imagine standing where King was assassinated. It’d be a haunting experience that would give you the chills,” Balkaran said. “This trip will bring students together.

It’ll give an enriched atmosphere

to understanding the AfricanAmerican struggle.”

From churches, capitals and colleges to centers, museums and mayors’ offices, the class has many stops along its way and they’ll be bringing back footage to highlight every discovery. If the trip goes as planned and if Balkaran can get the media attention he needs, Tracing the Civil Rights Movement could be a unique history course for CCSU to offer, one that students will likely be interested in taking.

“Going down South is going to be important because though you learn a lot in the classroom, you can’t experience its impact without seeing what was done,” said Kennedy. “I think it’ll be really informative.”

scene @ ccsu A Weekly Stand-Alone Photo Captured at CCSU

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Residents of Beecher Hall perfom “Sweet Caroline” during the Dean’s Cup Karaoke challenge.

kenny Barto | the recorder

3

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 17, 2010 / NEWS

Avid Bikers Rejoice: Google Maps Adds New Routes Eugene, Or. cyclists think feature will contribute to the city’s bike culture, open up choices.

Sarah Walters

Oregon Daily Emerald | University of Oregon

(WIRE) - Bicyclists in Eugene have a new reason to commute to school and work by bicycle, and it’s on the Internet.

On Wednesday, Google released a new feature that gives directions using bike paths and bike lanes in Eugene, Or.. Many bicyclists are celebrating this new addition to Google Maps.

“It’s going to be a good tool for the community to use,” said David Roth, transportation adviser for the City of Eugene.

Bicyclists simply plug in their address and destination into the Google Maps Web site and receive directions using the city’s bike trails and bike lanes. For example, the directions from the campus Duck Store to Alton Baker Park use the Ruth Bascom bike path. Route options are available based on time and convenience.

“You can decide what you’re comfortable with,” Roth said.

Some issues have arisen with the new feature, however. Sue Wolling, president of the Eugene cycling group Greater Eugene Area Riders, entered her route from home to work. The Google directions told her to use the Beltline Highway, which is, needless to say, not the safest road for bicyclists.

Besides minor complications, many bicyclists are impressed with the accuracy of Google Maps.

“Compared to my normal routes, it’s almost the same,” said Mike Seager, editor and Web master of the Eugene community bicyclist Web site, We Bike Eugene.

Many bicyclists and University students had not yet heard of the new feature, but said it seems like a promising tool.

“I might use it for getting somewhere unfamiliar,” said Joan Russick, mechanic at Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life bike shop in Eugene.

Bicyclists were not surprised that Eugene was chosen for the new Google Maps feature. Gary Larson, a technician at the REI store in Eugene, said Eugene has a very “bikey” population.

Russick agreed, saying “the town is infamous for its bike culture.”

Google partnered with the Railsto-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit group that created a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines, to provide information on bike trails in more than 150 U.S. cities, including Portland.

Google used publicly available city documents for the program to maintain accuracy and up-to-date information, according to its Web site.

“Google is recognizing that bicycling is a good way to get around,” Wolling said.

Fifty-seven million people in the United States ride a bike, according to Google’s press release.

As a nationally recognized bicycling capital, Eugene received a gold rating from the League of American Bicyclists in 2009.

“This is a really exciting thing.

It allows visitors and new cyclists to bridge the gap,” Seager said.

“If you’ve never ridden a bike in Eugene, and don’t know the routes, Google removes a lot of barriers.”

Lee Shoemaker, coordinator of the Eugene Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, was concerned that there is no legend on the Google Maps Web site that explains what the different lines mean.

Google issued a press release and an accompanying video Wednesday to showcase the new feature.

According to Google’s press release, dark green lines indicate bike-only trails; light green lines indicate bike lanes along a road; and dotted green lines indicate roads without bike lanes.

Errors and comments can be submitted by following a link on the Google Maps Web site.

CCSU To Host Gubernatorial Forum for Drug Policy on Thursday “It’s critical to examine the impact of current drug policy on families, especially children...” - Dyson Michael Walsh The Recorder

A forum on drug policy will be hosted at Central Connecticut State University on Thursday, March 18.

The event, which will be held at Alumni Hall at 2:oo p.m., is an informational forum centering around the current Connecticut gubernatorial candidates. All of the individuals who have either expressed interest in running for Governor of Connecticut or confirmed their candidacy have been invited to the event. Among the invited candidates are Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman, entrepeneur Ned Lamont, Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley.

The goal of the forum is to address issues concerning drug policy and hopes to promote discussion

and understanding among policy makers and stakeholders. Potential gubernatorial candidates will be able to answer questions based on speaker presentations, which focus on the history of drug policy in Connecticut, the costs of criminalization and possible drug treatments among other topics.

“Connecticut’s approach to drug policy has a very significant impact upon all of its residents, both in human and economic terms,” said Andrew Clark, director of the Institute for Municipal & Regional Policy, in a CCSU press release. “Unfortunately, it is a widely misunderstood topic that is seldom publicly and meaningfully discussed. Our hope is that the March 18 forum will help to change this dynamic.”

The event, which will be moderated by former State Representative William Dyson, features speakers such as CCSU

dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Susan Pease, CCSU policy analyst Dr. Robert Painter and Dr. David Shapiro, associate director of trauma and critical care at St. Francis Hospital.

“It’s critical to examine the impact of current drug policy on families, especially children,” Dyson said in a press release.

“By bringing together educators, practitioners, policy makers and the general public, we hope to create an atmosphere that allows for the free exchange of ideas and the movement towards rigorously examined and implemented drug policy”.

The final portion of the forum is scheduled to be dedicated to allowing members of the audience to ask questions to the candidates.

The free and public event is a collaborative effort between CCSU, Yale University, University of Hartford and St. Francis Hospital.

GPS Seized in Penn State’s Perryman Case Laura Nichols

The Daily Collegian | Penn State

(WIRE) - Police seized a Penn State student’s GPS system last week to see if the facts about the night he said he accidentally shot his girlfriend match up.

Authorities continue to investigate Troy R. Tierney in connection with the Oct. 25 shooting of his girlfriend Racheal Lynn Perryman, who was embroiled in a 2009 rape case against another man at the time.

Police searched Tierney’s red Ford Taurus, the car he was driving the night he told police he accidentally shot his girlfriend with a rifle after he mistook her for a deer while hunting in the dark just 30 minutes off campus, according to court documents.

A search warrant filed by Pennsylvania State Police said officers are examining the device in order to confirm whether Tierney’s recollection of the events matches the actual course he took that evening with Perryman, according to the search warrant.

Tierney told police the incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on Oct. 24, after he traveled from Port Matilda to Railroad St. in Milesburg and secured his firearm.

He and Perryman then ventured into the woods, according to court documents.

Since the Oct. 25 incident, police have contained the vehicle in a secure parking according to the search warrant.

Tierney denied consuming any alcohol prior to the incident, but told police he did take prescription

medication, according to court documents.

In another case, Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller said she’ll continue her efforts to take to trial the March 18 testimony Perryman gave against accused rapist Kyle Lingle, of Milesburg, In February, Parks Miller said Perryman’s testimony was crucial --without it, there is no case against Lingle.

“Her case is no less important now than when she was alive,” Parks Miller wrote in an e-mail. “It is important that a jury gets to hear her testimony and make a decision for themselves.”

During a hearing March 9 in Centre County Court, Parks Miller said her office will not abandon the case just because of Perryman’s “tragic and untimely death.”

4

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 17, 2010 / NEWS

2010 Census Creates Jobs in Faltering Economy “Workers can expect to work six weeks to several months” Johnson said. Jobs for the most part started in February and will continue through April.

Arkansas Traveler | University of The unemployment rate in Arkansas is Arkansas at an all time high for the last 10 years at 7.7 percent, according to the U.S. Department of (WIRE) - In a job-deprived economy, the Labor, so these jobs come at a great time for 2010 census brings light to many, as thousands people looking to earn an additional income of jobs are being created and thousands more or people who don’t have a job. Arkansas is are still needed according to the U.S. Census below the national unemployment rate which Bureau. Thousands of those jobs are needed is 9.7 percent.

Workers can expect to work six weeks to in Arkansas.

Around 4,000 jobs to be exact will several months, Johnson said. Census workers be needed throughout Arkansas for the are required to pass a 30-minute field test and census, said Dennis Johnson, Kansas City must clear a criminal record background regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau. check.

“It’s been great working for the Census Northwest Arkansas can expect to get 1,000 Bureau,” said Mike Jones, who is a recruiting of those 4,000 jobs, he said.

“We’re still recruiting,” Johnson said. “We assistant for Benton County. “I get to work 40 have tested thousands of applicants, but we hours a week and make my own schedule.”

Jones ranges from Siloam Springs to Sulfur want to make sure we get the right people.”

Springs administering tests and organizing test Census takers are required to use their 17207_print_ad_D:Layout 1 2/25/10 2:16 PM Page 1 own vehicles, but will be paid 50 cents a mile site locations for potential census employees. and start out at a base pay of $11.25 an hour, Jones expects Arkansas to test 9,000 potential Jerid Jones

employees.

More than one million jobs could be created nationwide by the census, according the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Typically not,” Johnson said when asked about if there are any dangers involved for census takers going door to door. “Our people are trained, sometimes we send out teams of workers to a certain area but we don’t expect any danger.”

Johnson added that people are hired to work within their own neighborhoods so they are familiar with the people and the community.

One problem perceived by the public is that the census does not accurately count everyone.

Johnson expects 100 percent results from his region, he said. The region comprises Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota and around 24 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 2009 estimate.

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OPINION EDITORIAL Fast approaching may be an opportunity for CCSU students to meet with real, live legislators at the Capitol building in Hartford.

Students have received emails from the Student Government Association, asking them to join in on a trip to Hartford April 14 to express their views on tuition increases and the cost of education.

The idea is a great one - why wouldn't CCSU students want to get involved in the way their university system is represented at the state capitol?

Unfortunately, asking students

editorial Board

(WIRE) - We can all finally take a deep breath.

Spring Break has arrived, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

We’re all worn out — as we’re sure you are, too — and in need of a good, solid break from all of the work, school and stress that comes with this time of year.

Maybe you’ve had three tests this week, or a big project due, or maybe you’re just homesick and want to sleep in your own bed for a week. Whatever your reason is, you need a week off, and we don’t blame you.

You’ll go to Florida, California, Cancun, Canada — yes, we’ve heard of Canadian destinations — or maybe even just home for 10 days to have a little time to relax, sit back and hit the reset button on your brain.

It works for video games and your computer, so why can’t it work on your mind?

But while you’re frolicking in a meadow or sunbathing on a beach somewhere, we ask that you remember to be safe.

I’m sure we’ve all seen the movies about Spring Break trips gone wrong, where someone takes a wrong turn down a questionable dirt road in some back wood and ends up the target in a poorlyproduced slasher film.

THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Focus on the Positives to complain about the inevitable rise in education costs will produce little or no results after a conversation with legislators - the same people who have to think about plan for deadling with a $500 million plus budget deficit. While education is obviously a priority, legislators have countless things to worry about.

In the end, fighting over tuition increases is futile and a waste of time - they are inevitable, as are other education costs like textbooks.

The SGA, and whoever else is responsible for marketing this trip, has to consider this, and probably

Party Hard, Party Smart, Enjoy Break iowa state daily | iowa state university

5

Or the reactions when poor Mommy/Daddy sees their little angel running naked through the streets, screaming “Wooooooooo!”

Scared yet? We are. (Especially of that second option. Shudder.)

Then, there are the horror stories of binge drinking at outrageous South Beach parties.

We get it, you’re having fun and we want you to have fun — we’re going to — but be aware of all of the Sex on the Beaches and [insert fruity drink here] that you can get all over the place.

All of those drinks can add up quickly and, suddenly, you’ll forget Tuesday, not realize where Wednesday went and wake up on Friday in an apartment you’ve never seen before.

On top of all the booze flowing through the streets, there’s always the roofies or the chance of running into an upset drug dealer on the wrong end of a deal-turned-bad.

Maybe go see a concert while you’re on break. If you get the chance to see a good show, you should probably do it.

Sex. Drugs. Rock ‘n’ roll. What did we forget?

Right: Sex. Don’t get STIs, STDs or anything else itchy, painful or otherwise uncomfortable that can be sexually transmitted.

But have fun.

And, for God’s sake, don’t think about school again. You know, until we come back.

should have thought up a better purpose for creating a dialogue between students and lawmakers.

For example, the discussion could focus on only the positives of attending CCSU, and why its students deserve more financial aid, or money to fund renovation or construction projects. Or, more importantly, why CCSU needs to hire more faculty - and staff to take care of the Registrar vacancies. If students can showcase what we have now and how best CCSU makes use of it, it will be an easier argument made to say that CCSU can do "x,

y and z" with more resources. A more difficult task, we know, but in the end it's one that will reduce the amount of unproductive ranting.

Besides, lobbying is supposed to focus on the positives and why the represented group really needs more money to keep its positive contributions going. CCSU has the opportunity to stand out against the backdrop of higher tuition increase-protesting University of Connecticut students, or maybe even the other CSU schools and their complaints.

Instead, students should read,

learn and prepare for what to say and the ultimate presentation that CCSU students can make in front of the Connecticut General Assembly, if they do plan on making the trip in April.

Alternately, it would reflect poorly on the university if students - especially the SGA - traveled to the capitol to complain. At the very least they could promote a real conversation about what students think and how the state can make life here just a little bit easier - not expound on the existing difficulties.

Spring Brings Out CCSU’s Best don WeBer the recorder

Spring 2010 clearly started with the beginning of March. Last week, you probably noticed that the tee shirt weather was well on its way, and so did every other student on campus. Students and professors alike just seemed to have an extra spring in their step, no pun intended.

As soon as spring rolls around, students appear to jaunt around outside a whole lot more. Obviously that’s an overly sensible statement, but students are very active outside.

You might notice that some of those speed-walkers from winter seem to slow their steps down in spring.

Students take their time on the way to class, and some even give themselves an earlier start because they want to leisurely venture off to class.

Last Monday’s flash of sun and heat gave many students a reason to rock out t-shirts, sunglasses, and even some shorts. The campus itself just seems to be so much more alive when the sun’s out. Students smile

more, exams don’t seem as bad, and even on-campus activities appear more enjoyable. That’s not to say that winter is bad, just that spring clearly is the fresh season. It almost feels like the new year doesn’t really count until that warm weather.

One of the best things about the warm weather is the fact that students can enjoy the campus environment. Central’s campus is actually really nice and it’s great to just sit outside on it. Pretty soon the library balcony will have its regular “sit-and-readers” and the student circle koi pond will actually have its koi. Hopefully in these next coming weeks we will be reaching some high fifties and maybe even push the sixty degree envelope. Students would certainly enjoy the outside campus with those temperatures.

Another thing that spring provides is more all around activity.

Pretty soon, students can look forward to more than some sun and recreation and can enjoy a fistful of campus events. The campus theatre is performing Sweeney Todd, CAN movies are going to be shown, and magicians, comedians, and bands

will be making their way to Central.

All of this activity leads up to April 24’s spring concert, featuring New Found Glory and Wale. Central definitely brings some action to its last semester of the year.

Spring is just a good time all around. While local parks become more easily available, students can begin appreciating this campus.

As the season kicks off at full force on March 21, feel free to enjoy iced coffee promotions or various catered events on-campus. Whether you love or hate Sodexho, the fact remains that a free thing is a patch on your pocket so take advantage of it.

The mild weather is most likely here to stay. Whether it’s your first year or last semester, try to enjoy the weather here at Central.

Students should and have begun to play pass, read outside, or simply give an occasional smile under the sun’s rays. Even if you would rather stay in your room and hate on those smiling, football-passing, readers, have fun with that. It’s spring 2010 Central, let’s enjoy it.

Join The Recorder!

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

6 THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Style Samantha Fournier The Recorder

It's that time of year again and in case you missed standing in a mass of rowdy green outfitted parade goers at Hartford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday or in New Haven on Sunday, there are many more St. Patrick’s Day Festivities still planned ahead.

This Wednesday, Hartford’s cozy Irish pub, The Half Door, will be serving an Irish brunch in the morning and will have a St. Patrick’s Day themed menu until ten p.m.

Live music will start early in the day until late into the night. Local Irish musicians perform regularly at this gastro pub, which is also known for its draft list featuring beers from countries all around the world. You’ll be sure not to miss out on grabbing a glass of the infamous Irish Guinness here.

The Hungry Tiger in Manchester has always been a part of the local music scene packing in lots of listeners each night and providing Central Connecticut with local talent to listen to. That won’t change this St. Patty’s Day when the sounds of Irish music will fill the small dive bar from 5:30 - 10 p.m. Performers like Dave Connelly and the Blaney Brothers will take the stage. At 10 p.m. The Hungry Tiger’s Wednesday night regulars Eric Sac and Friends will be playing. Corned beef and cabbage will be served from noon until 10 p.m.

The Main Pub, which is also in Manchester, will also be

celebrating with Celtic and Irish music with Don Sineti and friends at six p.m. If you take advantage of the legendary Irish dish of corned beef and cabbage being served all day you can wash it down with green beer-filled glasses.

Start the day off right at Vaughn’s Public House in Hartford, which will be open for beer and breakfast starting at 9 to 11:30 a.m serving raisin cranberry scones, lots of potatoes, bacon and corned beef.

Visit later in the day for Irish music.

Calley McGrane and the Exiles and Two for the Road are scheduled to perform.

Also serving a full day of food and drinks is Eli Cannon's in Middletown. The bar, which goes for an American/Irish/English pub feel, has two options for both breakfast and lunch/dinner: the "5th Avenue" with grilled tomatoes, Irish sausage, scrambled eggs and potatoes meal and the "Lower East Side" meal of baked beans, corned beef hash and scrambled eggs for breakfast.

For lunch and dinner, Eli's serves up affectionately titled "Ryan's Mom's Dinner" of corned beef and c ab bage,

carrots and potatoes, as well as the "SPD Reuben" with more corned beef, saurkraut and mustard. Irish soda bread offered all around, as well as the bar's usual 33 beers on tap.

Festivites include some bagpiping and Irish Step Dancers.

And end the night on a good note at the popular Murphy and Scarletti's, which has always had its place in the young social scene offering up pizza, live entertainment, and plenty of pool tables. Murphy’s plans to have its “Legendary St. Patrick’s Day Party” at night where Shake That perform and green beer will flow from its taps.

If you plan on staying on campus CAN has a St. Patty’s Day event planned called Comedy Done Right. Comedian Lee Camp of The Citizen’s Brigade, and CCSU’s Mobiloxyschlock perform in Semesters from seven p.m. until ten p.m.

Netflix It:

walkabout Michael Walsh The Recorder

In his early career, English filmmaker Nicolas Roeg was responsible for some of the greatest films never talked about.

Roeg’s 1973 psychic thriller Don’t Look Now is one of the best in the entire history of the thriller genre and his 1976 science fiction film The Man Who Fell From Earth featured David Bowie in one of the genre’s most surreal films of the time.

But quite possibly the most intriguing and best film from Roeg is his first feature film, Walkabout. The film, which tells the harrowing tale of a young girl ( Jenny Agutter) and her even younger brother (Luc Roeg), who after they experience a strange string of events, struggle to survive in the Australian outback until they meet an Aboriginal boy in the middle of his ceremonial walkabout where he must spend six months living in the outback.

Australian cinema in the early 1970’s was beginning to be filled with toxic and outlandish exploitation films that sometimes didn’t portray themselves in great light. Drunken, unfriendly and strange are three common adjectives that could be used to describe a common Australian male.

What’s so intriguing about the depiction of Australia in Walkabout is how the entire film is a Englishman’s perspective of the Australian outback and people.

Both the filmmaker himself and the two young main characters are English.

What really sucks you in as an outside viewing party are the hallucinogenic images of the Australian outback. Coupled

with a story of survival, Roeg’s stunning and beautiful photography in this film tells the story worth telling. It’s a simplistic film and proof of that is in the fact that the screenplay written by Edward Bond reached only 14 pages.

Roeg even went on record to say that he shot the film on a partially improvised basis.

With only 14 pages of dedicated dialogue and action and an entire Australian outback to work with, there certainly was some flexibility in what was shot and what was left in the film.

While Roeg’s picturesque cinematography is something to be gazed at without blinking, it isn’t the only thing worth getting giddy over. Roeg is not only a using the camera to show how dangerous and vast the outback is, but also to express a story filled with cultural and social commentary.

At certain moments in the film, such as the Aboriginal boy hunting, killing and cooking food necessary for survival, Roeg intersplices footage of a butcher slicing away at raw meat. The outcome is the strong comparison in how similar yet distant the two processes of food preparation are, with the boy’s method being a savage action and the butcher’s being a way of life.

The entire journey is also cause for comparison. While the girl and boy are completely out of their element, terrified and struggling to survive, an Aboriginal boy in the same situation is taking part in a ceremony rite of passage, hoping to become a man.

Walkabout is a captivating, meaningful film and sits as one of the greatest films of its kind and a masterpiece in its own right.

Video Game Review

Latest ‘Final Fantasy’ Beautiful, But Flawed Matt Kiernan The Recorder

The latest installment in the Final Fantasy video game series provides gamers with an all new gameplay system, amazing graphics and an intriguing storyline that aims to make players feel connected to the characters they’re in control of.

The game’s setting takes place in the paradisaical city of Cocoon, years after the city was in a war with the underground race of Pulse. Now, the people of Cocoon live in fear of the Pulse, being told not to come in contact with them or else face the consequence of exile. The main characters are part of a rebel group, fighting against the government that forces its people into exile after coming in contact with the Pulse.

The game has a much wider storyline than is common with all of the other Final Fantasy games, revealing character motives and pasts along the way. Humor is used here and there in the game, but for the most part the game takes a serious tone by making characters emotionally vulnerable.

Beautiful graphics, the Final Fantasy series’ bread and butter, once again holds up to past games by using highly descriptive scenery shots, fast-paced action and ability to convey the facial emotions of

characters. This is perhaps the game’s strongest suit.

While the cinematic scenes in the game are great, the beginning may seem a little slow to take off, mostly because of the too-easy-tohandle battle system.

In the previous Final Fantasy games, players were always able to control all of the characters in their party, allowing them to chose which spells and actions they would take in battle. Final Fantasy XIII scraps all of the conventional gameplay by having players only take control of one character, and designate the jobs of other characters during battles.

This isn’t to say battles are easy throughout the game. After the first few areas, the difficulty begins to pick up and players are forced to be more tactical in their battles, providing a challenge that’s different from all previous games.

There is no designated main character in the game, a first in the series, making all of the characters in the player’s party equally important to the storyline. All of the characters are given their fair share of story time, with the producers making sure not to give one character more of the spotlight than another.

Personally being a little less than a third through the game, it’s safe to

say that there are no towns or regular sets of armor to purchase throughout the game, instead you can only buy weapons and accessories or find them on adventures. This is a major drawback to the game, considering it leaves out possible side quests, explorations and breaks between new areas.

Adventures are for the most part straightforward paths, with only minor side roads to take to find items. Players walk a straight line between destinations and are forced to fight the monsters they see along the way.

In opposition to all other Final Fantasy games, the leveling system

Photo courtesy of Ign

is gotten rid of for a system that enforces points that are determined by the difficulty and how fast a player wins a battle. These points are used to learn new abilities that fall under spells and melee fighting, which allows a player to determine which areas they would want the character to improve upon.

While battles and gameplay may seem repetitive at times, Final Fantasy XIII is like a movie that unfolds its depth with each succeeding scene, making it a game that is challenging and rewarding for every battle that is won.

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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 17, 2010 / UPGRADE

ReVIeWS Ludacris Battle of the Sexes Def Jam March 9

matt kiernan the recorder

Ludacris’ seventh full-length album, Battle of the Sexes, discusses the typical topics of hardcore rap, money, women, sex and partying, all of which are topics that are great for the aforementioned pastime of partying.

The release has a title that may seem confusing considering the album was supposed to be a partnership between Ludacris and fellow rapper Shawnna, but after Shawnna left the record, Ludacris found himself working on it alone.

“How Low,” the first single, would have been a wonderful call for a Shawnna response, but since Shawnna’s missing, it stands as a song that could be played as background music in a strip club. Ludacris tells a girl how attractive she is with lyrics like, “Yeah I think you’re a superstar/ with an ass like that you gotta blow.”

What makes the track especially catchy is the chorus of “How low can you go?” in an extremely high-pitched voice.

Ludacris covers the topics of wealth in “Hey Ho,” talking about luxurious cars and features the rapping of Lil’ Kim, who creates a clever response to say that women can be equally rich and strong.

“My Chick Bad,” speaks of a girl he could be dating that could outmatch any other girl at a club. “She knock a bitch out and fight/ come out swinging like Tiger Woods’s wife,” raps Ludacris.

The concept of having two sides, men and women, rapping about similar topics would have been an interesting concept had Ludacris achieved having more of a female presence on the record. Since it’s lacking this, it may leave a person wishing for more reason to listen through the whole album.

Battle of the Sexes doesn’t hold many lyrics or topics that reach a personal level for Ludacris, but is a great album if you’re looking for a compilation of tunes to party and drink to.

Broken Bells Broken Bells Columbia Records March 9

matt kiernan the recorder

Broken Bells, the duo of James Mercer of The Shins and Brian Burton, otherwise known as Danger Mouse, is a musical outlet that sees

the musical heavyweights meeting halfway to make an album that draws upon both artists’ styles while attempting something new.

For an album that’s production was six years in the making, Broken Bells succeeds in combining the genres of indie rock and electronic music for a sound that is fresh and ambitious, similar to the idea of the Gorillaz music.

The first single off the album, “The High Road,” starts off with a mid-tempo snare drum beat and electronic sounds, working its way into Mercer’s poetic singing that reaches peaks of high notes common in his work with The Shins.

The second release, “Vaporize,” may seem like a Mercer solo track in the beginning, but soon sees Mercer reaching a wide range of vocals and the use of phasers, synthesizers and distortion.

“The Ghost Inside,” is a track that would fit right into a Gorillaz album, with electronic beats and a style of singing by Mercer that is similar to Damon Alburn’s high vocals, layered over his normal levels of singing.

What proves Mouse’s willingness to try new things comes with him toning down his usual electronic beat heaviness. Mouse focuses instead on playing a drum kit on his own, giving the songs a nice sense of warmth.

Mercer also tries to level with Mouse by allowing the focus of drumbeats and less electric guitar, although much of the album uses Mercer’s acoustic guitar playing. Mouse’s past as a producer is put into full use with every turn each song takes.

All-star duos have never sounded as refreshing as the band Broken Bells, showing that both artists have the ability to take their music in any direction they wish, as long as they’re up for the challenge.

that are accompanied by piano.

The album ends with the epic 14-minute track, “The Battle of Hamptons Road,” referencing the USS Monitor’s battle with another ship. The song is complicated in that it comes in many parts that can go from little instrument use to full out jamming, and back again.

War is something that’s tough to be translated into art, and Titus Andronicus come out in one piece by making an album that transcends the ideas of war to speak of everyday feelings.

Disco Biscuits Planet Anthem Diamond Riggs March 16

Sick of reading reviews of bands no one has heard of?

michael Walsh the recorder

Titus Andronics The Monitor XL Recording March 9

matt kiernan

instead of the Weezer-like verses sang in the previous tune. These awkward transitions show the band’s range to play all genres, but it doesn’t sit well when listening to the album from start to finish, especially on an initial listen. After a few listens it certainly begins to grow.

The album does have a few really interesting and catchy tunes, such as chargedup “On Time” and the more downplayed album opener “Loose Change.” The first video single off the album, “You and I,” is the albums quickest dash of enjoyment.

But after the highs and lows of Planet Anthem I still sit on the fence with the Disco Biscuits. Nothing ever stands out and nothing ever disappoints. Since my jam band love sits with groups like Phish, Grateful Dead and Umphrey’s McGee, it might just be that the Disco Biscuits are a bit too electronic for my tastes. That or they’re simply an average band better built for the live stage.

The genre-crossing jam outfit Disco Biscuits spent years in the studio between tours and while the process didn’t produce an album in a timely fashion, the often-delayed Planet Anthem finally became a realization right in the midst of their most recent tour.

Picking from a multitudes of genres, the Disco Biscuits are a group known for blending a fusion of trance, electronica and rock and putting it together in one jam band package ranging from tight studio-produced tracks to lengthy, extended live jams.

Planet Anthem represents that variety in genre that the Disco Biscuits are able to easily touch upon. But in the form of a studio album, it becomes a sort of double edge sword.

While the variety in style is most welcoming, the album hardly flows seamlessly, as the transition from the trip-hop inspired track “Rain Song” to the rather standard and unimpressive rock tune “Fish Out of Water” is somewhat strange.

From there the back end of the album turns right to the track “Sweatbox,” where vocals come in the form of a hip-hop style

Email suggestions to editor@centralrecorder.com.

the recorder

Punk-revival band Titus Andronicus return with their second full-length album, The Monitor, continuing their aggressive punk/indie rock sound that pokes fun at national pride, similar to the punk forefathers that came before them.

The album opens with the seven minute track, “A More Perfect Union,” starting with an old radio speech that is followed by Patrick Sticklestitus’ vocal imitation of Paul Westerberg of the Replacements. The track shows love for their home state of New Jersey, referencing Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” with the lyrics, “Cause tramps like us/ baby we were born to die.”

The idea of the album is taken from the American Civil War, as seen in the picture on the album cover, and the album title coming from the USS Monitor ship that was used by the Navy during the war.

“No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future,” starts with Sticklestitus’s throaty vocals that lead into bursts of sung screams.

The song ends with the cynical chant of, “You’ll always be a loser.”

Instead of making the lyrics position themselves to speak on a direct topic, they hold reason and advice that can be taken in pieces to reach listeners on a personal level, reaching greater depth than other punk bands.

“A Pot in Which to Piss,” takes a quieter tone than other tracks on the album, having Sticklestitus singing like it’s a lullaby. The slow guitar chords soon turn into quick strumming

St. Patrick’s day March 17th Semesters 7 PM - 11 PM

The Brothers Hines of UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) Mobiloxyschlock MC: Comedian Lee Camp

8

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 17, 2010 / UPGRADE

Calendar 3.17 - 3.31

“Still Bill is about a man who topped the charts, walked away from it all in 1985 and is pleased that he did...

Withers seems as close to everyday Zen as I can imagine. He talks a great deal about his philosophy, to be sure, but it’s direct and manifestly true: Make the most of your chances, do the best you can, stop when you’re finished, love your family, enjoy life.” - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

Oscar-nominated a single man begins playing at Real Art Ways today, Wednesday the 17. best friend ( Julianne Moore) and his colleagues. Based on the novel

by Christopher Isherwood, A Single 3.17 - 3.20 Man is a powerful indictment 3.19 A Single Man of being forced to live a lie. Best Ryan Montbleau Band @ Cinestudio Actor Award, Venice Film Festival. @ Toad’s Place Hartford, Conn.

“We’re always looking for those New Haven, Conn. $7.00 / 7:30 p.m. performances that truly define an $15 / 9 p.m. actor, where we can sit back and Directed by Tom Ford. Screenplay simply watch the talent soar. For 3.19

by Tom Ford and David Scearce, Colin Firth, A Single Man is that House of Pain based on the novel by Christopher film.” Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles @ Webster Theatre Isherwood. Cast: Colin Firth, Times.

Hartford, Conn.

Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, $27.50 / 7 p.m.

Jon Kortajarena. Best known as 3.19 - 3.24* Mr. Darcy in the BBC production Still Bill 3.20 of Pride and Prejudice, Colin Firth @ Real Art Ways The Feelies finally gets the chance to show his Hartford, Conn. @ Daniel Street acting chops in a starring role on $6.25 / 7:00 p.m.

Milford, Conn. the big screen. His Oscar-worthy $18 / 8 p.m. performance takes us through one An intimate portrait of soul legend day in the life of a closeted English Bill Withers, best known for his 3.24 professor in Los Angeles, circa classics “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean Jedi Mind Tricks 1962, who tries to keep his grief On Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Grandma’s @ Toad’s Place over the loss of his lover from his Hands” and “Just the Two of Us.” New Haven, Conn. $18 / 9 p.m.

MUSIC

FILM

“Offstage Bill Withers, the eternal hero of karaoke baritones, exhibits the same gift for aphorism and general soulfulness that informed hit songs like “Lean on Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” This makes much of the biographical documentary Still Bill pleasant and even moving.

Looking out the window of a car, pondering his place in the culture, Mr. Withers says: ‘I think I’m kind of like pennies. You have ’em in your pocket but you don’t remember they’re there.’” - Mike Hale, The New York Times *Skype Q & A with directors Alex Vlack and Damani Baker: Wednesday, March 24, after the 7 p.m. screening.

3.21 - 3.23 Nine @ Cinestudio Hartford, Conn. $7.00 / 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Rob Marshall.

Screenplay by Michael Tolkin and Anthony Minghella, based on the musical by Arthur Kopit and Federico Fellini’s film, 8 1/2. Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Sophia Loren,

Judi Dench, Fergie, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman. Oscar-nominated Penélope Cruz is only one of the alluring women who trouble the days and nights of an Italian movie director in this dazzling film version of the Broadway musical. Each actress has her place in the sun - and her play for the attentions of the conflicted Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis): Marion Cotillard (the director’s chic wife), Sophia Loren (his glamorous mother), Kate Hudson (a tempting reporter), Judi Dench (a sly confidante), Fergie (a voluptuous childhood... mentor) and Nicole Kidman as the impossibly blonde siren. “...a hot-blooded musical fantasia full of song, dance, raging emotion and simmering sexuality.” - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone.

CCSU 3.17, 18 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street @ Black Box Theatre Maloney Hall $8 / 7:30 p.m.

3.18 - 4.22 Gallery Opening for the Reception of “Revealed: The Tradition of Male Homoerotic Art” @ Maloney Hall, 2nd Floor 4:30 p.m.

Regular Hours: Mon-Fri, 1-4 p.m.

3.29 Improv theatre: Mobiloxyschlock @ Semesters Cafe Student Center 7 p.m.

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 17, 2010 / SPORTS

9

SPORTS BEGINS ON BACK PAGE

Women’s Cross Country Earns Academic Accolades

NICK KOSLOSKI | CCSUBLUEDEVILS.COM

CCSUBLUEDEVILS.COM

NICK KOSLOSKI | CCSUBLUEDEVILS.COM

Blue Devils Fall in Final Day of Lady Pirate Classic CCSUBLUEDEVILS.COM

CCSU (4-5) lost 11-2 to Hampton (6-15) Sunday in the final day of the Lady Pirates Classic in Hampton, Va. The Blue Devils went 3-0 to start the Lady Pirates Classic with wins over Brown, Hampton, and Barton before falling today in the quarter finals to the Pirates of Hampton University.

The CCSU softball team beat Brown University (2-3) by a score

of 6-5 in the first game of the Lady Pirates Classic in Hampton, VA. The Blue Devils were led by senior Sara Budrick who hit a three run homerun for the Blue Devils.

CCSU (3-4) increased its thenwin streak to three games with a 11-2 win over Hampton (5-13) in the second game on Friday at the Lady Pirates Classic.

Junior Liz Montemurro was the winning pitcher of record for the Blue Devils and freshman Macy Stefanski hit her first collegiate homerun for Central in the win.

The Blue Devils had strong offensive performances from its lineup Friday and were led by sophomore Rebecca Mussatti 5-6 with a homerun her first career, senior Sara Budrick 4-6 with a homerun her seventh career tying her for seventh all-time on the career homerun list.

Stefanski added a 3-6 performance from the plate with her first collegiate homerun.

The Central Connecticut State University women’s cross country team was honored for their academic achievements as an NCAA All-Academic Team for the third straight year, announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

For a team to be considered for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award, they must have competed and compiled a team score at an NCAA Regional Meet.

The team must also have a minimum 3.00 team cumulative grade point average.

Of the 338 Division I schools that sponsor women’s cross country, Central recorded the 59th highest team GPA with a mark of 3.45.

Of the 176 total teams honored, three came out of the Northeast Conference. Along with CCSU,

Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac and Monmouth received the honors.

The Blue Devils tied SHU for the top GPA out of the four.

The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa led all with a team GPA of 3.86. Villanova University, the 2009 NCAA Champion, was named the Scholar Team of the Year for their performance on and off the course this season.

CCSU was led by junior Katherine Bossardet this season. She earned All-Northeast Conference accolades for the second straight year, finishing 12th at the league meet in 2009. Bossardet is also a leader in the classroom as she one of only 32 women’s cross country participants to receive NEC Commissioner’s Honor Roll honors last season. The Commissioner’s Honor Roll Recipients accumulate a GPA of 3.75 or higher.

10

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 17, 2010 / SPORTS

CCSU Rugby Ready to Jump Start Spring Campaign Christopher Boulay The Recorder

CCSU Hooligans Rugby is ready to roll into the spring season on a high after their 3-3 finish in the fall, the squad’s best finish in years.

The Hooligans qualified for the New England Rugby Football Union Plate tournament, one of two postseason tournaments hosted

by NERFU at the college level.

Though they lost in the first round to Plymouth State, Chris Pritchard, Hooligans president, believes it is a step in the right direction.

“We used to be fourth in the nation in the mid-90s,” Pritchard said. “We try to encourage more camaraderie among the players. I think it helps recruit more kids. Last season we had 35 kids coming out regularly.”

The team consists of 15 positions, separated into two sections, the forwards, or “pack” and the backs. The team, if possible,

Final Four Bracket

will field both an A side, which will count in the standings, as well as the B-side, which will help players work their way up the depth chart and gain experience. Recently, the Hooligans have been able to field a B-side.

CCSU competes in NERFU’s Men’s College/Division III, as rugby in the United States is not an NCAA sport. All rugby is regulated by USA Rugby, which, more locally is regulated by regional unions, such as NERFU. Along with CCSU, schools like the University of Hartford, Trinity College, New Haven U-23s (Quinnpiac University) and Western Connecticut State University are all a part of their division, and are played against frequently. Every permanent member of the squad is a part of the USA Rugby Player’s Pool.

The team is coached by Eric Rentz, a former CCSU Rugby player, and current member of Hartford Wanderers R.F.C, the local rugby team in this part of Connecticut.

One aspect of rugby, that many people may be hesitant about playing, is the lack of padding and the risk of injury. Though rugby may look excessively dangerous, with the right training, it is actually a much safer sport than people are led to believe.

“If you go into [playing] not knowing what you are doing, then yeah, you are probably going to get hurt,” Pritchard said. “Now that we have a coach, he will teach you everything you need to know to not get hurt. Safety is a huge issue with NERFU and they stress it at all times.”

Many people may not know the rules of rugby union, the official name of the sport, but Rentz, Pritchard and the forward and defensive captains run new recruits through drills to learn each part of the game, to get them acclimated to the rules.

“It is a combination of soccer and rugby,” Pritchard said, when

attempting to explain what the game is like to anyone who does not understand it.

Pritchard is a product of Cheshire High School’s rugby team, a school that has been very important to producing rugby talent for the school.

“Rugby in high school has really taken off,” Pritchard said. “At least seven or eight out of 15 from the A-side are from Cheshire. We are getting responses from kids at other high school teams, too.”

Other than Pritchard, some of the other members of the Hooligans will be key to the club’s successes both in the spring and when the actual season starts up in the fall semester. Pritchard plays flanker, and is joined with Jake Dilts, who is the forwards captain and the Hooligans’ Number Eight; Marcus Giansanti, the backs captain, and the team’s fly-half; Thiago Bitencourt, another member of the backs; as well as Brian Nugent, a member of the front row.

Practice for the season is underway, and a spring schedule has not been completely agreed upon at the time of print, but the team is constantly looking for new members to add, as the club is run on a pure voluntary basis. The fee to join the team is $30, mainly to cover the costs of shorts and socks. All the player has to bring is cleats and a mouthguard.

Pritchard hopes that also the introduction of Rugby Sevens, (a form of rugby played on a smaller scale) to the Olympics will have an impact for the Hooligans’ future.

“Once it gets on TV I think it is going to blow up even more,” he said. “People are actually going to realize that it is an awesome sport.”

The Hooligans took part in the New York Sevens tournament over winter break. They were scheduled to play UConn in February, but could not due to a frozen pitch. The full spring schedule will be made public shortly.

The Recorder’s Bracket Challenge is calling all March Madness enthusiasts to participate and turn in completed brackets in to The Recorder office, room 107 in the Student Center.

Include full name, email address, phone number. First and second place inners will receive a prize to be announced at the end of the NCAA torunament.

ONLINE: The Recorder has started a Yahoo! Fantasy Sports league as well. Group ID on Yahoo! is 140053, the password is “bluedevils” and deadline is 12 noon on Thursday for both hard copy and online brackets.

11

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, March 17, 2010 / SPORTS

Vendel Strikes Again as Blue Devils Fall to Virginia Tech

Baseball Looks to Strikeout Competition Continued from page 12 The Achilles heel for the Blue Devils was the pitching staff. Last season, the team allowed 579 hits and 361 runs. No pitcher on the team had an ERA under three, as former Blue Devils Ken Kerski led the staff with a 4.79 earn runs average.

Coming back to the bump is senior righthander Dan Markoya. Markoya went 1-4 last season with a 4.99 ERA. The Blue Devils lost arms over the summer, which added to more than half the wins of last year’s team.

Sophmore Jack Greenhouse went 8-3 in his senior year before Central, and is looking

to add depth to the pitching staff. Last season he went 1-0 in seven appearances. Todd Savatsky, Nate Strurgis and Jason Foster are other sophomores looking to make a dent in the rotation and give the team some innings.

The rest of the preseason rankings are as follows: Wagner regains the top seed, followed by Monmouth at two; Scared Heart sits behind the Blue Devils at four, with newcomer Bryant at five and Mounts St. Mary’s at six; Quinnipiac, Farleigh Dickinson and Long Island round out he bottom three.

With a good core coming back, the Blue Devils have high hopes on a return to the NEC postseason.

Steve McLaughlin | CCSUBluedevils.com

ccsuBluedevils.com

Freshman Betsy Vendel scored three goals for the fourth straight game, but Central Connecticut State University dropped a 16-4 home decision against Virginia Tech on Thursday. Sophomore Ashley Perkoski added one score as the Blue Devils fall to 2-2 on the season. CCSU will next head on the road for contests against Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac.

The Hokies got on the board first as they tallied two goals within the first two minutes of play. Central countered with Perkoski's lone goal of the game, as she was assisted on the score by freshman Ali Roche at the 24:36 mark.

Tech then rattled off six goals in a row to take an 8-1 lead with just over 10 minutes left in the first half. Junior Caitlyn Wier was integral during the stretch, tallying two goals and an assist during the 9:11 run.

Vendel put a stop to the Hokie run when she netted her first and second goals of the game within a 13 second span. The freshman found the net with 10:32 to play to make it 8-2 and then scored again at the 10:19 mark on an assist from freshman Mackenzy Ryan.

Virginia Tech scored twice more before the half and led 10-3 at the break. The second half started similarly to the first, as the Hokies scored the first two goals and Central countered with one of its own. This time it was Vendel recording her fourth hat trick of the season with 23:50 to play which made it 12-4 Tech.

The Blue Devils then gave up the final four scores as Virginia Tech went on to the 16-4 victory. Roche led CCSU with three ground balls in the game, while freshman Caitlin Karner totaled a team high three caused turnovers. Vendel, junior Michele Conway and sophomore Ashley Mara each picked up one draw control in the defeat.

kenny Barto | the recorder

Anthony Scialdone leads all of last year’s returning players with a batting average of .361.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Brittany Burke The Recorder

The 2010 CCSU football schedule was released last week, getting die hard fans excited for a new season and another run at the NEC title, and while it is only March and baseball is just getting into full swing it is never too early for football.

The CCSU Blue Devils’ (9-3, 7-1 NEC) season came to an end on Dec. 5, when they lost 23-28 against Butler in the Gridiron Classic, but despite the bowl loss they walked away NEC Champions, losing just three games away from Arute Field.

Next season’s schedule places the Blue Devils on the road in a tough season opener versus the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, a team ranked seventh in the FCS’ Top 25 polls, on Sept. 4 in Durham, NH. “It’s very challenging, and we’re playing a very good traditional playoff team from the Colonial League conference in New Hampshire and we’re playing a historical power. They’ve won about three or four National Championships in Youngstown State,” said Head Coach Jeff McInerney of the teams non-conference opponents.

CCSU went undefeated at home during the 2009 season and seem to thrive while playing in front of the home crowd, going 17-2 at Arute field since Coach McInerney took over. The Blue Devils are back at Arute field on Sept. 11 when they host Division II school: Bentley.

The Blue Devils end non-conference play on the road traveling to Youngstown State University to face the Penguins in Youngstown, Ohio. The games against UNH and YSU are going to be tough for the Blue Devils, which means preparation begins early.

“We’re going to prepare by practicing in the spring for them first, get an early start and going to camp, and just prepare to go out there and play the teams at the highest level and try to beat them,” Coach McInerney said.

The following week of Sept. 25 the Blue Devils begin their conference play against Bryant in front of the CCSU fans.

The 2010 season brings the CCSU community an additional chance to cheer on their Blue Devil football team. Instead of just four home games, the Blue Devils are finally scheduled to play five of their 11 games at CCSU. The home games include matches against Bentley, Bryant, Duquesne, Wagner (the only NEC team to defeat the Blue Devils last season) and St. Francis (PA). The game

against St. Francis (PA) on Nov. 20 will close out the regular season for the CCSU Blue Devils football team.

The game against Bentley was a late addition to the 2010 schedule, which ensured that CCSU would play at home for the extra game that the fans had been pushing for.

“We ended up picking up another home game because the students, everybody’s been pushing. The fan base wants more than four home games so we picked up Bentley to play at home,” said Coach McInerney.

While the Blue Devils were granted their extra home game, finding an opponent proved to be a challenge within itself.

“We wanted a home game, we didn’t want to go home and home, and a lot of the people, they wanted us to play home and home,” said

The Fall 2010 football schedule, courtesy of CCSUBlueDevils.com

Coach McInerney. “The reason we play two big games for the money to help our budget...

When you play home and home you don’t get any money, so you have to pick an opponent just who will play you at home.”

The fifth home game will prove to be beneficial for both the fans and the team, who traveled for eight of their games during the 2009 season. An extra game means no concerns with travel and missing school for the team, while giving the fans an additional week to show their support for their school.

CCSU’s first opportunity to cheer on the Blue Devils is Sept. 11, which gives the fans less than six months to get pumped, or “fire up,” in the words of Coach McInerney, for the 2010 season.

THE RECORDER Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Sports 3/17

CCSU Loses to Hartford at First Game on Fresh Home Turf

Baseball Looks to Strikeout Competition Carmine Vetrano The Recorder

kenny Barto | the recorder

Catcher Sean Allaire tags out Hartford’s Rodger Wilmot on a throw from Normand Gosselin.

Kenny Barto The Recorder

In the first on-campus home baseball game since 2007, the CCSU Blue Devils lost to the Hartford Hawks 12-11.

The Blue Devils had 15 hits, including a four-for-five, three RBI performance by left fielder/pitcher Normand Gosselin. Gosselin also had an outfield assist, throwing out Hartford’s Rodger Wilmot in the second inning.

“He’s an intriguing player,” Head Coach Charlie Hickey said. “He’s one of those players that can hit and pitch well, and I’m anxious to see him play more this season.”

Gosselin took the mound in the ninth, but let up one run that broke the 11-11 tie to give him his second loss of the season.

CCSU’s pitching staff has been problematic all season, posting a 9.45 ERA with 60 hits over 33 1/3 innings.

“We have a new pitching staff, and we’re trying to understand what roles that they can be effective in,” Hickey said. “We have to

continue to play games and have these sort of situations to figure it out.”

CCSU had a 10-4 lead going into the fifth inning when the Hawks went on a threerun rally to cut the deficit to three. CCSU answered with a run in the fifth, but was shut out for the rest of the game by a strong Hartford bullpen. The Hawks tied the game with a four-run seventh inning, but they broke the tie in the ninth, and freshman closer Brian Rice pitched a one-two-three bottom half to shut the door on the Blue Devils.

“We would have liked to win the first one here,” said coach Hickey. “But, there will be a lot more games played here.”

The new CCSU baseball facility is complete with artificial turf, and a grandstand with about 10 rows of seats that stretches from dugout to dugout and is named after CCSU alum and former major leaguer Ricky Bottalico.

“This is becoming a first class facility,” Hickey said. “There’s no one that has a better one in the northeast.”

Although the field and grandstand are

in place, there are a few missing elements.

The new scoreboard will be installed soon, along with improvements to the landscaping around the perimeter of the field and a concession stand.

Even though the artificial surface is playable in most conditions, it was a perfect day for baseball.

“You catch a day like this in the first couple of days of March, and it’s great,” Hickey said.

“To have a facility like this that’s ready to be played on, that’s even better.”

CCSU was rained out this past weekend at George Mason, but will return to action at Seton Hall on Friday at the 2010 Strike Out Cancer Tournament where they also have scheduled games against Stony Brook and Iona.

They will then begin their conference schedule with a three game set at Fairleigh Dickinson from March 26-28, and another out of conference game at Rhode Island on March 30 before returning home on April 1st against Monmouth.

This Week

BY THE NUMBERS

355

Number of the football team’s home games next season

Number of hits at the first game on the new baseball field

Inside This Issue:

Defending NEC Football Champions Release 2010 Schedule Page 11

See Baseball Page 11

0 22

2,970 Total number of miles to be traveled for away football games in the fall

The Central Connecticut State University Baseball team is looking to make another splash in the NEC tournament, after they were ousted in extra innings in last year’s tournament.

The Blue Devils lost to top ranked Wagner in the 10th inning after they watched a 5-2 lead vanish. Wagner’s Van Avella capped off the comeback with a solo homerun in the top of the 10th, and the Blue Devils could not answer in the bottom half, to close out their 2009 season.

Last year, CCSU finished with 26-22 record, which placed them with the number three seed in conference post season play.

This season, the Blue Devils were picked to finish third in the NEC with two first place votes in a ranking produced by all the conference coaches.

The Blue Devils are returning with their top ten hitters, which only means more runs on the scoreboard for a team that hit .323 at the plate. However, the pitching staff needs to bolster up after hey displayed a poor 6.67 team ERA. Coming back to the bench is head coach Charlie Hickey. Hickey is in his 11th year behind the captain’s deck running the Blue Devils baseball team. He guided the team two three NEC conference championships, which allowed the team to reach the NCAA tournament.

Senior infielder Anthony Scialdone returns to the diamond, as he leads all returners from last year with a batting average of .361.

He collected 46 RBIS to go along with six homeruns and 61 hits.

Another senior that is looked upon for leadership is outfielder Richie Tri. The Everett, Washington native led the outfield in batting average with .348 and started in 44 games for the Blue Devils. He had .972 fielding percentage and is looking to leave him mark on the team in his final year.

Junior Pat Epps, who still has one year left of play, is another infielder that finished third on the team in batting. Tri, from Watertown, CT, had 63 hits and 57 RBIS. His .346 BAA is second for infielders. Epps provides a staple point for the coaching staff to build for next year’s infield class.

Goal difference in men’s lacrosse club team loss vs.

University of New Hampshire

Number of Connecticut men’s basketball teams in NCAA tournament

CCSU Rugby Set to Begin Spring Campaign Page 10